Are you interested in Chinese electric cars? Well, here’s the good news. Several Chinese EV manufacturers are now in the UK market, offering reliable electric vehicles with good and competitive battery range.
In this article, we will talk about the top Chinese EV manufacturers to consider if you are in the UK market and the best EVs in the market.
Notable Chinese EV Manufacturers in the UK
Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers have been making significant strides in the global automotive industry, with several notable names leading the charge. It all started in 2019 when the Chinese EV manufacturers came to the UK.
With companies like NIO, BYD, and XPeng making strategic moves to tap into the British market, car buyers in the UK had more options and features to choose from at affordable prices.
These features made Chinese vehicles a lot more popular across several states in the UK and today, they are more preferred. Let’s take a look at some of the most prominent Chinese car brands in the UK market:
SAIC
Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) is one of China’s largest automotive manufacturers and has made substantial investments in electric vehicles in the UK.
Founded in 1991, with headquarters in Shanghai, China, and with a market cap of USD 23.61 billion, this Chinese brand produces a wide range of vehicles including electric ones. Their most successful ones are the MG4 and MG5 EV Long Range among others.
With a focus on innovation and sustainable mobility solutions, state-owned SAIC is committed to developing cutting-edge EV technologies and producing environmentally friendly vehicles for domestic and international markets. They are just getting started, so sit back and enjoy new models in the coming years.
BYD
BYD, which stands for “Build Your Dreams,” is renowned as one of the pioneering Chinese car manufacturers.
Established in 1995 with a current market cap of USD 94.9 billion, BYD has emerged as a global leader in EV production, offering a diverse range of electric cars, buses, trucks, and energy storage solutions.
With the BYD Atto, Seal, Dolphin, Qin, Tang, and other notable models, the company’s commitment to innovation and quality has earned it recognition as one of the most influential players in the EV industry.
Geely
Geely Auto Group is another major player in the Chinese automotive market and has made significant investments in electric mobility. With a portfolio that includes popular brands like Geely, Lynk & Co, and Volvo, this EV company is at the forefront of electric vehicle development.
The company’s dedication to research and development has led to the creation of advanced EV technologies and high-quality electric cars.
Some popular models are the Geely Galaxy E8 and the Geometry C, but you can expect more models to launch in the UK soon and take over the market.
Great Wall Motors
Great Wall Motors (GWM) is one of China’s largest SUV and pickup truck manufacturers and has expanded its presence in the electric vehicle market in recent years. Remember the Steed pick-up truck? Yeah, that’s Great Wall Motors.
This company was founded in 1984 with headquarters in Baoding, China. Notable models are the ORA Funky Cat, ORA R1, ORA Good Cat, ORA Black Cat, and more.
READ ALSO: Electric Car Tax: What You Need to Know
Tesla's Influence on Chinese Electric Vehicle Industry
Tesla’s entry into the Chinese market has had a significant impact on the country’s electric vehicle industry. As one of the world’s leading EV manufacturers, Tesla has significantly impacted the UK electric car market.
In recent years, Tesla’s car sales in the UK have surged, resulting in record-breaking electric vehicle (EV) sales. Tesla’s Model Y, in particular, has been a game-changer. It became one of the best-selling EVs in the UK, contributing to Tesla’s impressive market share.
“DID YOU KNOW”
The UK achieved a 10% market share for EVs for the first time, largely driven by Tesla’s strong performance. When Tesla introduced the popular Model Y in the UK, it further boosted the country’s electric car market share, reaching an impressive 17%.”
These notable Chinese EV manufacturers are working hard toward ensuring sustainable transportation and they are bringing in new and innovative solutions each day. Let us now take a look at some of the top Chinese electric cars the UK has seen so far.
From the list of manufacturers above, you just may be able to guess the top EVs in the UK market. They are:
MG4 EV
The MG4 EV takes first place on our list of top Chinese EVs because of several reasons. Available in a choice of six colors, including the brand-new Volcano Orange, it allows you to personalize your car to match your personality.
Notable features include the:
- Fully Electric Hatchback: The MG4 EV is the first fully electric hatchback from MG.
- Personalization Options: Hatchbacks are available in six colors, including the brand-new Volcano Orange, allowing for personalized customization.
- Active Grille Shutter System: Optimizes airflow to reduce thermal consumption thereby improving battery range.
- Two-Tone Black Roof: Available on specific models, enhancing the exterior aesthetics.
- Spacious Interior: Generous headroom and legroom thanks to its thin battery and long wheelbase.
