Chinese Electric Car Brands in the UK: The Ones You Need to Know in 2026
Posted in Guides On 09/10/2026 By Bounce
Chinese car brands are now a common sight on UK roads. Here’s who they are, and the electric models worth knowing about.
In brief
01Chinese carmakers took 9.7% of the UK new car market in 2025.
02Many lead with electric cars, generous standard kit and seven-year warranties.
03Leasing takes away the worry about how these newer brands hold their value.
A few years ago, most UK drivers would have struggled to name a Chinese car brand. Now they're everywhere, and many of them are leading with electric cars.
According to the SMMT, 9.7% of new cars sold in the UK in 2025 came from Chinese carmakers, almost 200,000 cars in total.
9.7%UK new car market share, 2025
~200,000Chinese-brand cars sold in 2025
85,155MG sales, the top Chinese brand
51,422BYD sales in 2025
01
Why are Chinese brands so popular?
Most of these brands compete hard on value. Features that are optional extras elsewhere, such as panoramic roofs, 360-degree cameras, adaptive cruise control and large touchscreens, are often standard.
Many also make their own batteries, motors and software, which helps them keep costs down. And long warranties are common: seven years of cover is now standard across the major brands, including BYD, MG, OMODA and JAECOO.
02
The brands to know
MGOwned by Chinese giant SAIC, MG was the best-selling Chinese brand in the UK in 2025 with 85,155 sales. Its electric line-up includes the MG4 EV, MG S5 EV, and the IM5 and IM6.
BYDBYD started out making batteries, and still makes its own. It sold 51,422 cars in the UK in 2025, and its electric range includes the Dolphin Surf, Dolphin, Atto 2, Atto 3, Seal and Sealion 7.
JAECOOPart of the Chery group, JAECOO sold 28,232 cars in 2025, up from just 209 the year before. The JAECOO 7 plug-in hybrid was the UK's best-selling car in September 2026.
OMODAJAECOO's sister brand focuses on stylish SUVs. Its fully electric option is the OMODA E5.
LeapmotorBacked in Europe by Stellantis, the group behind Vauxhall and Peugeot. Its electric models include the T03 city car and the B10 and C10 SUVs.
XPENGA tech-focused EV maker. The G6 electric SUV is its best-known UK model, with the L03 SUV coupe due in 2027.
GeelyThe group that owns Volvo, Polestar and Lotus now sells cars under its own name in the UK, led by the EX5 electric SUV.
GWMGreat Wall Motor has sold cars in the UK for several years. Its ORA 03 is a small electric hatchback.
ChanganOne of China's oldest carmakers arrived in the UK with its Deepal brand and the S07 and S05 electric SUVs.
7 yearsof warranty cover is now standard across the major Chinese brands, including BYD, MG, OMODA and JAECOO.
03
Are they any good?
Perceptions have changed quickly. Interior quality, driver assistance and EV technology have all improved, and several models have earned five-star Euro NCAP safety ratings.
The bigger question for many drivers is what these cars will be worth in a few years, because the brands are still new and their used values are still settling.
Why leasing makes sense
That uncertainty is exactly why leasing suits these brands. When you lease, you hand the car back at the end of the agreement, so you're not exposed to how its value holds up.
It's an easy way to try a newer brand and get a lot of car for your money, without the risk of owning it outright.
Thinking about going electric?
Bounce is a leasing broker that specialises in electric vehicles. We'll talk you through range, charging and running costs in plain English, then help you find a lease that suits how you actually drive.
If your employer offers salary sacrifice, you could get a brand-new EV through your salary before tax, which can make a real difference to the monthly cost.
Specifications and dates are based on manufacturer information at the time of writing and may change. Bounce EV Limited is an Appointed Representative of Jurni Limited, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for credit broking activities. We are a credit broker, not a lender. Finance is subject to status.
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