China has a name for its fast-growing and competitive cars. The NEVs, or New Energy Vehicles, are what the Chinese government considers a key element in their race to dominate the global auto industry. They include not only the pure electric cars (BEV) but also the plug-in hybrid cars (PHEV), extended range (EREV), and hybrids (HEV).
Their combined sales represented 53% of the new passenger car sales in China in H1 2025. The consumers in China bought 3.29 million BEVs, 1.49 million PHEVs, 537,000 EREVs, and 474,000 HEVs. How many of these models are available in Europe and how popular are they?
BEVs
Despite the tariffs imposed by the European Commission, the Chinese BEVs are still popular in Europe. The ranking for H1 2025 was led by the MG4 with 14,494 units, down by 56% vs H1 2024. It is one of the big casualties of the tariffs and the rise of BYD products. In fact, the second most popular Chinese BEV in Europe was the BYD Seal, up by 130% to 9,433 units. It was followed by another BYD – the Sealion 7, with 7,797 units. The top 10 was completed by the BYD Dolphin (7,701 units), BYD Atto 3 (7,033), Leapmotor T03 (5,918), Xpeng G6 (5,616), MG ZS (4,109), BYD Seal U (3,775), and MG5 (2,938 units).
PHEVs
While the Chinese BEV demand increased by 31% in H1 2025, the volumes for the Chinese PHEVs increased by 544% compared to H1 2024. This powertrain is becoming their way to offset the tariffs imposed on their BEVs. The ranking was led by the BYD Seal U with 29,223 units and Europe’s third top-selling PHEV, only behind the Volkswagen Tiguan and Volvo XC60. It was followed by the MG HS with 11,677 units, and the Jaecoo J7 with 9,938 units. The following positions were occupied by the Lynk & Co 01 (4,270 units), Omoda 9 (1,164), DFSK E5 (1,162), GWM Wey 05 (548), Ebro S700 (407), Ebro S800 (229), and GWM Wey 03 (199).
HEVs and EREVs
The offer of hybrid and extended-range Chinese cars is still very limited. However, they are also making progress here. The MG ZS on its full hybrid version registered 38,445 units between January and June, becoming the region’s 6th top-selling HEV. The MG3 followed with 21,998 units, and Europe’s third best-selling hybrid B-hatchback behind the Toyota Yaris and Renault Clio. The top 5 was completed by the MG HS (216 units), Haval Jolion (96), and the Dongfeng T5 (83 units). The Leapmotor C10 was the only EREV available in Europe with 1,059 units.
