Top 10 Electric Vehicle Manufacturers in China

The EVs market is booming, especially in China where more than a dozen Electric Vehicle Manufacturers are competing with each other to deliver the best products to the buyers.And most importantly for a really good price. Chinese EVs are the cheapest in the world right now and are definitely worth your attention!

In this post, we research deep into the top 10 electric vehicle manufacturers in China and provide expert advice on importing electric vehicles from China, simplifying the purchasing process and helping you save money. Whether you are an electric vehicle enthusiast or hope to start business from this booming industry, our guide is tailored to provide you with clear and concise information.

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China emerged as the clear leader in the global electric vehicle market in 2022, surpassing the combined sales of all other countries. Notably, the figures were six times higher than those of the United States, which secured the second position.

The remarkable growth of the Chinese market can be attributed to several factors, including generous electric vehicle subsidies provided by the Chinese government, the expansion of compact electric vehicle options, and the introduction of more affordable brands into the market.

Global Passenger Vehicle Sales Forecast 2018-2023

(Unit: Millions Vehicles)

Global Electric Vehicle Sales Volume Forecast 2016-2023

 (Unit: Million Vehicles)

When it comes to top Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers, the name BYD really stands out from the crowd since this is the most popular Chinese EV brand across the world.BYD in the past was a battery manufacturer. But in 2003, they saw the potential of entering the car manufacturing industry.

The first model BYD introduced was really bad. In fact, this car was rejected by many dealers for being really bad in terms of craftsmanship and overall quality.But their first hit came in 2005. When they introduced the BYD F3. This was a small sedan that became extremely popular in China.

And since then, they started to develop really fast. In recent times, BYD has started to invest heavily into pure electric cars.They ramped up the production so hard that they became the largest EV manufacturer in the world, before Tesla. BYD is also the best selling brand in China overall, a title that they took from VW.

BYD in recent times entered many European markets where they market their vehicles. Slowly but surely, this brand is gaining a lot of traction in Europe.

Popular EV Models

Recommended Reason

We recommend BYD because this is the manufacturer that produces the most EVs in China. They have a good reputation of delivering some quality products.

They have a wide array of cars, starting from sedans to SUVs. BYD has a choice for everyone. So, you should definitely check them out.

SAIC Motor is another very large Chinese automaker. In fact, SAIC is one of the top four vehicle manufacturers in China. This company was founded back in 1955 and ever since it has developed and created many partnerships.

Some of their partnerships are with General Motors, Iveco, and Volkswagen. Their yearly output of cars is about 5.4 million vehicles.

SAIC also produces EVs along with the standard internal combustion models. They have a number of different EV brands. Some of these brands include MG, IM, Rising Auto, and Wuling Motor.

The most premium brand that they own is IM. This is a collaboration of SAIC and Alibaba. Together they make some really good models like the IM LS7 and L7.

Their other brand Rising Auto is also a very popular brand in China. They also make premium vehicles.

While the entry level SAIC brands are MG and Wuling. MG is very popular in Europe and Wuling is very popular in China because of the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV. This model sold more than 400,000 units only in 2022.

Overall, SAIC has an offering for everyone out there, no matter your budget.

Popular EV Models

Recommended Reason

SAIC is a major car manufacturer that has an offering for everyone. Their brands are covering the whole market. If you are looking for an entry level model, you should check MG and Wuling. If you are looking for a more expensive EV, you should definitely check Rising Auto and IM.

NIO is one of the newest car manufacturers in China and also one of the fastest developing companies in this industry.

NIO started in 2014 as a small company created by the famous Chinese entrepreneur William Li.

Their first product was a proper hyper car. This model was called EP9 and was produced between 2016 and 2019.

In recent times, NIO has released a bunch of different models that include sedans, station wagons, and SUVs.

Their models implement a very modern design language that is even better than the one found in Teslas. That’s why many people call NIO the Chinese Tesla.

And many people expect that in the near future NIO will be one of the fiercest Tesla competitors on the world market.

But NIO is not only about building EVs. They also have a service known as BaaS. This is battery swap as a service.

What it does is allow the customers to swap the batteries in a few minutes and drive off. This way you will not worry about charging your EV and battery degradation.

