Best Chinese electric cars 2026

High quality electric Chinese cars from rated and reviewed dealers

Rated 4.4/5 from 85,406 reviews
Tom Wiltshire
Tom Wiltshire
Deputy Web Reviews Editor
Last updated on: 02/10/2026

10 best Chinese electric cars 2026 : EVs you should consider from brands you might not have heard of

Most Chinese manufacturers in the UK aren’t really bothering with pure petrol or diesel cars. Instead, they’re focusing on so-called New Energy Vehicles - to you and I, that means plug-in hybrids and full electric cars.

The best Chinese EVs come with sophisticated battery tech and in some cases lead the class for charging speeds, performance or safety - and often at a much cheaper price than the European or Korean alternatives.

As a result, they’re surging in popularity in the UK, with cars such as the sleek BYD Seal, practical Leapmotor B10 or fun-to-drive MG4 showing that there’s a Chinese EV for most people’s needs.

Our expert reviews team has comprehensively tested every Chinese car on sale in town, on motorway journeys, at the shops and on the school run, putting together this list of the ten best electric offerings you can buy.

BYD Seal

1. BYD Seal

8/10
BYD Seal review
Battery range up to 354 miles
Best for: driving pleasure

If you’re looking for an electric saloon car and don’t fancy a Tesla Model 3, the BYD Seal is a fantastic alternative. For a start, it looks great, with sleek lines, slim headlights and a full-width rear light bar. It may be one of BYD’s older car designs, but it’s arguably the best-looking of the bunch.

Jump inside and its dashboard couldn’t be more different from the Tesla’s. Where the Model 3 embraces minimalism, the Seal has sweeping curves, contrasting materials and intricate details everywhere you look. It’s certainly busy, but the overall effect is cohesive and build quality feels solid.

The touchscreen is a bit less successful. Its graphics are sharp and it responds quickly, but too many functions are buried in menus. Shortcuts help, but making adjustments on the move still takes more concentration than it should - it’s much easier in a Tesla.

You certainly aren’t short of equipment. Heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic glass roof, and a punchy Dynaudio stereo are all standard fare. The Seal feels suitably upmarket for its price tag then, even if there are a few unconvincing material choices lower down in the cabin.

You get a 485-litre boot and a useful 72 litres under the bonnet, which although smaller than a Tesla is still very practical. The saloon boot opening limits access for bulky luggage, though, while the low-set rear seats leave taller passengers wanting more under-thigh support.

It’s the way the Seal drives that really earns its stripes, though. It combines comfortable suspension and a quiet, refined cabin with surprisingly entertaining cornering on a twisty road. There’s plenty of grip, and it feels much more agile than its weight suggests. Around town, though, the grabby brakes take a bit of getting used to.

The rear-wheel drive Design model manages up to 354 miles between charges, dropping to 323 miles for the quicker, four-wheel drive Excellence. Neither figure leads the class, and charging peaks at a fairly ordinary 150kW.

Still, if you value style, equipment and an enjoyable drive over the longest possible range, the Seal deserves a place on your shortlist.

What's good

  • Well-equipped
  • Comfortable yet fun to drive
  • Stylish

What’s not so good

  • Touchscreen too hard to navigate on the move
  • Boot isn't the biggest or most practical
  • Outgunned by Tesla Model 3 on range
Geely EX5

2. Geely EX5

8/10
Geely EX5 review
Battery range up to 280 miles
Best for: interior comfort

The Geely EX5 is one of the best Chinese SUVs to live with on a daily basis because, unlike some alternatives with their convoluted infotainment systems, it’s actually very easy to use. That wasn’t always the case, but Geely listened to its customers and fixed their gripes with an over-the-air update soon after the EX5 went on sale.

It’s a shame it’s such a generic-looking mass of car. There’s a lack of notable design features with a sort-of-rounded look and few creases down its sides. Even the Geely badge is easy to forget, looking more like a solar panel than a logo.

The interior is a bit more memorable, with a sweeping dashboard and seats featuring interesting patterns, available in a lovely cream colour. Material quality is very high, plus everywhere you poke and prod feels solidly put together.

As with so many Chinese EVs, the EX5’s infotainment display and driver screen are quick to respond to your inputs and feature crisp graphics. There are a few too many menus to navigate, which is a headache, but shortcut buttons to the driver assists ease the burden.

