While most carmakers have entered the EV space, the two names that stand out are Tesla and BYD. While Tesla was leading for several years, the fight with BYD is almost neck and neck in the present day. In Q4, CY2023, BYD had raced ahead of Tesla in overall EV sales. However, Tesla has again regained the top position in Q1, CY2024, after BYD reported a 43% drop in quarterly sales.
Both Tesla and BYD have a strong global presence. When planning to buy an EV, one may find it difficult to choose between the two leading EV brands. In the confusion between Tesla vs. BYD – which car to buy, here are some tips and suggestions that will help you make informed decisions.
Pricing – BYD electric cars are usually cheaper than their respective Tesla equivalents. BYD has reduced prices even more in recent times in order to further boost sales. There is a slowdown in the Chinese economy, which is why BYD is looking to attract buyers with its affordable pricing. For folks looking for a budget-friendly EV, the preferred choice could be BYD.
Brand Image – Tesla is a popular global brand, known for its reliability, performance and hi-tech features. BYD has also emerged as a popular global brand, with presence in more than 70 countries. However, Tesla has an edge when it comes to brand image. BYD had started out primarily as a battery manufacturing company. Over the years, it has transformed into a leading EV manufacturer. Folks looking for a superior brand image may prefer Tesla.
Autonomous driving tech – Tesla has proven itself when it comes to autonomous driving technology. It currently has Tesla Autopilot, which is equivalent to Level 2 automation (As per SAE standards). BYD is also excelling in this area, with many of its cars having L2 autonomous driving systems. However, it is generally perceived that autonomous driving capabilities are better in the case of Tesla cars. Eventually, both Tesla and BYD will aim for SAE Level 5, a fully autonomous driving platform.
Battery technology – The most critical component of an EV is its battery. It is not just about performance and range, but also about safety of the users. BYD is known as a powerhouse in battery technology. The company had started out with battery manufacturing and has made significant progress over the years. Tesla also manufactures battery packs for its EVs. But it also has collaborations with other battery suppliers. Some of Tesla cars are even fitted with battery packs sourced from BYD.
Model options – Tesla has a fairly small portfolio of EVs. Especially when compared to BYD that offers a wide variety of electric SUVs, sedans and minivans. Folks looking for something specific may find the right choice with BYD.
Performance and range – Tesla’s high-performance variants are usually seen with superior performance and range. But in the case of the standard models, there may not be any major difference between the two brands.
Safety and reliability – Both Tesla and BYD have worked hard to ensure safety and reliability associated with their electric cars. While there have been cases of fire and other issues, both brands continue to enjoy a strong reputation for safety and reliability.
As is evident from above, both Tesla and BYD have their strong and weak points. Your final choice will depend on what exactly you are looking for. Also, make sure you test drive both vehicles to understand which one delivers the best overall experience.
