BYD Gives Tesla a Proper Kick in the Tailpipe

Chinese automaker BYD just gave Tesla a well-placed kick in the proverbial tailpipe, and not a gentle one. In 2024, BYD reported a staggering revenue of 777 billion yuan — that’s roughly 107 billion US dollars. Enough cash to buy the entire nation of Luxembourg, wrap it in solar panels, and launch the whole shimmering package into orbit.

Tesla, by contrast, brought in a comparatively modest $97.7 billion. “Just” 97.7 billion. Still enormous, but in this game of giants, second place isn’t just the first loser — it’s a headline.

When it comes to profit, BYD netted $5.6 billion, while Tesla still edged ahead with $7.6 billion. So yes, Elon Musk can continue tweeting cryptic nonsense on X while simultaneously torpedoing investor confidence — all without worrying about the electricity bill.

But here’s where things get properly interesting: in terms of electric vehicle sales, Tesla delivered 1.79 million units, with BYD nipping at its heels with 1.76 million. A photo finish. But — and it’s a big "but" — BYD also sold hybrids. When you add those in, the total vehicle count surges to a jaw-dropping 4.27 million. That’s Ford territory, ladies and gentlemen.

And to spice it up further: BYD isn’t just selling like hotcakes in China. They're gaining ground in Europe, Thailand, Australia, and even Singapore. The only major market where they remain absent? The United States — a land protected by sky-high tariffs and just a bit of good ol’ fashioned economic paranoia.