Global BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) sales data for January to September 2024

Tesla and BYD Lead Global BEV Sales in 2024
The global BEV market continues its rapid expansion in 2024, with Tesla and BYD dominating the charts. Tesla retains its position as the global leader, delivering an impressive 1,293,656 units in the first three quarters of the year. BYD follows closely with 1,169,579 units, showcasing the growing dominance of Chinese automakers in the global EV market.
Volkswagen and Geely are neck-and-neck for third place, with Volkswagen delivering 506,688 units and Geely slightly ahead at 507,259 units. Meanwhile, SGMW, a joint venture led by General Motors and Chinese partners, secures the fifth position with 365,000 units, largely driven by the success of its affordable compact EVs like the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV.
Other prominent automakers making significant contributions include Hyundai with 316,910 units, BMW with 294,054, and GAC at 260,000 units. Interestingly, legacy players such as Mercedes-Benz and Stellantis are climbing the ranks, with sales exceeding 190,000 units, signaling a shift in focus from traditional combustion engines to electrification.
Chinese Automakers on the Rise
Chinese brands continue to expand their influence, with companies like Changan, NIO, Chery, and Leapmotor collectively achieving substantial sales. Leapmotor, for instance, recorded 121,000 deliveries, highlighting its growing appeal in both domestic and international markets. This reflects China’s strong government incentives and robust manufacturing capabilities, positioning the country as a major hub for electric vehicle production.
The Role of Emerging Players
New entrants like Rivian and VinFast are also making their presence felt. Rivian sold 37,396 units, driven by its premium electric trucks and SUVs, while Vietnam-based VinFast achieved 44,260 sales as it targets global markets aggressively. These brands are part of a new wave of competition challenging established automakers.
Challenges for Legacy Automakers
Despite some gains, traditional automakers such as Honda (30,000 units), Nissan (80,000), and Ford (68,000) are struggling to keep pace with industry leaders. This underscores the challenge of transitioning from ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) vehicles to BEVs, as well as the fierce competition posed by agile startups and Chinese companies.
Looking Ahead
The BEV market’s rapid growth aligns with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and embrace sustainable transportation. However, challenges like battery supply constraints, charging infrastructure development, and geopolitical factors remain critical hurdles for the industry. With Tesla and BYD leading the way, the coming quarters will likely see continued innovation and heightened competition as automakers race to electrify their lineups.