Chinese EV Giants Expand Globally: BYD Overtakes Tesla, Geely and Chery Target New Markets
April 24, 2025
Geely, which has made strategic acquisitions including Volvo and a stake in Proton, recently launched its Geely EX5 SUVs in Australia and New Zealand, further expanding its global footprint.
Chery Automobile, the first Chinese automaker to export, aims for 3 million overseas sales by 2025, with significant production expansions planned in Russia and Spain.
BYD's new ultra-fast EV charging system aims to install over 4,000 stations across China, capable of fully charging vehicles in just five to eight minutes.
BYD is also exploring innovations in autonomous driving and advanced connectivity, aiming to revolutionize the automotive industry with new business models like vehicle sharing.
The popularity of BYD has surged in Australia, where it became the second most popular EV brand after Tesla, with a reported increase of 13,500 vehicles from January 2023 to January 2024.
While BYD focuses on affordability and volume, Tesla is responding to its rise by adjusting pricing and enhancing its technical offerings, creating more choices for consumers.
Chinese automakers, including BYD, Great Wall, Geely, and Chery, are aggressively expanding into international markets to bolster their positions in the competitive electric vehicle (EV) sector.
As domestic sales decline, Great Wall Motors has reported a nearly 15% drop in sales but has managed to increase its net profit by over 80, supported by factories in Russia, Thailand, and Brazil.
In a significant achievement, BYD surpassed Tesla in 2024 by selling 3.52 million EVs, solidifying its status as the world's largest EV maker and enhancing its charging infrastructure with ultra-fast stations.
Investors remain optimistic about BYD's growth and international expansion, although they express caution regarding potential risks such as reliance on raw materials and geopolitical tensions.
BYD distinguishes itself with environmentally friendly production practices and a commitment to minimizing its carbon footprint, while also focusing on affordability and volume in its vehicle offerings.
Wuling, a joint venture between SAIC Motor and General Motors, has become China's second-best-selling EV brand, selling over 673,000 units, although it still trails behind BYD.
Summary based on 9 sources
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Sources

AP News • Apr 24, 2025
China's fast-growing EV makers pursuing varied routes to global expansion | AP News
ABC News • Apr 24, 2025
China's fast-growing EV makers pursuing varied routes to global expansion
The Sydney Morning Herald • Apr 25, 2025
These affordable EVs are set to rule the roads – and they are all from the same place
Euronews • Apr 24, 2025
How China’s EV makers are navigating new paths to global expansion