Best Chinese electric cars 2026

In the past, Chinese cars have been mocked for being poor copycats of existing models from Europe and North America. However, over the past decade the country has turned its reputation on its head, building quality cars with their own unique designs.

Naturally, some are better than others, but you can no longer write off Chinese manufacturers. The success of MG proves that there’s appetite for affordable, well-built cars on these shores, and BYD appears to be following a similar trend, with more to come.

You might look at the Skywell BE11 and think it has as much going for it as any other Chinese EV - it’s roomy, with a reasonably attractive price tag, and though it’s an unknown brand to the UK market, so are Leapmotor, Xpeng and countless others. However, the BE11 is a rare example of a car on sale today that isn’t just underwhelming - it’s actively bad. The interior is poorly built and the touchscreen is impossible to use. It has comically low grip levels, the suspension keeps bouncing for ages after you hit a bump and there’s almost no safety equipment - who heard of a car from the last decade that didn’t have autonomous emergency braking? If it were insanely cheap rather than just comparable to other cars its size you could almost recommend it for the ample rear legroom, but at this price there are no redeeming features. Avoid.

As with cars from any country, prices vary wildly depending on the model you go for. However, most of the Chinese models currently available in the UK are affordable family cars – the MG4 EV has earned a reputation for being one of the best cheap electric cars, starting at around £25,000. The BYD Seal on the other hand is an alternative to the Tesla Model 3, and as such costs more at just over £45,000. More expensive models from luxury brands such as Nio are likely not far away.

At the moment, the MG4 EV is the highest ranked Chinese electric car on sale in the UK, according to our team of car testing experts. The BYD Dolphin and BYD Seal aren’t far behind, though.

There are currently four Chinese electric car manufacturers selling in the UK: MG, BYD, Omoda and ORA. However, a few years ago there were hundreds of car makers in China trying to take advantage of the electric car boom. Some were more successful than others and this number is coming down. There are now about a dozen major players, though many of these have various subsidiaries within them making cars under different brands for different audiences. Expect to see more and more making their way to Europe in the coming years.

China has invested heavily in EV technology over the past few years and has seen a thriving industry at home, resulting in established western manufacturers losing sales in Asia to Chinese brands.

For example, while Tesla is often seen as the electric car trailblazer, Chinese firm BYD sold more electric cars globally last year than any other company. Now, BYD, along with a growing number of other manufacturers, is selling cars in the UK that offer technology and build quality often on par with, and in some cases surpassing, more familiar brands - many at a lower price point.

Several prominent Chinese car brands, such as FAW, Dongfeng, Changan, and SAIC Motor Corporation, are state-owned and fall under the control of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) of the State Council. Notably, SAIC - the owner of British car brand MG - is China’s largest vehicle manufacturer and a major player in the nation’s automotive sector.

However, not all Chinese car brands are state-owned. For instance, BYD, the largest EV manufacturer, is a private company. However, the Chinese government has played a key role in its growth, particularly in the electric vehicle sector, through subsidies and strategic investments.

Yes, many Chinese electric cars are considered safe. Models such as the BYD Seal and Dolphin have received high safety ratings in independent crash tests, with the BYD Seal earning a five-star rating. Additionally, several Chinese brands have been recognised by organisations such as the Euro NCAP for their safety performance.

Yes, Chinese electric cars are compatible with UK charging stations, though depending on the model and connector type some charging stations might not be compatible with your specific EV – read our handy EV charging guide to charging to know what to look for. While you may need an adapter in some cases, most now support international charging standards. It’s worth checking with the brand’s local representative or user forums.

Chinese electric car manufacturers typically offer longer warranties than traditional automakers, to instill confidence in their products. These warranties usually cover the entire car for a set period or mileage, with separate, extended coverage for the battery, often lasting 8-10 years or 100,000 miles.

BYD, for instance, offers basic cover for six years of 93,750 miles, whichever comes first. However, for the battery itself, the warranty is for eight years and 125,000 miles and a minimum battery health of 70%.

Servicing Chinese electric cars outside of China is becoming more accessible through a combination of official dealer networks, independent garages, and online platforms. While some Chinese EV brands are growing their official presence, others depend on independent networks and partnerships for after-sales support.