BYD tops tesla as ev race heats up

China’s BYD has roared past Tesla, clocking $107 billion in 2024 revenue against Tesla’s $97.7 billion, a $10 billion edge that cements its lead as the world’s top electric vehicle maker. The Shenzhen giant sold 4.27 million EVs last year—more than double Tesla’s 1.79 million—riding a 34% profit jump to $5.55 billion, while Tesla’s sales dipped 1%, its first annual drop in a decade. A Shanghai showroom clerk might smirk, watching BYD’s sleek rides roll out faster than ever.

Tesla’s not just losing ground on sales—BYD’s new 1,000 kW chargers, unveiled last week, juice up 250 miles in five minutes, smoking Tesla’s 250 kW setups that muster 200 miles in 15. Musk’s crew plans a 500 kW counterpunch this year, but the gap’s glaring. Throw in Tesla’s stock tanking over 50% in three months—despite a 10% Monday bounce—and Musk’s cost-cutting stumbles at DOGE sparking arson and boycotts, and the EV king’s crown looks shaky.

BYD’s not coasting either—tariffs from the US, EU, and Russia loom as it eyes global turf, but exec Stella Li shrugs them off, slamming European carmakers for lagging in style and smarts. With 777 billion yuan ($107 billion) banked and Northvolt’s bankruptcy clearing a rival, BYD’s flexing muscle.