China’s new energy vehicle (NEV) market saw an incredible surge in May 2025. Automakers across the board posted strong year over year growth, even with some usual monthly ups and downs. BYD held onto its top spot, while Geely, Leapmotor, and Xpeng really kicked things into high gear, more than doubling their sales compared to May 2024. This latest batch of rankings really highlights the intense competition brewing among established players, agile startups, and tech-backed newcomers.
BYD Dominates the NEV Landscape
BYD once again showcased its market dominance, reporting a massive 376,930 NEV sales in May. That’s a solid 14.1% increase from last year and a 1.2% bump from April. Year to date, BYD has moved an astounding 1,735,643 vehicles, marking a 37% jump over the first five months of 2024. Their Dynasty and Ocean series continue to be the backbone of their impressive performance.
Geely Group’s Explosive Growth
Geely isn’t just participating, it is making huge strides. The company sold 138,021 NEVs in May which is an incredible 135.2% leap over last year and 9.9% higher than April. The Galaxy series led the charge with 101,845 units, Lynk & Co added 17,268, and Zeekr contributed 18,908. All in all, the Geely Group reached 602,784 NEV sales through May, up 137.1% year over year. Even though it is under the Geely umbrella, Zeekr continues to carve out its own path with a distinct brand and sales network.
Leapmotor’s Accelerated Ascent
Leapmotor is truly living up to its name, delivering 45,067 units in May, a staggering 148.1% increase from last year. Their total deliveries for 2025 hit 173,658 units by the end of May, representing an impressive 160.8% rise. Models such as the C11 are clearly hitting home with consumers looking for advanced features without breaking the bank. For an even closer look at their strategy, check out how Leapmotor’s partnership with Stellantis is expanding their reach into South America.
Huawei-Backed Harmony Intelligent Mobility Scales New Heights
Harmony Intelligent Mobility, bolstered by Huawei’s tech prowess, delivered 44,454 NEVs in May. The Aito M9 was their star performer with 15,481 units, followed by the M8 at 12,116, the M5 Ultra with 4,889, and the M7 bringing in 4,139. The Luxeed R7 added another 5,124 units while the fresh-faced Stelato S9 EREV contributed 2,000. It is clear that Huawei’s backing is paying off, signaling a strong future in the tech-driven EV market.
Li Auto Continues its Upward Climb
Li Auto isn’t slowing down, recording 40,856 unit sales in May. That’s a 16.7% increase year over year and a 20.4% surge from April. Their extended-range L series models continue to be a massive hit, especially with families. Cumulative sales for 2025 now stand at 167,659 units, up 18.7% year over year.
Xpeng’s Remarkable Surge
Xpeng saw an incredible 230.4% increase in deliveries with 33,525 vehicles sold in May compared to the same month last year, even with a slight 4.3% dip from April. The X9 MPV alone accounted for 3,327 units, holding its lead in the premium electric MPV segment for six weeks running. Total deliveries from January to May blew past expectations with a 293.1% jump, reaching 162,578 units. Xpeng’s commitment to innovation and expansion is clear, as seen in their deepening ties with Volkswagen for advanced EV tech.
Great Wall Motor and Xiaomi: Steady as She Goes
Great Wall Motor posted solid NEV sales of 32,638 units in May, up 32.1% year over year. Meanwhile, Xiaomi matched its April performance, delivering over 28,000 SU7s and laying the groundwork for its second model, the YU7, slated to debut later this year. Xiaomi’s focus on quality and innovation is evident, making them a brand to watch.
Mixed Fortunes for Other NEV Players
While some brands celebrated significant gains, others faced challenges. GAC Aion delivered 26,777 NEVs in May, experiencing a 33.2% decline year over year. In contrast, Deepal showcased strong performance with 25,521 units sold, marking an impressive 77.6% increase. The Nio Group, encompassing Nio, Onvo, and Firefly, collectively delivered 23,231 units total, with Nio taking 13,270, Onvo 6,281, and Firefly 3,680. This brings Nio’s year-to-date total to 89,225 units, a 34.7% rise. Avatr delivered 12,767 vehicles in May, more than doubling its figures from the previous year. Finally, Voyah impressed with 10,022 units, reflecting a substantial 121.7% increase year over year.
