China's electric-vehicle (EV) market crossed a symbolic line in 2024: new-energy vehicle (NEV) sales reached 12.87 million units, equal to 40.9% of all new car sales - up from about 31.6% in 2023. NEVs include pure battery electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles.
BEV vs PHEV
In 2024, BEVs made up about 60% of NEVs while PHEVs were roughly 40% - and PHEVs grew much faster, becoming a major growth driver as consumers sought flexibility for long trips. In several months, NEVs exceeded 50% of monthly domestic passenger-car sales.
The brands
BYD is the volume leader, with Tesla's Shanghai plant a major BEV supplier. Homegrown brands such as NIO, Li Auto, XPeng, AION and Leapmotor compete across price segments, while Chinese-brand passenger cars reached 65.2% of domestic passenger-car sales in 2024. For head-to-head detail, see our EV Brand Comparison.
Charging and exports
China's charging network expanded ahead of demand in major cities, easing range anxiety, while vehicle exports reached 5.86 million units in 2024 (all fuel types), with NEVs a fast-growing share bound for Europe, Southeast Asia and Latin America. Industrial policy, battery cost leadership and dense supplier clusters underpin the export push.
Why it matters
China's EV scale drives global battery demand, cell chemistry (LFP vs NMC) and charging standards. It also reshapes oil demand and the economics of refineries worldwide. Read the energy-transition overview for the system context.
Frequently asked questions
What percentage of China's car sales were electric in 2024?
New-energy vehicles were 40.9% of new car sales in 2024, or about 12.87 million units, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.
Which Chinese EV brands lead the market?
BYD is the volume leader; Tesla's Shanghai plant is a major BEV supplier; and brands such as NIO, Li Auto, XPeng and AION compete across segments. See our EV Brand Comparison guide.
Are Chinese EVs exported?
Yes. China exported about 5.86 million vehicles in 2024, with NEVs a growing share shipped to Europe, Southeast Asia and Latin America.