China's EV Surge: One in Five Electric Cars in Spain is Made in China. Tesla Under Pressure
China's EV Surge: One in Five Electric Cars in Spain is Made in China. Tesla Under Pressure
Madrid, November 17, 2025 — The electric vehicle (EV) market in Spain is undergoing a real revolution in 2025. Where the word "electric car" once almost automatically meant Tesla, the field has now become a battleground for global giants, with China launching an open offensive.
In the first nine months of 2025, 81,539 pure electric vehicles were sold in Spain — an 85% increase compared to the previous year. Chinese brands have already captured 22% of the BEV market.
BYD Dethrones Tesla: Dolphin Surf Becomes October's Top Seller
Chinese giant BYD has shown explosive growth: sales up 676% year-on-year, over 14,000 units sold in eight months. The BYD Dolphin Surf model (starting at €11,780 with Moves III subsidy) became the top seller in October with 846 registrations, surpassing the Kia EV3's 582.
Tesla still holds on (Model 3: 1,978 units in September), but across Europe, the brand’s sales have plummeted by 39% over the past nine months.
Market Share in Spain's EV Market (Autumn 2025 Data)
- China (BYD, MG, Leapmotor, etc.) — 22% market share
- Sales growth: +200% to +676%
- October's top model: BYD Dolphin Surf (846 units)
- USA (Tesla, GM, etc.) — 19.4% market share
- Trend: –39% across Europe over nine months
- Top model: Tesla Model 3 (1,978 units in September)
- Europe (VW, Renault, Stellantis, etc.) — 41.9% market share
- Growth: +32%
- October's top model: Renault 5 (434 units)
- Korea (Hyundai + Kia) — 11.5% market share
- BEV growth: +86%
- October's top model: Kia EV3 (582 units)
- Japan (Toyota, Nissan, Mazda) — just 4.4% market share
- BEV trend: –14% (primary focus remains on hybrids)
Chinese Brands Cover All Segments
From ultra-budget models to premium vehicles with VIP interiors, Chinese brands offer it all:
- MG — affordable SUVs and hatchbacks
- Leapmotor T03 — the cheapest new electric car in Spain (from €18,600)
- BYD Seal and Han — premium sedans and SUVs
- Polestar and Volvo (owned by Geely) — Scandinavian design with Chinese engineering
Conclusion
Electric cars in Spain are no longer synonymous with Tesla.
2025 marks the moment when China has fully transformed from a “cheap imitator” into the leading trendsetter of the European EV market.
Want a Dolphin Surf for €11,780 plus a free wallbox? Or are you still waiting for the new Model 2?
Sources: ANFAC, JATO Dynamics, PwC Q3 2025, Motor.es, Reuters