China has been rapidly emerging as a global leader in the electric vehicle industry.
With the goal of becoming a world leader in the new era of transportation, the Chinese government has been supporting and promoting the growth of the electric vehicle market.
Chinese electric vehicles, also known as new energy vehicles (NEVs), have been gaining popularity both domestically and internationally.
The Chinese electric vehicle market is filled with a wide range of brands, each with their unique features and offerings.
Some of the most popular Chinese EV brands include BYD, Aion, Li Auto, NIO, Neta, Deepal, Xpeng, Zeekr, Leapmotor, and Seres.
With a growing number of consumers looking for affordable, eco-friendly alternatives to traditional gasoline-powered cars, Chinese EV brands have been rapidly expanding their reach, introducing new models and features to cater to different customer needs.
In this guide, I ranked and reviewed the 10 bestselling Chinese EV brands in China.
- BYD
- Aion
- Li Auto
- Nio
- Neta
- Deepal
- Xpeng
- Zeekr
- Leapmotor
- Seres
One of the major reasons behind the success of Chinese EV brands is the government support and subsidies that have been made available to both manufacturers and consumers.
These subsidies have helped to reduce the cost of electric vehicles, making them more accessible to the general public.
Additionally, many Chinese EV brands have invested heavily in research and development to create high-quality vehicles that meet the needs of the market.
China’s push towards electric vehicles has not only been driven by environmental concerns but also by economic ones.
As a major importer of oil, China is looking to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and improve its energy security.
The country is also looking to capitalize on the growing global demand for electric vehicles and establish itself as a major player in the industry.
Chinese EV brands have been making significant strides in expanding their presence in Europe, where the demand for electric cars is strong.
With advanced battery technology and large-scale production capacity, Chinese EV brands are poised to dominate the supply chain of electric vehicles.
In fact, Chinese EV battery manufacturers currently account for more than half of the global production, putting them in a strong position to shape the future of the industry.
What are the 10 Bestselling Chinese EV Brands in China?
My top picks are BYD, Aion, Li Auto, Nio, Neta, Deepal, Xpeng, Zeekr, Leapmotor and Seres.
1. BYD
BYD, or Build Your Dreams, is a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer that has been gaining popularity both domestically and internationally.
The company was founded in 1995 and initially focused on producing rechargeable batteries.
However, in recent years, it has shifted its focus towards the electric vehicle market.
One of BYD’s most popular models is the BYD Han, a luxury electric sedan that has been dubbed the “Tesla Killer” due to its impressive range and performance.
The Han boasts a range of up to 605 kilometers on a single charge, which is significantly more than most other electric vehicles on the market.
It also features fast charging capabilities, allowing it to charge up to 80% in just 30 minutes.
In addition to the Han, BYD also produces a range of other electric vehicles, including the Qin Plus EV, Tang EV, and e2.
The company is also involved in the production of electric buses, trucks, and other commercial vehicles.
One of the major factors behind BYD’s success is its focus on innovation and research and development.
The company invests heavily in developing new technologies and has partnered with major companies such as Daimler and Toyota to jointly develop new electric vehicle technologies.
BYD has also been expanding its reach internationally, with a growing presence in Europe and other global markets.
The company has established partnerships with major companies such as Volkswagen and has opened manufacturing facilities in countries such as Brazil and Morocco.
Electric Car Models
Some of the electric cars manufactured and sold by BYD include:
- Atto 3 (aka Yuan Plus)
- Atto 4 (aka Seal)
- Han
Atto 3 (aka Yuan Plus)
The Yuan Plus is a part of the Dynasty Series, which is BYD’s collection of electric vehicles named after ancient Chinese dynasties such as Tang, Song, Yuan, and Han.
As the second-generation model of the Yuan, it has undergone upgrades such as slightly larger proportions, a more upscale design, and BYD’s exclusive blade battery technology that was not present in the original edition.
The Yuan Plus is powered by BYD’s own Blade Battery and is built on the company’s latest e-Platform 3.0 architecture.
It features a 152 kW front wheel drive electric motor with 310 Nm of torque, making for a smooth and powerful driving experience.
Additionally, the 60.48 kWh battery pack offers an impressive range of up to 510 kilometers on a single charge, making it ideal for long-distance travel.
Atto 4 (aka Seal)
The Seal is an electric car that belongs to BYD’s Ocean Series, which features battery electric vehicles named after sea animals, such as the Seal, Seagull, and Sea Lion.