Every time you have a new fully charged battery. In total, in China there are 1,300 stations like this and these stations are doing 40,000 battery swaps a day! Pretty incredible numbers, we must admit.

Overall, NIO is one of the brands that is expected to grow exponentially in the near future.

Popular EV Models

If you are a fan of Chinese EVs, you have probably stumbled upon the brand AION. AION is the electric division of the GAC Group.

GAC ranks among the largest vehicle manufacturers in China, producing 2.1 million cars annually. Regarding the AION brand, it falls within the mid-range of EV brands, offering an affordable option compared to some competitors.

The name AION was created in 2017 and since then, they have released many different models. With the most popular being the AION S.

AION implements some revolutionary technologies. Like the 480 kW charging, which charges the battery in about 8 minutes from 0 to 80%. All this because of their graphene battery which can handle all the heat from this type of fast charging.

Overall, AION is a good brand that has some models at a really affordable cost.Based on our experience, AION cars have gained significant popularity in numerous countries and have consistently achieved high sales volumes since 2023. If you are considering entering the electric vehicle industry, AION would be a favorable option to explore.

Popular EV Models

Recommended Reason

AION is a brand that serves as a people’s brand. This means that their models are far cheaper than the competitors and they manage to deliver some really nice deals for a good price. And also the 480 kW charging is another big pro why to go for the AION models. This way you will be able to charge your battery from 0 to 80% in only 8 minutes.

Li Auto is another company that is making the headlines in China right now. Li is also a fairly new company, founded in 2015 by the Chinese entrepreneur Li Xiang. The company has headquarters in Beijing and manufacturing plants in Changzhou, China.

The lineup of models of Li incorporates SUVs and one minivan. What is worth noting is that Li does not focus on fully electric models.

Their lineup of models is full of premium range extenders (EREV). So, what is a range extender? Well, a range extender is a type of vehicle that uses the internal combustion engine as a generator of electricity and the electric motors for delivering power to the wheels.

This means that Li models do not require charging. The only thing you need to do is top off the gas in the gas tank.

What is beneficial with this approach is that fuel economy is great. On a full tank of gas and a full battery, you can get up to 1,315 km of range. You just can’t beat that. That’s why we think that Li Auto tackles one of the biggest problems with EVs, which is range anxiety!

Their models are filled with luxury and they are easily some of the most well-equipped models in the industry that boast technology and premium features.

Popular EV Models

Recommended Reason

Li Auto offers some of the best range extenders in the industry. With their models you have the chance to drive an EV with incredible fuel efficiency and reach an industry topping range of 1,315 km.

Geely is a manufacturer that has a very long history in the Chinese market. Geely is a company that is privately owned. Meaning that it is not a state owned company like SAIC for example.

Geely is owned by the Chinese entrepreneur Li Shufu and the company is headquartered in Zhejiang, China.

Currently, Geely is the sixth largest car manufacturer in China with a yearly output of 1.3 million cars.

What is interesting about Geely is that they purchased Volvo. Now they produce Volvo models, as well as Polestar models. Other companies that they own are the hugely popular Zeekr and Lotus. Other smaller brands that Geely owns include Livan, Geometry, Proton, and Lync & Co.

Popular EV Models

Recommended Reason

Geely is one of the most reputable brands in China and they own some brands with some large legacies, such as Volvo and Lotus. Geely knows how to build cars and deliver some of the best products in the industry.

Huawei is one of the latest giants to enter the car manufacturing world. But not directly to manufacture models.

Instead, they have very deep partnerships with some of the manufacturers. Such as the Seres Group with whom they work on the AITO brand and Changan, with whom they develop the Avatr models.

Huawei provides a lot of technology that goes into these cars. These technologies include the Harmony OS cockpit and the autonomous driving systems. All developed by Huawei.

And their models really look rather spectacular both inside and out. Especially Avatr models that are some of the best premium EVs that money can buy.

Popular EV Models

Recommended Reason

Huawei works together with Changan and the Seres Group and helps make some of the best EVs on the market. These brands include Avatr, Luxeed, and AITO.

