According to foreign media reports, research conducted by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) reveals that Chinese automakers are rapidly taking the lead in the global zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) market. As competition in the global electric vehicle (EV) sector intensifies, the race among top manufacturers is becoming increasingly fierce.

The ICCT report highlights China’s pivotal role in the global EV transition, with annual EV sales in the country surpassing 11 million units—accounting for more than half of worldwide EV sales. Data from research firm Rho Motion shows that, driven by robust domestic demand and strong export performance, China’s monthly EV sales exceeded 1 million units for the first time this year.

The ICCT study also notes that Chinese automakers dominate the top five spots in global ZEV market coverage and hold five out of the top six positions in EV sales share. Notably, companies like Geely and SAIC Motor have already achieved a 50% share of electric vehicle sales—a target originally set for 2025—a full year ahead of schedule.

Recent data reveals that BYD surpassed Tesla for the first time in 2024 to become the world’s top-selling pure battery electric vehicle (BEV) brand. BYD’s BEV sales grew by 25% year-over-year, while its combined sales of plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and BEV models surged by an impressive 47%.

Both BYD and Tesla are ranked as “Leaders” in the ICCT’s evaluation framework, highlighting their dominance in the electric vehicle (EV) sector. Drew Kodjak, President and CEO of the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), commented: “As Chinese automakers accelerate their global expansion, mainstream international manufacturers face urgent pressure to transform. Traditional Western automakers risk losing competitive edge if they fail to expedite their electrification efforts.”

Kodjak further emphasized: “For the global automotive industry, this is no longer just about achieving future targets—it’s an immediate battle to embrace electrification and maintain market relevance. The stakes couldn’t be higher.”