BYD overtakes Tesla as Chinese EV giant surges across Europe

The company reported strong sales growth during the first four months of 2026, selling 1,190 vehicles in Hungary and securing a 2.46% share of the country’s total passenger car and light commercial vehicle market, News.Az reports, citing Hungary Today.

In the NEV segment, which includes electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, BYD captured a 14% market share. The company also became the leader in Hungary’s BEV market with 790 fully electric vehicles sold and a 17.1% market share, surpassing Tesla in the segment.

According to BYD Hungary Country Director Ádám Rényi-Vámos, the company’s sales increased by 80% compared to the same period last year. He attributed the growth to BYD’s expanding model range, which currently includes eight fully electric and five plug-in hybrid vehicles.

The SEAL U DM-i plug-in hybrid SUV became the company’s best-selling model in Hungary during the period, with 248 units sold.

BYD is also preparing to introduce its premium Denza brand to the Hungarian market later this year as part of a broader multi-brand expansion strategy targeting European customers.

The company plans to significantly expand its dealer network in Hungary, increasing the number of sales outlets from 15 to 30 by the end of the year. Across Europe, BYD’s network already includes more than 1,000 partners in 35 countries, with further expansion planned throughout 2026.

One of the key technological developments highlighted by the company is its new “Flash” charging system, described as the world’s most powerful standard electric vehicle charger. According to BYD, the system can charge a vehicle battery from 10% to 70% in five minutes and to 97% in nine minutes.

Hungary has become a major strategic hub for BYD’s European operations. In addition to its existing bus plant in Komárom and facilities near Budapest, the company is building its first large European passenger car factory in Szeged.

BYD also relocated its European headquarters and research and development center to Budapest last year as part of its long-term expansion plans in the region.