BYD reports 880% surge in UK sales as EV demand rises

BYD reports its U.K. sales surged 880% in September, as local consumers demonstrate steady interest in electric vehicles. Backed by rapidly growing supportive infrastructure, the country became the largest market for manufacturing outside China, according to the BBC.

In September, BYD sold 11,271 cars in the U.K., led by the Seal U plug-in hybrid SUV. The U.K. Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reports that sales of electric and hybrid vehicles in the country reached record highs during this period.

One of several key factors driving this strong market performance is the open market in the U.K. In the absence of import tariffs on Chinese EVs, BYD has managed to gain a 3.6% market share. The company now has 100 retail outlets and plans further expansion with more hybrid and electric models. BYD’s expansion in the U.K. also comes as Chinese automakers face trade barriers elsewhere.

Despite cooling demand in China, BYD continues to outperform global rivals such as Tesla, Jaguar and BMW in total sales. Meanwhile, the U.K. government launched subsidies of up to £3,750 for certain EVs, though Chinese-made vehicles are excluded. BYD criticized this policy, arguing it could reduce competition.