Singapore’s automotive landscape has reached a historic milestone. In 2025, electric vehicles accounted for nearly half of all new car registrations, signalling a decisive shift in consumer preferences and national transport trends. At the centre of this transformation is Chinese automaker BYD, which has emerged as Singapore’s best-selling car brand, outperforming long-established names such as Toyota and BMW.
With competitive pricing, a broad product range, and strong brand visibility, BYD’s rise reflects not only the success of one manufacturer but also the rapid maturation of Singapore’s EV market.
BYD Tops New Car Registrations in 2025
BYD registered a total of 11,184 new vehicles in Singapore in 2025, giving it a commanding 21.2 per cent share of the 52,678 cars registered during the year. This means more than one in five new cars on Singapore roads now carries the BYD badge.
Toyota followed in second place with 7,466 new registrations, while BMW took third with 5,091 vehicles. Despite strong competition from both mass-market and premium brands, BYD’s numbers stood out clearly, underscoring its dominance in a rapidly evolving market.
Industry observers note that this achievement marks a significant shift, as Chinese car brands were once considered niche players in Singapore’s tightly regulated automotive sector.
EV Sales Surge to 45 Per Cent of New Registrations
The broader context behind BYD’s success is Singapore’s accelerating adoption of electric vehicles. In 2025, a record 23,684 EVs were registered, accounting for 45 per cent of all new cars sold. This represents a sharp increase from 2024, when EVs made up 34 per cent of new registrations.
By the end of 2025, the total number of electric vehicles on Singapore roads reached 49,262, or 7.4 per cent of the overall car population. Just a year earlier, EVs accounted for only 4 per cent, highlighting how quickly electrification is reshaping the transport landscape.
Government incentives, improved charging infrastructure, and growing consumer confidence have all contributed to this rapid growth.
Why BYD Is Winning Over Singaporean Buyers
Transport economists and industry experts point to several factors behind BYD’s strong performance. One of the most frequently cited reasons is value for money. Compared to traditional Japanese and Korean mass-market brands, Chinese EVs have gained a reputation for offering more features at competitive price points.
BYD’s extensive lineup is another key advantage. From compact sedans to SUVs and multi-purpose vehicles, the brand covers almost every popular car category in Singapore. This allows it to appeal to a wide range of buyers, from first-time car owners to families upgrading their vehicles.
In addition, BYD’s luxury sub-brand Denza has helped the group capture higher-end segments, bridging the gap between mass-market affordability and premium appeal. This dual-market strategy has strengthened brand perception and expanded its customer base.
Strong Branding and Aggressive Market Presence
Beyond product offerings, BYD’s marketing and distribution strategy has played a crucial role. The brand maintains a strong on-the-ground presence in Singapore, supported by multiple appointed dealers alongside its official distributor. This wide network improves accessibility, visibility, and after-sales confidence for buyers.
Globally, BYD’s reputation has also grown significantly. In 2025, the company overtook Tesla to become the world’s largest EV manufacturer by sales volume. BYD sold approximately 2.26 million EVs worldwide, compared to Tesla’s 1.64 million. This global success has reinforced trust among local consumers who may previously have been cautious about newer automotive brands.
In Singapore, Tesla remains the only other EV brand to feature in the top 10, with 3,476 new registrations last year.
Incentives and Buyer Urgency Fuel Demand
Another factor driving EV sales in 2025 was the impending reduction in government incentives. The EV adoption rebate was reduced from a maximum of S$40,000 in 2025 to S$30,000 in 2026. This change created a sense of urgency among consumers, encouraging many to secure their purchases before incentives decreased further.
Dealers observed a noticeable spike in showroom traffic as buyers rushed to take advantage of higher rebates, particularly for competitively priced models such as those offered by BYD.
Can BYD Maintain Its Market Leadership?
Looking ahead, industry experts believe BYD is well positioned to retain its lead in Singapore, at least in the near term. Its comprehensive product lineup, strong brand awareness, and economies of scale give it a significant advantage over newer entrants.
However, competition is expected to intensify. Japanese and Korean manufacturers are under pressure to introduce more affordable and feature-rich EVs to regain lost ground. At the same time, other Chinese EV brands are gradually entering the Singapore market, though they may need time to build trust and recognition comparable to BYD.
Ultimately, Singapore’s car market will continue to be influenced by global developments, as most automakers make strategic decisions based on international profitability rather than local market share alone.
What BYD’s Rise Means for Singapore Drivers
BYD’s ascent to the top of Singapore’s car sales rankings reflects a broader transformation in how consumers view electric vehicles. EVs are no longer niche or experimental. They are fast becoming the default choice for new car buyers.
For consumers, this increased competition brings more options, better features, and greater price transparency. For the industry, it signals that electrification is no longer a future goal, but a present reality.
