Tesla’s June performance in China has gained attention as deliveries sharply increased, following several months of fluctuating figures. The latest data signals renewed momentum in the domestic market, after a challenging first half of the year. While external competition and economic factors continue to shape automotive trends, Tesla’s role remains crucial as it balances domestic sales and export strategies from its Shanghai facility. The move comes at a time when new energy vehicles are further cementing their importance in China’s evolving car industry. Industry watchers have pointed out that sales trends for key models could influence broader shifts for battery electric vehicles nationwide.
Analyses and reports from earlier this year documented several months of stagnating or declining Tesla sales in China. Unit sales between April and May fell, with the company temporarily losing ground to domestic competitors like BYD. While March 2025 marked a high point with over 74,000 units sold, subsequent months saw weaker numbers. Recent commentaries suggested ongoing pricing adjustments and intensified local competition as factors behind earlier inconsistencies, underscoring the pressures faced by international brands in the Chinese electric vehicle market.
What Drove Tesla China’s June Sales Rebound?
Tesla delivered 61,484 vehicles to customers in China in June, a significant improvement over previous months, resulting in the company’s second-strongest monthly outcome for 2025. Wholesale figures for Tesla, including domestic and export sales, stood at 71,599 vehicles, according to data from the China Passenger Car Association. This marked a 59.3% domestic growth compared to May, and an increase of 3.75% from June 2024. Recently, declines in sales had been recorded in April and May, making the June results a notable recovery.
How Did Export and Domestic Sales Figures Shift?
Domestic gains were accompanied by a considerable reduction in exports from Gigafactory Shanghai. June exports dropped to 10,115 vehicles—a 56.2% decrease from May and 13.9% lower than June 2024. For the first half of 2025, exports reached 101,064 units, which is 31.85% below the previous year’s level. These figures indicate a shift in focus or market demand toward fulfilling more local orders at the expense of overseas shipments. Tesla has, at times, adjusted its production strategy in response to shifting demand, seasonal patterns, and competition.
Which Models Led Sales and What Was Their Market Impact?
The Model Y remained Tesla’s best-selling vehicle in China, accounting for 51,253 wholesale units in June—a 16.6% rise from the same month last year. The Model 3 also contributed significantly, providing 20,346 units. In the first half of 2025, Model Y deliveries reached 214,034 units, while Model 3 totaled 150,440 units. Tesla’s share of the new energy vehicle (NEV) market in June stood at 5.53%. This share represented a decline from 6.92% in June 2024, yet marked an improvement from 3.78% recorded in May, which underscores the impact of June’s performance on overall market presence.
“The model mix was 51,253 Model Y and 20,346 Model 3.”
Tesla’s June turnaround in China has drawn focus to the interplay between local demand and export strategies. As the largest automotive market globally, China’s NEV segment continues to accelerate, with new energy vehicles reaching 1.11 million units in retail sales in June. Tesla competes with both established domestic names and international rivals, requiring constant adjustment to product offerings, pricing, and production allocations. Given the larger economic and policy landscape in China, factors such as administrative support for NEVs, changing consumer preferences, and competitive launches could sway Tesla’s position in the coming quarters. The model-specific data suggests that consumer interest in models like the Model Y remains robust, while the overall market share trajectory may reflect the intensity of competition. Readers following automotive trends would benefit from monitoring the balance Tesla maintains between domestic sales priorities and export opportunities, as both are likely to affect the company’s significance within the Chinese NEV segment over the next period.
- Tesla China’s June sales showed strong growth after previous declines this year.
- Domestic deliveries rebounded while exports from Giga Shanghai decreased sharply.
- Model Y led sales, and Tesla’s overall NEV market share improved from May.