London: Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant BYD has announced that the UK has become its largest market outside China, following an 880 percent year-on-year surge in sales during September.
The company sold 11,271 cars in the UK, with the plug-in hybrid version of its Seal U SUV accounting for the majority of the sales. BYD’s UK market share climbed to 3.6 percent, marking a major milestone for the brand’s expansion in Europe.
UK’s EV market on the rise
The surge in BYD’s sales aligns with data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), which reported that UK EV sales hit a record high in September. Sales of pure battery electric vehicles reached nearly 73,000 units, while plug-in hybrid cars saw even faster growth.
Among the top-selling cars last month were the Kia Sportage, Ford Puma, and Nissan Qashqai, alongside Chinese entries such as the Jaecoo 7 and BYD Seal U, which made it into the UK’s top 10 best-sellers.
Despite this momentum, petrol and diesel vehicles still represented more than half of all new car sales, SMMT data showed.
No tariffs give BYD an edge
The UK’s decision not to impose tariffs on Chinese EVs, unlike the European Union and United States, has made it an attractive destination for Chinese automakers. The EU introduced import levies of up to 45 percent on Chinese-made EVs in October last year to protect local manufacturers from what it considers unfair state subsidies.
Meanwhile, Chinese firms like BYD remain largely excluded from the US market due to steep tariffs backed by both US President Donald Trump and predecessor Joe Biden.
Expansion and future plans
BYD’s UK manager, Bono Ge, described the company’s progress as hugely exciting, noting that BYD has opened its 100th retail outlet in the country. The brand plans to launch several new hybrid and electric models in the coming months to meet growing demand.
Globally, BYD continues to outpace rivals such as Tesla, BMW, and Jaguar, despite slower domestic sales in China.
UK subsidies exclude Chinese-made cars
In July, the UK government announced $875 million (£650 million) in incentives to boost EV adoption, offering subsidies of up to £3,750 ($5,045) for select brands including Nissan, Peugeot, and Vauxhall.
However, the scheme excludes Chinese-made vehicles, citing emissions linked to their manufacturing process, a move BYD has criticised, warning it could harm the UK’s car market in the long run.
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