It is a compact executive, fastback 4-door sedan that offers impressive performance and capabilities.
With a top speed of 180 km/h and a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of around 4 seconds, the Seal is a powerful and sporty car that offers an exhilarating driving experience.
Additionally, the vehicle features vehicle-to-grid capability, which allows it to store energy during off-peak hours and return it to the grid during peak demand periods, making it more energy-efficient and cost-effective.
One of the most impressive features of the Seal is its driving range, which ranges from 550km to 700km on a single charge.
This means that the car is well-suited for both long-distance and daily driving, making it a practical and versatile option for environmentally conscious drivers.
Han (aka E9)
The BYD Han EV is a mid-size luxury vehicle that draws inspiration from the Han Dynasty, which was the first golden age of Imperial China.
This electric saloon is named after the famous Chinese dynasty and reflects the elegance, power, and sophistication associated with the era.
One of the most impressive features of the BYD Han EV is its 76.9 kWh battery pack, which offers quick charging capabilities.
In just 25 minutes, the battery can be charged from 30% to 80%, making it a convenient option for drivers on-the-go.
With this level of charging capacity, drivers can quickly replenish their battery during a brief stop, ensuring that they can continue their journey without interruption.
2. Aion
Guangzhou Automobile Corporation’s Aion is a Chinese electric vehicle brand that was established in 2018 as a sub-brand and became a marque in 2020.
Aion focuses on the development of intelligent network-connected new energy vehicles and has built the first pure electric exclusive factory in China.
Electric Car Models
Some of the electric cars manufactured and sold by Aion include:
- Y
- S Plus
- Hyper SSR
Y
The Aion Y is an electric SUV that comes with ADiGO 3.0 autonomous driving and automatic parking, and is available in four cruising range versions of 460, 500, 503, and 600 km.
It features three battery pack options, with the largest offering a range of 600 km.
The car is equipped with a permanent magnet synchronous motor with a maximum power of 135 kW and a peak torque of 350 N·m.
S Plus
The Aion S Plus is an electric vehicle introduced in 2021.
It offers three battery sizes, with the largest being 69.9 kWh, and has a very aerodynamic design with a drag coefficient of only 0.211Cd.
It is powered by a single electric motor with 204 hp and 350 N⋅m of torque, and has a NEDC range of 510 kilometers with the 62 kWh battery.
The Aion S Plus was previewed by the Aion ENO.146 concept car.
Hyper SSR
The Aion Hyper SSR is a 2-door electric sports car.
It was first previewed by the GAC Enpulse electric roadster concept and was officially unveiled in September 2022.
The car will have a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 1.9 seconds and 1225 horsepower, with the Hyper SSR Ultimate model having a mid-motor, four-wheel-drive layout.
The Aion Hyper SSR retains many design cues from the GAC Enpulse concept car, with a similar side profile and scissor doors, but it does not have a convertible roof.
It is the first production 2-door coupe by GAC and will compete with other high-performance electric sports cars in the market.
3. Li Auto
Li Auto Inc. is a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer that specializes in premium EREV SUVs for the Chinese market.
The company was founded in 2015 by Li Xiang and has manufacturing facilities in Changzhou, with corporate headquarters and research and development located in Beijing.
Li Auto uses range extenders for a power supply in their vehicles and debuted on the Nasdaq in 2020.
The company’s investors include Meituan and Source Code Capital.
Electric Car Models
Some of the electric cars manufactured and sold by Li Auto include:
- L8
- L9
L8
The Li Auto L8 is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV that replaces the Li Xiang One.
It has a WLTC range of 700 km and an electric-only WLTC range of 168 km.
It can seat six people across three rows and has several screens, including an infotainment system powered by a dual of Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 CPU processors with 24GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage for the L8 Max.
The L8 Max has an AD MAX system with dual Nvidia Orin-X chips with 508TOPS, a roof-mounted Hesai lidar, six 8MP cameras, two 5MP cameras, 12 ultrasonic radars, and a milliwave radar.
The car uses an AD Pro system with a Horizon Robotics Journey 5 chip with 128 TOPS, and the sensor array consists of an 8MP front camera and five 2MP peripheral cameras.
The Li Auto L8 is a range-extended vehicle, and its battery capacity is 40.9 kWh.
L9
The Li Auto L9 is a luxury full-size crossover SUV.
It has two electric motors, one in the front and one in the rear, and a front-mounted 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine that acts as a range extender.
