BYD overtakes Tesla in European EV market

BYD registered 7,231 battery-powered electric vehicles in Europe in April, while Tesla registered 7,165 units

BYD registered 7,231 battery-powered electric vehicles in Europe in April, while Tesla registered 7,165 units. Picture: AP Photo/Matthias Schrader, File

Chinese automaker BYD has sold more electric vehicles in Europe than Tesla for the first time, according to a report by JATO Dynamics, as an aging model line-up and chief executive Elon Musk's politics hurt demand for the US EV maker's cars.

BYD, which also makes plug-in hybrid vehicles, registered 7,231 battery-powered electric vehicles (BEV) in Europe in April, while Tesla registered 7,165 units, the market research firm said.