In recent years, Chinese electric vehicles have been quietly revolutionising the automotive market, gaining significant traction. This is happening for several reasons including greater government support, more competitive pricing compared to Western alternatives, and technological advancements.

The UK market reflects this growing trend: Chinese brands now represent 10% of new EV sales, and in the first half of 2023, Chinese-made electric vehicles accounted for an impressive 33.4% of new EV registrations. In this blog, we will outline the 10 best Chinese electric cars to consider in 2025, highlighting their key advantages and suitability for different driving needs and preferences. We will also let you know which ones you can access through an EV salary sacrifice scheme, like The Electric Car Scheme!

MG4

Bright orange MG4 EV driving on a scenic road with lush greenery. The electric hatchback showcases sleek styling, sharp LED headlights, and modern aerodynamics. Perfect for eco-conscious drivers seeking an affordable, stylish electric vehicle. — Image sourced from Top Gear

The MG4 is now a standout electric vehicle in the UK because of its value for money and impressive performance. It has become one of the most popular electric cars to lease in 2024 through The Electric Car Scheme, primarily due to its affordability. Available in multiple battery configurations, the top-spec Long Range variant boasts an exceptional range of up to 435 miles on a single charge, establishing itself as one of the most practical electric vehicles in its price bracket.

The MG4 impresses first-time EV drivers with its dynamic design and spacious interior, providing 363 litres of boot space and comfortable seating for five passengers. Performance is also compelling, with the top-spec Trophy Long Range model accelerating from 0-62 mph in just 7.2 seconds. Priced competitively starting from around £26,995, it significantly undercuts many rivals while offering advanced features like a 10.25-inch infotainment system, adaptive cruise control, and a comprehensive suite of safety technologies.

MG5

The MG5 has established itself as a practical and versatile electric estate car in the UK market, offering a compelling blend of space, efficiency, and affordability. First introduced to the UK market in 2020, it quickly became one of the few electric estate cars available, carving out a unique niche for budget-conscious families looking for an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional petrol estate vehicles. Available with a choice of battery options, the Long Range variant provides an impressive range of up to 367 miles on a single charge, making it a practical option for both urban and distance driving.

With a spacious boot capacity of 479 litres (expanding to 1,367 litres with rear seats folded), the MG5 is extremely practical. That’s not where it ends. The top-spec Trophy Long Range model delivers a responsive driving experience, accelerating from 0-62 mph in 7.3 seconds. Competitively priced starting from around £27,500, it offers excellent value in the UK electric vehicle market, featuring a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, adaptive cruise control, and a comprehensive array of safety technologies that make it an attractive option for drivers looking for their next EV!

MG Cyberster

Another one! The MG Cyberster represents a bold reimagining of MG's sports car heritage, bringing a two-seater convertible to the UK market in 2024. It was initially introduced as a concept car in 2021, it marked a departure from the brand’s other EVs. The Cyberster is available in two variants, the Cyberster offers impressive performance credentials that challenge traditional sports car expectations, with top-spec models capable of accelerating from 0-62 mph in just 3.2 seconds.

You can choose between a soft-top or hard-top configuration, which gives an added element of personalisation. The Cyberster has bundles of technology, with a 10.25-inch central touchscreen and a distinctive digital cockpit. The Long Range variant promises up to 402 miles on a single charge, making it a practical option for both weekend drives and longer journeys. Priced competitively in the UK from around £55,000, the Cyberster aims to make high-performance electric sports cars more accessible. Though it may not suit family needs, the Cyberster offers an incredibly enjoyable driving experience for those seeking pure driving pleasure.

BYD Seal

Moving beyond MG, we now turn our attention to BYD - an acronym that stands for Build Your Dreams. The BYD Seal is an electric saloon car in the UK market, offering a blend of performance, technology, and design. Launched in the UK in early 2024, the Seal represents BYD's strategic entry into the competitive EV market, challenging established players with its approach. Available in multiple configurations, the top-spec Performance All Wheel Drive variant boasts an impressive range of up to 354 miles and can accelerate from 0-62 mph in just 3.8 seconds.