The total power output is 240 kW, and it has a NEDC range of 1,315 kilometres, with an electric-only NEDC range of 215 kilometres.
It can seat up to seven people and has a pair of 15.7-inch wide screens in the interior.
The L9 is the second vehicle from Li Xiang and was launched in June 2022, with the first deliveries in China from August 2022.
It has the longest electric range of any PHEV in the world as of 2022, just above the BMW i3 120 Ah REx.
With fast charging, it can charge up to 80% in 40 minutes, and a full charge at 200V takes six hours.
The L9 has an impressive acceleration of 0-100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds.
4. Nio
Nio Inc. is a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer that designs and develops electric vehicles and battery-swapping stations as an alternative to conventional charging stations.
Nio also formed a battery asset management company, launched Battery as a Service (BaaS), and plans to manufacture smartphones.
Electric Car Models
Some of the electric cars manufactured and sold by Nio include:
- ET5
- ES7
- EC6
ET5
The Nio ET5 is an electric sedan.
The ET5 is available with three battery options, with the largest option being a 150 kWh Ultra High Range semi solid-state battery with an NEDC range of 1,000 km (621 mi).
The ET5 has a futuristic design with a panoramic digital cockpit and high-performance autonomous driving sensors.
It has two electric motors, producing a combined output of 480 hp (358 kW; 487 PS) and 700 N⋅m (520 lb⋅ft), and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 4.0 seconds.
ES7
The Nio ES7 is a mid-size luxury SUV with a 5-seater capacity. It is powered by a lithium-ion battery pack and has a dual-motor four-wheel drive system, which allows it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds.
The ES7 has a range of up to 930 km with the 150 kWh Ultralong Range Battery and is equipped with active air suspension as standard across all models.
The ES7 is also capable of towing a caravan or trailer with a license, and it supports vehicle to load (V2L) discharging and “Camping Mode” to power outside devices.
EC6
The Nio EC6 is a battery-powered, 5-door mid-size luxury crossover SUV. It is powered by a lithium-ion battery pack, with a swappable option.
The car is offered with an option for a 100-kWh battery, available for all current Nio models.
The EC6 is available with two lithium-ion battery pack options: 70 kWh or 100 kWh, and comes with active air suspension, NOMI AI personal assistant, Nappa leather and intelligent fragrance system.
The entry version generates 324 kW (435 hp) while the high-end version generates 406 kW (544 hp), and the car features the largest panoramic sunroof in its class.
5. Neta
Neta is an all-electric car brand owned by Hozon Auto, a Chinese automobile manufacturer.
Neta cars are known for their modern designs and advanced features, such as the use of facial recognition technology to unlock the car, and an AI-powered virtual assistant that can perform tasks like adjusting the air conditioning or playing music.
The brand also offers battery leasing options to customers, allowing them to upgrade their car’s battery as technology improves.
Electric Car Models
Some of the electric cars manufactured and sold by Neta include:
- U-II
- S
- V
U-II
The Neta U-II builds on the success of the previous Nezha U, with improved styling, more refined user segmentation, and better performance, including a choice of two electric motors with maximum torque of 210 Nm or 310 Nm and ranges of 401 km, 501 km, or 610 km.
The new model retains the fast charging feature, which can charge the battery to 80% in 30 minutes.
The Neta U-II retains the design style of its predecessor, with a closed front face and a unique body shape, but with an improved LED light strip and a floating roof design that enhances its visual appeal.
Inside, the new model has added features such as multifunctional leather seats and other intelligent configurations.
S
The Neta S is a mid-size electric sedan. The car was launched during the Shanghai Auto Show in 2021, and it features a Level 4 autonomous driving system, 3 lidars, 5 automotive millimeter-wave radars, and 6 cameras.
The base model has a range of 800 kilometres (500 mi), while the top trim model can go up to 1,100 kilometres (680 mi).
The car’s electronics are co-developed with Huawei.
Originally previewed by the Neta Eureka 03 Concept, the Neta S has a restyled front end compared to the concept car.
The Eureka 03 concept has a range of 800 kilometers (500 mi) on the NEDC cycle and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in four seconds.
V
The Neta V is an electric subcompact crossover launched in 2020.
It is powered by a single electric motor to the front axle with a power output of 75 bhp and 175 N⋅m of torque.
Equipped with a lithium-ion battery, the Neta V has a range of 401 km rated by NEDC and can accelerate from 0 to 50 km/h in 3.9 seconds.
