Chinese electric cars are increasingly common on UK roads, with roughly half of the top-selling EVs in the country hailing from the country. This shift marks a significant change in the automotive market, as Chinese manufacturers use the global transition to electrification to challenge established European automakers. The focus here is on the brands that have launched vehicles specifically for the British market, rather than the complex ownership structures behind many Western models.
BYD, which stands for Build Your Dreams, has become a major player in the electric vehicle market. It competes directly with Tesla for sales volume and is backed by investor Warren Buffet. The company offers a diverse range of models across different segments, targeting various price points.
- BYD Dolphin Surf: A new, cheaper city car starting at £19,000.
- BYD Dolphin: A supermini priced from £29,000.
- BYD Atto 3: A compact crossover costing £38,000.
- BYD Seal: A Tesla Model 3 rival available from £46,000.
- BYD Sealion 7: A crossover designed to compete with the Audi Q6 e-Tron and Porsche Macan EV at £47,000.
MG: A British Legacy with Chinese Ownership
The MG brand has deep roots in the UK, originally associated with the Rover group. Chinese parent company SAIC has revitalized the marque, which is now celebrating its centenary. The lineup includes petrol, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric vehicles, covering everything from small city cars to convertibles.
While many models offer strong value, the MG 4 stands out as a breakthrough EV that critics praise for its driving trends and packaging. The brand also offers the MG Cyberster, one of the few electric convertibles currently on the market. The range spans from the £19,000 MG 3 to the £55,000 Cyberster, providing options for nearly every budget.
Several other manufacturers have established a presence in the UK. GWM Ora offers the retro-styled Ora 03, while Great Wall Motor launched in the UK years ago and punted the bargain-basement Steed pick-up truck for a while, with little critical success but proved a hit with penny-pinching tradesmen. We sat up and paid attention when GWM launched the smart Ora Funky Cat, since renamed to sound a little less oddball to European ears: GWM Ora 03: Retro, Beetle-ish style, some clever design flourishes, fully electric and priced from a reasonable £25k. GWM Haval Jolion Pro: The Haval Jolion offers a hybrid new design in very sleek packaging for a reasonable £24k.
