New data shows BYD slipping from the top spot in China’s affordable electric hatchback market as Geely takes the lead. Discover the latest trends and what’s next.
According to the latest insurance registration figures released by Electric Planet News, China’s low‑cost electric hatchback segment recorded a modest decline of two vehicles compared with the previous month. The most striking development? BYD’s flagship hatchbacks — the Dolphin and the Seagull — both vanished from the top‑three ranking.
Market Shift: BYD Drops to Fifth and Sixth
In February 2026, the Dolphin sold 5,699 units and the Seagull 5,329 units, landing respectively at fifth and sixth places. This is a surprise for BYD, which has dominated this niche for years.
Geely Takes the Lead
Taking the crown in January 2026 was Geely’s Geometry Xingyuan, with 29,007 registrations. Even though its numbers fell 19% from December 2025, the model still held a commanding lead over rivals.
MG4 Rockets Ahead with Solid‑State Battery
SAIC’s MG4 climbed from sixth to second place, delivering 10,007 units. The surge is largely credited to the launch of a solid‑state battery version priced at roughly ¥100,000 (about $350,000 VND), making high‑tech performance surprisingly affordable.
BYD’s Tech Refresh: LiDAR Options on the Way
Despite the dip, BYD announced new moves aimed at recapturing market share. Recent filings with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology indicate that both the Dolphin and the Seagull will soon offer optional LiDAR sensors, bringing mid‑range autonomous assistance to cars priced under ¥100,000.
Tax Policy Rewrite and Future Outlook
Industry analysts link the early‑year sales slowdown to the Chinese government’s decision to reinstate vehicle purchase taxes after more than a decade of exemptions. The next set of data for February and March will reveal whether the dip is a short‑term adjustment or a deeper structural shift in the country’s electric hatchback cycle.
Stay tuned as the market recalibrates and manufacturers race to blend affordability with cutting‑edge technology.