6. Deepal
Deepal is a new energy vehicle brand under the Chang’an Automobile Group.
The brand is aimed at the Z-generation.
Electric Car Models
Some of the electric cars manufactured and sold by Deepal include:
- S7
- SL03
S7
The Deepal S7 is a mid-size SUV based on the EPA1 platform.
The S7’s sleek crossover style is striking, and its dimensions are similar to those of the Tesla Model Y.
The S7 features a unique exterior design that blends traditional SUV elements with a sporty, low-slung appearance.
Is short overhangs and sloping roofline give it a wide, stable appearance, while the distinctive taillights and wide rear end contribute to the overall muscular appearance.
SL03
The Deepal SL03 is a mid-size sedan available in EV, EREV, and FCEV variants.
It has a sporty shape and dimensions of 4820/1890/1480 mm, a wheelbase of 2900 mm, and a range of 515-705 km (CLTC) for the EV version.
7. Xpeng
XPeng Motors is a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer co-founded in 2014 by Xia Heng and He Tao.
The company raised over $2.5 billion from multiple funding rounds, including its IPO on the New York Stock Exchange in August 2020, and has prominent investors such as Alibaba, Xiaomi, and Foxconn.
Additionally, XPeng’s subsidiary HT Aero announced funding and plans to design a flying car.
Electric Car Models
Some of the electric cars manufactured and sold by Xpeng include:
- P7
- G3i
- G9
P7
The XPeng P7 is a battery-powered compact executive sedan launched in December 2019.
It is a direct competitor to the Tesla Model 3, with a range of 562 to 706 km (349 to 439 mi) claimed.
The car is equipped with advanced technology such as adaptive cruise control, the AGX-Xavier central computer, and an autonomous driving assistance system.
Sales in the Chinese market passed the 10,000 mark after less than six months, and the car won the Xuanyuan Awards Car of The Year 2021.
The XPeng P7 was also added to the videogame Forza Horizon 5 in September 2022 as part of the Rami’s Racing History update.
G3i
The XPeng G3 is a battery-powered SUV. It was first introduced in 2018, and its original version had a range of 300 km with a top speed of 170 km/h.
In 2019, the G3 Long Range version was released, with a larger 66.5 kWh battery and a range of 520 km.
In 2021, XPeng unveiled the mid-cycle facelift of the G3, called the G3i, with a new front fascia, Xmart OS, and XPILOT 2.5.
The G3i features a front light bar similar to other XPeng models. The G3i is equipped with a 50.5 kWh battery, which gives it a range of 401 km, and has a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 8.5 seconds.
The mid-cycle update also includes improvements to the intelligent in-car operating system and autonomous driving assistance systems.
G9
The XPeng G9 is a mid-sized luxury SUV that is battery-powered.
It complies with 5-star safety design standards and EU environmental protection requirements, and it is the first XPeng model designed for foreign markets.
The G9 is equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems, including L4 autonomous driving, and features two Nvidia Drive Orin systems-on-a-chip capable of 508 trillion operations per second.
It is built on XPeng’s SiC dedicated EV platform, making it compatible with the next-generation X-Power superchargers, which can charge up to 200 kilometers in 5 minutes via the 800-volt architecture.
The G9 is set to compete directly with models such as the Tesla Model X, the Nio ES7, and the Li Auto One.
The XPeng G9 is XPeng’s fourth product and is designed to be sold in both domestic Chinese and international markets.
It has a wheelbase of between 3 and 3.10 meters, similar to XPeng’s P7 sedan, and is priced similarly to the Tesla Model Y, but is larger in size.
The G9 uses an 8 million pixel front-view camera and 2.9 million pixel cameras to cover the vehicle’s sides and rear views, with lidar sensors embedded in the headlights.
8. Zeekr
Zeekr is a premium electric automobile brand that specializes in electric cars and was founded in 2021 by Geely Automobile Holdings.
Its products are built on the EV-focused Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA), which integrates hardware, software, and ecosystems to meet evolving users’ requirements, leading to the creation of a new mobility lifestyle.
The brand has collaborated with Waymo and Mobileye to develop all-electric, autonomous ride-hailing vehicles with L4 capabilities.
Zeekr also announced its cooperation with CATL, making them the first brand to use CATL’s Qilin long-range batteries for global mass production, and raised $750 million from five investors in February 2023.
