Geely Tops 2025 China EV Sales as 2G Shutdown Hits Early Models

In a dramatic shift for China's fiercely competitive EV market, Geely's Xingyuan has claimed the top spot in 2025 sales with 446,000 units through November, dethroning BYD's former dominance amid rising hybrid preferences and product iterations. Meanwhile, the ongoing 2G network retirement is crippling smart features on nearly 380 million electric bikes and some early EVs, forcing owners to pay hundreds for upgrades. Dongfeng's solid-state battery mass production delay to 2027 underscores persistent tech hurdles, as the industry navigates structural changes in a maturing market.

2025 Sales Shakeup: Geely Dethrones BYD, Hybrids and Small Cars Reign

China's EV and new energy vehicle (NEV) market entered a 'stock competition' phase in 2025, with penetration rates stabilizing post-rapid growth. Dongchehui data reveals the top 20 models sold over 18,000 units monthly on average, but the leaderboard flipped dramatically from 2023-2024.

• Geely Xingyuan leads with 446,000 units, its compact design, space, and pricing outpacing BYD's Sea Gull (341,000 units, #5) and Dolphin (dropped to #32).
• Geely's strategy: 'Blue Geely' hybrid push, countering BYD with models like Galaxy L6 (vs. Qin PLUS DM-i) and EM-i hybrid at 46.5% thermal efficiency, edging BYD's 46.06%.
• BYD retreats: Qin L (278,000, #8) and Seal 06 DM-i (230,000, #14) hold ground, but Han halves to 137,000 units amid Xiaomi SU7 (272,000) and Tesla Model 3 (193,000) pressure. Sea Gull/Dolphin lose mini-EV crown.

Geely's dual fuel-NEV success contrasts BYD's EV-heavy past, with oil-electric hybrids now coexisting as 'small cars rule' in tight urban markets.

2G Network Sunset: Early EVs and E-Bikes Face 'Lost Connection' Crisis

China's 2G退网 (retirement) is disrupting ~380 million electric bicycles and select early smart EVs reliant on legacy networks for features like GPS tracking, remote locks, and app controls. Consumers report:

• Service interruptions post-retirement.
• Upgrade costs: Hundreds of yuan, with brands varying—some free, others split or full owner burden.

This affects pre-2020 models from various makers, highlighting IoT vulnerabilities in China's vast two-wheeler EV fleet (not passenger cars primarily, but signaling risks for aging vehicle tech). Manufacturers must accelerate 4G/5G retrofits to retain user trust.

Dongfeng Delays Solid-State Batteries to 2027: Tech Realism in EV Race

State-owned Dongfeng pushed back solid-state battery mass production from September 2026 to 2027, citing R&D on routes, costs, and scaling. Key specs of their 350 Wh/kg prototype:

• Ternary cathode, silicon-carbon anode, oxide-polymer electrolyte.
• 72% capacity at -30°C; survives 170°C safety tests.
• Integrates with Mach Super-kV platform: 1,200V architecture, 2MW charging (2.5 km range/second), 1,000+ km range, 30,000 rpm e-motor.

Tested in eπ 007 sedan, the delay reflects industry-wide challenges, even as demos impress.

Why This Matters: Global Implications for Chinese EVs

Geely's rise signals hybrids' enduring role (vs. pure EV push in West), with small cars dominating urban China—export lessons for Europe/Asia. 2G issues expose connectivity risks, pressuring OTA updates and 5G standards globally. Dongfeng's battery delay tempers hype but affirms China's lead in density (350 Wh/kg nears rivals like Toyota's 2027-2028 targets). Amid BYD/Geely rivalry, expect fiercer pricing and tech wars, boosting affordability worldwide.

Looking Ahead: 2026 Pivots and Opportunities

BYD may counter with refreshed Hans and expanded Denza/Leopard lines; Geely pushes Galaxy/Starship. Post-2G, expect unified upgrades. Solid-state by 2027 could extend ranges 30-50%, aiding exports against Tesla/BYD. Watch Q4 2025 finals—China's NEV market, at 40%+ penetration, reshapes global supply chains.