Tesla showed a strong recovery in China this March, selling 74,127 vehicles in the domestic market. While this was an impressive 18.8% increase year-over-year, it was also a massive 176.8% jump from February. The rebound followed a slower start to the year primarily due to a production shift to the new Model Y at Tesla’s Shanghai Gigafactory.
According to data from the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA), Tesla China recorded 78,828 wholesale sales for the month, including 4,701 vehicles exported to other markets around the world. The company typically prioritizes exports early in the quarter before focusing on domestic deliveries, and March’s data reflects that pattern.
Model Y Leads the Charge
Of the 78,828 vehicles sold in China in March, 49,029 were Model Ys and 29,799 were Model 3s. While the Model Y saw a 14.9% decrease from the 57,586 units sold a year ago, the sharp month-over-month surge—up 510.4% from just 8,032 units in February—highlights the impact of the rollout of the new Model Y in China.
The Model 3 saw a smaller decline, down 5.3% from March 2024 but still up 31.5% from February.
Tesla China Q1 Snapshot and Outlook
Tesla’s retail sales in China reached 134,607 units in the first quarter of 2025, up 1.65% year-over-year. This represented nearly 40% of Tesla’s global deliveries for the quarter, which totaled 336,681 units. However, Q1 deliveries were down 31.6% from Q4 2024, largely due to the production transition early in the year.
Tesla’s Shanghai factory exported 38,147 vehicles in the quarter, a 56.9% drop from a year earlier, according to data tracked by CNEvPost.
March’s performance shows Tesla regaining momentum in China with its refreshed lineup, positioning it strongly for the quarters ahead as demand for EVs continues to grow in the world’s largest auto market.
China reported 74,127 Tesla sales and 3.8% market share in March. BEV penetration reaches new record of 32.8% and Tesla has 11.5% of this segment.
— Roland Pircher (@piloly) April 9, 2025
• Market share is 144 basis points or 62% above the 3-month trailing average of 2.3%
• Tesla 6th best-selling brand
• Model Y… pic.twitter.com/ilNqdaidSE
