The range of electric cars is steadily increasing. You regularly see a new model appear in advertising or at the showroom, where technological development and accelerated innovation ensure that more and more is possible. It has long been no longer just about European and American (especially Tesla) brands. Chinese EVs are also getting more and more attention, although opinions about these models are strongly divided. Is a Chinese EV a good choice or are you bringing a lot of trouble into your home with these electric cars?
This is what we know so far about EVs from China
The first Chinese cars didn't stand a chance in Europe. They scored poorly in safety tests (for example, seriously insufficient in collisions) and were looked at with disdain by the European consumer. However, a lot has happened in the past 10-15 years, whereby the gap between the Chinese and European car industry has become smaller and smaller. We know that many Chinese car brands have developed models that we will soon see on the European (and therefore Dutch) market and we know that the average price is more attractive than that of the European EV. Reason enough to take a critical look at the models that have to come to your local dealer from the other side of the world.
What is the difference between a Chinese and European car brand?
About ten years ago, the differences between Chinese (or Asian) car brands and European car manufacturers were enormous. Chinese cars were mainly known as cheap car models that left a lot to be desired in terms of finish and where you should not be surprised when you had the door handle in your hand after opening the door.
These large differences have now been overtaken. Of course, this does not apply to all brands and models, but the large gap between Chinese and European cars has become much smaller. For example, Chinese car manufacturers are increasingly taking into account the higher average height of Europeans when designing and building export models and are paying more attention to the finish, in order to better meet the wishes of European motorists.
However, Chinese car brands often choose cheaper materials, purely to be able to significantly reduce the price of their cars and to market them below the price of European car models. In addition, the delivery time is often shorter, which is partly due to the location. Many chips, batteries and car parts are produced in Asia and are more likely to be at a Chinese car company than at a German brand such as Volkswagen or Mercedes.
Is it wise to choose an electric car from China?
There are still people who raise their eyebrows when you mention a Chinese car brand. They are said to be of insufficient quality, do not pass crash tests and rust much faster. These people live in the past, but we must make a side note here. It is not the case that all cars from China can compete with European models. On the other hand, European car brands also regularly make models that no one wants to be seen in.
We strongly recommend to look closely at the models and to examine important factors. When buying an electric car from China, you can think of:
- What is the range of the car?
- What type of connection does the car have (type 1 is standard in China, but many export models are equipped with a type 2 connection to make it easier for European consumers).
- Are there reviews available from Dutch people who have actually used the car?
- What about the finish of the car and how important is this to you?
- The warranty period: how long do you get a warranty when you buy this car?
- Is there a dealer near you (or a garage that is familiar with this model or brand)?
- What is the cost of replacement parts?
Although the above points are all relevant when purchasing an electric car (regardless of which continent), it is also the case that cars on the European market must all comply with European guidelines. Another thing you can look at is the Euro-NCAP score, or how well the model performs in the various crash tests so that you can immediately estimate how safe the Chinese EV you have in mind is.
An eye-opener about the electric car from 'China'
It is good to continue to look critically and honestly at car models and the future of electric driving. In that respect, we must deal with the negative stamp that Chinese cars have, because there is a factor that is (too) often missed. Did you know, for example, that Volvo is now in Chinese hands? That's right, even the Polestar 02 is officially a Chinese product (from Volvo via the Chinese Geely). MG, also a renowned brand, is now officially a Chinese car brand.
This has more consequences than is often thought. The knowledge, technology and innovations that were at Volvo have now been transferred to China, which means that these car manufacturers are able to implement a sea of knowledge in the construction of their new models. This has of course also contributed greatly to closing the gap between the Chinese and European brands (and not only in the field of car construction). Even Seres and Aiways have their origins far outside China (Tesla and Volkswagen/Volvo respectively).
Which Chinese brands are currently available for the European market?
There are now many different Chinese car brands that already make electric cars for the European market. You can think of the bigger brands like Polestar and MG, but the list is much longer now:
- NIO (with the now famous Battery Swap Stations)
- BYD
- Hongqi
- Lynk & Co
- MG
- Lightyear
- Xpeng
- Smart Geely
- Aiways
- Voyah (unknown if these models will come to the Dutch market but already available in Norway)
The list only gets longer, as more and more Chinese brands are entering the European market and will adapt their existing models to the European guidelines. Definitely a development to keep an eye on.
How does China want to gain a foothold in Europe?
Chinese car brands have different strategies to gain a foothold. Most brands focus on faster delivery and almost all brands push the prices of the new models as much as possible, in order to have more appeal. That is known, and that is not where we find the interesting players on the market.
Brands like NIO have a completely different strategy. They want to gain a foothold through innovation and 'new' technologies. For example, NIO has an interchangeable battery that can be swapped fully automatically in a battery swap station. Although you can put (many) question marks about this, it is something that has attracted many European eyes to NIO.
Are there any things that could throw a spanner in the works?
Especially the difference between European guidelines and (the lack of strict) guidelines in China is often mentioned as a factor that could throw a spanner in the works. In our opinion that is unlikely, also because almost all major Chinese car brands have Europeans in their teams or have models that they can 'borrow' from to make new models for the European market. What should also not be forgotten is that the European market is incredibly interesting for manufacturers of electric cars. In Europe, only EVs will be allowed to be sold in the foreseeable future and that really ensures that the Chinese develop models that can be sold in Europe.
Our conclusion about the Chinese EV
It has long since ceased to be true that the Chinese EV lags far behind the European EV. The Chinese have caught up and are a formidable competitor for the large European market, partly thanks to acquisitions, but also thanks to knowledge and experience that has been shipped from Europe to China. Of course, it is good to remain critical when comparing models (not every Chinese car brand can compete with Tesla, Volkswagen and other brands), but do not write off the Chinese EV in advance. There is a good chance that you will miss the EV of the future in this way and that at a considerably lower price than the European EV that you have in mind.