Interior space is excellent, but the compromise is that the boot is a touch smaller than other SUVs of this size at 410 litres. Range varies from 254 miles to 280 miles from a full battery, which is fine for the price, but alternatives in higher trim levels offer more mileage-per-charge.

At least the EX5 feels more sure-footed on any given road than most other Chinese SUVs, though it could be a touch more comfortable around town.

What's good

  • Plush interior with high-quality materials
  • Very roomy back seats
  • Top-spec model is loaded with kit for not much money

What’s not so good

  • Limited range and no big-battery option
  • Smaller boot than alternatives
  • Firm over bumps
MG MG4 EV

3. MG4 EV

8/10
MG MG4 EV review
Battery range up to 338 miles
Best for: a great-value all-rounder

The MG4 helped establish that an affordable electric car could be genuinely desirable, winning Carwow’s Car of the Year award in 2023. It’s still an excellent choice, and an updated interior addresses one of the original car’s biggest weaknesses.

Its sharp headlights and angular bodywork remain distinctive, although the latest version has a simpler rear spoiler. It’s a much sportier-looking proposition than the separate MG4 Urban, and its appeal goes beyond appearances.

Rear-wheel drive, responsive steering and well-controlled body movements make the MG4 unusually enjoyable on a country road. It’s comfortable enough for everyday use, too, although motorway noise means it isn’t the most relaxing electric hatchback for long journeys.

The cabin has taken a welcome step forward. Softer materials replace some of the original’s cheaper finishes, while a redesigned centre console makes better use of the available space. Physical climate controls are another improvement, saving you from prodding a screen just to make simple adjustments.

There’s also a larger 12.8-inch touchscreen. It helps the interior feel more modern, although some of the menus still take a little learning.

Rear passenger space is adequate rather than outstanding, and the boot isn’t especially generous. If carrying people and luggage matters more than handling, the cheaper MG4 Urban is worth considering alongside it.

The current Long Range version offers up to 280 miles between charges, while the Extended Range manages 338 miles. That gives the MG4 useful long-distance ability to go with its entertaining handling, without demanding the budget of a premium-badged alternative.

What's good

  • Fantastic price/range ratio
  • Improved interior is easy to use
  • Fun to drive

What’s not so good

  • Small boot
  • Noisy on the motorway
  • MG’s poor showing in Driver Power surveys
Jaecoo E5

4. Jaecoo E5

8/10
Jaecoo E5 review
Battery range up to 248 miles
Best for: good value electric family car

It’s not always easy to find value for money when buying a new electric car, but the Jaecoo E5 represents exactly that.

You don’t have to sacrifice much to save your cash, either. Sure, it’s a bit plain on the inside, but the top-spec Luxury trim isn’t a big leap in cost and yet gives you some nice soft-touch materials on the dashboard and a bunch of extra assistance tech.

All cars get the same big infotainment system, which works really well with sharp graphics and a (relatively) logical layout. You get some useful configurable shortcut buttons too so you don’t have to go fiddling about in menus for features you use all the time.

At 248 miles the range isn’t exceptional but it’s a bit higher than anything else at this price, and we saw 225 miles in our real-world testing, which is impressive. It’s let down by the charging, which is much slower than what alternatives are offering, making it one to avoid if you regularly use public chargers.

At least it’s pretty good to drive. On the motorway it’s quite quiet and around town it’s smooth with good visibility. The suspension can get unsettled by rough roads and feels like it never settles down, while country roads can be frustrating with lots of body lean in corners.

What's good

  • Loads of space and storage up front
  • Pet-friendly upholstery and accessories
  • Responsive infotainment

What’s not so good

  • Slow DC charging
  • Plain styling inside and out
  • Not brilliant to drive
MG MG4 Urban

5. MG4 Urban

8/10
MG MG4 Urban review
Battery range up to 258 miles
Best for: a sensible, no-frills form of transport

The MG4 Urban is a simple, cheap and very sensible electric hatchback designed to offer lots of practicality at a low price. It lacks in driving thrills, as well as interior frills, but it’s not pretending to be posh, either.

