China’s EV brands cross 15% market share in Europe, with Britain leading the charge
May 22, 2026 – 10:32 am
BYD and Chery led a doubling of Chinese electric vehicle (EV) deliveries in April, even as Brussels maintains its tariff wall and Stellantis utilizes underused European plants.
Key Takeaways:
- Chinese brands accounted for over 15% of Europe’s EV sales in April, marking the first time they crossed this threshold in a single month.
- Sales of fully electric cars from manufacturers like BYD and Chery increased more than twofold year-on-year to 38,281 units.
- Chinese brands are closing in on 10% market share across the wider European car market.
A Rapid Shift:
Five years ago, Chinese EV presence in Europe was negligible. In 2021, they were shifting a few thousand EVs monthly. The significant growth since then makes April’s sales figure remarkable.
Plug-in Hybrids:
The story is even more striking for plug-in hybrids (PHEV). Chinese brands now account for nearly 30% of European PHEV sales, led by BYD’s Seal U and Atto 2, and Chery’s Jaecoo and Omoda models.
UK Market Dominance:
Jaecoo’s success in the UK is particularly notable. The Jaecoo 7 was the best-selling new car in March, outperforming its competitors by 70%. PHEV variants made up 85% of those sales, earning it the nickname “Temu Range Rover” in the press.
Pricing and Market Dynamics:
The UK’s lack of import tariffs on EVs has contributed to Chinese brand popularity there. British buyers are price-conscious and responsive to appealing design and range. In contrast, the EU faces higher tariffs (17-38%) on Chinese-made EVs, slowing growth slightly.
Chinese Carmakers’ Strategy:
To offset lower margins at home, Chinese carmakers are turning to European factories for profit. BYD is building its own plant in Hungary, and it’s in talks with Stellantis and other groups to utilize underused facilities. Stellantis has already welcomed BYD by establishing a joint venture for hybrid and EV production in France and Spain.