The Chinese EVs making an impact in the UK

Several Chinese electric vehicle brands have recently entered the UK market, offering a diverse range of tech-filled models at affordable prices. We look at why Chinese carmakers are proving popular, and offer a rundown of what's available now – and in the near future

Chinese electric vehicle brands are gaining considerable interest in both the UK and the rest of Europe. A shift in brand perspective is occurring. According to Jato Dynamics, in November 2024, BYD registered more units than Honda, Omoda moved ahead of Subaru, and Xpeng registered more vehicles than Jaguar or Lancia in Europe.

What's more, enquiries on Auto Trader for new cars by new Chinese entrants more than doubled last year, up from 1.3% in 2023 to 3.4% in 2024.

So why are electric vehicles from Chinese automakers gaining such rapid popularity?

A big selling point is their affordability. According to Auto Trader, Chinese new entrants have helped to raise the number of under-£30,000 new EV options from nine to 29 between 2024 and 2025.

Technology is another positive, with these EVs packed full of innovation.

Some of the perceived negatives however include data security and quality. Research from Auto Trader found that 41% of over 55s were concerned by data security and privacy risks when buying Chinese products, with 43% mistrusting the quality of goods.

The wider impact

Why are so many Chinese automakers targetting the UK? 

The UK has ambitious electrification targets, and last year overtook Germany as Europe’s top market for electric vehicles (EVs).

The UK is also tariff free to Chinese manufacturers, in contrast with EU markets, making the country an attractive proposition.

The affordable Chinese models entering the market may also have a knock-on effect of driving competition in the UK, lowering the cost of new EVs for buyers further, as manufacturers work to meet EV sales targets.

So what Chinese electric vehicles can you find in the UK, currently and in the near future?

Xpeng

XPENG has entered the UK market with its electric mid-size coupe SUV, XPENG G6.

Distributed by International Motors Ltd (IML), there are plans to open 20 dealerships across the UK in 2025.

With a focus on AI-driven technology, XPENG aims to offer a more intuitive, safer, and highly customisable driving experience.

Its range is reported to be 354 miles (WLTP) and it offers 800-volt supercharging.

In January 2025, XPENG announced two strategic partnerships with global industry leaders, Volkswagen and BP Pulse, to create a super-fast charging network and explore cutting-edge solutions together.

At the end of 2025, XPENG aims to expand its presence in more than 60 countries and regions.

OMODA

Omoda is produced by Chinese car brand Chery Automobile and is the sister brand to Jaecoo, mentioned below. The company's all-electric E5 entered the UK market last year, and has sold over 130,000 units internationally.

The electric crossover SUV is powered by a 150 kW (204 hp) electric motor and a 61 kWh battery. It offers a WLTP range of 257 miles and can charge at up to 80 kW, with a 30 to 80% charge possible in just 28 minutes.
 
The name OMODA is a combination of "O" which is the symbol for oxygen, and "moda" which is Italian for fashion, and is looking to attract a new generation of buyers.   

The OMODA E5 has been awarded a five-star safety rating in the Euro NCAP assessment. Prices start at £33,055 for the Comfort trim level.

Jaecoo 7 PHEV

The Jaecoo 7 is a premium SUV set to rival the likes of the Range Rover Evoque, Hyundai Tucson and Volkswagen Tiguan. Not fully electric, the Jaecoo is currently available as a plug-in hybrid drivetrain and petrol.

Already on sale in the UK, the company has established a network of 71 dealerships, and it plans to open 59 more by the end of 2025.

From Chinese car brand Chery Automobile, the word Jaecoo is actually from the German word "Jäger", meaning “hunter”, and the English word "cool," suggesting a combination of seamless off-road capability and urban driving.

The 7 has a strong appearance with a distinctive front end. The interior is minimalist and much of its functions are reliant on a central touchscreen, set in portrait orientation.

There is a choice of two trim levels (Deluxe and Luxury). The Jaecoo 7 petrol comes with front- or all-wheel-drive, while the plug-in hybrid is front-wheel-drive only. The battery on the PHEV model delivers 18.3kWh for an electric-only range of 57 miles.

Prices start at £35,065 for the PHEV and £29,435 for the petrol.