MG has taken a big departure from the regular MG4 with which the Urban shares a name, eschewing the spaceship styling for a much rounder, almost friendlier appearance. Look at the front grille and taillights for styling cues to the MG Cyberster, but otherwise it’s a slightly awkward-looking thing with odd proportions.

It’s much the same case inside, with a plain-Jane cabin, swathed in dark, inexpensive-feeling materials. That’s not to say it's poorly made, it’s simply boring to behold. At least the infotainment system is easy to use, supported by a row of physical shortcut buttons.

None of that matters if interior space is your priority, however, with masses of headroom, legroom and a whopping 577-litre boot in the back.

You can choose from two battery options in the MG4 Urban, with range varying from 201 to 258 miles depending on which you choose. That’s not very road-trip friendly, but as the name suggests, the MG is most at home on city streets.

The light steering, excellent visibility and comfortable suspension are perfect for bad roads, but it’s neither fun on a country lane nor surefooted on the motorway.

What's good

  • Huge rear seats and boot
  • Sensible interior layout
  • Quite comfortable

What’s not so good

  • Anonymous styling
  • Some hard interior plastics
  • Not much fun to drive
MG S5 EV

6. MG S5 EV

8/10
MG S5 EV review
Battery range up to 298 miles
Best for: a quality interior

The S5 EV is MG’s replacement for the rather uninspiring ZS EV - and it’s a brilliant demonstration of a car manufacturer listening to feedback. Pretty much every complaint we had about the original MG4 has been addressed in this taller, SUV-shaped equivalent.

The MG4’s cheap interior is okay considering the car’s low price, but the S5 is bigger and more expensive - so MG’s given it a swathe of soft-touch materials everywhere you’re likely to touch, so it feels much more premium. MG4 drivers moaned about having to adjust the climate controls through the touchscreen, so MG added a panel of physical switches - and the touchscreen itself has a quick shortcut to switch off the more annoying driver assistance systems.

The result is that the S5 EV feels like a really mature electric SUV, one that’s had the annoying bits shaved off after many rounds of R&D.

It’s also a really roomy one - the back seats and boot have plenty of space for a growing family - and one that’s even pretty good to drive. There’s plenty of power, and the rear-wheel drive chassis means it’s quite satisfying on a twisty road.

Add in MG’s best touchscreen yet - it’s big, responsive and quite easy to use - and a good range on a single charge and the MG S5 EV is a really convincing electric car. It’s a shame that the price has increased over the MG4 to reflect that extra maturity, and that it’s so anonymous to look at. Long-range drivers may also wish there was a version with a bigger battery, too.

What's good

  • MG’s poshest-feeling interior to date
  • Surprisingly fun to drive
  • Roomy back seats and boot

What’s not so good

  • Dull styling
  • Firm suspension
  • No Extended Range model

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Leapmotor B10

7. Leapmotor B10

8/10
Leapmotor B10 review
Battery range up to 261 miles
Best for: value for money

The Leapmotor B10 is a mid-sized electric SUV with styling that’s been ever-so-slightly ripped off from Porsche (look at the lights, and then the Cayenne-esque way the rear roof pillar curves around) but which still manages to look rather forgettable.

It has the standard Chinese car interior too — massive touchscreen (14.6 inches), big digital instrument screen, and essentially no physical buttons (boo!). There is lots of space, though, and the overall quality feels very good, plus you get some handy Dacia-like sockets on the passenger side for mounting extra accessories.

There the B10 could be a problem if you do a lot of miles is that it doesn’t have very much range. While 261 miles is okay against some of the basic versions of alternatives such as the MG S5, Kia EV3, and Skoda Elroq, in every one of those you can pay extra for a bigger battery and more miles; not so in the Leapmotor. Equally, the likes of the Ford Explorer, which the B10 is roughly the same size as, can run for almost 370 miles on one charge.

What's good

  • Huge back seats
  • Posh-feeling interior
  • Lots of standard equipment

What’s not so good

  • Range is only so-so
  • Frustrating built-in tech
  • Suspension and steering not up to par with alternatives
MG IM6

8. MG IM6

8/10
MG IM6 review
Battery range up to 388 miles
Best for: actually being quite posh

You might not recognise it from a distance - or even up-close - but this swanky-looking coupe-SUV is actually an MG. You just need to get a magnifying glass out to spot the small MG badge on the boot, but it is there. Promise.

