NEW YORK—According to a new study conducted by ABI Research, BYD Auto Co. is the top electric vehicle manufacturer in the world, just ahead of Tesla Inc. The competitive assessment examined the products offered by 18 automakers across a wide range of criteria.

“The EV market is rapidly growing and is the clear future of the automotive industry,” says Dylan Khoo, industry analyst at ABI Research. “OEMs have had widely differing responses to the EV transition as an opportunity and a challenge. Some have fully embraced the technology, while others are being dragged into it against their wishes. This is reflected in their innovation and implementation capabilities.”