Changan is another very large state owned company. Being founded back in 1862, it is one of the oldest car manufacturers in China and also one of the big top four with a yearly output of 1.9 million cars.

The brand Changan does not offer electric cars but their sub-brands do. One of them is Avatr. Avatr is one of the most talked about brands in China nowadays.

This is the luxury EV brand by Changan. They created Avtr to compete with the likes of Zeekr and Voyah.

In the Avtr brand there are also other major companies that participate rather heavily. CATL is providing the batteries and Huawei is providing the technology.

The Avtr brand is expected to be one of the best EV brands in the world. Considering the backing and technology that is invested in the brand.

Popular EV Models

Recommended Reason

Changan is the owner of Avatr. Avtr and Huawei have worked together in delivering some of the best luxury EVs ever. Which are the Avtr 11 and Avtr 12. So, if you are interested in a premium EV, this model should be taken into consideration!

And last but not least on our list of the top 10 Chinese EV manufacturers we add GWM. GWM or Great Wall Motors was founded in 1984 and is located in Hebei, China.

Great Wall is very much known for their pickup trucks. This is why they created a special brand for the EV market. This is the Ora brand.

Ora models are greatly inspired by some European models such as the VW Beetle and some Porsche models. And we can honestly say that they are perfect models for women drivers. Also, very affordable compared to the competition.

Popular EV Models

Recommended Reason

Ora models are really attractive, especially for women drivers. Their models are very much inspired by the VW Beetle and have some of the softness and roundness that is perfect to those who want to have something more sensible and less aggressive looking.

Chery is another state owned Chinese elecric vehicle manufacturer. Currently, Chery is the 9th largest car maker in China.

This company was founded way back in 1982 and they have headquarters in Wuhu, China.

Chery, although its own brand, they also have some other brands. These brands include the Chery NEV, Jetour, iCar, Luxeed, Exeed, and Karry.

At the moment the iCar, Luxeed, and Chery NEV offer EVs. The Luxeed brand is a collaboration between Huawei and Chery. This brand offers a premium EV sedan known as the Luxeed S7. Which is a competitor to the Tesla Model S.

Popular EV Models

Recommended Reason

Chery is a very reputable company in China and also in the markets outside China. They offer some really quality cars for a very good price. This is why they are definitely worth your attention.

One of the main factors why you should import an EV from China are the technical advantages that these models offer.

Chinese EVs are far ahead in terms of battery technology and electric motors compared to the Western counterparts.

There are many companies such as CATL and Huawei which make some of the best components which are then installed in EVs.

Chinese EVs tend to cost anywhere from $4,000 and up $150,000 (2023). Chinese companies have a choice for everyone out there. The Hongguang Mini EV is the cheapest starting at $4,000. While the Yangwang U8 is the most expensive Chinese EV at the moment. Starting at $150,000.

But the biggest market is somewhere around $20,000 to $40,000. Most of the models are situated in this price point. Prices for wholesale are even lower than these.

However, that prices can fluctuate based on various factors such as market demand, production costs, and technological advancements.Please feel free to contact us if you would like to know the exact car cost and delivery fee from China to your country.

There are many EVs that sell really well in China but the best selling model is definitely the Hongguang Mini EV. This is a product by Wuling Motors which is extremely popular among buyers because it’s very cheap.

Other models that make it on this list include the BYD Song, BYD QIN, Zeekr 001, BYD Han and NIO ET5.

Above, we have featured popular electric vehicle models from the top 10 electric vehicle manufacturers in China. You can find a brief table below,too.

One of the first things that you need to do is do market research. You need to learn more about the models that are available and find the model that you need.

By doing so, you will understand what the market wants and figure out the customer demand for electric vehicles.

By thoroughly analyzing customer demand, you can ascertain what consumers are actively seeking in electric vehicles. This insight is invaluable for making informed decisions, whether you’re considering a purchase, investment, or entering the market as a supplier or manufacturer. Understanding customer demand is key to predicting market shifts and staying ahead in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle industry.

Understanding regulations and certification is also very important because these vehicles are certified primarily for the Chinese market. Although there are many models that are also certified for selling in Europe.

This is why you need to understand the regulations because not all vehicles can be imported from China.