Electric Car Models
Some of the electric cars manufactured and sold by Zeekr include:
- X
- 001
- 009
X
The Zeekr X is a fully electric crossover built on Geely’s Scalable Electric Architecture (SEA), measures 4,450 mm long, 1,836 mm wide, and 1,572 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,750 mm.
The vehicle’s styling is striking, with LED daytime running lights, vertical air curtains, black body cladding, and full-width taillights at the rear.
The dashboard is minimalistic with a small digital instrument cluster and large touchscreen infotainment system.
The Zeekr X is available in both single-motor, rear-wheel drive, and dual-motor, all-wheel drive setups, with power outputs ranging from 272 PS to 428 PS, and the battery will have an energy capacity of 66 kWh.
001
The Zeekr 001 has a shooting brake design similar to the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo.
It features electric motors on both the front and rear axle, putting out a combined output of 536 hp and 700 Nm of torque, with a top speed of over 200 km/h and acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds.
Zeekr claims that the 001 can run on a full charge for up to 700 km and its charging setup will give it 120 km worth of power in just five minutes of charging time.
009
The Zeekr 009 is a luxury all-electric minivan.
It has two electric motors that produce a combined output of 534 horsepower and can reach a top speed of 190 km/h.
The minivan has six seats and features a 15.4-inch screen on the center console.
The 009 is based on the Geely Sustainable Experience Architecture platform, which is also used by the Zeekr 001, Lotus Eletre, and Polestar 3 and 5.
9. Leapmotor
Leapmotor is a Chinese automobile manufacturer that focuses on developing electric vehicles.
The company was founded in December 2015 and is headquartered in Hangzhou, China.
Leapmotor vertically integrates high margin components, such as electric traction motors and vehicle CPUs, by developing and building its own components.
The company has also partnered with State-owned Chinese automaker FAW to jointly develop intelligent electric vehicle models.
Electric Car Models
Some of the electric cars manufactured and sold by Leapmotor include:
- C11
- T03
- S01
C11
The Leapmotor C11 is a mid-size electric crossover SUV.
The top version uses a 90 kWh battery and has a power output of 536 hp, with a NEDC range of 550 km.
The C11 has three dashboard screens and 5 seats, with additional features such as Bluetooth connection, face recognition, and a smart air purification system.
The Lingxin 01 chip enables level 3 autonomous driving and self-parking, and the vehicle also has ADAS intelligent driving assistance.
Leapmotor also launched an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) version of the C11 for the 2023 model year.
The C11 EREV has a maximum power of 200 kW, a ternary lithium-ion battery pack with a capacity of 43.74 kWh, and a CLTC range of 170 km on pure battery power.
The vehicle is slightly longer and taller than the regular C11, with dimensions of 4,780 mm in length and 1,675 mm in height.
T03
The Leapmotor T03 is an electric city car.
It is powered by a 36.5 kWh high-performance lithium battery with a maximum range of up to 403 km (NEDC) in a single charge, and a 55 kW motor that makes a maximum torque of 155 Nm.
It features Level 2 autonomous driving capability, three external cameras, twelve radars, an 8.0-inch TFT instrument console, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen.
S01
The Leapmotor S01 is an electric coupe car.
It features 2+2 seating and has a top version with a 168 hp electric motor, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds.
It also includes level 2 autonomous driving capability, called “Leap Pilot,” with a possibility of enabling level 3 in the future.
The car comes with two battery options of 35.6 kWh and 48 kWh and a maximum range of up to 190 miles (310 km) using the EPA methodology.
The S01 combines a small height and width with an aerodynamic side profile and low mass, making it an efficient electric vehicle.
10. Seres
Seres Group (formerly Chongqing Sokon Industry Group) is a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer with subsidiaries in China and the US.
The company’s R&D and manufacturing subsidiary, Seres Automobile, is based in China, while the US-based SF Motors Inc. represents Jinkang New Energy Automobile’s business in the US.
Electric Car Models
Some of the electric cars manufactured and sold by Seres include:
- SF5
SF5
The Seres SF5 is an electric crossover SUV with a range extender option.
It features a 17-inch screen and utilizes the Ali OS 2.0 infotainment system.
The car comes in 2WD and AWD models, with the latter being powered by two motors producing a maximum of 116 horsepower.
The range extender is a SFG15TR 1.5-litre engine with a combined fuel consumption of 1.1 L/100 km for the 2WD and 1.2 L/100 km for the AWD model.
Summary
To see more EV brands, head over to our Ultimate List of 100+ EV Brands.
Also read 4 Best Chinese EV Brands.
