Geely EX2, Model 3/Y become the three best-selling electric vehicles in the third quarter of 2025

[PCauto] As the third quarter of 2025 unfolds, the global electric vehicle (EV) market continues to exhibit strong growth momentum. According to the latest data from Counterpoint Research, global EV sales rose by 32% year-on-year, marking the most impressive performance in recent quarters.

The core driver of this growth remains battery electric vehicles (BEVs), which constitute two-thirds of global EV sales and also posted a 32% year-on-year increase. Against this backdrop, many automakers have significantly accelerated their BEV rollouts, as the competitive landscape continues to evolve.

Chinese Market Continues to Play Pivotal Role

The Chinese market accounted for 60% of global BEV sales, followed by Europe and the United States, which together form the three core EV markets globally.

BEV penetration also reached a new record this quarter, accounting for 18% of global passenger car sales—a noticeable increase from 14% in the same period last year. This indicates that BEVs are transitioning from the early adopter phase to broader mainstream acceptance.

Geely EX2, Tesla Model Y and Model 3 Rank as Top Three Global EVs

At the model level, global consumer preferences are highly concentrated. The Tesla Model Y once again topped the global best-selling EV list, with deliveries reaching 164,633 units in Q3 2025.

Meanwhile, the Model 3 contributed 77,257 units, securing two spots in the top three for Tesla and sustaining its strong performance in the global BEV market.

It is worth noting that Tesla's sales growth this year stems not only from the sales boost of the facelifted Model Y but also from the launch of the long-wheelbase Model Y L in China, which has restored the brand's competitiveness in the local market.

Notably, sharing the top three spots with Tesla is the Geely EX2 (also marketed as the Geely Galaxy Xingyuan).

This Chinese EV became one of the world's best-selling models in Q3 2025. The Galaxy brand has performed outstandingly in the economical and mid-range pure electric vehicle market in China. The EX2, as its flagship model, continues to win market favor with affordable pricing and advanced software experience.

BYD Maintains Lead as Global BEV Brand Leader

BYD maintained its lead with global sales of nearly 600,000 units, representing a 33% increase year-on-year. More notably, BYD 's overseas expansion accelerated significantly, with over 150,000 units exported in the quarter, accounting for 27% of its total sales.

Compact SUVs and small cars are the main sales pillars, among which Seagull, Dolphin, and Atto 2 are the most popular models.

Ranked second, Tesla captured over 13% of the global BEV market this quarter, with sales growing 7% year-on-year.

Beyond its momentum in China, the U.S. market also exhibited strong demand, as consumers rushed to purchase EVs ahead of the expiration of federal tax credits in October 2025, providing a temporary boost to Tesla’s sales.

With a 10% share of the global BEV market, Geely ranked third, emerging as one of the fastest-growing major automakers in Q3 2025. Its BEV sales increased by 51% year-on-year, driven primarily by sales expansion of its Galaxy and Zeekr brands, which have established a solid competitive edge in China’s budget and mid-range EV segments.

The Galaxy brand alone contributed more than half of Geely\'s BEV sales, with the EX2, EX5, and Panda Mini EV serving as key growth drivers.

Two Key Trends Emerge in Q3 2025 Global EV Market

First, BEVs are experiencing robust growth, while plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) continue to grow at a slower pace, indicating a further shift in consumer preference toward pure electric vehicles.

Second, the global influence of Chinese brands continues to expand, as they not only rank among the top in global sales but also establish a stronger presence in multiple regions.