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Enquiries for the BYD Seal have jumped by 200% in the past year, says The Electric Car Scheme
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Affordable pricing and fresh model launches are shifting UK driver preferences
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Leading Chinese EVs expected to shape the 2025 automotive market
Interest in Chinese electric vehicles has surged significantly, with The Electric Car Scheme reporting a near threefold rise in enquiries over the past 12 months. Notably, BYD has now overtaken Tesla in European sales for the first time, with its Seal model alone experiencing a 200% increase in customer interest year-on-year.
The popularity of Chinese EVs continues to grow rapidly, driven by competitive pricing and an increasingly narrow gap in technology when compared to traditional rivals. The Electric Car Scheme anticipates a 300% rise in orders for BYD vehicles throughout 2025 as demand accelerates.
Models such as the BYD Seal, Atto (from £358/month), Dolphin (£298/month), and Sealion 7 (£478/month) are expected to dominate the market in the coming year. Additionally, manufacturers like Ora, Omoda, Jaecoo, XPeng, and Haval are also preparing to roll out their latest vehicles across the UK.
With 2025 set to break records in EV uptake, Chinese automakers are poised to lead the charge. In light of these developments, The Electric Car Scheme has identified the top three Chinese EVs to watch over the next 12 months.
BYD Seal
This Model 3 rival has seen a huge increase in interest already and is set to be one of the most popular EVs in 2025 and beyond. The range of up to 354 miles and 0-60 acceleration in just 3.8 seconds makes this electric saloon car a popular choice for families, especially with a spacious 402 litre boot.
Available for £386 per month with salary sacrifice this is a model UK drivers are likely to see more of on the roads this year.
MG4
One of the most popular EVs available through salary sacrifice, the MG4 combines performance and affordability. From £255 a month and with a top spec range of 435 miles, it makes a great first EV for anyone looking to make the jump to electric. The MG4 impresses first-time EV drivers with its dynamic design and spacious interior, providing 363 litres of boot space and comfortable seating for five passengers.
Omoda E5
The first SUV on this list is likely to make an impact with some stylish design and its size. Inside, the Omoda E5 features a high-tech cabin with a dual-screen setup that includes a 12.3-inch central touchscreen and a digital driver display. Advanced connectivity features like wireless smartphone mirroring, over-the-air updates, and a comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies ensure convenience and safety.
Available from £298 per month it is also one of the more affordable models around, which research from The Electric Car Scheme shows is the biggest consideration for 54% of potential EV drivers.
The Electric Car Scheme CEO and Co-Founder Thom Groot commented:
“It is no surprise that Chinese EVs which are more affordable than rivals and equipped with modern and high spec technology are becoming more popular. It is true that Western models have taken a bit of a hit in terms of popularity over the past few months, but as much as anything else we see this as evidence of the rest of the pack catching up in terms of performance and quality.
“We know that affordability is the biggest barrier to getting into an electric car for the majority of Brits so cheaper alternatives will be a welcome addition to the journey of reaching Net Zero and Zero Emission Vehicle goals. Whether it be a Seal, Dolphin or Sealion it is clear that these models are here to stay and play their part in the cars of the future.”
