The electric vehicle (EV) market in China has experienced remarkable growth over the past month, with significant increases in production and sales. In April 2025, approximately 1.23 million new energy vehicles (NEVs) were sold, representing a year-on-year increase of about 44%. Notably, NEVs accounted for roughly 50.8% of all passenger cars sold during this period, marking a major milestone in China’s transition to electrified transport. The overall rise in passenger car sales by around 14.8% underscores the robust demand for NEVs despite economic challenges.
Government policies continue to support EV expansion through subsidy programs for vehicle trade-ins and initiatives such as integrating EVs with the power grid. Chinese automakers like BYD, Nio, and XPeng have reported notable milestones, demonstrating strong domestic and international growth. BYD dominates the market with its extensive lineup, while Nio and XPeng showcase innovation and diversification strategies, contributing significantly to China's rising influence in the global auto industry.
China's government continues to implement policies that bolster the adoption of electric vehicles, ensuring sustained market growth. Subsidy programs for vehicle trade-ins have been extended, offering incentives for consumers to replace older cars with cleaner models. By late April, the government's NEV trade-in scheme had facilitated 2.71 million car replacements, emphasizing the importance of transitioning to more sustainable transportation options. These subsidies have played a crucial role in maintaining consumer confidence amidst external economic uncertainties.
In addition to financial incentives, China is pioneering projects that integrate EVs with the power grid, known as vehicle-to-grid (V2G). This initiative allows EVs to serve as distributed batteries, feeding electricity back to the grid during peak demand and adjusting charging times off-peak. Major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen are participating in these V2G pilots, which aim to enhance grid stability and energy efficiency. By leveraging the growing EV fleet, these projects align with China's broader strategy to merge clean transportation with renewable energy goals, ensuring that rapid electrification does not overwhelm power systems.
Chinese automakers are at the forefront of the EV boom, with established players and startups reporting significant achievements. BYD, the largest EV manufacturer in China, sold approximately 372,000 vehicles in April alone, achieving nearly 30% of China's NEV market share. The company's diverse lineup caters to various price segments, from affordable compacts to higher-end hybrids. Domestically, BYD's success is complemented by its expanding export footprint, evident in its plans to establish a European center in Hungary. This facility will serve as a hub for sales, after-sales service, testing, and localization of models for Europe, reinforcing China's role as an export powerhouse for electric vehicles.
Nio and XPeng have also demonstrated substantial growth and innovation. Nio reported a sharp rise in deliveries, reaching 23,900 vehicles in April, a 53% increase year-on-year. The company's expansion into new market segments, including the launch of the ONVO sub-brand and the FIREFLY compact model, highlights its strategy to target different customer bases. Meanwhile, XPeng delivered 35,045 EVs in April, marking a 273% year-on-year surge. This growth is attributed to successful new product launches and the introduction of affordable models like the "Mona" M03. Both companies are investing heavily in technology and branding, showcasing cutting-edge projects and unveiling advanced features at global events. Their efforts underscore the intense competition and rapid expansion within China's EV industry, driving technological innovation and business model evolution while capitalizing on strong domestic consumer demand.