As Tesla faces growing scrutiny and tariffs across Europe, its Chinese rival BYD is accelerating into pole position in the UK.
The Shenzhen-based carmaker said Britain is now its biggest market outside China, after sales jumped 880% in September to 11,271 vehicles.
Most were plug-in hybrid versions of its Seal U sports utility vehicle, which entered the UK’s top 10 best-sellers list for the first time.
BYD’s surge comes as UK electric vehicle sales hit a record high, with nearly 73,000 pure battery cars sold last month, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
Unlike the European Union or the United States, Britain has so far resisted imposing tariffs on Chinese electric cars, making it an increasingly attractive market for low-cost models.
The company, whose UK market share climbed to 3.6%, has just opened its 100th showroom and plans to expand its range further.