- 10.25-inch Color Touchscreen: Integrated with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless connectivity.
- MG Pilot Suite: Includes driver assistance systems like active emergency braking and lane keep assist for a safer driving experience.
- Impressive Electric Range: Offers up to 323 miles of electric range, suitable for urban commuting and longer journeys.
- Battery Options: Comes with two battery options: the standard version and the Trophy Long Range variant.
MG5 EV Long Range
Another MG on our list is the MG5 EV long range and don’t be surprised if you see more MGs. The MG5 represents another generation of MG fully electric cars and it has turned out to be a success so far.
Here are the vehicle’s features:
- Impressive Electric Range: Up to 250 miles, suitable for commuting and long journeys.
- Practical Estate Body Shape: Equipped with all necessary equipment, cargo space, and rear access for practicality.
- Spacious Boot: Boasts a generous boot volume of 578 liters (up to the roof), expandable to 1367 liters when rear seats are folded down.
- Comfortable Interior: Accommodates five passengers comfortably, with heated front seats and leather-style upholstery available.
- Advanced Infotainment: Features a 10.25-inch touchscreen for navigation and entertainment.
- Vehicle-to-Load Charging: Allows using the car’s battery pack to charge or power other electrical devices.
- Safety Features: Includes active emergency braking, lane keep assist, traffic jam assist, intelligent speed limit assist, intelligent high beam assist, and adaptive cruise control.
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BYD Seal
The BYD seal is a really good EV and can be seen as a rival to the popular Tesla Model Y. This Vehicle comes from one of the top Chinese EV manufacturers in the UK and has a really smart look, inside and out.
Here are some of the features you can expect from a BYD Seal:
- Expressive Styling: The BYD Seal features an X-shaped front end for a sporty and stylish appearance. It even won the iF Design award.
- Panoramic Sunroof: Offers the luxury of enjoying the outdoors while inside the vehicle.
- Comfortable Interior: Integrated sports seats are heated and comfortable, with smart storage solutions for practicality.
- Blade Battery Technology: The Blade Battery ensures safety and longevity with its lithium iron phosphate composition compared to regular lithium-ion batteries. They have a high energy density, meaning they can store a large amount of energy in a relatively small and lightweight package.
- Optimized Strength Design: Enhances rigidity and safety for added peace of mind.
- High-Performance Electric Motor: Powered by a 390 kW electric motor (equivalent to 435 PS) for impressive performance.
- All-Wheel Drive System: Delivers improved traction and stability for enhanced driving dynamics.
- Launch Control: Offers exhilarating acceleration, with a 0-62 mph time of 3.8 seconds.
- Advanced Infotainment: Features a 10.25-inch color touchscreen, wireless mobile phone charging, and adaptive cruise control for convenience.
- Ambient Lighting: Responds to your moods, creating a personalized atmosphere inside the cabin.
- Spacious Legroom: Ensures a comfortable ride with ample space for passengers to stretch out.
BYD Dolphin
Looking for a fully electric small yet reliable car? The BYD Dolphin should meet your needs quite well. It is one of the cheapest Chinese electric cars UK has but still has excellent features.
Some of the features are:
- Range and Power: Powered by a 72.6 kWh battery, it delivers an official range of up to 265 miles (WLTP combined cycle). It is also the fastest motor that achieves a 0-62 mph time close to that of a hot hatch.
- Interior and Comfort: The interior features vegan leather sports seats, a treadmill-style central armrest, and a unique “guitar-like” door panel design. The multi-colored ambient lighting adds to the pleasant cabin atmosphere.
- Safety and Battery Technology: The Blade Battery technology ensures safety and longevity. It passed the nail penetration test without emitting smoke or fire.
- The BYD Dolphin offers a spacious trunk with hidden storage compartments.
MG ZS
The MG ZS, a mid-sized family SUV, is another fully electric vehicle with excellent battery range. This car is one of the first cars of the next generation of high-performance SUVs.
Here are some features of the car:
- Range and Charging: Offers up to 273 miles of electric range (WLTP combined cycle) when fully charged. Rapid charging capability (10 to 80%) in 42 minutes (100 kW public rapid charger).
- Interior and Comfort: Features a 10.1-inch color touchscreen, wireless mobile phone charging, and adaptive cruise control. Spacious legroom and a large storage compartment enhance practicality.
- Safety and MG Pilot: MG Pilot’s advanced driver assistance system includes features like active emergency braking and lane keep assist.
