Chinese electric cars are rewriting the European automotive playbook. With prices potentially €10,000 lower than European competitors, Chinese brands like BYD, MG, Chery, and XPeng are storming into Europe — and Greece is no exception. Which brands have already landed, which models arrive in 2026, and what does this mean for Greek consumers?
Chinese Auto Industry by the Numbers
China overtook Japan in 2023 as the world's largest car exporter, with 5.22 million exports that jumped to 5.86 million in 2024. Chinese brands now control 76% of global electric vehicle sales.
The cost advantage is massive: Chinese manufacturers can produce an electric car with 20% lower costs compared to Western competitors, translating to €10,000 less per vehicle. Combined with enormous production scales, this means Chinese EVs offer premium equipment and technology at mid-range prices.
BYD: The New EV King
BYD (Build Your Dreams) is now the world's largest electric vehicle manufacturer, surpassing Tesla in European sales in April 2025. With 4,272,145 sales in 2024 (up 41.3%), JPMorgan expects 5.5 million sales in 2025 and 6.5 million in 2026.
BYD Factory in Hungary — 2026
BYD is building a factory in Szeged, Hungary with annual capacity of 100,000+ vehicles, starting operations in 2026. It's the first factory by a Chinese automaker on European soil, while another factory is being built in Turkey ($1 billion investment, 150,000 annual capacity). This means tariff avoidance and even more competitive pricing ahead.
BYD Models in Europe & Greece
| Model | Type | EU Price (from) | WLTP Range | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BYD Dolphin | BEV | ~€29,000 | 427 km | Compact Hatchback |
| BYD Atto 3 | BEV | ~€38,000 | 420 km | Compact SUV |
| BYD Seal | BEV | ~€42,000 | 570 km | Sedan |
| BYD Seal U (Sealion 6) | BEV/PHEV | ~€42,000 | 500 km | Mid-size SUV |
| BYD Sealion 7 | BEV | ~€48,000 | 502 km | SUV Coupe |
| BYD Tang | BEV | ~€70,000 | 530 km | 7-seat SUV |
| BYD Atto 2 🆕 | BEV | ~€25,000 | ~370 km | Mini SUV |
BYD sells its models in Europe with 92-112% markup compared to China prices. According to analyses, profit per Seal U in the EU reaches ~€14,300 — 11 times more than in China. This means there's room for price cuts if competitive pressure increases.
MG (SAIC): The Most Familiar "Chinese" Brand
MG, with British roots (1924) but now a subsidiary of Chinese SAIC Motor, is the most export-focused Chinese car brand and the most established in Europe. It sold 840,000 vehicles globally in 2023, with 88% outside China. It's been active in Europe since late 2019, headquartered in Amsterdam.
In the first half of 2023, MG alongside Tesla were the two brands with the highest growth in Europe — 128% sales increase. In Britain, the MG HS claimed the best-seller title in January 2023.
Popular MG Models
MG4 EV
Electric C-segment hatchback, built on dedicated EV platform (MSP). From ~€30,000 in Europe. Award-winning from the press, includes XPower version with 429 horsepower.
MG ZS EV
Compact electric SUV, MG's first EV (2019). Export sales of 49,418 units in 2023. The ZS (petrol + hybrid) is 6th best-seller in Britain.
MG Cyberster
Electric roadster, on sale from 2024. Inspired by MG's British motorsport heritage (BTCC Championship 2014).
MG HS / MG3 Hybrid
New generation models (2024). The MG ZS Hybrid+ won Best Hybrid Car 2025 (Carbuyer). Exceptional value for money.
Warning: 37.6% + 10% Tariffs
SAIC/MG faces the highest additional EU tariffs (37.6%) among Chinese manufacturers, on top of the existing 10% tariff. This significantly increases MG electric model prices in Greece. However, SAIC stated it "doesn't profit in China, but can profit internationally even with tariffs."
Chery: China's Biggest Export Brand
Chery, founded in 1997, has been China's largest car exporter for 23 years. In 2024 it exported 1,144,588 vehicles — up from 937,148 in 2023. It sold 2.8 million vehicles total in 2025.
In Europe, Chery plans to launch three brands by 2026: Omoda, Jaecoo (2024) and premium Exlantix (2025). Each brand will offer three new models.
Factory in Spain — Already Operating
Chery partners with Spanish EV Motors at a former Nissan factory in Barcelona, where production started in November 2024. The Ebro S700 (rebadged Tiggo 7) and Ebro S800 (rebadged Tiggo 8) are already being produced. This means certain Chery models can avoid additional tariffs since they're manufactured within the EU.
| Brand/Model | Type | Category | European Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omoda 5 / Omoda C5 | ICE/BEV | Compact SUV | 2024 (Spain, Italy, UK) |
| Omoda E5 | BEV | Compact SUV | 2024 |
| Jaecoo J7 | ICE/PHEV | SUV | 2025 (UK) |
| Exlantix ES/ET | BEV | Premium Sedan/SUV | 2025-2026 |
| Chery Tiggo (as Ebro) | ICE/PHEV | SUV | 2024 (Spain production) |
Major development: In June 2024, Chery signed an agreement with Jaguar Land Rover to produce EVs under the Freelander brand, based on the Exeed E0X platform. Initially for China, with plans for global exports.
Who Else Is Coming to Europe?
XPeng
Volkswagen invested $700 million in XPeng (4.99% stake) to develop 2 VW-branded EVs for China by 2026. XPeng is expanding to Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Netherlands, Germany. Models G6 and P7 are already available in select European markets.
NIO
Known for battery swap technology. Active in Norway, Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden. Models: ET5, ET7, EL6, EL7. Recent partnership with Chery on battery standards and swap networks.
