Chinese electric vehicle makers BYD and Li Auto achieved record-breaking sales in July, a typically slow month for auto sales, building on the strong momentum from the previous month. This success is likely to widen their lead over competitors in China’s fiercely competitive EV market.

• BYD announced record sales of 340,799 EVs in July, nearly matching its all-time high from December. However, sales of its premium brands, Fangchengbao and Yangwang, struggled, with declines of 31.3% and flat sales, respectively.

• Li Auto achieved its best month ever, delivering 51,000 vehicles in July, driven by strong sales of the L6, its most affordable crossover, which accounted for about 40% of its deliveries. The L6 offers an extended range of up to 1,390 kilometers (864 miles).

• Leapmotor, backed by Stellantis, surpassed 20,000 units in sales for the second consecutive month, driven by the popularity of its C16 SUV, which is marketed as a more affordable alternative to Li Auto’s L9.