Meet the Chinese EV Invasion: Who’s Who (And Why It Matters)
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A wave of Chinese EV brands is hitting Europe and the US, and most Western buyers still have no clue who they are.
That’s why we’re here to help!
Chinese automakers aren’t just catching up. In many ways, they’re ahead: more affordable EVs, vertically integrated supply chains, and serious global ambitions. While legacy carmakers are still refining their plans, Chinese EV companies are already shipping, scaling, and undercutting on price.
Some names you’ve heard. Most of you haven’t. Here’s a crash course in the automakers you need to know now.
BYD (Build Your Dreams)
Backed by Warren Buffett and topping global EV sales charts, BYD is the one name you really should know by now. It’s everywhere: buses, taxis, affordable compacts, sleek sedans, and plug-in hybrids. Already in Germany, the UK, Norway, and more.
Top models:
- Dolphin (compact hatch)
- Seal (sedan)
- Atto 3 (SUV)
- Tang (large SUV)
Image source: BYD Ireland
Geely Group: The Empire Builder
Geely (the brand)
Often overshadowed by its more “premium” sub-brands, Geely’s own-branded EVs are growing fast. They’re positioned as affordable but well-built models for daily driving, especially in China, but with signs of broader expansion.
Top models:
- Geometry C – Compact electric hatch, already exported to markets like Israel and Belarus
- Geely Panda Mini EV – City-focused tiny EV, going after the same crowd as the Wuling Mini EV
- Geely Galaxy E8 – Newer premium-looking fastback EV, signaling Geely’s move upmarket under its own name
Image source: Auto&Design
Zeekr
Geely’s stylish luxury brand made for Gen Z and European cities. It’s fast, fashionable, and gunning for Audi and BMW. Already selling in Sweden, the Netherlands, and Germany.
Top model: Zeekr 001 (a sporty, long-range shooting brake)
Image source: AutoCango
Radar Auto
Geely’s electric pickup brand. Rugged, practical, and built for real utility, not just Instagram. Think of it as China’s Rivian rival.
Top model: Radar RD6
Image source: XLChehang
Lynk & Co, Geometry, Polestar, Volvo, Lotus, Smart
Yep, Geely owns or has stakes in all of these. The company is everywhere — Europe, Asia, even the U.S.
Image source: Lynk & Co Newsroom
Image source: EV Database
Image source: Smart
Image source: Lotus Cars Media
SAIC Motor: The One That Revived MG
MG (Morris Garages)
Once British, now booming under Chinese ownership. MG is crushing it in Europe with well-priced, well-equipped EVs.
Top models:
- MG4 (hatchback)
- MG ZS EV (compact SUV)
Image source: TopGear
IM Motors
A premium play by SAIC and Alibaba. Think clean design, AI-heavy cockpits, and minimalist interiors. They’ve just launched in Portugal.
Top model: IM LS7
Image source: CLBrief
Dongfeng Motor Corporation: The State-Owned Giant
Voyah
Dongfeng’s luxury EV arm. High-end SUVs and MPVs with sleek interiors and smart features. Already in Norway.
Top models:
- Voyah Free (SUV)
- Voyah Dreamer (luxury MPV)
Image source: AutoWeek
Forthing
Mid-market EV brand under Dongfeng, now expanding into Europe. It’s already launched models in France and Italy.
Top model: Forthing Friday EV
Image source: Dongfeng Forthing
Dongfeng also has stakes in Aeolus, Mengshi, and others, slowly building a diversified EV presence.
Changan & Friends: High-Tech and High Style
Avatr
Co-created by Changan, Huawei, and CATL, Avatr is sleek and futuristic. Think high-end, software-rich sedans and crossovers.
Top models:
- Avatr 11 (crossover)
- Avatr 12 (fastback sedan)
Image source: Car News China
Chery Auto: Value and Volume
A state-owned export machine. Chery is now pushing hard into Europe with its new sub-brands and affordable SUVs.
Top models:
- Omoda 5
- Jaecoo 7
- Tiggo 7 Pro, Tiggo 8 Pro
Launched in Spain and Italy, with more EU markets to follow in 2025.
Image source: AutoTrader
The Standouts and Wildcards
NIO
Battery swapping? Sleek design? Solid tech? NIO’s got it all. It’s one of China’s most internationally visible EV brands. Already on sale in Norway, Germany, and the Netherlands, with its growing network of swap stations.
Top models:
- ET5 (sedan)
- EL6 (SUV)
- ET7 (flagship sedan)
Image source: NIO
XPeng
Think of XPeng as the techie one – autonomous driving, futuristic interiors, and even a flying car prototype. It’s targeting younger buyers and slowly expanding into select EU markets.
Top models:
- P7 (sedan)
- G6 (crossover)
- G9 (SUV)
Image source: WIRED
Li Auto
Extended-range EVs (EREVs) that combine electric drive with a petrol generator, great for families who want flexibility.
Top model: Li L9 (large SUV)
Image source: Li Auto
HiPhi
If Tesla had a cyberpunk cousin, it’d be HiPhi. Doors open like spaceships, dashboards stretch across the cabin, and tech is everywhere. The HiPhi X, a luxury SUV with coach doors and a full-width display, is already been launched in Germany and is turning heads.
Image source: Canada Newsire
Leapmotor
Budget-friendly EVs with real tech under the hood. Leapmotor’s C10 is aimed at Europe, with a Stellantis joint venture backing global growth.
Top model: Leapmotor C10
Image source: CnEVPost
AITO
Huawei-backed, built by Seres. Sleek SUVs with serious in-car tech, already selling strong in China.
Top models: AITO M7, M9
Image source: GuangcaiAuto
Seres
Formerly Sokon, now rebranded and Huawei-powered. Expanding into Europe quietly via partnerships and sub-brands.
Top model: Seres 5
Image source: Auto Republika
Xiaomi
Yes, that Xiaomi. The tech giant’s first EV, the SU7 sedan, is already making waves in China with its sleek looks and high-tech performance. Global rollout? Just a matter of time.
Image source: Hardware Zone
So What’s the Game Plan?
Chinese EVs are here big time, and they’re not slowing down.
They’re fast. They’re vertically integrated. And they’re not afraid to take risks. Most are skipping traditional dealership networks and focusing on direct-to-consumer models. Europe is the current beachhead. The U.S. may be next, though trade tensions could complicate things.
Whether it’s BYD underpricing VW or NIO building swap stations in Norway, China’s clearly playing to dominate EV mobility.
