BYD's sales in the UK surged by 880%, reaching 11,271 units, making it the largest single market outside China.

[PCauto] ] Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD has achieved a significant breakthrough in the UK market, with sales in September 2025 surging by 880% year-on-year. The UK has now become its largest overseas market outside China.

According to the latest data from BYD, the company sold 11,271 vehicles in the UK in September, far exceeding the 1,150 vehicles sold during the same period last year. This nearly tenfold growth was largely driven by the strong performance of the Seal U plug-in hybrid SUV.

The UK's market appeal for BYD lies in its relatively moderate tariff policies

Unlike the European Union, which imposes tariffs as high as 45% on Chinese electric vehicles, and the United States with its restrictive tariffs, the UK maintains a standard 10% tariff level, creating favorable conditions for BYD's market entry.

At the same time, the UK's electric vehicle market continues to expand. According to SMMT data, September saw substantial year-on-year growth in BEV sales and rising PHEV demand, creating a favorable environment for brands such as BYD.

BYD has established a comprehensive sales network in the UK, with 100 retail stores covering major cities, which has enhanced both brand awareness and service capabilities.

BYD's UK manager,Bono Ge stated that BYD will launch more new hybrid and pure electric models in the coming months to further expand its market share.

He noted that BYD's prospects in the UK are "exciting," adding that the recent opening of its 100th retail store marks a deepening of its localization strategy.

Despite the UK government's £650 million car purchase subsidy scheme, the policy excludes Chinese-made EVs, citing excessive carbon emissions during production.

BYD Wins UK Market with Lower Prices

In the UK, BYD has also demonstrated its price advantage. For example, the starting price of the BYD Dolphin is around £26,000, while the Tesla Model 3 starts at nearly £40,000. This pricing gap helps BYD expand its reach to a more diverse audience.

According to SMMT data, the UK's best-selling models in September included the Kia Sportage, Ford Puma, and Nissan Qashqai, with Chinese models such as Jaecoo 7 and BYD Seal U also ranking among the top ten.

Even with the overall growth in EV sales, traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles still maintain their dominant position in the UK market.

The SMMT report pointed out that in September, petrol and diesel cars made up more than half of new car sales, signaling that the shift to EVs still has a way to go.

BYD's rapid growth signals that UK consumers are increasingly welcoming environmentally conscious vehicles that deliver great value. Meanwhile, BYD's market share in the UK reached 3.6% in September, a significant increase compared to the same period last year.

BYD is Consolidating Its Leadership in the Global EV Market

In 2023, China surpassed Japan to become the world's largest auto exporter, with BYD playing a key role in this achievement.

Despite facing sales pressure in its home Chinese market, BYD has outpaced its American rival Tesla in global sales and taken the lead in quarterly production. Its performance has also surpassed that of established European automakers like Jaguar and BMW.

Clearly, Europe has emerged as a key battleground in BYD's global expansion strategy. This was evident at the IAA Mobility in Munich this September, where Chinese EVs were a central topic, underscoring the growing attention from European consumers.