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Chinese EV Brands Gain Traction in European Market
The electric vehicle (EV) market outside Europe in 2025 is dominated by Chinese automakers, with BYD standing out as a major global player. According to recent data, BYD sold 1.76 million EVs in 2024, matching Tesla’s sales volume, demonstrating its significant impact beyond China.
Other Chinese brands such as MG (owned by SAIC) are also gaining traction internationally. The MG eHS, for example, recorded a 248.4% improvement in May 2025, with 3,062 deliveries.
Tesla continues to be a dominant brand globally, especially outside Europe. The US accounted for 1.5 million EV sales in 2024, second only to China.
Top-Selling EVs in Europe - May 2025
In May 2025, the European EV market saw significant growth, with both battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) continuing their consistent growth.
BEVs saw a 26.9% year-on-year increase, with the VW Skoda Elroq and VW Tiguan taking the top two spots in BEV sales. The Toyota CH-R, VW ID.4, and Audi A3 also featured in the top 10 BEV sales.
PHEVs, on the other hand, had a stronger hold on the EV market compared to 12 months prior, with a share of 35.8%, while BEVs dropped to 64.2%. The BYD Seal U SUV led Europe's PHEV market for the first time ever in May, with 6,069 registrations and a 5.6% share.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC enjoyed a 11.7% increase to 3,649 units in May, marking its highest monthly volume of 2025 so far. MG's eHS landed in eighth, with 3,062 deliveries, a 248.4% improvement compared to May 2024.
The Volvo XC60 posted 4,535 deliveries in May, down by 15% year on year, and captured 4.2% of total PHEV volumes. The Ford Kuga enjoyed a 33.4% increase to 3,465 deliveries, translating to a 3.2% share, down from 3.5%.
The Hyundai Tucson fell to 10th, posting 11,424 deliveries, which translated to a 2.4% market hold.
Summary table of key European EV market leaders in May 2025:
| Vehicle | Type | Sales / Notes | |---------------|-------|--------------------------------------| | VW Skoda Elroq | BEV | Top seller in BEV market in May 2025[2] | | VW Tiguan | BEV | Second in BEV sales in May 2025[2] | | Toyota CH-R | BEV | Fifth in BEV sales in May 2025[2] | | VW ID.4 | BEV | Third in BEV sales in May 2025[2] | | BYD Seal U | PHEV | Led Europe's PHEV market for the first time ever in May 2025[3] | | Mercedes-Benz GLC | PHEV | A 11.7% increase to 3,649 units in May 2025[1] | | MG eHS | PHEV | 248.4% improvement compared to May 2024[1] | | Volvo XC60 | PHEV | 15% decrease year on year[1] | | Ford Kuga | PHEV | 33.4% increase to 3,465 deliveries[1] | | Hyundai Tucson | PHEV | 2.4% market hold[1] |
Sources: [1] www.autocar.co.uk [2] www.ev-volumes.com [3] www.autocar.co.uk [4] www.ev-volumes.com
Amidst the surge of electric vehicle (EV) sales in Europe, lifestyle choices seem to be increasingly influenced by technology. The VW Skoda Elroq, for instance, tops the BEV sales, underscoring its popularity.
In the realm of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs), Chinese brand BYD Seal U U SUV leads the market, reflecting the growing impact of technology and Chinese automakers in shaping our lifestyles, as seen with MG's eHS climbing the ranks.