Another thing that you need to make sure is that the vehicle meets the quality control and complies with the road safety administration in your country.

Not all markets are the same, some markets have different requirements than others. Chinese manufacturers manage to adjust their models for most of the markets but there are still some models that do not comply with regulations in different countries across the world.

Supply chain management is also an important factor when it comes to buying a car from China.

You need to find a reliable supplier that has a stable supply chain. This is why we advise working with a company that works together with the manufacturers.

A one-stop solution that will do everything you need in order to deliver the best result for your money!

Agreeing the pricing and payment terms is one of the steps when it comes to buying a car from China.

You will sign an agreement with the supplier. On this agreement all of the steps in the transaction will be clearly listed, as well as the pricing of the vehicle and the payment terms.

You can pay in cash or via bank transfer. Leasing and financing are not options because in order to do so, you have to be a Chinese resident.

Another thing that you need when buying a car from China is warranty. Many places do not offer such a service but this is essential in order for you to be fully happy with the product.

After sales service is also important because sometimes you need something like a user manual or similar thing. So, a company that offers such service is very well recommended.

Shipping and importing is a process that can take a while. Usually the shipping process takes anywhere between 20 and 40 days. Since this shipping goes via the sea.

Also, the importing process takes a while after the car reaches your destination. Depending on the country you live in.

And after the import process is completed, you will be required to pay the import duties and tariffs.

These import duties depend on the type of car, the trim level, powertrain, and other options.

These fees also depend on your country of living. Since not all countries have the same tariffs. Some countries have lower fees than others for electric cars.

A car needs to be sustainable in order to be driven on the road. And EVs deliver that. All Chinese EVs run on clean energy that does not pollute and is good for the people and the environment.

For professional assistance, don’t hesitate to contact Foshan Sourcing. We have great experience in handling EVs exporting procedures in China and would prepare all necessary paperworks for importers to do the importing custom clearance.We will be more than happy to provide this help if you would like to import electric vehicles from China.

FAQ When Import Electric Vehicles from China

The Best Way to Charge Your New Electric Car at Your House

Finding high-quality products has never been easier. There are a lot of trade shows and industry meetups in China throughout the year. So, you will be able to contact them directly and see whether or not they can help you out.

Or visit the website of the manufacturer and contact the manufacturer directly. They have English support since they work very well with a lot of companies and individuals around the world.

Another option is to go directly to their headquarters or factories. Chinese companies are doing a lot of in-person deals. This way you can check the products by yourself and make sure that everything is up to your standards!

The better way is to contact a professional local car sourcing company for purchasing assistance.This kind of company will offer one-stop sourcing services to make sure you can buy what you need easier and save money.

Yes, they can customize your vehicle by your liking if your order reaching to Minimum Order Quantity. Normally all of the cars that are sold outside China go through these procedures in order to comply with the local laws.

So, every car is designed for that specific market. If you are from the UK or Australia, the steering wheel will be on the right side.

The infotainment system language will be tweaked to English, along with all the user manuals, buttons, and other bits and pieces.

If you only buy several cars,then should confirm with suppliers whether they can satisfy your requirements.

Many people go for domestic EV manufacturers because they simply trust these manufacturers more than the ones that are unknown. And we really understand that.

But sometimes this trust does not make sense since Chinese EVs are one of the best in the world. So, you shouldn’t be hesitant to try something new and different.

The requirements differ based on the supplier. Usually, electric car manufacturers in China require at least 4000 cars per year to become their distributor, some may ask 10,000 cars per year. Like Neta,they would ask their distributors to order 5000 cars for the 1st year then 10,000 cars for the 2nd year.

Conversely, other suppliers in China, like Automobile Sales Service shop and trading companies, may have different minimum order quantities, require more than 1 or more than 10 cars to be ordered.

Well,it depends.If you buy from direct manufacturers,they will offter after sale services.If you buy from their distributors or other suppliers,they can’t offer after sale services because it is out of China.Same as last question,if you are distributor of the EV car manufaacturers,then you can enjoy the after sale services,but you need to buy more than 4000 cars per year.If you are small car seller or private user just buying several cars,they will not offer after sale services,you need to handle it in your country by yourself.