Farizon SV van

Farizon - a wholly-owned subsidiary of Geely Holding Group, has launched its SV van in the UK, with sales beginning as early as the first quarter of 2025.
 
The eight panel van variants on offer to UK customers will range from L1 H1 (4,990 mm long; 1,980 mm high) through to L3 H3 (5,995 mm long; 2,500 mm high).
 
L1 and L2 variants will have 67 kWh and 83 kWh LFP battery options, with the L3 H3 variant equipped with either an 83 kWh LFP or a 106 kWh NMC battery.

Combined WLTP range is reported to be between 177 and 247 miles, with an urban WLTP range of up to 342 miles, although UK-based testing is underway to validate real world unladen and laden range.  

Payload is up to 1,390 kgs with a load capacity of up to 13 m3. It is anticipated that the majority of sales will be the L1 H1 and L2 H2 83 kWh models.
 
The Farizon SV, has recently received a Platinum safety award from Euro NCAP with a score of 85 points.

Farizon SV vans will be distributed by Jameel Motors Farizon Auto. UK specifications and pricing will be confirmed soon.

Leapmotor

Chinese technology brand Leapmotor has partnered with Stellantis to develop vehicles for Europe.

The product lineup will initially include the C10, a fully equipped, family-sized D-segment vehicle, and the T03, an urban-focused A-segment EV, with additional models planned over the next three years.

The C10, which officially goes on sale in the UK from 1 March, combines cutting edge technology and has a range of up to 263-mile (WLTP). It costs around £36,500.

Meanwhile, Leapmotor's T03 city car is expected to be assembled in Poland and aims to offer a budget-friendly option for urban commuters, priced under £16,000. It has a reported 165 mile range.

Avatr

Chinese electric vehicle brand Avatr, which is a joint venture between battery specialist CATL, car maker Changan and tech company Huawei – is aiming to launch in the UK at the end of 2025.

The Avatr 11 is a BMW X5-sized car and is likely to be the first of the brand's vehicles to come to the UK. It's already available in Thailand with two options: a 90.4kWh model with a 245-mile range, priced around £47,729, and a 116.8kWh model with a 420-mile range, priced around £52,307.

The Avatr 11 uses a 750V high-voltage platform, with charging power up to 240kW. Its powered by two Huawei-developed electric motors, generating 570bhp and 479lb ft of torque.

Avatr has a design studio setup in Munich, Germany, and parent company Changan already has a sales and marketing site in the city.

Aiways

The Aiways U5 is an electric SUV destined for the UK, although exact timelines are not available. According to Auto Car, Aiways is planning to exit its homeland of China and focus on its European operations, with expansion to its European headquarters in Germany.

The U5 will rival family-sized electric crossover SUVs like the Volkswagen ID.4, Kia e-Niro and Nissan Ariya. The U5 is powered by a 63kW battery for a reported range of 250 miles, and will be priced around £35,000.

Safety features include twelve ultrasonic radars, five HD cameras, three millimetre wave radars and two interior cameras as standard.

BYD

BYD already has a growing presence in the UK. Established in 1995 in China, BYD is established as providing innovative solutions for transportation, renewable energy, and electronics.
 
In 2023 BYD launched its first passenger car in the UK: the all-electric compact SUV BYD ATTO 3, which has a range of 260 miles.

This was followed in the last 12 months by the all-electric BYD DOLPHIN, BYD SEAL and the recently launch petrol-hybrid model, the SEAL U DM-i.

The BYD DOLPHIN has a 265 mile range on 60.5 kWh battery option, while the SEAL has a 354 mile range for the rear-wheel drive version and 323 miles for the four-wheel drive version.

What makes BYD stand out against competitors is its proprietary battery technology, called the "Blade Battery". It's a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery known for its high safety standards and long lifespan. Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries, the Blade Battery is less prone to overheating and thermal runaway, making it a safer option for electric vehicles.
 
GWM

GWM ORA launched to the UK market with the ORA Funky Cat First Edition in November 2022, although it's now named the ORA 03. And it's done well establishing itself in the UK, with a strong network of thirty plus retail sites and over 1,500 ORA 03s now on the roads.

The GWM Ora 03 has an electric range of 192–260 miles, depending on the battery size and model, and has been awarded top marks as part of independent testing by Green NCAP which measures efficiency and sustainability factors.