Electric vehicles are no longer a part of the future—they have become an integral part of daily life. As these cars silently glide through the streets, leaving exhaust fumes behind, charging stations have stepped out of the shadows of gas stations to become prominent spots on city maps. With this rapid transformation, a common question on many people's minds is: Which electric car is the most preferred? Is Tesla still sitting on that grand throne, or are the Chinese giants eyeing the seat? The answer lies not only in numbers but also in stories.

Where Does Tesla Rank Globally?
When it comes to electric cars, Tesla is still the first name that comes to mind for many. Elon Musk’s globally resonant statements, the company’s pioneering steps in technology, and the high interest in models like the Model Y continue to keep Tesla at the center of competition in the industry. Indeed, in 2024, Tesla managed to claim the top spot in China—the world’s largest electric vehicle market—by surpassing local manufacturer BYD by just 284 vehicles. Yes, just 284 cars! That’s about the parking capacity of a shopping mall in some cities. In summary, Tesla took the leadership seat even in the competitive Chinese market.

But it's not just about the Model Y. By opening its second giant factory in China, Tesla sent a clear message: “I’m here, and I’m going to grow even more.” Thanks to this move, the Model Y earned the title of the best-selling SUV model in China.

Which Is the Best Electric Car in the World?
While the term “best” is somewhat subjective, a few strong contenders emerge when looking at figures, user reviews, and market performance. Tesla Model Y still tops the list with its technology, range, software updates, and design. However, BYD’s Qin Plus model has made a remarkably strong debut. It’s making waves not just in China but also in the global market. Especially with its price-performance ratio, it’s managing to attract many users.

On one side, there’s Tesla, adding new features to vehicles via software updates; on the other, BYD stands out with affordable pricing, low maintenance costs, and domestic support advantages. While the decision depends on needs and priorities, the “best” title swings between these two.

Which Is the Best-Selling Electric Car in the World?
The standout model of 2024 was the BYD Qin Plus, with a total of 480,025 units sold. This drew attention not only in China but also in the global market. Tesla’s Model Y, however, slightly outpaced BYD with 480,309 units sold, becoming China’s best-selling SUV. The difference? Just 284 cars.

But digging into the details makes the picture even more interesting. BYD didn’t just succeed with the Qin Plus; it reinforced its success with the second, third, and fourth best-selling vehicles as well, reaching a total of over 930,000 units sold. While Tesla leads with a single model, BYD is making strong moves across the board with multiple models. This clearly shows that Chinese car brands now hold significant competitive power not just domestically but also on the global stage.

China’s Quiet but Strong Rise
With the year 2024, China’s automotive market surpassed the 30 million vehicle mark and reached a major turning point. Moreover, 18 million of these sales came from domestic brands. With a 23% increase, they grew both in the domestic market and expanded outward. Government incentives, scrappage support, and recycling programs played a big role in this transformation. Approximately 70% of old vehicles were recycled. So, it wasn’t just about selling new cars—the old world was also gradually left behind.

Competition Heats Up in the Premium Segment
For those saying “I’d buy a Chinese car, but only a luxury model,” options are increasing. In the premium segment, 4.738 million vehicles were sold, and Chinese brands have started catching up with their European and American rivals in this space as well. Apart from Tesla, some American giants like General Motors and Ford are also increasing their investments in China. In fact, the world’s largest Buick production facility is now located in China.

What’s the Situation in the Sedan and Hatchback World?
While Tesla and BYD are clashing in the SUV battle, new names are emerging in the sedan and hatchback segments. BYD is strong here as well. So much so that even Nissan, surrounded by bankruptcy rumors, managed to surpass Volkswagen by a margin of 70,000 vehicles. However, Volkswagen still leads in total sales volume.

Is Tesla Winning, or Is China?
Tesla may retain the advantage with a single model in the short term, thanks to the Model Y. But in the long run, the picture is clear: Chinese brands have launched a multi-pronged offensive. They’re offering a model for every segment and a solution for every budget. If they continue at this pace, they won’t just shake Tesla’s throne—they may well take it entirely.

In the electric car world, the question is no longer just “who has the best battery,” but “who has the smartest strategy.” The answer? For now, Tesla is ahead, but the Chinese brands are breathing down its neck.