Xiaomi
The tech giant entered cars with the SU7, a sports sedan competing with Tesla Model 3. Currently China-only, but European expansion expected in coming years.
Huawei (HIMA)
Huawei doesn't make cars but provides tech platforms (HarmonyOS, autonomous driving). Through the HIMA alliance, it partners with Chery (Luxeed), Seres, BAIC. First HarmonyOS 4 models already sell in China.
EU Tariffs: What They Mean for Prices
In June 2024, the European Commission imposed additional tariffs (anti-subsidy) on Chinese EVs, beyond the existing 10% tariff. Tariffs vary by manufacturer:
| Manufacturer | Additional Tariff | Total Tariff | Impact on €35,000 EV |
|---|---|---|---|
| BYD | 17.4% | 27.4% | +~€9,590 |
| Geely (Polestar, Volvo) | 20.0% | 30.0% | +~€10,500 |
| SAIC (MG) | 37.6% | 47.6% | +~€16,660 |
| Others (XPeng, NIO etc.) | 21.0% | 31.0% | +~€10,850 |
Why Prices Stay Competitive Despite Tariffs
Despite tariffs, Chinese EVs remain competitive because: 1) Manufacturing cost is €10,000 lower, 2) Manufacturers absorb part of the tariff (BYD profits ~€14,300/car in Europe), 3) New EU factories (BYD Hungary, Chery Spain) will eliminate tariffs, 4) Vertical integration (BYD makes batteries, motors, electronics in-house) drastically cuts costs.
Chinese EVs in Greece: What's Available?
The Greek market already receives Chinese models, mainly through MG which has a dealership network in the country. BYD is gradually expanding to Southern Europe, while Chery (via Omoda/Jaecoo) is expected to enter Mediterranean markets during 2026.
Already Available
MG ZS EV, MG4 EV, MG HS — Through dealership network in Greece. Prices from ~€25,000 (MG3) to ~€42,000 (MG4 XPower). MG offers nearly the lowest entry price in the electric SUV category.
Expected 2026
BYD Dolphin, BYD Seal U, BYD Atto 2 — BYD is expanding to new European markets. With the Hungary factory, models will become more affordable without import tariffs. Especially the Atto 2 (from ~€25,000) will directly compete with European entry-level EVs.
Future (2026-2027)
Chery Omoda E5, Jaecoo J7, Exlantix — Chery plans dealership network in Southern Europe. Omoda/Jaecoo models already started sales in Spain, Italy and UK.
Longer Term
XPeng, NIO, Xiaomi SU7 — These brands initially focus on Northern Europe (Norway, Sweden, Germany). Greece isn't a short-term target, but their expansion could reach within 3-5 years.
Subsidies & Tax Benefits
Chinese electric cars, provided they meet Greek program criteria "Kino Electric 3", qualify for the same subsidies as European models:
| Benefit | Details | Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Basic BEV subsidy | For pure electric vehicles | €3,000+ |
| Scrappage bonus | Old vehicle retirement | +€2,500 |
| Road tax | Full exemption for BEV (Law 4710/2020) | €200-600/year |
| Registration fees | Zero for BEV | Varies by model |
| Disability / large family bonus | Additional incentives | +€1,000-2,900 |
This means a BYD Dolphin at ~€29,000 could cost ~€23,500 after subsidy and scrappage, while an MG4 EV at ~€30,000 could drop to ~€24,500. Prices that start competing with gasoline cars.
Chinese vs European EVs: Comparison
| Criteria | Chinese EVs | European EVs |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase price | ✓ 15-30% lower | Higher |
| Equipment | ✓ Rich standard | Many as extras |
| Infotainment tech | ✓ Very advanced | Good |
| Build quality | Significantly improved | ✓ Superior |
| Service network | Still limited | ✓ Extensive |
| Resale value | Uncertain | ✓ More stable |
| Range/Wh | ✓ Competitive | Competitive |
| Warranty | ✓ Often 7 years | Typically 5 years |
| "Reversed" JVs | VW+XPeng, Audi+SAIC, JLR+Chery — Europeans now using Chinese platforms | |
Case in point: BYD doesn't buy batteries — it makes them. It owns Blade Battery technology (LFP), motors, control electronics, even transport ships (7,000 vehicles). This vertical integration has no European equivalent.
What to Watch Before Buying
1. After-Sales Network
Check if there's an authorized service in your city. MG already has an extensive network, but newer brands (BYD, Chery) may have limited coverage initially. Ask about parts availability — how quickly do they arrive?
2. Warranty & Safety
Chinese EVs generally have good Euro NCAP ratings. The BYD Atto 3 achieved 5 stars, as did the MG4. Request written warranty terms — many offer 7 or 8 years on the battery.
3. Resale Value
The biggest question mark. Chinese brands don't yet have resale history in Europe. If you plan to sell in 3-5 years, consider that resale value may be lower than comparable European models.
4. Data & Privacy
Chinese cars collect data — just like European ones. However, ensure data is stored on EU servers (GDPR compliance). BYD and MG have committed to this in Europe.
Bottom Line: Are Chinese EVs Worth It?
Chinese electric cars are no longer the "cheap copies" of the past. BYD outsold Tesla in European sales, MG is a best-seller in Britain, and Chery exports over 1 million cars annually. Even European giants like VW, Audi and JLR now partner with Chinese companies for EV technology.
For Greek buyers, the situation is clear: in price/equipment, Chinese EVs excel. In service network and resale value, Europeans still lead. If you want the lowest ownership cost and plan to keep the car long-term, a Chinese EV is a smart choice — especially with Greek subsidies. If you prefer peace of mind (network, service, resale), choose an established European brand.
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