Hold onto your seats, because the electric vehicle (EV) race in China just got a whole lot more exciting! The Geely Galaxy Xingyue has officially claimed the title of China’s best-selling electric car, leaving competitors in the dust. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: the once-dominant Wuling Hongguang Mini EV, though no longer in the top spot, is still holding its ground in second place. In 2025, the Geely Galaxy Xingyue outsold the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV and even the globally renowned Tesla Model Y, which secured third place.
What makes the Xingyue’s victory so remarkable? For starters, it’s an affordable, battery-electric compact car priced from just 68,800 yuan (around 8,500 euros). With two battery options—a base model offering 310 kilometers of range and a premium version extending to 410 kilometers—it’s a practical choice for budget-conscious buyers. Originally marketed under the Geely Geometry brand, the Xingyue now shines under the Geely Galaxy label after an internal merger. And its success is no fluke: it sold a staggering 465,775 units in China’s retail market, a testament to its popularity.
But here’s the part most people miss: the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV, despite being dethroned, remains a powerhouse with 435,599 sales. Tesla’s Model Y, while a foreign brand, is manufactured locally at Giga Shanghai, making it a homegrown favorite in China’s eyes. With 425,337 units sold, it’s the top-selling foreign-branded model, though it ranks third overall. Interestingly, the Model Y and its sibling, the Model 3 (ninth place with 200,361 sales), are the only foreign models in the top 20 New Energy Vehicles (NEVs).
And this is where it gets controversial: Chinese brands dominate the NEV market, with 18 out of the top 20 models hailing from domestic manufacturers. BYD, the market leader, boasts nine models in the top 20, yet none crack the top three. Why? BYD’s strategy of offering similar models under different series (like the ‘Dynasty’ and ‘Ocean’ lines) dilutes its top-tier rankings. For instance, the BYD Qin Plus (fourth place) and Qin L (sixth place) are closely related but counted separately. BYD’s diverse portfolio, including both battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, further complicates its standings.
Meanwhile, NEV startups are making waves. Xiaomi’s SU7, in its first full year, secured seventh place with 258,164 sales, while its SUV YU7 debuted in 18th place. Other newcomers like Xpeng, Li Auto, and Aito are also climbing the ranks, proving that innovation and affordability are key to success.
So, here’s the burning question: Can foreign brands like Tesla ever truly dominate China’s NEV market, or will domestic giants like Geely and BYD continue to reign supreme? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over!
