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0 of 8 readTesla delivered 486,532 vehicles in Q3, down 2.1% year-on-year but beating estimates, while BYD posted its strongest month of 2026 with 463,561 NEVs, widening its BEV lead. Chinese battery makers CATL and BYD together hold over 54% of the global EV battery market.
Tesla Q3 deliveries fall 2.1% to 486,532, beating estimates
Tesla delivered 486,532 vehicles globally in Q3, down 2.1% year-on-year but above the 461,974 Wall Street consensus. It produced about 464,000 vehicles, delivering roughly 22,000 more than it built.
Why it mattersThe beat eases demand concerns, but the year-on-year decline shows Tesla still faces growth pressure.
BYD posts strongest month of 2026 with 463,561 NEVs
BYD delivered 463,561 NEVs in September, its strongest month of 2026 so far. All-electric vehicles grew significantly while plug-in hybrids declined, with exports to Europe and other markets playing a key role.
Why it mattersBYD's BEV growth widens its lead over Tesla, and rising exports signal accelerating global expansion.
Global EV battery share Jan-Aug: CATL 39.4%, BYD 15.1%
CATL led the global EV battery market with a 39.4% share in January-August 2026, followed by BYD at 15.1%. Seven Chinese companies in the top 10 held a combined 73.3% share.
Why it mattersChinese battery makers' dominance deepens, with far-reaching impact on global automakers' supply and cost structures.
UK BEV sales hit record in September, up 36.3%
The UK registered 99,199 battery-electric cars in September, up 36.3% year-on-year, taking a record 28.3% market share. Tesla's Model 3 was the best-selling EV and second best-selling car overall.
Why it mattersThe UK's record BEV share shows Europe's EV transition accelerating on policy and product momentum.
Rivian Q3 deliveries surge 45% to 19,248 as R2 launches
Rivian delivered 19,248 vehicles in Q3, up about 45% year-on-year and a new record, as its R2 model hit the market.
Why it mattersThe R2 is key to Rivian's scaling and cost reduction, and the delivery surge shows strong market reception.
BMW starts Gen6 battery production; 2027 i3 orders open early in US
BMW opened its new battery plant in Irlbach-Straßkirchen, starting series production of sixth-generation high-voltage batteries initially for the new i3 from Munich. US orders for the 2027 i3 opened a week early, with an estimated EPA range of up to 468 miles.
Why it mattersGen6 batteries are central to BMW's Neue Klasse, and in-house production helps control costs and secure supply.
Mercedes drops EQE sedan and other EVs for 2027
Mercedes-Benz is revamping its EV lineup, with the EQE sedan, top-spec EQS SUV and AMG S-Class to be discontinued for 2027. The new CLA and GLB are now on sale.
Why it mattersMercedes is streamlining its early EQ lineup toward new-platform models, reflecting a strategic shift in legacy automakers' EV plans.
Ford US EV sales drop 80% in Q3, bets on $30,000 Fathom pickup
Ford's US EV sales fell 80% year-on-year in Q3. The company plans to launch the Fathom electric pickup in early 2027 starting at about $30,000 to reset its EV business.
Why it mattersWith Ford's EV business slumping, the Fathom's success will determine the future of its electrification push.