

News
The Tesla Model Y is absolutely dominating China’s premium SUV sector
The Tesla Model Y is absolutely dominating China’s high-end SUV market, with the all-electric crossover selling 23,117 units in November. This allowed the Model Y to outsell some of the most popular luxury SUVs that have long been selling well in China, such as the Audi Q5 and the BMW X3.
The Model Y’s gap from its rivals in China’s high-end SUV market is substantial, as the second place, the Lixiang ONE, only sold 13,485 units last month, or just about 58% of the Tesla crossover’s sales. The Mercedes-Benz GLC is in a distant third place with 12,269 units sold in November. Other German SUVs were further down, such as the Audi Q5, which sold 11,411 units last month, and the BMW X3, which sold 10,436.
With its feat in November, the Tesla Model Y has effectively topped the country’s premium high-end SUV rankings two months in a row. The Model Y also saw a 74% month-over-month increase in local vehicle sales, though this is most likely due to the fact that Tesla exported a large amount of the vehicles produced in Giga Shanghai to foreign territories in October.
The Model Y’s strength is especially evident if one were to look at how the vehicle is performing in the country’s general SUV market, which features players that are notably more affordable than the Tesla crossover. In November, the Tesla Model Y was China’s third-best-selling SUV overall with its domestic sales of 23,117, allowing the vehicle to beat the Toyota Rav4, which sold 19,539 units.
While the Model Y’s dominance in China’s luxury SUV segment and its performance in the country’s general SUV market may be surprising for some, the vehicle’s potential has been highlighted by Tesla CEO Elon Musk. During the Q1 2021 earnings call, Musk stated that considering the Model 3’s success, there is a chance that the Model Y could become the best-selling car or truck of any kind in the world, EV or otherwise.
“The BMW 3 Series was for the longest time the best-selling premium sedan, and it has been exceeded by the Tesla Model 3. And this is only three and a half years into production and was just two factories. For Model 3 to be outselling its combustion engine competitors, I think, is quite remarkable… When it comes to Model Y, we think Model Y will be the best-selling car or vehicle of any kind in the world and probably next year. So I’m not 100% certain next year, but I think it’s quite likely. I’d say more likely than not that in 2022, Model Y (would be) the best-selling car or truck of any kind in the world,” Musk said.
The Teslarati team would appreciate hearing from you. If you have any tips, reach out to me at maria@teslarati.com or via Twitter @Writer_01001101.
News
BYD profit surges 100.4% as smart EVs drive growth

China’s leading automaker, BYD, reported a 100.4% profit surge in the first quarter, partly driven by its smart electric vehicle (EV) features. BYD’s net profit reached 9.2 billion yuan ($1.26 billion), exceeding the company’s earlier forecast of RMB 8.5 billion ($1.1 billion) to RMB 10 billion ($1.3 billion), according to a Friday stock filing.
The Chinese automaker’s revenue for the quarter hit RMB 170.4 billion ($23 billion), up 36.4% year-on-year, though growth slowed from the prior quarter’s 52.7% rise. BYD’s dominance in China grew stronger, with its market share climbing to 13.6% from 12.1% a year earlier. The company’s “God’s Eye” driver-assistance system–now standard across its lineup at no extra cost–and a new supercharging EV platform have fueled its edge.
Industry observers noted that BYD’s strides with God’s Eye and EV supercharging platform have encouraged Leapmotor, Geely, and Toyota to push harder with their affordable smart EVs. BYD’s strategy of slashing prices while enhancing technology has roiled the market, solidifying its lead in China’s fiercely competitive EV sector.
Beyond its home market, BYD aims to export 800,000 vehicles this year. However, its European expansion has faced hurdles. The Chinese company’s rapid response to its European challenges reflects its broader ambition to dominate global EV markets.
BYD’s ability to combine affordability with advanced features has pressured competitors to adapt, intensifying the global race for EV supremacy. In China, BYD’s price war shows no signs of slowing, with its market share gains signaling robust demand for its smart, cost-competitive vehicles. As BYD refines its international strategy, its first-quarter performance underscores its growing influence in the automotive industry.
Note: BYD sells hybrids and internal combustion engine cars alongside its electric vehicles.
News
D.C. suspect faces charges for vandalizing Tesla vehicles
49-year-old Justin Fisher hit 4 Teslas across D.C. in March. Prosecutor says the acts were meant to “suppress political speech.”