With a sleek, aerodynamic design and a spacious interior, the Seal provides 402 litres of boot space and comfortable accommodation for five passengers. Priced competitively from around £45,000, it offers a premium electric driving experience with advanced features including a 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen, intelligent driver assistance systems, and cutting-edge battery technology developed by BYD. The vehicle's Ocean Eco Design philosophy emphasises both aesthetic appeal and environmental consciousness, making it an attractive option for UK drivers seeking a modern, high-performance electric saloon.

BYD Dolphin

The BYD Dolphin is an electric hatchback that is a great urban car due to its practicality and affordability. It launched in the UK in 2024 and marks BYD’s push into the compact EV segment, with its sleek design that’s both modern and aerodynamic.

Available in multiple trims, the BYD Dolphin offers competitive performance, with the higher-spec models featuring a 60.48 kWh battery that delivers up to 265 miles of range on a single charge. It has nimble handling and responsive acceleration which makes it ideal for urban commutes, while its compact size makes parking and manoeuvring easy!

Inside, the Dolphin has a tech-focussed cabin, featuring a 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, and smart climate control. The interior design is minimalistic yet functional, with ample space for five passengers and a generous boot capacity for its class.

Priced from around £26,000, the BYD Dolphin is positioned as an affordable entry point into the EV market. With its blend of practicality, range, and modern features, it’s an excellent choice for young professionals or small families looking to embrace the EV lifestyle if they live in a city or town.

BYD Atto 3

A blue BYD atto travelling at speed through autumnal countryside at sunset — Sourced from AutoTrader

The BYD Atto 3 is another great compact SUV, combining futuristic design, advanced technology, and impressive efficiency. It’s a great alternative to the Tesla Model 3. As BYD's first mass-market electric vehicle in many global markets, the Atto 3 represents the company’s ambition to make EVs more accessible to everyday drivers.

Available in two trim levels, the Atto 3 offers a blend of practicality and performance, with its top-spec model boasting a range of up to 260 miles (WLTP) on a single charge. Acceleration from 0-62 mph takes just 7.3 seconds, making it a good option for urban and suburban driving.

Inside, the cabin has a 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen, a digital driver display, and a suite of smart connectivity features. The interior design is bold, with playful yet functional touches like guitar-string-inspired door pockets.

Safety is a priority, too, with the Atto 3 equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, earning it a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating. Priced competitively from around £36,000, the Atto 3 offers excellent value for drivers transitioning to electric. With its spacious interior, cutting-edge features, and spirited performance, the BYD Atto 3 is an ideal choice for families and commuters alike.

Omoda E5

The Omoda E5 is a sleek and versatile all-electric SUV, which combines a very futuristic design and impressive performance to cater to modern drivers. Entering the UK market in 2024, the E5 showcases Chery’s ambition to deliver an EV that stands out in the competitive mid-size SUV segment.

With its bold look, the Omoda E5 turns heads on the road. Powered by a 61 kWh battery, it offers a driving range of up to 280 miles on a single charge, making it well-suited for daily commutes and longer trips alike. The electric motor provides smooth and responsive acceleration, ensuring an enjoyable driving experience.

Inside, the Omoda E5 features a high-tech cabin with a dual-screen setup that includes a 12.3-inch central touchscreen and a digital driver display. Advanced connectivity features like wireless smartphone mirroring, over-the-air updates, and a comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies ensure convenience and safety.

With a starting price of approximately £30,000 in the UK, the Omoda E5 offers great value for those seeking a stylish, tech-packed, and efficient electric SUV. Perfect for families or drivers who want a blend of practicality and cutting-edge features, the E5 is poised to make a strong impression in the EV market.

Maxus T90EV

A bright red Maxus G6 pickup truck with a bold front grille and sleek exterior design, parked on a snowy road surrounded by trees. — Sourced from AutoExpress

The Maxus T90EV is an all-electric pickup truck, designed to meet the demands of both work and leisure. Combining durability with zero-emissions driving, it’s one of the first electric pickups to hit the UK market. Equipped with an 88.5 kWh battery, the T90EV delivers a range of up to 220 miles on a single charge, making it suitable for both urban commutes and longer trips. With a payload capacity of 1,000 kg and a spacious double cab, it offers the practicality and versatility that pickup drivers need, all while reducing their carbon footprint - a win-win.

