Domestic sales for Tesla China soared to 61,484 units in June 2025, marking a significant recovery from previous months and setting the stage for a robust conclusion to the second quarter. This figure represents Tesla’s second-best monthly performance of the year, trailing only March when the company delivered 74,127 vehicles domestically.
According to the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA), Tesla’s total wholesale sales in June reached 71,599 cars. This indicates a 59.3% increase from May’s 38,588 units and a 3.75% rise year-over-year from June 2024’s 59,261 units, as reported by CNEV Post. This rebound ends a two-month streak of year-over-year declines and contributes to Tesla’s Q2 retail total in China of 128,803 units, although this still marks an 11.7% drop from the same period last year.
A Strong Comeback for Tesla China
In June, Tesla’s Giga Shanghai plant sold 71,599 cars, with 61,484 sold domestically and 10,115 exported. The model mix comprised 51,253 Model Y vehicles and 20,346 Model 3 vehicles. This stronger domestic performance came as Tesla reduced its export output from Giga Shanghai, which saw a 56.2% drop from May and a 13.9% decrease from the previous year.
For the first half of 2025, Tesla China exported a total of 101,064 units, representing a 31.85% decline compared to the same period in 2024. This strategic shift towards boosting domestic sales appears to be paying off, as evidenced by the June sales figures.
Tesla’s 2025 Performance in Context
The broader new energy vehicle (NEV) market in China also experienced growth in June, with retail sales reaching 1.11 million units, a 29.7% increase year-over-year. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for 661,000 of these sales. Despite the growth, Tesla’s NEV market share for June was 5.53%, down from 6.92% a year earlier but an improvement over May’s 3.78%.
The Model Y continues to be a key driver of Tesla China’s sales, with wholesale figures reaching 51,253 units in June, a 16.6% increase from a year ago and nearly 30% from May. In the first six months of the year, the Model Y’s wholesale numbers totaled 214,034 units. In comparison, the Model 3 saw wholesale volumes of 150,440 units during the same period.
Implications and Future Prospects
The resurgence in Tesla China’s domestic sales comes amid a competitive landscape in the Chinese NEV market, where local automakers are rapidly advancing their offerings. Tesla’s ability to rebound in June suggests a strategic focus on domestic sales, possibly as a response to fluctuating export dynamics and competitive pressures.
Industry experts suggest that Tesla’s performance in the coming months will hinge on its ability to maintain this momentum while navigating supply chain challenges and evolving consumer preferences. The company’s decision to prioritize domestic sales could also be seen as a strategic move to solidify its foothold in the world’s largest automotive market.
Looking ahead, Tesla’s performance in China will likely be a bellwether for its global strategy, as the company continues to balance its production and sales efforts across various regions. With the NEV market in China expected to grow further, Tesla’s ability to innovate and adapt will be crucial in maintaining its competitive edge.
As Tesla China moves forward, the automotive industry will be closely watching its strategies and outcomes, particularly in how it manages its production capabilities and market positioning in a rapidly evolving landscape.