Tesla's biggest Chinese rival is about to overtake Elon Musk. These fun and affordable models show why.
- China is the biggest market for electric vehicles on the planet.
- It's a crucial battleground for Tesla, where rival BYD is about to officially steal its crown as most popular.
China is the biggest market in the world for electric cars and a crucial region for Tesla, the world leader in battery-powered car sales.
But the country's electric vehicle market is ripe with competition from established automakers and startups. Although the Tesla Model Y was the second-best-selling electrified SUV in China in 2022, many other models are making things difficult for Elon Musk.
BYD is about to overtake Tesla as the world's most-popular EV brand by sales thanks to a slew of fun and affordable models that don't resemble anything you can buy in the United States, where there aren't many particularly cheap options to choose from.
The Warren Buffett-backed company sold just a few thousand cars shy of Tesla in the third quarter, and fourth-quarter data could finally tip the scales in the coming days.
The models listed below were China's most popular non-Tesla electrified SUVs in 2022, according to data gathered by CnEVPost. (Note: Since China considers both electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles as "new energy vehicles," this ranking includes both types of EVs.)
BYD Song
The Song is Warren Buffett-backed BYD's top-selling electrified vehicle. It comes as both a plug-in hybrid and a full-blown EV. Plus, it's now available outside of China.
BYD launched the Song Plus DM-i hybrid in Brazil recently, where it costs roughly $53,000 and provides 62 miles of electric range.
BYD Yuan Plus
The Yuan Plus, also known as the Atto 3 in some markets, boasts 201 horsepower and hits 62 mph in 7.3 seconds, BYD says. The firm quotes a range of up to 298 miles. In Europe, the Yuan Plus costs roughly $41,300.
BYD Tang
The Tang is bigger, rangier, and more expensive than the Song and Yuan Plus. It can hit 62 mph in 4.4 seconds and drive more than 300 miles on a full battery, BYD says. It's available with dual motors and all-wheel drive and has a panoramic sunroof.
Like other BYD models, it has a sleek, futuristic, screen-heavy interior. It costs the equivalent of roughly $78,000 in Europe.
Aion Y
The Aion Y comes from GAC, a state-owned automaker. The bold-looking SUV is about as big as a Toyota RAV4, promises 379 miles of range, and offers up several bright interior options.
Neta V
The Neta V has a 14.6-inch, portrait touchscreen, Tesla-inspired wood trim across its dash, and up to 249 miles of range. Acceleration doesn't seem terribly impressive: It claims to hit 31 mph in 4.9 seconds.
Li Auto Li ONE
Li Auto is a young auto startup that started production in 2019. The Li One was its debut SUV — a plug-in hybrid, six-seat, luxury vehicle. The stylish SUV has a leather-filled interior, a wide array of screens, and 671 miles of hybrid range.
Zeekr 001
Zeekr is the premium electric brand from Geely, the Chinese auto group that also owns Volvo and Lotus. The 001 is its first model.
It brings intense performance, with a 0-62-mph time of 3.8 seconds. Plus, it advertises extremely quick charging speeds and the ability to add around 75 miles of range in just five minutes plugged in.