The Chinese automotive industry is radically reshaping the European electric car market. With prices that can be €10,000 lower than European competitors, Chinese brands like BYD, MG, Chery, and XPeng are aggressively entering Europe — and Greece is no exception. Which brands have already arrived, which models are coming in 2026, and what does this mean for Greek consumers?
The Chinese Auto Industry in Numbers
China surpassed Japan in 2023 as the world's largest car exporter, with 5.22 million exports, a figure that rose to 5.86 million in 2024. Chinese brands now hold 76% of global electric car sales.
The cost advantage is enormous: Chinese manufacturers can produce an electric car at 20% lower cost compared to Western competitors, which translates to €10,000 less per vehicle. This, combined with massive production scales, means that Chinese EVs offer premium equipment and technology at mid-range prices.
BYD: The New King of EVs
BYD (Build Your Dreams) is now the world's largest electric car 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 an annual capacity of 100,000+ vehicles, set to begin operations in 2026. It is the first Chinese manufacturer's factory on European soil, while a factory is also being built in Turkey ($1 billion investment, 150,000 annual capacity). This means tariff avoidance and even more competitive prices in the future.
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 |
It is worth noting that BYD sells its models in Europe with a 92-112% markup compared to Chinese prices. According to analyses, the profit per Seal U in the EU reaches ~€14,300 — 11 times more than in China. This means there is room for price reductions if competitive pressure increases.
MG (SAIC): The Most Recognized “Chinese” Brand
MG, with roots in Britain (1924) but now a subsidiary of China's SAIC Motor, is the most export-oriented Chinese car brand and the most established in Europe. It sold 840,000 vehicles globally in 2023, with 88% outside China. It has been operating in Europe since late 2019, headquartered in Amsterdam.
In the first half of 2023, MG along with Tesla were the two brands with the highest growth in Europe — 128% sales increase. In the UK, the MG HS claimed the best-seller title in January 2023.
Popular MG Models
MG4 EV
Electric C-segment hatchback, built on a dedicated EV platform (MSP). From ~€30,000 in Europe. Award-winning by the press, also available in the XPower edition 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 the 6th best-seller in the UK.
MG Cyberster
Electric roadster, on sale since 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). Excellent value for money.
Warning: Tariffs of 37.6% + 10%
SAIC/MG faces the highest additional EU tariffs (37.6%) among Chinese manufacturers, on top of the existing 10% tariff. This significantly increases the prices of MG electric models in Greece. However, SAIC has stated that it “doesn't profit in China, but can still profit internationally even with tariffs.”
Chery: China's Largest 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. Overall, it sold 2.8 million vehicles in 2025.
In Europe, Chery plans to launch three brands by 2026: Omoda, Jaecoo (2024) and the premium Exlantix (2025). Each brand will offer three new models.
Factory in Spain — Already Operational
Chery is partnering with Spanish EV Motors at a former Nissan factory in Barcelona, where production began in November 2024. The Ebro S700 (rebadged Tiggo 7) and Ebro S800 (rebadged Tiggo 8) are already being produced. This means some Chery models can avoid additional tariffs since they are 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 (manufactured in Spain) |
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 into Norway, Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Germany. The G6 and P7 models are already available in some European markets.
NIO
Known for its battery swap system. Operating in Norway, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Sweden. Models: ET5, ET7, EL6, EL7. Recent partnership with Chery on battery standards and swap networks.
Xiaomi
The well-known tech company entered the car market with the SU7, a sports sedan competing with the Tesla Model 3. Currently available only in China, but European expansion is expected in the coming years.
Huawei (HIMA)
Huawei doesn't manufacture cars but provides technology platforms (HarmonyOS, autonomous driving). Through the HIMA alliance, it partners with Chery (Luxeed), Seres, and BAIC. The first models with HarmonyOS 4 are already selling in China.
EU Tariffs: What Do They Mean for Prices?
In June 2024, the European Commission imposed additional tariffs (anti-subsidy) on Chinese EVs, beyond the existing 10% tariff. The 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 Do Prices Remain Competitive?
