Tesla Sales Data, Trends & Analysis for the Chinese Automotive Market
After initial groundbreaking happened in December 2018, Tesla’s Chinese Gigafactory (In Chinese: 特斯拉上海超级工厂) started local output of its Model 3 sedan and batteries in January 2020. The Model Y also started production here in January 2021. Also find China sales figures for the Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model Y. Car sales statistics from China only include wholesale figures of domestic production and exclude imported models. Tesla exports Model 3 sedans and Model Y crossovers from its Shanghai Gigafactory to Europe and other markets. These exports are included in the figures below, which therefore do not reflect domestic demand.
Tesla China Sales Figures & Recent Highlights
Tesla began exporting its vehicles to China around 2014. The luxury electric Model S was among the first offerings, which garnered considerable attention given its unique positioning as a high-performance electric car. Recognizing the immense potential of the Chinese market, Tesla made a significant investment by building a Gigafactory in Shanghai, which was announced in 2018. This factory is Tesla’s first manufacturing facility outside of the United States. The Shanghai Gigafactory was constructed at a record pace and began producing the Tesla Model 3 for the Chinese market by the end of 2019. Later, the factory also started production of the Model Y. The establishment of the Gigafactory allowed Tesla to avoid import tariffs and significantly reduce production and delivery times for Chinese customers.
Tesla’s investment in China came with support from the local government, which is keen on promoting electric vehicles as part of its environmental initiatives. Tesla was granted loans and other incentives, and it became the first foreign automaker allowed to open a wholly-owned manufacturing operation in China without partnering with a local company.
Tesla’s sales in China have been strong, with the Model 3 becoming one of the top-selling EVs in the country shortly after its introduction from the Shanghai Gigafactory. China represents a significant portion of Tesla’s global sales, underscoring the importance of the Chinese market to the company’s global strategy. While Tesla has enjoyed success in China, it hasn’t been without challenges. The brand has faced scrutiny over safety issues, customer service complaints, and concerns about data security. Tesla has taken steps to address these concerns, including improving its public relations efforts in the country, enhancing service centers, and implementing vehicle updates.
The electric vehicle market in China is incredibly competitive, with numerous domestic EV manufacturers, such as NIO, XPeng, and Li Auto, vying for a share of the market. As a result, Tesla faces both the challenge and opportunity of maintaining and expanding its foothold. The continued expansion of the Shanghai Gigafactory and the introduction of new models tailored to the preferences of Chinese consumers will play a crucial role in Tesla’s future success in China.
Tesla Annual Sales Data and Market Share in China
Below we have a table that shows total Tesla sales volumes for the Chinese automotive market, broken out by year. This data captures all Tesla vehicle sales for the entire Chinese automotive market.
| Year | Sales | YOY Change | Marketshare | Marketshare Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 135,449 | 0.00 | 0.73 | 0.00 |
| 2021 | 473,103 | 249.28 | 2.34 | 69.02 |
| 2022 | 555,740 | 17.47 | 2.69 | 12.91 |
Tesla China Annual Sales Units & Market Share Chart
Below is a visual representation of Tesla China sales units over time. We have both the Tesla sales units and the market share in the Chinese U.S market. Click on the items in the legend to see each series by itself.
Tesla China Growth Rate & Market Share Chart
Below is the annual growth rate for the Tesla brand in China, shown against the Tesla’s marketshare changes in China. This gives you a good look into how Tesla has faired against the other brands in terms of absolute sales and effect on marketshare. Click on the items in the legend to see each series by itself.
The Best-Selling Tesla Cars & SUVs in China
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