Chinese carmaker BYD has become the top-selling electric vehicle (EV) brand in Hong Kong for the first half of 2025, surpassing rivals Tesla and BMW. Data released this week by the city’s Transport Department revealed that BYD accounted for 27 per cent of all new private EV registrations between January and June, amounting to 4,902 out of 18,356 total units.
The company’s success was primarily driven by the popularity of its Sealion 07 model, a mid-size, five-seater SUV launched in late 2024. This fully electric vehicle alone recorded 3,676 registrations in the six months, helping BYD edge past Tesla, which registered 3,889 vehicles during the same time frame.
Other leading brands in the market included Geely-owned Zeekr, Toyota, and Xpeng, another Chinese EV manufacturer. Together, the top six brands captured 66 per cent of Hong Kong’s EV market in the first half of the year, demonstrating a significant shift towards mainland Chinese offerings.
Mainland manufacturers gain ground as foreign brands lose edge
In 2024, Tesla dominated the Hong Kong EV scene, registering 9,556 new vehicles – nearly double the number sold by BYD at the time. However, Chinese manufacturers have grown increasingly aggressive in expanding their presence in the city. This push comes as many struggle to enter major international markets, such as the United States and the European Union, where regulatory and geopolitical barriers remain significant.
David Zhang, secretary general of the International Intelligent Vehicle Engineering Association, noted that Chinese brands were quickly gaining popularity among Hong Kong consumers. “Although foreign carmakers such as Tesla and BMW hold established brand advantages, Chinese EV brands like BYD and Geely are rapidly gaining favour among Hong Kong consumers, thanks to their advanced technologies, appealing features, and competitive pricing,” Zhang said.
He added that many Chinese EVs now come equipped with features such as electric massage seats, intelligent cockpit systems, and leather interiors, while still being priced at 30 to 50 per cent less than comparable foreign luxury models.
Hong Kong becomes a strategic hub for right-hand-drive EV expansion
Despite its relatively small car market – with fewer than 40,000 vehicle sales annually according to government figures – Hong Kong is emerging as a key launch pad for Chinese EV makers aiming to expand globally, particularly in right-hand-drive markets. Industry leaders view the city as a valuable testing ground for smart driving technologies and a strategic gateway for promoting their products overseas.
He Xiaopeng, co-founder and CEO of Guangzhou-based Xpeng, shared last month that his company intends to offer Hong Kong buyers smart cars with semi-autonomous driving capabilities starting next year. The push aligns with broader efforts by mainland firms to establish a foothold in international automotive sectors through innovation and affordability.
Further reinforcing Hong Kong’s growing importance, the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) hosted its inaugural International Automotive & Supply Chain Expo in the city in June. The event attracted over 80 vehicle models from major Chinese brands, including SAIC Motor, Geely Auto, GAC Group, and Chery Automobile, marking it as Hong Kong’s largest car show to date.
At the expo, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu emphasised the city’s role in supporting Chinese EV makers. “Hong Kong’s global capital market and world-class professional services can help mainland Chinese EV companies with financing and promoting their products overseas,” he stated.
Hong Kong’s government has also signalled its commitment to EV adoption through a road map unveiled in March 2021. Under this plan, the city aims to halt the registration of new petrol and hybrid private vehicles by 2035 or earlier, paving the way for a fully electric future.
