Which electric cars come from China ?

© Presse-citron

In 2022, 20% of electric cars sold in Europe were manufactured in China. And for good reason: the prices of these models tend to be much more competitive than cars built in Europe or the USA. So much so that the European Union recently determined a surcharge on electric car models from China, in order to favor European models.

Despite everything, the electric car is booming in China, and we are seeing more and more Chinese electric models on the streets. So how do you recognize them ? What are the strongest Chinese brands on the market ?

China, the world's leading player in electric cars

The number of electric vehicles in China is the largest in the world : at the end of 2023, 16 million vehicles of this type were registered in China (which currently corresponds to around 5.6% of the total Chinese fleet). Moreover, in 2023 alone, 5.4 million new models were sold: this corresponds to 57% of global sales and 25% of automobile sales in China. In other words, the market for 100% electric vehicles is booming in the immense country with a billion inhabitants, which inevitably impacts global consumption.

© Zeekr

Moreover, the Chinese effort regarding electric does not date from yesterday: from 2015, China establishes itself as the world's leading market for electric and hybrid vehicles. In 2018, nearly one million models were been sold in China. Until reaching some quite mind-blowing recent figures: for the first time, the share of electric cars (+ hybrids) in global car sales reached 50% in July of this year .

China today aggressive on the European market

A survey published in 2024 on easily reveals: The price gaps between European and Chinese electric cars are massive. So much so that Chinese goods need to be taxed at around 45 to 55% in order to balance the price of the two markets. Obviously, with such price gaps, a tax is necessary to avoid a competitive problem.

© BYD

Electric vehicles from China were already subject to 10% customs duties: now ;#8217;they have been subject to additional taxes of up to 36.3% since this summer. The amounts of taxes can indeed vary from one manufacturer to another: for example, BYD is surcharged by the European Union to the tune of 17%, while the group SAIC faces a 36.3% tax.

Despite all these restrictions, Chinese electric vehicles are now well established in Europe. In 2020, 57,000 cars Chinese battery-powered cars were sold in Europe. In 2023, these sales exploded: there were more than 437,000. In June, Chinese brands accounted for 11% of sales in Europe, a record high.

But recent taxes have had a big impact on sales, which should largely halt this expansion: the drop was 45% in the major European countries affected by the taxes, between June and July 2024.

What are the main Chinese electric car brands ?

BYD, the electric battery giant

BYD was originally a manufacturer of batteries for mobile phones. Since then, it has diversified into the automotive sector and now offers thermal, hybrid and electric vehicles. Its massive production makes it a key player in the market today: in the fourth quarter of 2023, it was the largest producer of electric cars in the world, ahead of Tesla.

© Michael Förtsch/Unsplash

BYD's advantage over the competition is that the company builds its own battery cells, and especially LFP batteries, which are considered less expensive. In addition to equipping its own vehicles, the manufacturer sells many battery models to other brands, including Tesla.

On the European continent, BYD has particularly attracted attention with its Atto 3 compact SUV (€37,990), its BYD Han electric sedan (€70,800) and the BYD Tang EV (€70,800). In total, in 2023, BYD has sold more than 1.5 million models worldwide (a 72% increase compared to the previous year). BYD hopes to achieve a 5% market share in Europe in the short term, but recent taxation could potentially pose a problem for achieving this goal.

NIO, the battery swap network

NIO is one of the best-known Chinese manufacturers in Europe, and for a simple reason. It allows, via its Power Swap Stations, to quickly exchange their discharged battery for a full battery at a station. In other words, no need to spend 1 hour waiting for your vehicle's battery to recharge: using this method, it is possible to benefit from a new full battery in the space of 5 minutes.

This is also a solution tested by other manufacturers such as Tesla and Renault. NIO's advantage is its network, which is already well established in Europe. If the latter were to expand further, the firm could experience growing success in the old continent.

© NIO

Moreover, NIO has been offering high-end electric vehicles since 2018, and has managed to establish itself in several European countries over the years: there are many in the Netherlands, Sweden and Germany. If France is not yet completely concerned, it would seem that our country is part of the second stage of the manufacturer's aggressive strategy in Europe: many new vehicles from the firm should arrive here soon.

SAIC Motor, the Chinese giant

SAIC Motor is one of the largest automobile companies in the world, and yet, few French people know about it. It is currently the third largest PEV (Plug-in electric vehicle) company in the world with 10.5% of the global market, and the second largest company in the world in terms of production of electric vehicles (13.5% of the global market in 2021).

In other words, It is a giant in the automobile market, which has now managed to place itself among the top 10 global automobile manufacturers. Especially since SAIC is not new: it was created in 1955. Today, SAIC is the main Chinese partner of General Motors, with whom the firm develops many vehicles adapted to the Chinese market.

© MG/Saic Design

The entry into Europe of this giant of the The Chinese automobile industry thus passes through the brands bought in recent years by the group: this is the case for example of MG Motor, the English brand which is now part of the Chinese group. Thus, the first Chinese model put on sale in Europe by SAIC is the MG ZS EV, a low-cost electric SUV (€17,490) which is enjoying some success across the Channel.

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