A Washington, D.C., man has been charged with vandalizing Tesla vehicles across Northeast D.C., with authorities labeling the acts as domestic terrorism. Tesla vandalism attacks increased in the first quarter.
Justin Fisher, 49, faces four misdemeanor counts of defacing public or private property for incidents between March 1 and March 21, 2025, U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. and Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith announced.
Court documents outline Fisher’s alleged offenses, which targeted Tesla vehicles owned by multiple victims. The first case of Tesla vandalism occurred on March 1 at 10:11 a.m. in the 200 block of K Street, followed by a second on March 2 at 6:15 p.m. in the 200 block of 11th Street. The third time Fisher reportedly vandalized a Tesla was on March 8 at 8:05 a.m. in the 600-700 blocks of F Street. The last time the suspect vandalized a Tesla was on March 21 at 5:15 p.m. in the 600 block of G Street. Fisher was arrested on April 1, 2025, by the Metropolitan Police Department, which continues to investigate the cases.
“The so-called ‘Tesla Takedown’ is domestic terrorism, and my team is taking it on front and center,” said U.S. Attorney Martin. “These attacks are not just an attack on someone’s property. They are meant to intimidate and suppress political speech and shut down the marketplace of ideas,” Martin said. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia is prosecuting the case.
“If you target Tesla and break the law, then you can expect consequences,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This Department of Justice will not tolerate such criminal acts.”
Fisher appeared in Superior Court and was released on personal recognizance. His initial status hearing is set for June 10, 2025. The misdemeanor charges carry significant weight due to their domestic terrorism designation, signaling a broader crackdown on ideologically driven property crimes. The attacks highlight tensions surrounding Tesla, which has faced scrutiny and admiration alike from the public.
The case underscores the challenges of balancing free expression with criminal accountability. As the investigation unfolds, authorities aim to clarify Fisher’s motives.
News
Tesla Robotaxi benefits from Trump’s new self-driving rules
Trump admin eases self-driving rules. Tesla could launch FSD faster. Austin Robotaxi launch now looks even stronger.

The Tesla Robotaxi network will benefit from U.S. President Trump’s new self-driving rules.
The Trump administration is loosening regulations to support U.S. automakers like Tesla in developing self-driving cars. The United States government aims to outpace Chinese competitors in autonomous vehicle development. The policy shift, which was announced by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on Thursday, targets federal safety rules and crash reporting requirements to accelerate autonomous vehicle innovation.
The Transportation Department outlined exemptions allowing U.S. companies to bypass specific safety regulations for self-driving vehicles used in research, demonstrations, and non-commercial settings. Previously, such exemptions were applied mainly to foreign vehicles with standards different from those in the United States. The department also plans to streamline crash reporting rules, which Elon Musk has criticized, and move toward a unified national standard, replacing fragmented state regulations.
“We’re in a race with China to out-innovate, and the stakes couldn’t be higher,” said Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy in a statement. “Our new framework will slash red tape and move us closer to a single national standard.”
The regulatory changes align with Tesla’s ambitions in autonomous driving, particularly related to its Robotaxi network. On Wednesday, Musk confirmed during a Tesla investor call that the company is prepared to launch self-driving Tesla robotaxis in Austin, Texas, by June. Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, a cornerstone of its robotaxi plans, could benefit from the eased rules, expediting testing and deployment.
The exemptions are designed to level the playing field for U.S. automakers, giving Tesla and others more flexibility to innovate. The administration aims to foster a competitive environment against Chinese firms advancing in autonomous vehicle technology by simplifying crash reporting and harmonizing regulations. Industry observers note China’s aggressive push for self-driving tech has pressured U.S. policymakers to act.
Tesla’s Austin Robotaxi rollout will be a key testbed for its FSD software under the new regulatory framework. The company has been refining FSD, with recent updates showcasing improved performance. The Transportation Department’s move could accelerate Tesla’s timeline for scaling its autonomous fleet, a critical step toward Musk’s vision of the Robotaxi network.
The policy shift underscores a broader U.S. strategy to maintain technological leadership. With Tesla at the forefront, the loosened rules could reshape the self-driving landscape, positioning American automakers to challenge global rivals.
-
News4 days ago
Tesla’s Hollywood Diner is finally getting close to opening
-
Elon Musk7 days ago
Tesla doubles down on Robotaxi launch date, putting a big bet on its timeline
-
News1 week ago
Tesla’s top investor questions ahead of the Q1 2025 earnings call
-
Cybertruck2 weeks ago
Tesla confirms Cybertruck will make its way out of North America this year
-
News2 weeks ago
Tesla launches cheapest and longest range Cybertruck trim yet
-
Investor's Corner2 weeks ago
Tesla average transaction prices (ATP) rise in March 2025: Cox Automotive
-
Cybertruck2 weeks ago
Tesla unveils new Cybertruck configuration, but not in the U.S. (yet)
-
News2 weeks ago
Underrated Tesla safety feature recognized by China Automotive Research Institute