Within the electromobility ecosystem, China is the biggest manufacturer, the biggest seller and the biggest market, thanks in particular to its manufacturers – led by BYD, which could rapidly become the world’s leading manufacturer of
electric vehicles – whose models are gradually arriving on the Old Continent, particularly in France. So here are five Chinese electric car models you need to know about before you find them on every street corner!
BYD Atto 3
Available in France from 2022
The BYD Atto 3 is a compact 100% electric SUV equipped with an in-house Blade LFP 60.5 kWh battery offering a range of around 420 km (WLTP). It is powered by a 200 bhp engine that accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in 7.3 seconds. Available in France from the end of 2022, this model illustrates BYD’s determination to make its mark in Europe with a range that is accessible, well finished and technically reliable. The manufacturer is actively developing its distribution network in France to support this ambition.
Price: €38,990
BYD Dolphin
Available in France from 2023
As leader of the field, BYD is entitled to two mentions in this selection. The Dolphin is a 100% electric compact car with a range of between 340 and 427 km, depending on whether it is fitted with a 44.9 or 60.4 kWh Blade LFP battery. This versatile city car will be available in France from the end of 2023, and BYD is using it to enter the ‘accessible’ electric car market. Priced at less than €30,000, it is aimed at a wider audience than the Atto 3. The Dolphin will certainly spearhead BYD’s dream of conquering Europe.
Price: €29,990
Leapmotor T03
Available in France from 2022
The Leapmotor T03 is a small city car (3.62 metres) that boasts a range of 265km, thanks to a 37.3 kWh battery. Although Leapmotor had hoped to ‘get around’ the customs measures taken by France to counter Chinese manufacturers by partnering with Stellantis to assemble the T03 in Europe, this may prove more complicated than expected. The fact remains that Leapmotor still intends to flood the European market by the end of 2025, fulfilling its initial objective of offering an electric city car for under €20,000.
Price: €19,500
NIO ET5
Available in Scandinavia, the Netherlands and Germany
A change of category with the NIO ET5. This electric saloon is powered by two engines delivering a combined output of 490 bhp and promises a range of up to 1,000 km – yes, yes – with its largest available battery (150 kWh). For the moment, NIO is targeting markets with a strong appetite for electric vehicles and high purchasing power – Norway and Scandinavia in general, the Netherlands and Germany – but it is not ruling out a move into France as early as 2025. The aim? To conquer the premium segment currently dominated by Tesla!
Price: €47,500
XPeng P7 / P7+
Gradual European roll-out from 2021
We’re staying with saloon cars with the XPeng P7. A close cousin of Tesla’s Model 3 and Model S, it offers a range of over 550 km and performance well in excess of 400 bhp thanks to its two engines. Renowned for its many on-board technologies, it features the XNGP system, an advanced semi-autonomous driving platform. The manufacturer has already conquered the Norwegian market,
So it was via the fjords that XPeng entered Europe a few years ago, gradually making a name for itself and appearing on the French market in spring 2024. Although the P7 is unlikely to be marketed in France, its upgraded version, the P7+, could well arrive.
Price: €42,500
