> in what ways is their technology more advanced?

BYD's technology, not so much--they're better at manufacturing cars in degrees compared to Tesla, not an order of magnitude.

The magic is at CATL and friends. There is a Cambrian explosion of battery technology in China that doesn't get reported super well in the mainstream press.

Cars that change in 10 minutes?

https://ev.com/news/byd-and-catl-set-to-introduce-ev-batteri...

Just one example:

https://www.drive.com.au/news/byd-to-introduce-new-second-ge...

They’re doing a lot of licensing to western companies.

Adding to the other peer reasons, staggering range of design styles and price points; executive class, cheap fun young cars, utility vehicles, etc.

The UI is _miles_ ahead. And they are preparing to release a 1000 km (620 mile) range vehicle.