Chinese EVs gain popularity in UK as drivers flock to cheaper models

• UK EV sales made in China have surged, with market share growing from 0.9% in 2019 to 31.9% year-to-date in 2026.
• Geely, a Chinese automaker, opened its first UK dealership last year and aims for 100,000 annual sales by 2030, attracting customers with 'best value for money' price points.
• European automakers are facing significant competitive pressure, with their stock prices declining, and are calling for tariffs on Chinese EVs to address the price disparity.

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers are rapidly gaining market share in the UK due to competitive pricing, with sales of China-made EVs projected to reach over 285,000 units by 2025. This aggressive expansion is putting pressure on European legacy automakers, who are experiencing declining stock performance and advocating for additional tariffs to counter the price advantage of Chinese imports.