The electric vehicle market is heating up. BYD, a leading global manufacturer of new energy vehicles and electric batteries, just hit a milestone. In May, they became the top-selling brand for 100% electric light vehicles.
What’s behind BYD’s success?
BYD sold 441 units in May, capturing 9.8% of the market. When you add their electric and hybrid sales, that number jumps to 574 vehicles. This puts them in the top three for the month.
So, what’s driving this growth? BYD has been expanding its presence in the market, and it’s paying off. Since the start of 2025, they’ve sold 2259 new energy vehicles – a whopping 215.9% increase from the same period last year.
Their plug-in hybrid technology, Super DM-i, is also gaining traction. It accounts for over 20% of their total sales, with 466 units sold.
A closer look at BYD’s lineup
This year, BYD introduced several new models, including the SEALION 7, ATTO 2, and DOLPHIN SURF. They also launched the SEAL U DM-i, which boasts an electric range of 125 kilometers and a combined range of up to 1125 km.
The ATTO 3 got a refresh in May, with more equipment, comfort, and tech features.
BYD’s success isn’t limited to one region. Globally, they sold 382,476 new energy vehicles in May across all their brands.
According to Pedro Cordeiro, Head of Operations at BYD Portugal, “This achievement makes us proud, as a brand that arrived in Portugal just two years ago. It demonstrates the value and quality of our lineup, which has been reinforced with new models like the BYD SEALION 7, BYD ATTO 2, and the latest BYD DOLPHIN SURF.”
As the company looks to the future, they’re committed to expanding their reach and driving the automotive industry towards a more sustainable era.