BYD Dethrones Tesla as Hong Kong’s Top-Selling EV Brand
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BYD registered 936 new EVs in Hong Kong in September. Photo: VCG
BYD Co. Ltd. has dethroned Tesla Inc. in Hong Kong to become the city’s top-selling electric-vehicle brand in September as an influx of competitively priced models from the Chinese mainland continues to reshape the market.
The Chinese automaker registered 936 new EVs in the month, surpassing Tesla’s 853, according to the latest data from Hong Kong’s Transport Department. The shift marks a significant turning point in a market once dominated by Tesla, which in 2016 boasted one of the world’s highest per capita ownership rates in the city.
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- BYD surpassed Tesla as Hong Kong's top-selling EV brand in September 2025, registering 936 new EVs versus Tesla’s 853.
- EVs made up nearly 76% of new private cars in September, with registrations surging 95% year-on-year, while gasoline car sales stagnated.
- Tax incentives and affordable models like BYD's Atto 2 and Zeekr’s 7X boosted EV adoption; Hong Kong had 131,700 EVs and 15,500 public charging points by September 2025.
AI generated, for reference only
Who’s Who
- BYD Co. Ltd.
- BYD Co. Ltd. became Hong Kong's top-selling EV brand in September, surpassing Tesla with 936 new registrations. This surge was driven by its affordable Atto 2 compact SUV, priced at HK$155,000 after promotions. BYD's success is bolstered by its extensive local investment in showrooms and service centers. This aligns with Hong Kong's goal for carbon neutrality by 2035.
- Tesla Inc.
- Tesla Inc. was dethroned by BYD in Hong Kong as the top-selling EV brand in September, registering 853 new EVs compared to BYD's 936. This marks a turning point for Tesla, which previously dominated the market. Tesla's Model Y faces competition from more affordable Chinese alternatives, like the Zeekr 7X, which is approximately HK$70,000 cheaper.
- Zeekr
- Zeekr, a brand under Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd., saw a significant sales surge in Hong Kong, registering 546 vehicles in September. This was an over 950% increase from its 52 registrations in August. Its growth was fueled by the launch of the Zeekr 7X, a mid-size SUV priced around HK$269,000, making it a more affordable alternative to the Tesla Model Y.
- GAC Aion
- GAC Aion is a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer. In September, GAC Aion ranked fourth in EV sales in Hong Kong, with 246 vehicles registered. The company is one of several Chinese EV makers that have recently entered the Hong Kong market, contributing to the shift in market dynamics previously dominated by Tesla.
- BMW
- BMW registered 146 vehicles in September's EV sales rankings in Hong Kong, placing it behind BYD, Tesla, Zeekr, and GAC Aion, but ahead of Xpeng.
- Xpeng
- Xpeng is one of several Chinese EV makers that have entered the Hong Kong market since 2023. In September, Xpeng sold 120 vehicles, ranking sixth in EV sales in Hong Kong, behind BYD, Tesla, Zeekr, GAC Aion, and BMW.
- Toyota
- Toyota is mentioned as one of the Japanese brands leading the shrinking gasoline-powered car segment in Hong Kong. In September, Toyota registered 630 vehicles, indicating its continued presence and market share in the traditional car market, even as electric vehicles rapidly gain dominance.
- Honda
- Honda is mentioned as a leading brand in the gasoline-powered car segment in Hong Kong. In September, Honda registered 179 vehicles, demonstrating its continued presence in the traditional automotive market, despite the growing dominance of electric vehicles.
- Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd.
- Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd. is the parent company of Zeekr, a brand that saw a significant surge in registrations in September. Zeekr's growth was driven by the launch of its Zeekr 7X, a mid-size SUV that competes with the Tesla Model Y and began deliveries with a starting price around HK$269,000.
- SAIC Maxus
- SAIC Maxus, a Chinese EV maker, is mentioned as having entered the Hong Kong market since 2023. No further details about its sales performance or specific models are provided in the article.
- SAIC MG
- SAIC MG is a Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker that has entered the Hong Kong market since 2023. This move is part of a broader trend of Chinese EV manufacturers expanding their presence in the region, intensifying competition and reshaping the local automotive landscape.
AI generated, for reference only
What Happened When
- 2016：
- Tesla boasted one of the world’s highest per capita ownership rates in Hong Kong.
- 2018：
- The Hong Kong government introduced the one-for-one replacement scheme, providing a first registration tax rebate for EV buyers.
- 2021：
- Hong Kong Roadmap on Popularisation of Electric Vehicles was published, setting a goal to stop registering new gasoline and hybrid private cars by 2035.
- Since 2023：
- Several Chinese EV makers—including SAIC Maxus, SAIC MG, GAC Aion, and XPeng—entered the Hong Kong market.
- April 2024 to March 2026：
- Rule change ended the first registration tax rebate for EVs with a pre-tax price over HK$500,000.
- September 2024：
- 1,818 EVs were registered in Hong Kong, serving as a comparison point for the following year.
- August 2025：
- BYD Atto 2 officially launched in Hong Kong.
- August 2025：
- Zeekr registered 52 vehicles in Hong Kong.
- As of end of August 2025：
- Hong Kong had about 131,700 EVs with a market penetration rate of 14.6%.
- September 2025：
- BYD became Hong Kong’s top-selling EV brand, registering 936 new EVs, surpassing Tesla’s 853.
- September 2025：
- 3,542 new EVs were registered, accounting for nearly 76% of all new private cars, a 95% surge year-on-year.
- September 2025：
- 1,136 gasoline-powered cars were registered in Hong Kong, an increase of just 14 vehicles year-on-year.
- September 2025：
- Zeekr registered 546 vehicles (from 52 in August 2025) following the launch and delivery of the Zeekr 7X.
- By end of September 2025：
- Hong Kong had around 15,500 public EV charging points, up from just over 4,000 in 2001.
AI generated, for reference only
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