Tesla ceded its crown as the world's top electric vehicle maker to China's BYD, after annual sales fell for a second year, hit by rising competition, the expiry of U.S. tax credits and brand backlash. With global EV sales rising 28 percent last year, BYD outsold Tesla for the first time on an annual basis, helped by rapid growth in Europe, where the Chinese automaker has been widening its lead over the U.S. rival. Tesla, whose sales fell about 8.6 percent in 2025, is facing intense competition, especially in Europe, raising questions about its ability to revive ‍the core auto business as CEO Elon Musk steers the company towards robotaxis and humanoid robots. Shares of the company fell about 2 percent in afternoon trading. "Investors are so focused on the future with Tesla that they are ignoring delivery numbers. It's about Optimus, Robotaxi and physical AI," said Dennis Dick, a trader at Triple D Trading, which owns Tesla shares. End of tax credit in U.S. pinches Tesla Tesla's fourth-quarter figures come after third-quarter deliveries were supported by a rush to lock in $7,500 in ‍fede