Tesla Model Y, Geely Xingyuan, and Model 3 top global EV sales in Q3

• BYD maintained its dominant lead in the global BEV market in the third quarter, followed by Tesla and Geely.
• China accounted for 60 percent of global BEV sales in the third quarter, followed by Europe and the US.

A new report highlights how two Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) models continue to dominate global battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales by model, while a Geely Auto (HKG: 0175, OTCMKTS: GELYF) car also gained popularity.

Tesla Model Y, Geely Galaxy Xingyuan, and Tesla Model 3 emerged as the world's best-selling electric vehicle (EV) models in the third quarter, market research firm Counterpoint Research said in a report released on December 7.

The report did not mention sales figures for these three models in the third quarter.

The China-made Tesla Model Y delivered 164,633 units globally in the third quarter, while the Model 3 reached 77,257 units, according to data compiled by CnEVPost.

Global EV sales saw robust growth in the third quarter, surging 32 percent year-on-year, Counterpoint said.

BEVs maintained dominance, accounting for two-thirds of total EV sales with a 32 percent year-on-year increase.

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) also contributed moderately to growth, rising 6 percent year-on-year, the report noted.

Global BEV penetration reached a new milestone in the third quarter, accounting for 18 percent of passenger vehicle sales -- up from 14 percent in the same period last year.

China remained the primary growth engine, contributing 60 percent of global BEV sales, followed by Europe and the United States, Counterpoint said.

BYD maintained its absolute leadership in the global BEV market, with the third quarter BEV sales nearing 600,000 units -- a 33 percent year-on-year increase.

The company demonstrated strong performance in overseas markets including Europe, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, exporting over 150,000 units -- representing 27 percent of its total BEV sales, Counterpoint noted.

BYD's competitive edge lies in its diversified product portfolio spanning BEVs and plug-in hybrids, coupled with competitive pricing and economies of scale, the report said.

The BYD Seagull, Dolphin, and Yuan Up ranked among its best-selling models in the third quarter of 2025, Counterpoint said.

Tesla ranked second globally with over 13 percent market share, achieving a 7 percent year-on-year sales increase in the third quarter 2025.

Tesla's sales growth this year was primarily driven by the strong performance of the refreshed Model Y and the launch of the long base Model Y in China, Counterpoint noted.

Additionally, US sales grew as consumers rushed to purchase vehicles ahead of the October 2025 expiration of EV tax credits, the report noted.

Geely ranked third globally in BEV sales with a 10 percent market share, achieving a 51 percent year-on-year increase in the third quarter 2025.

The group benefited from robust growth momentum of its Galaxy and Zeekr brands in China's budget and mid-tier EV segment.

Geely's strategy of combining affordable pricing with advanced software features continues to resonate with domestic consumers, enabling steady market share gains in China's increasingly competitive landscape, Counterpoint said.

Among its subsidiaries, Galaxy contributed over half of the group's total BEV sales, the report noted.

The Galaxy Xingyuan, Galaxy e5 and Geometry Panda Mini EV were Geely's top-selling EV models.