Inside, the T90EV features a modern and comfortable cabin with an intuitive 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, smartphone integration, and a suite of driver assistance features. Its bold, rugged design ensures it stands out on the road, and its electric powertrain provides smooth, quiet performance. The Maxus T90EV is an excellent choice for people looking for a reliable, eco-friendly pickup without compromising on functionality or style.

Maxus MIFA 9

The Maxus MIFA 9 is a bold entrant into the premium electric multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) market, combining good technology with lots of space, and a feeling of luxury. As one of the first fully electric MPVs to hit the market, the MIFA 9 caters to families and even businesses looking for a zero-emission vehicle without compromising on practicality or comfort. With a range of up to 323 miles (WLTP) and rapid charging capabilities, it is well-suited for long-distance journeys as well as town or city driving. Powered by a 180 kW electric motor, the MIFA 9 offers smooth, responsive performance and a serene driving experience.

Inside, the MIFA 9 combines comfort with innovation, because of its spacious cabin -with seating for up to seven - premium materials, customisable ambient lighting, and a futuristic dashboard design elevate the interior experience. The advanced infotainment system features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while rear passengers enjoy entertainment screens and reclining seats for maximum relaxation. Equipped with a suite of advanced driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control and automated emergency braking, the MIFA 9 ensures a safe and stress-free driving experience. With pricing starting from around £50,000, the Maxus MIFA 9 is redefining expectations for electric families and transport for businesses. This vehicle is available to salary sacrifice from The Electric Car Scheme, with the lease cost depending on the agreed terms and your salary.

XPeng G6

The XPeng G6 is a sleek electric SUV, designed to compete with premium rivals by combining its technology, impressive range, and dynamic performance. Introduced to the UK market in late 2024 with plans to be released in early 2025, the G6 is built on XPeng’s latest platform, offering a range of up to 469 miles on higher trims, making it an ideal option for long-distance journeys. Its dual-motor, all-wheel-drive variant delivers powerful acceleration, sprinting from 0-62 mph in just 3.9 seconds, while the single-motor model provides a more efficiency-focused alternative.

Inside, the G6 boasts a modern and minimalist cabin, featuring a 15-inch rotating touchscreen, a digital driver display, and an augmented reality heads-up display. Passengers enjoy spacious seating and high-quality materials, along with a panoramic sunroof that enhances the sense of openness. The G6 also comes equipped with XPeng’s advanced driver assistance system, XPILOT, which offers semi-autonomous driving capabilities. Priced from around £40,000, the XPeng G6 delivers a compelling mix of technology, performance, and practicality, making it an attractive choice for tech-savvy drivers seeking an electric SUV with a futuristic edge.

Other Chinese EVs And Brands Launching In The UK Soon

The UK electric vehicle market is set to see several new Chinese entrants in 2025, marking a significant expansion of Chinese brands in Europe. XPeng, as mentioned above and, known for its innovative technology, plans to launch its G6 SUV early in the year, followed by models like the G9 and P7 saloon. BYD, already gaining traction in Europe, aims to establish 100 dealerships across the UK by then, offering competitive EV options.

Additionally, Leapmotor, in collaboration with Stellantis, is set to introduce its lineup in the UK, leveraging Stellantis' extensive European network. NIO, another major player, is expected to focus on its direct-to-consumer model with battery swap technology, targeting 25 UK locations by 2025. Chinese EVs are expected to remain a strong choice for UK and European drivers. These brands are gaining traction by offering competitive pricing, cutting-edge features, and long driving ranges that appeal to environmentally-conscious consumers.

Why Do Chinese Cars Have Tariffs?

Chinese cars face tariffs in many countries primarily due to concerns over fair competition, economic protectionism, and national security. These tariffs are often imposed to protect domestic automotive industries from potentially lower-priced vehicles that may undermine local manufacturers, who might not be able to compete with the subsidised costs of Chinese-made cars.

Additionally, countries may view tariffs as a way to address concerns related to intellectual property theft, environmental standards, and labour practices in China's manufacturing sector. The imposition of tariffs serves as a way to balance trade relations, encourage domestic production, and ensure safety and quality standards are met.

The Electric Car Scheme is a great employee benefit for companies to offer to boost their ESG goals whilst improving employee retention and happiness. If your company offers the scheme or if you’re interested in how much you could save through EV salary sacrifice, check out our quote tool, where you can see most of the cars mentioned in this blog!

Last updated: 16/12/24