Chinese electric cars surge in UK market

Chinese electric vehicles have experienced a rapid rise in sales in the United Kingdom. Imports grew from just 384 units in 2015 to over 285,000 last year, according to Mobility Global. The UK market is attracting Chinese manufacturers because it does not impose an additional duty on plug‑in hybrid electric vehicles, unlike the rest of the European Union.

The price gap is significant: a BYD Seal U built in China sells for about £10,000 less than a comparable German‑made plug‑in hybrid Volkswagen Tiguan priced at just over £43,000. U.S. automakers have complained that Chinese government subsidies allow these firms to undercut traditional manufacturers across Asia, the United States and Europe. Chinese auto exports overall rose 72% year‑on‑year, reflecting the broader trend of expanding Chinese car sales abroad.