Soft UK has become largest overseas market for BYD, Chinese electric cars!! or put another way UK is the Dumping Ground for Chinese cars! 

Here are some of the key reasons why the UK has recently become BYD’s largest international market (outside China), following a big surge in sales — pulled from recent reporting and analysis. If you like, I can show you longer-term historical factors too.

Drivers behind the surge

Big increase in demand for EVs / hybrid vehicles in the UK

UK electric vehicle (EV) registrations have surged: for example, in September 2025, EV sales grew ~29% year-on-year to ~72,779 units.

Plug-in hybrids and electrified models are also seeing strong growth.

Price competitiveness of BYD models

BYD’s pricing strategy is undercutting many rivals. Even though BYD is excluded from the UK government’s electric car grant scheme (new subsidy rules exclude many Chinese-built EVs on emissions grounds), their lower sticker prices still make them attractive.

BYD introduced very low-priced EV options (e.g. the Dolphin Surf) that make EV ownership more attainable for more people.

Rapid expansion of BYD’s presence in the UK

Their dealership/retail network has been growing fast, improving visibility, accessibility and after-sales support, which helps consumer confidence.

They are also targeting fleets (rental, corporate, etc.), which helps volumes and helps to normalise the brand.

Model variety that appeals

BYD has several models now that perform well in the UK: plug-in hybrids like the SEAL U DM-i have become best-sellers in their segments, and fully electric models (SEALION 7, SEAL) have growing share.

Also appealing are the range capacities and tech features.

Policy environment & market conditions

The UK reintroduced an electric car grant in July 2025 offering up to about £3,750 off qualifying EVs. This helps push demand even though many Chinese EVs are excluded due to emissions rules.

Strong regulatory pressure (e.g. ZEV mandates) and emissions targets are pushing consumers and fleets toward electrified vehicles.

Comparative weakness or challenges for rivals

Some established EV makers (including Tesla in some months) are seeing declining growth or being undercut.

Also, in the US and EU there are import tariffs or trade barriers that make Chinese-built EVs less competitive; in the UK, those barriers are either lower or less severe for BYD.

What the FT says (key recent stats)

From Financial Times reporting:

In September 2025 BYD sold ~11,271 cars in the UK, nearly ten times what they sold in the same month a year earlier.

That pushed their UK market share (new car registrations) to ~3.6% in that month.

Year-to-date they had sold >35,000 units in the UK, making it BYD’s largest international market outside of China.