Theres just one problem it isnt true.
Publications fromFinancial TimestoThe Independent, andAxioscrowed that BYD sold 641,000 vehicles during the first half of 2022.
Thats quite a few thousand more than Teslas 564,000.
The 641,000 vehicles included not only pure-electric but also plug-in hybrid vehicles.
By comparison, Tesla is all-electric, baby.
Its a pretty bad error when it comes to accurate reporting.
So, whos BYD?
Despite being an industry powerhouse in China, BYD is a less well-known company outside of China.
The company has two major subsidiaries: automobile and electric.
The electric subsidiary makes batteries for EVs, mobile phones, and solar panels.
The company has a mighty sales target of manufacturing 1.5 million cars in 2022.
Considering the company has made 600,000 vehicles so far this year, it may hit at least 1 million.
At any rate, its a 325% year-on-year increase from the same period last year.
Even better, its going all in.
BYD stopped manufacturing ICE vehicles in March andannounceda commitment to making only EVs andplug-in hybridsin April.
BYDs strength is its diversity
Its easy to dismiss BYD for lacking Teslas glamour and hyperbolic leadership.
In Q2 of 2022, Tesla delivered 254,695 EVs globally, an almost 18% drop fromthe previous period.
It doesnt hurt that the company is one of the worldsbiggest battery manufacturerseither.
Speaking of big, the company even openedthe worlds largestface mask manufacturing facility in March 2020!
Thats agility in action.
Ultimately whoever manufactures the most EVs, its a win for the transition away from ICEs.
Story byCate Lawrence
Cate Lawrence is an Australian tech journo living in Berlin.
