Chinese brands offer electric vehicles in Europe ranging from small city cars to large SUVs and vans. BYD’s line-up, for example, includes the ATTO 2, ATTO 3 EVO, Dolphin Surf, Seal and Sealion 7.
pandealia.euThe best coupons from Chinese stores, prices and price history in one place.Chinese brands offer electric vehicles in Europe ranging from small city cars to large SUVs and vans. BYD’s line-up, for example, includes the ATTO 2, ATTO 3 EVO, Dolphin Surf, Seal and Sealion 7. When choosing a vehicle, it is worth considering not just the brand and size, but also the availability of the specific version, charging options and servicing in your country.
Which models are on offer?
The range includes the T03 city car, C10 SUV, smaller B03X and large E-HS9 SUV. Electric vans in the eDeliver range are also intended for businesses and urban fleets. Looking at vehicles by use can help narrow the choice: a small car may be easier to use in a city, a larger SUV may suit a family, and a van can carry goods.
BYD is also preparing an electric microcar and a new hatchback, the Great Seagull. A model in development is not the same as one available to order, however. Check whether it is sold in your country and which specifications are offered.
BYD, MG and other players
BYD is one of the more visible Chinese brands in Europe, including Slovakia, and is expanding its model range. MG has British roots but is now owned by the Chinese SAIC group. Its history therefore extends further back than its current Chinese ownership.
EV STORE is a retailer, not a car brand. Its listed models include the 001, X, 7X, 7GT, 8X and 9X. When considering a particular car, it is useful to distinguish between the retailer and the manufacturer, especially when asking about warranty and service support.
Sales vary between brands
Figures for the first half of 2026 indicate growing interest in Chinese electric cars in Europe, with a market share of 10.9% in June. The trend is not the same for every manufacturer: SAIC’s EU sales have fallen by nearly half from their 2023 peak, while BYD has more than doubled its sales. When comparing such figures, it is important to check which countries, vehicle categories and periods they cover.
Safety and quality
Several Chinese electric cars have achieved five stars in Euro NCAP tests. A rating applies to a particular model and the conditions under which it was tested; it does not automatically apply to every vehicle from the same brand. Check the result for the car you are considering, including its ratings for occupant protection and driver assistance systems.
A Euro NCAP result alone does not establish long-term reliability or replace an assessment of the legal requirements applicable to the vehicle. Alongside safety, it is worth checking warranty terms and the availability of servicing and spare parts.
How tariffs affect imports
The European Union introduced countervailing duties on electric cars imported from China on 30 October 2024. Rates vary by manufacturer and can affect importers’ costs and brands’ pricing policies.
Figures of more than 45% for MG and approximately 27% for BYD have been reported. It is important to distinguish between countervailing duties and standard customs duties, however: without that distinction, the figures cannot be reliably compared. Higher import costs also do not necessarily translate into an equivalent increase in the final price of a car.
What to check before buying
- Availability and specification: Whether the chosen model and its specific version are available in your market.
- Charging and range: What charging options the car offers and whether they suit home charging and planned longer journeys.
- Servicing and warranty: Where the car can be serviced, the warranty terms and how the retailer handles spare parts.
- Safety rating: The Euro NCAP result for the specific model, rather than a general claim about the brand.
- Final price: A quote for the version you want, including its equipment and the terms of sale.
