Electrifying Opportunities: The 2 EV Stocks That Could Shock Investors with

 Skyrocketing Returns!

Following the initial excitement over the potential of numerous start-ups and related businesses, investors in electric vehicle (EV) stocks were hit with a reality check last year. Even the industry's biggest players saw their stocks fall despite record profits. For example, Tesla's (TSLA -6.55%) shares fell by 65% in 2022. Investors abandoned these companies due to a variety of factors, but some are now returning this year. Fortunately, investing in shares of the two largest global EV manufacturers is still possible.

When sales of completely electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles are combined, BYD of China overtakes Tesla as the largest manufacturer of plug-in electric vehicles. Nonetheless, shares of both Tesla and BYD have appreciated this year, and investors have good reason to own them. Profits at Tesla have increased dramatically in recent years, allowing the business to fund investments in new factories and a wider range of products. Semi-electric heavy trucks have begun delivering, and production of the Cybertruck pickup truck will commence this year.

After delivering 1.3 million vehicles in 2022, Tesla plans to boost that number annually by approximately 50% for several years. CEO Elon Musk said during a quarterly earnings call with investors that "demand far exceeds production". Assuming there is robust worldwide demand for electric vehicles, Tesla should be able to fulfill this target as production at its new factory continues to ramp up.

BYD has already surpassed Tesla by delivering almost 1.9 million units in 2022, with a relatively even split between fully electric and plug-in hybrid products. Although the majority of BYD's sales are in mainland China, the company is eyeing Europe as its next market and is in talks with Ford to purchase its German manufacturing plant, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway has invested in BYD since 2008. BYD manufactures a wide variety of products, such as batteries, buses, trains, and renewable energy systems. Comparable to Tesla in terms of profitability, with projected earnings of roughly $2.5 billion in 2022. In spite of the fact that only 10% of worldwide light car sales were fully electric offers in 2022, both Tesla and BYD are seen as having promising futures as electric vehicle adoption increases. There is still time to invest in these market leaders in a rapidly expanding industry, despite the fact that their share prices have risen in recent months.