From Tesla to BYD: The Best EV Stock to Buy Today

TLDR

Table of Contents

Lucid Group is growing faster than Rivian with 73% sales growth expected this year and 96% in 2026
Lucid’s new Gravity SUV launch doubles their vehicle lineup and drives current growth
BYD surpassed Tesla’s revenue in 2024 with $107 billion and captured over 30% of China’s EV market
Tesla’s deliveries dropped to 337,000 in Q1 2025, the lowest in over two years
High prices remain a challenge for Lucid with vehicles costing $70,000 to $249,000

The electric vehicle sector shows mixed performance across different companies and regions. Recent data reveals changing dynamics between established players and emerging competitors.

Lucid Group (LCID) demonstrates faster growth compared to Rivian Automotive. Analysts predict 73% sales growth for Lucid this year, followed by 96% growth in 2026. Rivian faces slower expansion with just 5% sales growth expected in 2025, though this should accelerate to 40% in 2026.

The growth difference stems from Lucid’s product expansion strategy. The company recently began scaling production of its new Gravity SUV. This launch doubles Lucid’s vehicle lineup from just the Air sedan to two models.

Production Scaling Drives Performance

SUVs represent one of the fastest-growing vehicle categories in the United States. Lucid’s entry into this segment with the Gravity model positions the company for increased market penetration. The expanded lineup allows for greater overall production capacity.

However, pricing remains a barrier for mass market adoption. Lucid vehicles cost between $70,000 and $249,000 depending on model and package options. The luxury Air Sapphire model reaches the top end of this range.

Lucid has announced plans for three more affordable vehicle models. Details about these upcoming vehicles remain limited. The company holds less than $1.9 billion in cash, which may constrain development timelines.

Global Competition Intensifies

Meanwhile, the global EV landscape shows different trends. BYD (BYDDY) has emerged as a major competitor to Tesla, particularly in the Chinese market. In 2024, BYD generated $107 billion in revenue, surpassing Tesla’s figures.

Tesla faces delivery challenges in 2025. The company reported 337,000 vehicle deliveries in the first quarter, marking the lowest quarterly performance in over two years. Second quarter reports suggest continued weakness.

Market Share Shifts in China

BYD captured over 30% of China’s EV market share compared to Tesla’s 6%. This represents a major shift in the world’s largest automotive market. BYD achieved $5.6 billion in profits while Tesla generated $7.1 billion globally.

Wells Fargo analyst Colin Langan expects Tesla’s delivery weakness to continue. May deliveries dropped 23% year-over-year and fell 21% quarter-to-date. Langan maintains a sell rating on Tesla stock.

Tesla (TSLA) focuses on future technologies beyond traditional vehicle sales. The company recently launched full self-driving robotaxis in Austin, Texas. Management plans to deploy 1,000 vehicles by year-end and begin generating revenue from the service.

The company also develops Optimus humanoid robots. Tesla expects to build 50,000 units by the end of next year. These initiatives represent Tesla’s expansion beyond core automotive manufacturing.

BYD does not currently sell vehicles in the United States market. The company concentrates on hybrid and fully electric vehicles in China and other international markets. This geographic focus has allowed BYD to capture substantial market share in its primary region.

Tesla’s market capitalization remains at $1 trillion despite delivery challenges. The stock trades based on future technology promises rather than current automotive fundamentals. BYD generated higher revenue and profits in 2024 while maintaining stronger regional market position.

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