BYD Atto 3
The BYD ATTO 3 is an expressive and dynamic C-SUV that brings innovation to the electric vehicle market. Let’s look at some of its features:
- Performance and Powertrain: Equipped with a 150 kW motor, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds. Offers a charging capacity of DC 88 kW for rapid charging.
- Interior and Comfort: Ergonomically integrated sports seats made from sustainable vegan leather. Treadmill-style central armrest and ambient lighting. Large rear passenger space and spacious trunk.
Safety and Blade Battery Technology: Blade Battery ensures safety and longevity. Passed rigorous tests, including the nail penetration test. An aluminum honeycomb-like structure enhances rigidity.
Ora Funky Cat
The Ora Funky Cat, also known as the GWM Ora 03, is a compact electric city car produced by Great Wall Motor under its electric vehicle brand, Ora. It is a five-door hatchback and this makes it ideal for urban driving. Despite its small size, the rear seat passengers enjoy decent space.
Let’s explore more about this electric vehicle:
- Design and Aesthetics: The Funky Cat’s design is a blend of various influences. It bears a resemblance to the bloated Mini, with hints of the Nissan K12 Micra and even a touch of the Porsche 911 (if you squint).
- Battery and Range: The Funky Cat is equipped with a 48 kWh battery, providing an official WLTP range of 193 miles. While not the longest range, it’s suitable for daily commuting and city driving.
- Charging Speed: Charging speeds of up to 80 kW on a DC charger ensure efficient top-ups.
- Performance and Powertrain: A 126 kW (equivalent to approximately 170 PS) motor drives the front wheels. The Funky Cat accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 8.3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 99 mph.
- Interior Features: The cabin boasts two 10.25-inch screens—one for infotainment and the other for controls. Expect modern connectivity features, including smartphone integration.
- Comfort: The interior space is optimized for practicality, with a focus on rear passenger comfort.
- Safety and Convenience: The Funky Cat emphasizes safety and convenience. It’s loaded with features to enhance the driving experience.
While it may not be the cheapest Chinese electric hatchback available in the UK, it compensates with a more luxurious feel and advanced safety systems.
Top Facts About Chinese Electric Cars
- China is the largest producer of electric vehicles (EVs) globally, accounting for around 57.4% of total EV production.
- In 2021, China sold 3.34 million passenger electric vehicles, including battery-only EVs (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs)1.
- Tesla and BYD remained the market leaders in China’s electric car market in 2021.
- Tesla’s Model Y became the top-selling high-end new energy SUV, with 169,853 units sold in 2021.
- Three BYD models ranked among the top 10, with the BYD Qin sedan outselling all Tesla models. Tesla’s Model 3 followed closely, with 150,890 units sold in 2021.
- The Nezha V, a low-priced, fully electric SUV, took 15th place in sales rankings. It pushed three far more expensive Nio models down the list.
- New energy vehicle (NEV) adoption rapidly increased to a record 28% in March 2022. BYD’s chairman predicts it could reach 35% by the end of 2022, exceeding the government goal of 20% by 2025.
- China’s lead in battery production gives its carmakers an edge. BYD became the top-selling battery electric vehicle manufacturer in the world after overtaking Tesla in the fourth quarter of 2023.
- Tesla’s Giga Shanghai factory is the first automobile factory fully owned by a foreign company in China.
- U.S. authorities express concern that internet-connected Chinese electric cars could be used to collect data on consumers. However, the Chinese EV industry continues to thrive and innovate.
Buy Used EVs in Good Condition with Car History Reports
Car history reports offer comprehensive insights into a vehicle’s background, helping buyers make informed decisions. By accessing information such as mileage discrepancies, outstanding finance, and previous damage, consumers can assess the overall condition and reliability of a used EV.
Reg check tools further allow buyers to verify important details like the vehicle’s registration status and MOT history. With SmartCarCheck, you can access all hidden records on a used Chinese electric vehicle in the market and make the best choices.
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Information Accessible with a Car History Report
- Ownership History
- Mileage verification
- Outstanding finance checks
- MOT history
- Vehicle specifications
- Engine details
- Ownership records
- Weight and dimensions
- MOT and tax due
- Thefts records
- Written-off status
- Auction records
- Electric fuel system
- Electric fuel delivery, and more.
To get started, simply enter the Reg Number of any car of interest into the form on this page. Fill out the rest of the form, submit and get a report. Don’t miss out on opportunities.
