- BYD Maintains Dominance with Steady Growth
- Geely’s Quantum Leap in Sales
- Leapmotor and Xpeng: Rapid Growth Fueled by Innovation
- Tech-Backed Brands on the Rise: Huawei Leads
- Li Auto and Great Wall: Stability and Gradual Growth
- Xiaomi and Deepal: Strong Entry and Growing Competition
- Mixed Results for Other Brands
- Market Dynamics: Fierce Competition and Diverse Choices
China’s new energy vehicle (NEV) market showed remarkable dynamics and strong growth across most companies in May 2025, despite some monthly fluctuations. BYD continues to dominate the scene, while Geely, Leapmotor, and Xpeng achieved the highest year-on-year growth rates amid intensifying competition among traditional automakers, startups, and tech-backed brands.
BYD Maintains Dominance with Steady Growth
BYD held its position as China’s largest NEV seller, recording sales of 376,930 units in May, a 1.2% increase from the previous month and a 14.1% rise compared to May last year. This performance reflects BYD’s ability to sustain momentum in a changing market, supported by a diverse model lineup and expansion across multiple segments.
Geely’s Quantum Leap in Sales
Geely Group delivered an exceptional performance by selling 138,021 NEVs in May, marking a massive 135.2% year-on-year increase and a 9.9% monthly rise. The Galaxy series led with 101,845 units, followed by Lynk & Co with 17,268 units, and Zeekr with 18,908 units. The group’s total sales since the start of the year reached 602,784 units, up 137.1% from the same period in 2024, strengthening Geely’s position as a major market contender.
Leapmotor and Xpeng: Rapid Growth Fueled by Innovation
Leapmotor continued its impressive growth, delivering 45,067 vehicles in May, a 148.1% year-on-year increase. Its total deliveries since early 2025 reached approximately 173,658 units, a 160.8% annual rise. This surge is attributed to the success of models like the C11, which combines advanced technology with competitive pricing.
Xpeng achieved an outstanding 230.4% year-on-year growth with 33,525 vehicles delivered in May, despite a slight 4.3% decline from April. The X9 MPV notably led the luxury electric minivan segment for six consecutive weeks.
Tech-Backed Brands on the Rise: Huawei Leads
Harmony Intelligent Mobility, backed by Huawei, delivered an impressive 44,454 NEVs in May. The Aito M9 led sales with 15,481 units, followed by the M8 with 12,116 units, then the M5 Ultra and M7. Models like the Luxeed R7 and Stelato S9 EREV also contributed to the brand’s growing market share, highlighting the importance of automotive-tech partnerships in shaping the market’s future.
Li Auto and Great Wall: Stability and Gradual Growth
Li Auto sold 40,856 units in May, up 16.7% year-on-year and 20.4% month-on-month. Its extended-range electric vehicles continue to attract Chinese families. Great Wall Motors recorded 32,638 units, a 32.1% annual increase, maintaining steady performance across its electric models.
Xiaomi and Deepal: Strong Entry and Growing Competition
Xiaomi maintained strong performance with over 28,000 SU7 deliveries and plans to launch the YU7 later this year. Deepal achieved a 77.6% year-on-year increase with 25,521 units delivered, reflecting the expanding options available to Chinese consumers.
Mixed Results for Other Brands
GAC Aion experienced a 33.2% year-on-year sales decline, while Deepal, Avatr, and Voyah continued strong annual growth. Nio delivered 23,231 vehicles across its Nio, Onvo, and Firefly brands, bringing its total deliveries since the start of the year to 89,225 units, up 34.7%.
Market Dynamics: Fierce Competition and Diverse Choices
May 2025 figures reflect intensifying competition among traditional automakers (BYD, Geely, Great Wall), startups (Leapmotor, Xpeng, Nio), and tech-backed brands (Harmony Mobility, Xiaomi). The trend toward innovation, technological integration, and offering models that meet diverse consumer needs—from economical to luxury vehicles—is evident.
The performance of China’s NEV market in May 2025 confirms a phase of rapid growth and transformation, with emerging brands rising and major players evolving strategies. While BYD maintains its leadership, Geely, Leapmotor, and Xpeng emerge as powerful new contenders, and technology partnerships play a pivotal role in shaping the future. With ongoing innovation and expanding options, competition is set to intensify in the coming months.
