Tesla Model Y: 65,874 Sales in China, All-Time Record

The Tesla Model Y has just achieved an absolutely spectacular performance in the Chinese market in December 2025. With 65,874 units sold, the American electric SUV takes the top spot in the NEV (New Energy Vehicles) ranking, surpassing all local manufacturers, despite their ultra-aggressive strategies. This figure is even more impressive as it occurs in the world’s most challenging arena for electric vehicles, where giants like BYD, Xiaomi, and SAIC are engaged in a relentless price war.

But that’s not all: Tesla China recorded its 2nd best month ever across all models with 97,171 vehicles delivered wholesale. I’ve been following Tesla’s performance in China for years, and these figures still amaze me, especially in a context where competition has never been so fierce. Let’s break down this unexpected dominance together and analyze the factors explaining this commercial triumph.

The Model Y Shatters All NEV Sales Records

With 65,874 units sold in December 2025, the Tesla Model Y holds the undisputed top spot in the Chinese NEV ranking. The gap with the second place is significant: the BYD Qin Plus ranks at 46,837 units, a difference of nearly 20,000 vehicles. This is a comfortable margin that demonstrates the Chinese market’s appetite for the Californian SUV.

Even more impressively, Tesla places a second model in the top 10: the Model 3 climbs to 8th position with approximately 28,000 units sold. Having two vehicles in the top 10 of such a competitive market represents a remarkable achievement, especially since Tesla maintains a premium positioning against Chinese manufacturers who play the aggressive value-for-money card.

Considering the ferocity of Chinese competition and the proliferation of local brands offering electric vehicles at unbeatable prices, these figures are staggering. The paradox is fascinating: despite a maintained premium price, Tesla manages to dominate in pure volume. It’s proof that the product appeals beyond just the pricing argument.

Tesla China Records Its 2nd Best Month Ever

97,171 Vehicles Delivered Wholesale

The total figure for December 2025 is simply impressive: 97,171 units delivered wholesale (sales to distributors). To put this number in perspective, it’s worth noting that Tesla China’s absolute all-time record dates back to November 2022, with 100,291 units.

December 2025 is therefore only 3,120 vehicles short of the record, which is remarkable given the market’s evolution over the past three years. Competition has intensified, new players have emerged (notably Xiaomi), yet Tesla manages to maintain volumes that are close to its best historical performances.

Double-Digit Growth

The monthly and annual growth figures confirm the positive momentum. Compared to November 2025, Tesla shows an increase of +12.08%, a sign of strong year-end acceleration. Year-over-year, the comparison with December 2024 reveals an annual increase of +3.63%, a solid performance in a market tending towards saturation.

This growth comes in a context where many observers predicted a slowdown in Tesla sales due to the rise of Chinese brands. These growth rates prove that Tesla hasn’t said its last word in China and that the Gigafactory Shanghai is operating at full capacity to meet demand.

Tesla Stands Up to Chinese Electric Giants

The ultra-competitive context of the Chinese market makes this performance even more commendable. The NEV top 20 sales are largely dominated by local players: BYD (with several models like the Qin Plus, the Seagull, or the Song range), SAIC-GM-Wuling, and the newcomer Xiaomi with its rapidly gaining momentum SU7.

Facing this armada of local competition, Tesla operates in a different price category, yet dominates in volume. That’s the whole paradox: the premium positioning of the Model Y doesn’t prevent it from attracting massive appeal. Teslas manufactured in China benefit from quality local production, which reassures Chinese consumers and helps maintain competitive prices despite the high-end positioning.

Tesla’s differentiating factors remain powerful: the onboard technology, the superior real-world range compared to many competitors, the unparalleled Supercharger network, and a brand image that remains strong. The Xiaomi SU7, despite its media and commercial success, has not yet managed to dethrone the Model Y from its dominant position.

However, we must remain realistic: this dominance is not guaranteed forever. Competition intensifies month after month, and Chinese manufacturers are rapidly progressing in terms of quality, driving range, and onboard technologies.

The Real Factors Behind This Sales Explosion

Several elements explain this exceptional performance in December 2025. The first is the “pull-forward” effect: many Chinese customers anticipated the end or reduction of tax incentives granted to NEVs. Favorable government policies for electric vehicles are gradually expiring, which encourages buyers to finalize their purchase before potential changes.

Tesla also deployed an aggressive commercial strategy at the end of the year, with attractive offers to boost volumes. But beyond temporary incentives, it’s the product’s intrinsic competitiveness that makes the difference. The Model Y remains a benchmark in terms of design and ergonomics, which appeals to a demanding clientele.

The real-world range, the reliability of OTA updates (Over-The-Air) that constantly improve the vehicle, and the overall user experience continue to place Tesla a step above many competitors. The question now is: what does 2026 hold for us?

The prospects are both exciting and uncertain. New competing models will arrive, NEV policies will evolve, and Tesla is preparing its offensive with a $25,000 compact car specifically for the Chinese market. A potential refreshed Model Y could also rekindle interest. I remain convinced that Tesla still has cards to play, but the game is undeniably getting tougher.

With these December 2025 figures, Tesla proves its exceptional resilience in the world’s most challenging market. 65,874 Model Ys sold in a single month is a figure that speaks for itself and commands respect, even from the most skeptical. According to data from the Chinese automotive sector, this performance occurs in a context of profound market transformation.

The real question remains: can this performance be repeated in 2026? The real test will be to maintain this Tesla leadership against the combined offensive of BYD, Xiaomi, and other local players who are not giving up. As a Tesla enthusiast, I closely monitor the evolution of the Chinese market, because it’s where a crucial part of the future of global electromobility is being played out. The coming months will tell if Tesla can convert this attempt and sustainably consolidate its position in this ultra-competitive arena.