Discover the Chinese EV car makes of the moment
More and more car drivers are opting for an electric vehicle. And we at LeasePlan can only encourage this. As a founding member of EV100, we are firmly in favour of driving electric. However, the rise of EVs is bringing with it a great many new car makes. And some of them sound extremely exotic. China, for example, is storming the car market at lightning speed, offering new and relatively affordable electric vehicles. Ever heard of Xpeng, Nio or BYD? We provide an overview of the main Chinese EVs of the moment.
Here at LeasePlan we are pioneers in electric mobility. Our Driving to Zero strategy aims to eliminate all CO2 emissions from our road traffic by 2030. Given that we want to convince as many car drivers as possible to go electric, as an EV leasing pioneer we have a wide range of electric vehicles. So we keep a close eye on the market and have a clear picture of the best cars today and in the future.
China conquers the EV market
The most striking development in the electric mobility landscape is the rise of the Asian car makes. There is no longer any need to point out that the Korean brands Hyundai and Kia now offer attractive EVs. But China, too, is busy conquering the electric car market. Both Polestar and Volvo are part of the Chinese group Geely. And MG, which offers affordable EVs with the MG ZS and MG5, is also in Chinese hands.
Whereas a few years ago no-one was interested in Chinese cars, they are now a permanent feature on our roads. The Chinese are succeeding in introducing safe and nicely finished EVs into Europe at affordable prices. They include a lot of technology and do not shy away from launching innovative ideas, including new driver assistance systems, battery exchange options, etc. However, the Chinese car manufacturers need to work on their image. European drivers still tend to opt more readily for European makes that radiate reliability.
The Chinese EVs of today and tomorrow
Whereas until now Tesla has led the way in the EV segment, the Chinese car manufacturers are putting forward models that are certainly worthwhile. However, the one make may sound more familiar to you than the another.
Nio
With a number of sporty and luxurious sedans and impressive SUVs, Nio is a brand that will certainly have to be reckoned with in the future. Not for nothing is the Nio ET5 also known as the Chinese Tesla Model 3. The Nio ET5 is a sporty sedan with a driving range of up to 700 kilometres.
The Nio ET7 is the brand’s flagship. The superb interior combines futuristic technology with a modern design. In addition, the ET7 has an extra-long driving range of no less than 1,000 kilometres! And with an acceleration of 0 to 100 in 3.8 seconds, this luxury car also provides a sporty driving experience. Nio also offers a great many spacious and comfortable electric SUVs, such as the Nio ES8 with a driving range of 580 kilometres.
Ora
Ora is a subsidiary brand of Great Wall, a Chinese car manufacturer aiming to gain a foothold in Europe as quickly as possible. The Ora Cat is a funky little electric car with a definite neo-retro style. This compact electric sedan has a driving range of 400 kilometres and includes a lot of technology. Its small size makes the Ora Cat the perfect city car.
Xpeng
The Chinese manufacturer Xpeng has big European ambitions. The make is already active in Norway and Xpeng is now expanding towards our regions. Its most popular car is the Xpeng P7, an electric sedan with a driving range of 550 kilometres. The Xpeng P7 looks very streamlined and sporty.
There is even a model with butterfly doors, giving the car an even more exclusive look. The interior design is austere and minimalistic. Slightly lower down in the range, Xpeng also has the P5, which looks a little less futuristic and sporty but is sure to be a hit with European households. A special feature with the Xpeng P5 is the versatile interior: the seats can be laid completely flat, changing your car into a bedroom or a mini camper van.
BYD
Build Your Dreams, abbreviated to BYD, is a major Chinese player that is now heading towards Europe with its most popular model, the Han. The Han EV is a fully electric sedan that has already recorded sales of 100,000 vehicles in China alone.
Just like Xpeng, BYD is starting its quest to conquer Europe via Norway. The BYD Han EV has a driving range of 550 kilometres. Besides the Han EV, the Tang EV is also a successful model. This stylish electric SUV is particularly spacious and has a driving range of 520 kilometres.
Aiways U6
There is a good chance that you have already seen an Aiways on Belgian roads. The Aiways U5 is already known in Belgium, where it competes with other compact SUVs such as the Hyundai Kona and the Volkswagen ID.3. The Aiways U6 is set to win over even more EV fans. With this model, Aiways is putting the very first electric Coupé-SUV on the market. The car has a very sporty look and is clearly an Aiways model, particularly seen from the front. It looks dynamic, but its expressive character will not appeal to all drivers. Thanks to its powerful battery and aerodynamic style, the car attains a driving range of around 650 kilometres. The Aiways U6 is expected to reach Belgium this year. Exactly when has not yet been announced.
Ready for the Chinese car makes?
Does all this make you want to find out about these new electric cars? If so, then you will need to have a little patience, because the electric cars are taking their time to reach Belgium. Fortunately, we at LeasePlan have a wide selection of electric cars, with something to suit everyone’s budget and wishes. Take a look at what we have to offer and discover our EVs.