BYD Became Estonia’s Electric Car Market Leader in Just One Year
Arriving in Estonia at the end of 2024, BYD – the world’s largest manufacturer of hybrid and electric vehicles – has, according to fresh data from the Estonian Association of Car Sales and Service Companies (AMTEL), risen to become the country’s best-selling electric car brand, surpassing long-dominant competitors as of November.
AMTEL’s November market overview of new passenger cars shows that BYD holds an 11% market share in the electric vehicle segment. Meanwhile, the sales volumes of previous electric vehicle market leaders have declined significantly year-on-year. For example, Škoda, which currently ranks second, has sold nearly a third fewer new electric cars compared to last year, and last year’s market leader Tesla has seen its sales fall by more than 60%.
“Technology giant BYD – Build Your Dreams – arrived in Estonia exactly one year ago. In that time, the brand has climbed to the top of the electric car sales rankings and firmly won the hearts of Estonians, despite the challenging economic situation and new taxes,” commented Yannis Rossonis, CEO of Inchcape Motors.
BYD’s most popular models in Estonia are the SEALION 7, SEAL U DM-i, and SEAL. According to Rossonis, BYD’s success lies in top-tier technology, high safety standards, reliability, and clean European-style design. He also highlights that the vehicles come with features typical of premium-class cars already included as standard equipment.
“BYD’s calling card is undoubtedly the innovation that has transformed electric mobility – the cobalt-free and fire-resistant Blade Battery, a technology now also used in models by other manufacturers, including Tesla. A safe and durable battery is one of BYD’s clear and unparalleled strengths,” Rossonis noted.
In addition to reliability and safety, car buyers appreciate BYD’s European-style clean design, comfortable interiors, and extensive standard equipment. For example, all BYD vehicles include a heat pump as standard – a highly valuable feature in our climate – whereas many other electric models offer it only as a paid extra.
“While competitors may charge significantly more for optional features such as a larger battery, soft leather interior, or panoramic roof – sometimes raising the final price by as much as half – BYD includes all of this as standard. Even the price difference between trim levels usually ranges from only 5,000 to 8,000 euros, rather than increasing the price by 20,000–30,000 euros,” Rossonis explained.
Founded in February 1995, BYD is an international high-tech company that develops innovative and environmentally friendly solutions and is the world’s leading manufacturer of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. As a global high-tech enterprise, BYD holds a leading position in the fields of electronics, automotive, renewable energy, and rail transport, with extensive experience in electric mobility and battery technology.
BYD is the world’s first automaker to develop and produce all three core electric vehicle technologies – batteries, electric motors, and electronic control systems – entirely in-house.
BYD operates in more than 70 countries across six continents and has established over 30 industrial parks worldwide. The company is building its first European passenger car factory in Szeged, Hungary, which will reduce the impact of EU import tariffs and speed up the availability of Europe-produced models while also creating jobs for local residents. More than 100,000 engineers and technicians work across BYD’s 11 research institutions, making it the automaker with the largest development team in the world.
