China’s electric vehicles have hit UK roads like a chicken chow-mein takeaway after a few beers on a Saturday night - seamless, satisfying, and exactly what you didn’t know you needed. They’re serving up range, tech, and value that’s hard to beat.
Chinese Cars on the Rise
UK drivers know their imports. German engineering, Italian flair, Japanese reliability, but now there’s a new player in town. Is this China town?
BYD: The Underdog That Could
BYD (Build Your Dreams) is the brand that has barged its way onto the scene without a century-old backstory.
It seems newcomers are very welcome because in September 2025 BYD UK sold 11,271 vehicles – a staggering 880% year-on-year increase. Their market share also jumped to 3.6% in that month, making them a player in the UK market.
Models such as the Seal U DM-i and Dolphin get the credit for this surge, offering advanced technology and affordability, making them popular choices among Brits.
BYD Seal U - 1.5 DM-i Boost 5dr Auto
Polestar: The Swedenese Powerhouse
A crossover nobody saw coming that actually makes perfect sense. Polestar, born from Volvo (high quality, minimalist design & safety-first thinking) merges with Geely Holding (EV tech and brand experts).
Polestar is revving ahead. UK retail sales jumped by 36% globally in the first nine months of 2025. In September alone, Polestar UK shifted 2,758 cars, marking it as the standout premium EV brand.
Polestar 2 - 200kW 70kWh SM Prime 5dr Auto
Omoda & Jaecoo: Tag Team Champions
Backed by Chery International, Omoda and Jaecoo together achieved a 2.71% market share in July 2025, with 1,874 Omoda and 1,915 Jaecoo vehicles sold.
They did those kinds of numbers in months - not decades! It’s likely down to their design-forward models, tech-rich spec, and disruptive pricing. Add them to the list of brands UK drivers need to stop ignoring. Sharpish.
Jaecoo 5 - 1.6T Pure 5dr 7DCT
Chery: The Budget-Friendly Giant
If value, volume and visibility matter, Chery has it all. The world’s largest exporter of cars for 22 years has laid the groundwork for UK dominance.
For example, its seven-seat Tiggo 8 SUV is already lined up to reign supreme in the UK market. Why so? It’s a lot of metal for the money and Brits can’t resist a bargain!
Chery Tiggo 8 - 1.6T Aspire 5dr DCT
Changan: The New Kid
Don’t discount the new kid before they’ve stepped through the gates. Although new to the UK scene, Changan is one of China’s “big four” auto-builders and is planning bold moves here, including launching models like the Deepal S07 (and S05) with tech & style at the forefront.
In short: they’ve arrived quietly. Now they’re settling in.
Not Just a Novelty
Chinese car brands are serious players and they’re here to stay. With advanced tech, competitive pricing, and bold designs, they’re rewriting the rulebook. And we’re welcoming them with open arms.
The future is electric. And it’s coming full throttle from the East.