China's EV Market Dynamics in Week 19 of 2025








In the first full week of May 2025, China’s electric vehicle (EV) market showcased a mixed performance. Notable players such as Nio, Xpeng, and BYD experienced significant growth, with increases of 13%, 24%, and 15% respectively, while Tesla faced a steep decline of 58% compared to the previous week. This period also marked a high point for BYD, registering nearly 68,000 vehicles, its best weekly performance so far in 2025. Meanwhile, Li Auto saw a decrease in registrations by almost 28%. Amidst these fluctuations, industry data transparency remains an ongoing concern following recommendations from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) to cease weekly sales disclosures.
The automotive landscape in China continues to evolve rapidly, with manufacturers striving to meet ambitious targets amidst fluctuating consumer demands. During Week 19 of 2025, spanning May 5 to 11, BYD led the pack with impressive figures, bolstered by strong performances across its multiple brands including Denza and Fang Cheng Bao. Specifically, BYD registered over 67,980 units, reflecting a robust 14.6% increase from the prior week. The company aims to sell 5.5 million cars this year, focusing solely on electric and plug-in hybrid models since ceasing internal combustion engine production in April 2022.
Nio also demonstrated positive momentum, registering approximately 3,930 vehicles—a 13.3% rise compared to the preceding week. Their broader group achieved a total of 6,060 registrations, marking an 18.2% improvement. Additionally, Nio introduced its budget-friendly Firefly brand, targeting more affordable segments within the EV market. Despite these advancements, Tesla encountered challenges, registering only about 3,070 units during the same timeframe, representing a dramatic drop from earlier results.
Other key players like Xpeng and Li Auto presented contrasting outcomes. Xpeng reported global sales exceeding 35,000 units in April, driven largely by its entry-level Mona M03 sedan. Conversely, Li Auto witnessed a notable dip in registrations, down nearly 28% from the previous week. Furthermore, Stellantis-backed Leapmotor and Volkswagen-associated Aito both exhibited healthy growth rates, contributing positively to their respective brands’ trajectories.
As the industry progresses, challenges persist regarding standardized reporting practices. Following CAAM’s advisory against publishing weekly sales data, many media outlets have ceased such disclosures. Nonetheless, some entities continue leveraging alternative metrics, such as insurance registration statistics, to gauge market trends. These efforts remain crucial for analysts and investors seeking insights into evolving consumer preferences and competitive dynamics within China’s burgeoning EV sector.
Despite varying degrees of success among major participants, the overarching trend indicates sustained interest in electrified transportation solutions. Moving forward, stakeholders must navigate regulatory guidelines while addressing evolving customer needs to ensure long-term viability and innovation in the marketplace. The interplay between technological advancement, strategic planning, and responsive policy frameworks will undoubtedly shape future developments across this dynamic industry segment.