Despite the tariffs, Chinese EVs remain competitive because: 1) Manufacturing cost is €10,000 lower, 2) Manufacturers absorb part of the tariff (BYD earns ~€14,300/car in Europe), 3) New factories within the EU (BYD Hungary, Chery Spain) will eliminate tariffs, 4) Vertical integration (BYD manufactures batteries, motors, electronics in-house) drastically reduces costs.
Chinese EVs in Greece: What's Available?
The Greek market is already receiving Chinese models, mainly through MG which has a dealership network in the country. BYD is gradually expanding into Southern Europe, while Chery (through Omoda/Jaecoo) is expected to enter Mediterranean markets during 2026.
Already Available
MG ZS EV, MG4 EV, MG HS — Through the 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 in 2026
BYD Dolphin, BYD Seal U, BYD Atto 2 — BYD is expanding into new European markets. With the Hungary factory, models will become more affordable without import tariffs. The Atto 2 in particular (from ~€25,000) will compete directly with European entry-level EVs.
Future (2026-2027)
Chery Omoda E5, Jaecoo J7, Exlantix — Chery is planning a dealership network in Southern Europe. Omoda/Jaecoo models have already started sales in Spain, Italy, and the UK.
Further Ahead
XPeng, NIO, Xiaomi SU7 — These brands initially focus on Northern Europe (Norway, Sweden, Germany). Greece is not a short-term target, but their expansion could reach it within 3-5 years.
Subsidies & Tax Benefits
Chinese electric cars, provided they meet the criteria of the Greek "Go Electric 3″ program, are entitled to the same subsidies as European models:
| Benefit | Details | Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Basic BEV subsidy | For fully electric cars | €3,000+ |
| Scrappage bonus | Scrapping an old vehicle | +€2,500 |
| Road tax | Full exemption for BEV (Law 4710/2020) | €200-600/year |
| Registration tax | 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 subsidies and scrappage, while an MG4 EV at ~€30,000 could drop to ~€24,500. Prices that are starting to compete with petrol cars.
Chinese vs European EVs: Comparison
| Criterion | Chinese EVs | European EVs |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase price | ✓ 15-30% lower | Higher |
| Equipment | ✓ Rich as standard | Many as extras |
| Infotainment technology | ✓ 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 are starting to use Chinese platforms | |
A characteristic example: BYD doesn't buy batteries — it manufactures them. It owns Blade Battery technology (LFP), motors, electronic controls, and even the transport ships (7,000 vehicles). This vertical integration has no equivalent in Europe.
What to Watch Out for Before Buying
1. After-Sales Network
Check if there's an authorized service center in your city. MG already has an extensive network, but newer brands (BYD, Chery) may have limited coverage initially. Ask about spare parts — how quickly do they arrive?
2. Warranty & Safety
Chinese EVs generally have good Euro NCAP scores. The BYD Atto 3 achieved 5 stars, as did the MG4. Request the warranty terms in writing — many offer 7 or 8 years on the battery.
3. Resale Value
The biggest question mark. Chinese brands don't yet have a resale track record in Europe. If you plan to sell in 3-5 years, keep in mind that the resale value may be lower than comparable European models.
4. Data & Privacy
Chinese cars collect data — just like European ones. However, make sure that data is stored on servers within the EU (GDPR compliance). BYD and MG have committed to this in Europe.
Conclusion: Are Chinese EVs Worth It?
Chinese electric cars are no longer the “cheap copies” of the past. BYD has surpassed Tesla in European sales, MG is a best-seller in the UK, and Chery exports over 1 million cars annually. Even European giants like VW, Audi, and JLR are now partnering with Chinese companies for EV technology.
For Greek buyers, the situation is clear: in terms of price/equipment, Chinese EVs are superior. In service networks and resale value, European brands still lead. If you want the lowest cost of ownership and plan to keep the car long-term, a Chinese EV is a smart choice — especially with Greek subsidies. If you prefer certainty (network, service, resale), choose an established European brand.
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