The wave of Chinese EVs in Europe has overcome the initial hurdle of the many doubts that accompanied it and has held its own, and is making its mark. Many are comparing their move to the beginnings of other automakers, such as Kia and Hyundai, in Europe. But for all their faults, they might actually be moving faster than the others.
Having officially entered the European market in 2020, Chinese EVs’ selling points were their highly competitive pricing and strong battery technology. Brands like BYD, NIO, XPeng, and MG expanded aggressively. Despite the tariffs and trade actions the EU has taken in 2024 to ensure local brands do not get suffocated by Chinese brands’ offerings (which mostly feature competitive pricing and high-tech offerings in low trim levels), Chinese EVs have not stopped gaining market share.
Although many hiccups were recorded with Chinese EVs, as well as the initial lack of support infrastructure, all of these are being addressed as Chinese EV companies build the infrastructure needed for their stay in Europe. Clearly, they are here to stay. Here are the 10 best Chinese EVs you can actually buy in Europe right now in 2026.
1. MG4
A best-seller in Europe and SAIC’s top-selling electric model in Europe, the MG4 earns its spot on this list by sheer result.
The compact family hatchback distinguishes itself from the drive-boring some EVs suffer, with its RWD chassis, a communicative steering system, and just enough power for some sideways action on a cool roundabout. That, along with its highly competitive price, which puts it a few thousand pounds cheaper than its competitors, makes it highly desirable to small families looking for an affordable, regular-commute vehicle. Newer versions of the MG4 are preferred and better, as SAIC took consumer feedback and improved the interior, eliminated the initial entry trim because no one was buying it, and still kept the price at a good point.
| Spec | Detail |
| Battery | 61.7 kWh |
| Charging | 10-80% in 26 minutes |
| 0-100 km/h | 7.9 seconds |
| Price from | $36,990 in Australia, €39,990 in Germany, €37,570 in The Netherlands, £29,995 in UK |
| Real-world range (motorway) | 360 km |
2. BYD Seal
This BYD saloon features a stylish interior and a good-looking exterior. It is considered one of BYD’s best-looking EVs (winning the iF Design Award 2023), with a good amount of real-world range, and it directly rivals the Tesla Model 3. It is well equipped and a comfortable ride for a good price, with a premium look.
Apart from the small boot space, the main issue with it is the touchscreen, which can be distracting during a ride because climate control functions like fan speed and cabin temperature are buried among many other functions on the screen. For a daily commute, it is good for small families, as the rear headspace can be limiting for tall adults.
| Spec | Detail |
| Battery | 82.5 kWh |
| Charging | 10-80% in 36 min |
| 0-100 km/h | 3.8 sec |
| Price from | €52,990 in Germany, €53,690 in The Netherlands, £48,695 in the United Kingdom |
| Real-world range (motorway) | 445km |
3. XPeng G9
Although it is not yet a top seller in Europe, it is well respected and has great potential. XPeng’s strong suit is its technological prowess, and the G9 shows that all too well. However, they would need to adjust some strategies, as not all users enjoy high-tech offerings. Already, many EV brands have had to reintroduce buttons for some key functions due to customer dissatisfaction with having to navigate the touchscreen for such functions, especially when voice-activated assistants fail. Even with a good voice-activated assistant, some users are just traditional, and the buttons are absolutely necessary.
Nevertheless, like every other Chinese EV automaker, XPeng is making strides in anticipating what other markets want beyond China. As a primarily tech company, XPeng has significant promise, especially in its appeal to the younger generation.
The XPeng G9 is good as a cruiser, handles well on the road without excessive noise, and has good range and charging speed for its time. Unless you like the thrill of a taxi driver racing through traffic with hard stops to avoid hitting another car in front of it, you might want to turn off the active cruise control drive function, though.
| Spec | Detail |
| Usable battery | 93.1 kWh |
| Charging | 10-80% in 19 min |
| 0-100 km/h | 6.4 sec |
| Price from | €63,600 in Germany, €63,188 in The Netherlands |
| Real-world range (motorway) | 480 km |
4. Zeekr 001
Zeekr feels like Geely’s underground operation, first understanding the European market and making targeted moves into it rather than starting with high-tech, low-priced offerings. This is clearly evident in the first impression you get from the exteriors of their cars, which could pass for a local European-made car.
Zeekr 001 bears some semblance to Lynk & Co. The sedan (Zeekr describes it as a luxury shooting brake) is, by some, seen as a budget alternative to the Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo, which, although a stretch, is not so far-fetched. The only issue Zeekr has at the moment is brand recognition, which, in regular Chinese EV fashion, will most likely be resolved in a few years.
The performance is fine and predictable, though you might want to turn off the ADAS completely, as it is reported to be easily triggered by simply resting your hands on the steering wheel at the wrong angle. This issue seems to be recurring across Zeekr EVs, as the Zeekr X has autobrake issues due to high sensitivity. Newer Zeekr models would hopefully address the issue of sensor over-sensitivity and hyperactivity.
| Spec | Detail |
| Usable Battery | 94.0 kWh |
| Charging | 10-80% in 30 mins |
| 0-100 km/h | 3.8s |
| Price from | €66,950 in Germany, €66,990 in The Netherlands |
| Real-world range (motorway) | 480 km |
5. BYD Atto 3
If you are in the market for something a little different, this compact five-seater offers just that, with its gym-inspired interior and tech-heavy features. As BYD is increasingly known as an EV brand in Europe, the Atto 3 is one of its best-performing models, particularly popular and well-received in Scandinavia and Israel (though Israel is not part of the EU). It even received the “Electric Car of the Year award from News UK” in 2023, an award that basically recognized the tech and sustainability solutions the Atto 3 was providing at a very affordable price.
