Sales of Electric Vehicles for BYD in Britain Jumped 880% in September

What Happened?

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker BYD announced sales in the United Kingdom increased by 880 percent during the month of September. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, sales of pure battery electric vehicles grew by almost a third to 72,779 in September, while sales of plug-in hybrid cars grew even faster. 

The increase means sales of fully electric, or hybrid vehicles made up over fifty percent of all new car sales in Britain for the month of September. Britain has not imposed tariffs on Chinese EVs like many other countries in the European Union. 

Why it Matters

The surge in sales of EVs made by China’s leading manufacturer BYD in Britain offers a marked contrast compared to other countries, where large tariffs have been imposed on Chinese EVs. BYD cars are top sellers in China as well, suggesting that the main impediment to their success in Europe and the United States is high tariff rates, not consumer preference. 

Another factor driving sales is Britain’s policies towards private EV purchases. Under Britain’s electric car grant policy, eligible vehicles get a discount of up to four thousand U.S. dollars as part of an effort to encourage drivers to move away from internal combustion engine vehicles. The combination of no tariffs and government grants appears to be steering more consumers in Britain towards EVs. 

Despite the increasing number of consumers in Britain buying EVs, internal combustion engine vehicle sales still account for more than half of all cars sold annually. Critics of EV sales argue that the manufacturing process produces a carbon footprint nearly equal to that of conventional automobiles, and so does the power generated to supply EVs with energy. 

Britain is now the number one export destination for BYD vehicles outside of China. The surge in sales in Britain illustrates that Chinese-made vehicles can compete with international competitors in locations other than China. If the European Union removed tariffs on Chinese cars, it is likely that BYD vehicles would see an increase in sales in Europe, because sales there were also up two hundred percent in 2025 compared to the previous year.

Prices for BYD vehicles are competitive compared with other major EV manufacturers, including Tesla. BYD’s Dolphin retails for thirty-four thousand U.S. dollars, which is considerably less than Tesla’s Model Three in most locations. The strong sales also suggest consumers are satisfied with the quality of BYD vehicles as well.

How it Affects You

With so many different types of government-imposed tariffs and incentives distorting prices, it is difficult to assess what consumer demand truly is for EVs. BYD’s success in China and beyond China’s shores indicates that there is still a growing demand for EVs in the global market.