Aimed squarely at premium brands, the IM6 is an all-new approach by the Chinese giant, and on appearances at least it fares very well. The swoopy roofline, wide, flowing headlights and Aston Martin DBX-style tail are all rather swish.

The interior also looks posh…ish. There are plenty of padded materials on the wraparound dashboard/centre console combo, while the enormous displays both on-and-in the surfaces are impressive to behold. Shame the menus aren’t easy to navigate, though; distracting to use on the move.

You won’t find too much interior storage space, but there’s lots of room for tall adults both front and rear, as well as a gargantuan 665-litre boot.

Electric range varies from 315 miles to 388 miles in the Performance and Long Range versions respectively. It’s the ultra-fast charging which impresses most, however, allowing a 10-80% top-up in just 20 minutes.

It’s rather comfortable around town, soaking up bumps and potholes with little fuss. It’s a touch less composed over broken roads, but it’s well-suited to motorways, making road trips a piece of cake.

What's good

  • Long range
  • Fast charging
  • Comfort and refinement

What’s not so good

  • Infotainment system
  • Rear visibility
  • Cabin storage could be better
Xpeng G6

9. Xpeng G6

8/10
Xpeng G6 review
Battery range up to 354 miles
Best for: rapid charging

The Xpeng G6 is a convincing alternative to the Tesla Model Y, particularly if you want a more traditional sense of interior luxury. Its rounded bodywork isn’t especially memorable, but the cabin makes a better impression.

Soft materials, comfortable seats and generous standard equipment help it feel expensive. Rear passengers get plenty of room, too, with reclining seatbacks making longer journeys more comfortable.

The touchscreen is slick, but the lack of conventional controls remains frustrating. Too many adjustments involve menus, so it takes time to become familiar with the car.

Updated batteries and charging hardware are the big news. Official range now reaches 326 miles, while Xpeng claims a 10–80% charge can take just 12 minutes using a sufficiently powerful charger in suitable conditions. That’s an impressive advantage if you regularly stop to charge on longer trips.

The G6 is less impressive when the road gets bumpy or twisty, with suspension that can feel too soft and allow the body to move around. Still, its spacious cabin, extensive equipment and exceptionally quick charging make it well worth considering.

What's good

  • Long real-world range
  • Plenty of rear legroom
  • Mature, useful and agreeable software package

What’s not so good

  • Average boot and no frunk
  • Uncomfortable over bigger bumps
  • Button-free interior grates
Changan Deepal S05

10. Changan Deepal S05

7/10
Changan Deepal S05 review
Battery range up to 301 miles
Best for: clever storage

The Changan Deepal S05 doesn’t give off the same aura as most Chinese EVs. The styling is understated, sharp and quite European, the price tag reasonable rather than staggeringly cheap and all the stats make sense. It’s refreshingly normal, actually.

It’s a little less so when you get inside, where Changan - China’s oldest car manufacturer - has ‘done a Tesla’ and eschewed the driver’s display for a single central infotainment screen. This contains all the infotainment and driver information, and curiously can be set to pivot left-to-right - like a half-hearted version of BYD’s old rotating screen.

Range is 303 miles in the entry-level car and 278 miles in the ballistically powerful AWD model. Those are pretty modest figures, though real-world efficiency is excellent.

Practicality is a real highlight. Not only is the 492-litre boot appreciably bigger than most alternatives, but rear legroom is excellent and there’s space for your whole arm under the central armrest. The best bit is the ‘frunk’ - at 117 litres in capacity, it’s easily big enough for a weekly shop for two, and adds a real extra chunk of practicality you’ll find myriad uses for.

What's good

  • Roomy back seats
  • Big boot and 'frunk'
  • Easy-to-use tech

What’s not so good

  • No physical switchgear
  • Lots of road noise
  • Heavy steering

Factors to consider when buying a Chinese EV

Body style

With so many Chinese brands to choose from, there’s a body style out there to suit every need. The BYD Seal isn’t just our favourite Chinese EV, it’s one of the few classic saloon cars available. The Jaecoo E5 and MG S5 EV are stand-out SUVs, while you can even have a sporty two-seater in the form of the MG Cyberster.

