Tesla loses title as world’s biggest electric carmaker

Tesla's electric vehicle sales declined for the second consecutive year in 2025, resulting in the loss of its top spot to Chinese competitor BYD. Tesla delivered 1.64 million vehicles, a 9% decrease, while BYD sold 2.26 million. This shift marks a significant change for Elon Musk, who once downplayed BYD's potential. The fourth-quarter sales of 418,227 fell short of expectations, influenced by the expiration of a U.S. tax credit. Tesla's stock increased slightly, reflecting investor optimism in Musk's future ventures. The company launched more affordable Model Y and Model 3 versions to boost sales in Europe and Asia. Analysts anticipate a sales and earnings drop in the next quarter, followed by a potential rebound in 2026. Investors are focusing on Musk's shift towards robotaxis and robotics, driving growth. Musk received large compensation packages, and may become a trillionaire.