Demand for Chinese electric vehicles skyrocketed throughout 2024 – increasing by 186 percent (Image: Getty)
A new study has found the number of UK drivers interested in leasing a has skyrocketed in the past 12 months.
As more new models enter UK showrooms, data from found that the number of enquiries for Chinese electric cars soared 186 percent in 2024.
Mike Thompson, COO of Leasing Options, suggested that the and long lists of standard features are helping to fuel demand for .
He explained: “, offering with manufacturing costs that can undercut many Western rivals. For price-conscious buyers looking to go electric, they have become an increasingly attractive option.
“It also has a lot to do with shifting perceptions. With being so affordable, there was initially a lot of scepticism about whether these cars could deliver. But, as more drivers get behind the wheel, we are seeing preconceptions fade and adoption grow.”
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Many Chinese cars are focused on offering value for money, often undercutting rivals (Image: Getty)
According to the (SMMT), around 100,000 Chinese cars were sold in the UK throughout 2024, with BYD becoming the fastest-growing brand on the market.
Whilst the companies do not have the heritage of Western brands, many offer stylish-looking and well-equipped models for a fair price, largely due to lower labour costs in China.
Many companies also offer a wide range of different cars, including compact superminis such as the MG3 and BYD Dolphin – a stark contrast to many Western car brands, who are axing more affordable models like the Ford Fiesta and Nissan Micra.
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The affordable BYD Dolphin saw a 12,570-percent increase in enquiries during 2024 (Image: Getty)
As a result, Leasing Options noted that the Chinese electric car that saw the largest jump in demand was the BYD Dolphin, with enquiries skyrocketing by 12,570% in 12 months.
BYD’s smallest model, the Dolphin, is a stylish five-door hatchback with a very fair starting price of £26,140 – around £10,000 less than the similarly sized Volkswagen ID.3.
Nevertheless, the model features a range of up to 265 miles per charge and standard features, including wireless smartphone charging and a panoramic glass roof.
Nevertheless, Mike stressed the importance that drivers looking to lease a new family car do not immediately dismiss cars from more traditional brands.
He advised: “With competitive lease deals available, drivers can experience premium features and cutting-edge tech at a lower upfront cost, making Chinese EVs an even more compelling option.
“However, we must still look at the strength of product on EV from traditional manufacturers, be they American like Tesla, Japanese and Korean like Hyundai/Kia Toyota/Lexus, or the always popular German brands such as VW Group or BMW.”