BYD, a leading Chinese automaker, experienced a 100.4% surge in profit in the first quarter, boosted by its smart electric vehicle (EV) features. Net profit reached 9.2 billion yuan ($1.26 billion), surpassing earlier forecasts. Revenue for the quarter hit RMB 170.4 billion ($23 billion), a 36.4% year-on-year increase, although growth slowed from the previous quarter. BYD's market share in China climbed to 13.6% from 12.1% a year earlier, driven by its “God’s Eye” driver-assistance system and a new supercharging EV platform. This has spurred competitors like Leapmotor, Geely, and Toyota to enhance their affordable smart EVs. BYD's strategy of slashing prices while improving technology has solidified its lead in China’s competitive EV sector and is aiming to export 800,000 vehicles this year but faces challenges in European expansion.

In other news, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty is facing controversy for not charging 33-year-old Dylan Bryan Adams, who keyed six Teslas, resulting in over $20,000 in damages. Instead, Adams was entered into an adult diversion program. This decision contrasts with Moriarty's charging of a 19-year-old first-time offender for keying a single vehicle, causing $7,000 in damages. Moriarty defended her decision, stating it was made without political considerations and was in the best interest of public safety, focusing on restitution and avoiding convictions when possible.

Washington state lawmakers are considering HB 2077, a bill that would tax Tesla’s emission credits. The proposed tax includes a 2% tax on emission credit sales and a 10% tax on banked credits. This is projected to generate $78 million in the 2025-27 biennium and $100 million annually thereafter, with funds allocated to the state's general funds and EV infrastructure. Supporters argue it would prevent cuts to state services. Tesla's lobbyist opposes the bill, warning it undermines the state’s zero-emission policy.

The Tesla Takedown movement celebrated Tesla's Q1 2025 results, which were below expectations. The group is now targeting Elon Musk’s other ventures, including Starlink and SpaceX. Tesla Takedown claims its efforts are impacting Tesla's bottom line, noting increased engagement and new anti-Tesla protests. The group is preparing similar efforts against Musk's other businesses, arguing that it is actually an anti-Elon Musk group.

BYD has also strengthened its UK leadership team. Simon Bisp has been appointed as head of customer experience, Andy Dolan as head of retail sales, and Matt Collins has taken on an expanded role as head of sales operations and logistics. These appointments follow a record first quarter for BYD UK, with 9,271 cars sold and a market share increase to 1.6%.