Leading Chinese carmakers BYD and Chery Automobile reported sharp gains in overseas sales last month as demand for electric vehicles continued to rise, reported Hong Kong's South China Morning Post.

Chery, the country's largest car exporter, delivered 181,571 vehicles abroad in May, up 81 percent from a year earlier. Overseas sales accounted for 73 percent of its total deliveries, three times higher than domestic sales.

The state-owned company, based in Anhui province, has spearheaded the push to expand beyond the mainland as Chinese automakers seek higher profitability in global markets.

BYD, the world's largest EV builder, also posted an 81 percent year-on-year increase in overseas sales last month. Its 160,177 units represented 42 percent of total deliveries.

Analysts said the figures highlight the growing importance of international markets for Chinese EV producers as they compete with established global rivals and respond to rising demand for cleaner transport.