XPeng Mona M03 Dominates as Tesla Model Y Rebounds in China EV Sales

In November 2025, China's electric vehicle (EV) market showcased resilience amid competitive pressures, with XPeng's Mona M03 sedan delivering a robust 14,886 units and Tesla's Model Y rebounding sharply to 47,132 units in China retail sales. These figures, reported by the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) and compiled by CnEVPost on December 9, highlight XPeng's domestic strength and Tesla's recovery from a sluggish October, even as overall Tesla China sales dipped year-over-year. This data underscores the intensifying battle in the world's largest EV market, where affordable models and SUVs drive growth.

XPeng's November Delivery Breakdown: Mona M03 Leads the Charge

XPeng (NYSE: XPEV, HKG: 9868) delivered 36,728 vehicles in November, with the Mona M03 continuing its dominance as the top-selling model. Launched in August 2024 with prices starting at RMB 119,800 ($16,940), the sedan marked its 15th straight month above 10,000 units.

Key highlights:

• Mona M03: 14,886 units (40.53% of total), +24.44% YoY but -9.36% MoM from 16,424.
• Cumulative Jan-Nov: 163,299 units (41.66% of XPeng's 391,937 total).
• Overall cumulative Mona M03: 211,908 units by end-November.

The G6 SUV followed with 6,324 units (17.22% share), despite a 20.24% MoM drop, boasting a strong Jan-Nov YoY growth of 48.57% to 71,471 units. The X9 MPV surged notably, signaling demand for family-oriented EVs, while models like P7, G7, and G9 saw declines.

XPeng's focus on affordable intelligence-driven sedans like Mona M03 positions it well against rivals in the sub-RMB 150,000 segment.

Tesla's China Retail Sales Rebound: Model Y Powers Ahead

Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) recorded 73,145 retail sales in China for November, down YoY for the fifth month but up sharply MoM. Exports from its Shanghai Gigafactory fell, with Model Y at 8,444 units (-55.73% MoM) and Model 3 at 5,111 (-68.87% MoM).

Standout performances:

• Model Y: 47,132 units (64.44% of total), +5.73% YoY, +141.85% MoM from 19,488.
• Model 3: 26,013 units, -10.03% YoY, +299.09% MoM.
• Jan-Nov China retail: 531,855 units (-7.37% YoY), with Model Y at 359,463 (-14.09% YoY).

The Model Y's surge reflects pent-up demand and refreshed appeal, despite broader headwinds like price competition.

Why This Matters: Global Implications for the EV Market

These November figures signal a maturing Chinese EV landscape, where XPeng's Mona M03 (40%+ share) challenges Tesla's incumbency, and Tesla pivots to domestic strength amid export slowdowns. XPeng's 24% YoY Mona growth contrasts Tesla's 7% Jan-Nov decline, highlighting how budget models (under $20K) erode premium pricing power. Globally, this intensifies pressure on Western automakers, as China's export hubs like Shanghai fuel overseas expansion—XPeng eyes Europe, Tesla dominates exports YoY despite MoM dips.

In a market projected to exceed 10 million NEV sales in 2025, affordability, ADAS tech, and SUVs/MPVs like X9 dictate winners. US stock reactions (XPeng +2%, Tesla -3% on Dec 8) underscore investor scrutiny.

Looking Ahead: 2025 Year-End Push and Beyond

December typically sees a sales rush ahead of subsidies and quotas. XPeng could hit 50,000 monthly with X9 momentum and G6/G9 updates (launched March 2025 with advanced batteries). Tesla may leverage Model Y upgrades and Cybercab hype for Q4 recovery. Watch for BYD, NIO crossovers—China's EV penetration nears 50%, exporting deflationary pricing worldwide. Expect intensified competition, but innovation in L4 autonomy and solid-state batteries will separate leaders.