The BYD Atto 3 is a good daily-commute option and a good fit for small families (might be a favorite with the kids because of the playful interior). It might not be the best for long-distance journeys, but it holds its own for inter-city rides.
| Spec | Detail |
| Battery | 60.5 kWh |
| Charging (10-80%) | 38 min |
| 0-100 km/h | 7.3 seconds |
| Price from | $49,990 in New Zealand, $43,576.52 in Australia, €39,690 in The Netherlands, £37,195 in the UK |
| Real-world range (motorway) | 330km |
6. BYD Tang
With a very strong presence in Norway, the BYD Tang showcases BYD’s success in producing EVs tailored to the needs of a particular market. First off, the car has a premium feel, good power distribution, and grip. With good winter tires, it provides good stability on slippery winter roads and allows safe, predictable handling in the snow.
It is excellent for family commuting, and the range in the thick of the Norwegian winter decreased by only 19.5%, which is much better than some competitors in the same test (conducted by the Norwegian Automobile Federation NAF in its comprehensive winter testing in 2023). It is ultimately a good EV to have year-round, reasonably priced, and with good tech on lower trims compared to its competitors.
| Spec | Detail |
| Battery | 108.8 kWh |
| Charging | 10-80% in 48 min |
| 0-100 km/h | 4.9s |
| Price from | €69,615 in Germany, €67,390 in The Netherlands |
| Real-world range (motorway) | 460km |
7. BYD Han
This luxury sedan makes the cut because it is one of the most luxurious (if not the very most) tech-rich offerings BYD has in the European market as of date. Its exterior is imposing, and the interior reeks of premium confidence, as its build quality and interior material composition are top-tier. Excellent for business use.
However, for a BYD, it has an unimpressive charge time and behaviour which would most probably be rectified in future versions, given that BYD just launched the Flash Charging battery that can achieve a charge of 10-70% in five minutes, the fastest at the moment, plus there are plans to build charging stations that support this super fast charge all over Europe.
The rides are comfortable, and the suspension is good. The storage is not excellent, but as an executive business car, it may not need all that space. It is a good EV to have on the ground to impress business partners/associates on rides, or get to meetings yourself comfortably. Its real-world range performs quite well compared to other EVs on this list, mainly thanks to the heat pump.
| Spec | Detail |
| Battery | 85.4 kWh |
| Charging | 10-80% in 44 min |
| 0-100 km/h | 3.9 sec |
| Price from | €69,020 in Germany, €69,990 in the Netherlands |
| Real-world range (motorway) | 475km |
8. Seres 5
Not a best-seller and probably not expected to appear on this list, the Seres 5 problem is that it is relatively unknown. Notwithstanding, it has strong traction in Norway and Germany. Like the Zeekr, it has a sleek exterior that resembles premium European models.
The interior features a minimalist design, premium materials, and spacious rear seats. Though it has better competitors in terms of range and charging, the rides are comfortable, and the handling is good. Its real strengths lie in the premium interior materials and powerful motor options.
| Spec | Detail |
| Battery | 86 kWh / 90 kWh |
| Charging | 10-80% in 51 min |
| 0-100 km/h | 3.7s |
| Price from | €64,990 in Germany, 539,600 NOK in Norway, £55,700 in the UK |
| Real-world range (motorway) | 312km |
Honorable Mentions
Dongfeng BOX EV
Being the cheapest EV in Norway doesn’t make it the best. But the price paired with the big battery makes it a kind of steal. The charge time is underwhelming, and the infotainment tech, software, and navigation systems are doubtful, but users are willing to switch those off and concentrate on just driving, which it does fine.
| Spec | Detail |
| Battery | 40.0 kWh |
| Charging | 10-80% in 35 min |
| 0-100 km/h | 12.5s |
| Price from | €24,499 in The Netherlands |
| Real-world range (motorway) | 255km |
MG Cyberster
Arguably, one of the best sports performance EVs currently available, the MG Cyberster deserves a mention. Though certainly in need of some more work to appeal to traditional petrol sports speedster enthusiasts (by alleviating the highly predictable performance and handling associated with EVs), it is a decent-performing sports car, with comfortable rides and theatrical scissors doors with sensors that keep it from hitting objects while opening. Overall, the 2-seater convertible is interesting, given the novelty of the market.
| Spec | Detail |
| Battery | 74.4 kWh |
| Charging | 10-80% in 39min |
| 0-100 km/h | 3.2s |
| Price from | €69,990 in Germany, €70,860 in The Netherlands, £60,245 in the UK |
| Real-world range (motorway) | 395km |
Editorial Take
Chinese EVs are taking the European auto market by storm. And while local automakers are forced to conform, it is clear that the future will include the Chinese EVs in a relevant proportion. It is also good news for consumers, as the competitive prices Chinese EVs bring are driving innovation and pricing from local brands. There is now serious competition, and sales cannot thrive on brand royalty only, as some prices and tech offerings the Chinese bring are simply too good to be true.
One more honourable mention has to go to NIO. While NIO is well-known and respected in China, its different approach is somewhat of a drawback in the European market.
With NIO, you could buy the entire EV at a premium price, or pay less upfront for just the car and then subscribe monthly for the battery. This raises concerns about the overall cost and the sustainability of this in the long term. Also, with them yet to have a strong physical presence in Europe, their influence is quite slow compared to the good records they have back home in China (where people have their cars drive themselves to change the battery and return home).
Price and subscription aside, NIO is quite promising, especially when concerns for EVs longevity are raised. They might need some time to adapt their method and marketing to the needs of the European market, or risk out eventually.
Sources: EV Database
Dollars loves following the latest innovations in automobile technology and sharing insights.
When she’s not writing, you can find her playing badminton or diving into a new opera piece.