BYD has become the UK’s top-selling electric vehicle brand in 2026, selling 12,754 cars since the start of the year.
Despite entering the UK market as recently as early 2023, these sales figures mean that the relatively new Chinese automotive giant has outsold more established brands, including Tesla, Kia, BMW and Volkswagen, since the beginning of the year.
Combined with its plug-in DM-i (Dual Mode Intelligent) hybrid sales, BYD has sold a total of 26,396 vehicles, resulting in a 9.5% market share.
The DM-i models are the Sealion 5, Seal U, Seal 6, and Seal 6 Touring. Meanwhile, the electric-only range comprises the Atto 2, Atto 3 Evo, Dolphin Surf, Dolphin, Seal, and Sealion 7.
BYD has also become the best-selling EV brand amongst private buyers despite not qualifying for the UK Government’s Electric Car Grant (ECG) scheme. However, as the UK’s EV market grows by 22% year-on-year, the Renault 5 led the registrations chart as the most popular EV choice nationwide.
As well as plans to roll out a network of 1,000kW ‘Flash’ chargers across the UK later this year, BYD is developing home and utility-scale battery storage solutions not dissimilar to the Tesla Powerwall.
“At BYD, we are committed to delivering outstanding value through high-tech electric vehicles that combine innovation, quality and affordability,” commented BYD UK country manager, Bono Ge. “But our ambition goes beyond building great cars. We are also bringing advanced technologies that unlock the full value of electrification, including Vehicle-to-Grid solutions that can help customers optimise energy use and reduce costs.
“In parallel, BYD has been deploying home and utility-scale energy storage solutions to support a more efficient and affordable energy ecosystem.”
While BYD is enjoying sales success across Europe and gained a total of 1.8% of the EV market during the first two months of this year, it’s under scrutiny over alleged labour malpractice at its Hungarian factory in Szeged, following a watchdog investigation into working conditions at the site.