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- The Impact of Chinese EV Brands Entering the European Market
The Impact of Chinese EV Brands Entering the European Market
Find how Chinese electric car brands are reshaping the European EV market. Learn about their competitive pricing, and discover how your dealership can adapt to these changes.
Das Wichtigste in Kürze
- Chinese EV brands like BYD, NIO, and XPENG are growing fast in Europe and offer strong competition in price and technology.
- EU tariffs have increased costs, but many Chinese brands still remain affordable.
- Car traders can benefit from low prices, strong demand, and a wide variety of Chinese EV models that suit different customers.
Have you noticed an increased number of Chinese EVs on European streets? If not, you might soon!
With quality similar to established European brands and prices that are hard to beat even EU tariffs on Chinese EVs, many traders are adding Chinese EV brands to their stock.
In this article, we’ll look at how Chinese EV brands are entering the European market, what makes them competitive, and how this trend is reshaping both new and used EV sales in Europe.
Current market trends of Chinese EVs in Europe
Here’s a quick overview of everything you need to know about the market: the top Chinese electric car brands, the impact of EU tariffs, and the growing Chinese EV market share in Europe.
Major Chinese EV brands
Quick question: Do you think Tesla is still the global EV leader?
Not anymore. BYD now leads the global market, and six other Chinese brands are right behind.
Image source: Autovista24
Now, not every Chinese car manufacturer makes EVs only. Some focus exclusively on electric vehicles, while others produce a mix of petrol, hybrid, and electric models.
Here are the options that you might find on eCarsTrade.
✅ Chinese brands (General)
These brands are Chinese, though not all of them make only EVs:
- BAIC
- BYD
- Chery
- Dongfeng (may appear as DFSK)
- Geely
- GWM (Great Wall Motors)
- Hongqi
- JAC
- Landwind
- Lynk & Co (owned by Geely)
- Seres
- XEV (originally Italian, now Chinese-backed)
⚡ Chinese EV brands (specifically focused on EVs)
These brands are either pure EV manufacturers or primarily known for EVs:
- Aiways
- Leapmotor
- NIO
- Ora (Great Wall Motors)
- XPENG
- Zeekr (owned by Geely)
- Zhidou
Recent tariff developments
The American tariffs are not the only ones shaping our market.
In November 2024, the EU imposed tariffs on EVs from China, ranging from 17.0% to 35.3%, depending on the brand.
For instance, BYD faced a 17.0% duty, while Geely and SAIC were hit with higher rates. These tariffs come on top of the EU’s standard 10% car import duty.
The EU introduced these tariffs because it believes Chinese EV makers get heavy government support, which helps them keep prices low and makes it harder for European brands to compete.
As of 2025, the EU and China are still negotiating. Chinese brands are now selling more plug-in hybrids or changing how they export cars, so their vehicles can still stay affordable in the EU, even with the tariffs.
Main competitive advantages of Chinese EV manufacturers
So, why do European traders choose to import or buy used Chinese EVs? There are a few key reasons, the first being the cost-effectiveness of their manufacturing.
► Advantage #1: Cost-effective manufacturing
Chinese car manufacturers can afford to keep selling prices low due to their cost-effective manufacturing. That’s why they can offer well-equipped cars at prices many European brands can’t match, and it’s a major factor in the growth of Chinese EVs in Europe.
► Advantage #2: Tech innovations
Companies like BYD and Nio are among the leaders in EV technology, which makes them strong rivals to well-known global brands. BYD is even working on ultra-fast 1,000 kW charging, putting them ahead of many competitors.
► Advantage #3: Wider variety of models
As a used car trader, you know how important it is to identify and offer models that your customers need. Well, Chinese EV brands cover a broad range of needs, from small city cars to large family SUVs. That variety makes it easier to stock vehicles that fit different budgets and purposes.
Direct impact on the European used EV market
Like any big change, the rise of Chinese EVs brings both good and bad news for car dealers. It can affect prices, demand, and what kind of stock moves fast.
Challenges for EU dealers
Some Chinese brands are still new to local buyers, so dealers may need to explain features and build trust. This is especially true in EV markets like France, where many buyers stick with familiar domestic names like Renault, Peugeot, and Citroën.
Also, since Chinese EVs are fairly new to the European market, we can’t yet be sure how they hold their value, and how high the depreciation is.
Opportunities for traders
At the same time, traders can benefit from:
- Low purchase prices
- Growing interest in EVs
- A wider range of models to offer at competitive prices
All in all, the incoming EVs from China certainly are a change in the market, but there seem to be more upsides than downsides, especially for traders who are ready to adapt and take advantage of the growing interest in affordable electric cars.
How to be resilient? - Adapting your business to new market changes
You won’t be surprised to hear that your number one priority should be staying informed in the changing market. Tariffs and regulations may change quickly, so you should keep an eye on updates and adjust your sourcing strategy when needed.
Next, since Chinese EVs are new to European customers, it might be wise to train your salespeople on key features, brand stories, and how to answer common questions.
Lastly, don’t forget that you can test the waters before committing. You could stock up on several Chinese EVs, and if they sell quickly, that’s your sign to buy more. That way, you can explore new opportunities without taking big risks.
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