Budget

There's a wide price difference between EV models within Chinese brands, with the entry-level BYD Dolphin Surf at almost £10,000 less than the BYD Dolphin, and less than half the price of the BYD Seal. The MG4 might be the best value for money, as it’s very affordable and great fun to drive.

Battery size

If you commute exclusively in the city, a dinky hatchback with a small battery should be all the car you need. The MG4 Urban ought to sit at the top of your list, but if you do frequent road trips then a BYD Seal, XPeng G6 or MG IM6 will be worth considering.

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Everything you need to know about going electric

Chinese electric car FAQs

In the past, Chinese cars have been mocked for being poor copycats of existing models from Europe and North America. However, over the past decade the country has turned its reputation on its head, building quality cars with their own unique designs.

Naturally, some are better than others, but you can no longer write off Chinese manufacturers. The success of MG proves that there’s appetite for affordable, well-built cars on these shores, and BYD appears to be following a similar trend, with more to come.

You might look at the Skywell BE11 and think it has as much going for it as any other Chinese EV - it’s roomy, with a reasonably attractive price tag, and though it’s an unknown brand to the UK market, so are Leapmotor, Xpeng and countless others. However, the BE11 is a rare example of a car on sale today that isn’t just underwhelming - it’s actively bad.

As with cars from any country, prices vary wildly depending on the model you go for. However, most of the Chinese models currently available in the UK are affordable family cars – the MG4 EV has earned a reputation for being one of the best cheap electric cars, starting at around £30,000. The BYD Seal on the other hand is an alternative to the Tesla Model 3, and as such costs more at just over £45,000. More expensive models from luxury brands such as Nio are likely not far away.

At the moment, the BYD SEAL is the highest ranked Chinese electric car on sale in the UK, according to our team of car testing experts. Others aren't far behind, though.

There are several, of various size and seriousness. Xpeng, GWM, Changan, Aion, Geely, BYD, MG, Omoda, Jaecoo, Leapmotor, and more are soon to be joined by several others - some sub-brands of the existing companies, others independent.

China has invested heavily in EV technology over the past few years and has seen a thriving industry at home, resulting in established western manufacturers losing sales in Asia to Chinese brands.

For example, while Tesla is often seen as the electric car trailblazer, Chinese firm BYD sold more electric cars globally last year than any other company. Now, BYD, along with a growing number of other manufacturers, is selling cars in the UK that offer technology and build quality often on par with, and in some cases surpassing, more familiar brands - many at a lower price point.

Several prominent Chinese car brands, such as FAW, Dongfeng, Changan, and SAIC Motor Corporation, are state-owned and fall under the control of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) of the State Council. Notably, SAIC - the owner of British car brand MG - is China’s largest vehicle manufacturer and a major player in the nation’s automotive sector.

However, not all Chinese car brands are state-owned. For instance, BYD, the largest EV manufacturer, is a private company. However, the Chinese government has played a key role in its growth, particularly in the electric vehicle sector, through subsidies and strategic investments.

Yes, many Chinese electric cars are considered safe. Models such as the BYD Seal and Dolphin have received high safety ratings in independent crash tests, with the BYD Seal earning a five-star rating. Additionally, several Chinese brands have been recognised by organisations such as the Euro NCAP for their safety performance.

Yes, Chinese electric cars are compatible with UK charging stations, though depending on the model and connector type some charging stations might not be compatible with your specific EV – read our handy EV charging guide to charging to know what to look for. While you may need an adapter in some cases, most now support international charging standards. It’s worth checking with the brand’s local representative or user forums.

Chinese electric car manufacturers typically offer longer warranties than traditional automakers, to instill confidence in their products. These warranties usually cover the entire car for a set period or mileage, with separate, extended coverage for the battery, often lasting 8-10 years or 100,000 miles.

BYD, for instance, offers basic cover for six years of 93,750 miles, whichever comes first. However, for the battery itself, the warranty is for eight years and 155,000 miles and a minimum battery health of 70%.

Servicing Chinese electric cars outside of China is becoming more accessible through a combination of official dealer networks, independent garages, and online platforms. While some Chinese EV brands are growing their official presence, others depend on independent networks and partnerships for after-sales support.