BYD overtakes Tesla in Australia as EV challenger enters top 10 marques

Chinese automaker BYD has outsold Tesla in Australia for the first time, recording 8,156 new vehicle sales in June and entering the top 10 marques nationally, according to official VFACTS data.

Tesla, which does not report through VFACTS, was reported to have sold 4,589 vehicles in June, meaning BYD nearly doubled its rival’s monthly volume. The result marks a significant milestone in Australia’s electric vehicle market, driven by BYD’s broader model lineup, aggressive pricing and expanding dealer footprint.

It’s the first time BYD has cracked the monthly top 10 marques list, with its 6.7% market share placing it just behind Hyundai and ahead of established players like Isuzu and MG. BYD’s Shark 6 ute also entered the top 10 models list, with 2,993 units sold - a standout result in a market dominated by dual-cab light commercial vehicles.

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Globally, BYD reported sales of 377,345 vehicles in June, a new monthly record, including more than 25,000 exports. Tesla, meanwhile, posted a 4.8% global decline in Q2 deliveries year-on-year, totalling 443,956 units.

Australia’s EV market made up 7.7% of all new vehicle sales in the first half of 2025 - slightly down from 8% a year earlier, despite more than 100 EV models being available. The slowing overall EV share reflects intensifying competition, cost-of-living pressures and shifting consumer priorities, with price and availability now key differentiators.

Tony Weber, chief executive of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (VFACTS), said the June results highlight both market diversity and competitive pressure.

“Australia remains one of the most open and competitive markets in the world, where consumers have a wide range of choice across all segments,” Weber said.

With BYD continuing to gain ground locally and globally, Tesla’s once-dominant lead in Australia is no longer a given - and the battle for EV market leadership looks set to intensify through the second half of 2025.