Tesla's Model Y kept the top spot in August global battery electric vehicle (EV) sales, but China's BYD and Geely are closing in. As Chinese makers quickly take over the upper ranks in global EV sales, the Tesla-centred market structure is also showing signs of change.

Tech outlet TechRadar reported on Sept. 5 that the Model Y stayed in front in the August sales ranking based on CleanTechnica's tally of the EV and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) market. Geely Xingyuan and the BYD Song ranked second and third, respectively, chasing the Model Y. The Geely Xingyuan is sold as the EX2 outside China, while the BYD Song uses the name Seal U in some markets.

Chinese makers' rise stood out across the model rankings. Chinese brands including BYD and Geely, as well as Leapmotor, MG, Fangchengbao, Qiyuan, Li, Wuling and Xiaomi, placed heavily in the top tier of global EV sales. Some models posted higher sales than models from established global automakers such as Toyota.

Within the EV market, the gap between battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids also widened. In August global sales, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) rose 13 percent from a year earlier, while plug-in hybrids fell 12 percent.

In competition among manufacturers, BYD led Tesla by a wide margin. In August, BYD sold 375,373 vehicles, above Tesla's 141,996. The manufacturer sales figures include plug-in vehicles. On a cumulative basis from January to August 2026, BYD ranked first with a 20.3 percent share of global plug-in vehicle sales. Geely was second with 9.9 percent, Tesla third with 8.3 percent, followed by Volkswagen Group and SAIC with 7 percent and 6.3 percent, respectively.

In the August brand rankings, gains by Chinese companies such as Wuling, Xpeng and Fangchengbao stood out. Rankings in the auto industry also changed as traditional global automakers such as BMW, Kia and Volkswagen fell behind Chinese brands.

Tesla was cited as facing growth constraints due to the limitations of its model lineup. With sales currently concentrated in the Model 3 and Model Y, the Model 3 has remained in the upper ranks of global EV sales but was recently pushed back by the Geely EX2 amid an offensive by Chinese makers. Three other BYD models are also closing in on the Model 3.

Still, looking only at EVs not produced in China, Tesla remains among the leaders. The Model Y ranked first in that category, and the Model 3 placed second. Toyota's bZ4X rose to third, followed by a BMW iX1·X1 plug-in hybrid combination and the Skoda Elroq.

The sales results show that the yardstick for competition in the global EV market is also changing. That is because not only cars with longer driving range or stronger performance and technology, but also small and low-priced EVs, are posting high sales.

For Tesla, which relies on the two relatively higher-priced models, the Model Y and Model 3, the burden is bound to grow. By contrast, Chinese makers including BYD and Geely are quickly reshaping the global EV sales landscape by expanding the market with EVs across a range of segments and price points.