China’s fast-growing electric vehicle (EV) brand BYD Limited sold twice as many all-electric Atto 3 SUVs in Sweden in July 2023 as Tesla sold Model Y crossovers. According to fresh data, the BYD Atto 3 e-SUV easily outsold the widely popular Tesla Model Y in Sweden last month, proving that the Chinese automaker has started showing its teeth in the highly competitive EV market of Europe.

The Chinese automaker sold a total of 721 units of the Atto 3 compact electric crossover SUV in the Scandinavian country last month, twice as many Tesla Model Y crossovers were sold during the same month (359 units). Thus, BYD sold as many compact electric SUVs last month as Tesla sold Model Ys in the month under review.

BYD’s compact e-SUV in question also outshined the Volkswagen ID.4, BMW i4 and the Skoda Enyaq, which sold 710 units, 385 units, and 370 units, respectively. Stats shared by Automotive News Europe have been taken from the Mobility Sweden Automotive Association.

While it might be a temporary victory, the fact is that a Chinese EV outshined the world-renowned Tesla Model Y in a well-developed EV market of Europe, which is really a big achievement for the Chinese automaker. It may be noted here that the Tesla Model Y was Europe's best-selling car overall in the January through June period (H1) of this year.

The Tesla Model Y, however, remains the best-selling EV in the Swedish market in the first seven months (January through July) of this year with a total of 8,901 registrations. It was followed by the Volvo XC40 Recharge (6,660 units), Volkswagen ID.4 (5,072 units), and Polestar 2 (1,427 units).

The BYD Atto 3, which is known as the BYD Yuan Plus in China and some other markets, is available in the Swedish market with a starting price tag of 445,000 Swedish kronor (approx.US $41,500), while the Tesla Model Y comes with a starting price tag of 560,160 Swedish kronor (approx. $52,400). The BladeBattery of the BYD Atto 3 EV promises a WLTP Combined range of 261 miles (roughly 420 km).

Apart from the Atto 3 EV, BYD’s current electric lineup in Europe includes the Han EV, Dolphin EV, and Tang and Seal electric cars. The fast-growing automaker continues to expand the lineup to make its presence felt in more jurisdictions of the world.