Chinese auto giant BYD continued to outpace Tesla in the first quarter, reporting a doubling in net profit on robust growth in its electric-vehicle business.

BYD's first-quarter profit leapt 100.4% from a year earlier, the fastest pace in nearly two years, as the Chinese electric vehicle giant extends its lead in its competitive home market after launching a smart EV price war.

BYD's net profit rose 100% to $1.3 billion for the first quarter, while Tesla's slumped more than 70% in the same period.