The fees depend a lot on the order size and distance. Since for larger orders, it is normal for the price to go down.

The more you order, the lower the price is. That’s the rule in the manufacturing industry, especially when it comes to cars.

Also, the shipping costs depend on the type of shipping. You have RoRo or FCL. RoRo is a method where cars are rolled on a ship. And FCL is a method of shipping where cars are stacked into containers. FCL is usually more convenient.

Both car charges and shipping costs may change every week,please confirm with the suppliers and shipping companies if you would like to know the latest prices.

In contrast, for conventional EV vehicles, you can usually find what you need as the production of EV cars is currently prevalent. Therefore, there’s no need to be concerned about delivery times. However, for the latest design EV cars, it’s important to verify with the suppliers when shipping arrangements can be made.

Chinese cars have moved a long way compared to the past.The Chinese automotive industry currently employs a lot of professionals that have been working in the West and they also brought the know-how with them.If you don’t know which one would be your best choice,I think those top 10 electric car manufacturers will be a good and easy decision.

Chinese brands also work with Western companies. They cooperate with Volkswagen, General Motors, Ford, as well as with Japanese automakers like Toyota.In China,different car manufacturers would cooperate with each other to create a new brand.Like Avatr 11 is a product of a collaborative effort between Changan, Huawei, and CATL, combining their cutting-edge technologies.

One of the best ways to find reliable electric vehicle manufacturers in China is to go to industry meetups and trade shows.

There are a ton of these events that are happening in China on a yearly basis. So, your best bet would be to find one of these events where manufacturers meet up and show their products and share their ideas.

As they say, Google is your best friend. And if you type “top electric vehicle manufacturers in China”, you will get many good results.

It is up to you to call one of these sources and move on from there. There are many suppliers that offer 24/7 guidance to assist you with everything you need for your business to thrive!

Online marketplaces are another very good place to find manufacturers. Like Alibaba, where you can contact them and get some of the essential information you need when it comes to buying an EV from China.We advise caution when considering suppliers on any platforms even most of the suppliers are trustworthy. It is important to thoroughly compare and identify the supplier that you would like to cooperate since it is a big amount when importing cars from China.

Although our main focus is on sourcing building materials, we have also built trust with clients across various industries who rely on our expertise to find trustworthy car suppliers. One notable example is Mr. Fabian Farfan, for whom we facilitated the import of cars and car accessories from China to Ecuador in 2018. The increasing interest in electric vehicles (EVs) since 2022 has led to the expansion of our services, with multiple successful projects completed. Leveraging our established expertise, we are well-prepared to optimize your EV car importation process, ensuring cost savings. You can depend on us to deliver high-quality cars at competitive prices, supported by our excellent services.

We perform a background check on the manufacturers and make sure that these manufacturers comply with the regulations in China.

Every company we work with has to meet this background check and comply with all of the standards that we require.

For car manufacturers,suppliers or trading companies,we will identify them before cooperation.

We make sure to inspect the manufacturing capacities of the manufacturer and see in what conditions these models are assembled.

If the manufacturer does not have the latest and greatest capacities, we just do not work with them. Since their manufacturing process does not meet the standards of the industry.

This is why we only work with the best manufacturers that can deliver really solid products.

We make sure that the product they deliver is good and there are no defects across the models that can result in expensive repairs.

Quality is the top priority that should be considered with every manufacturer out there. If the quality is poor we will take notes on the problems.

We also check how this company suits financially. Notably how their stocks are evaluated and whether or not this company has a future.

Since how investors are reacting plays a huge role in what a company can or cannot do financially.

We make sure that we find the best product for the price. This is our motto, if we don’t get the product for a good price, we don’t get it at all.We just make sure that this is the product you need and for the right price!

Negotiations are crucial when it comes to any purchase, especially when it comes to purchasing of electric vehicles.

That’s why we are doing all the negotiation and contracts for you. So, you don’t have to deal with these aspects and focus more on the product.

We offer safe payment methods. Our buying process is fully transparent since everything is placed in the agreement.

So, you should not worry much about this aspect since our main goal is doing business and have very satisfied customers.

We have one of the best logistics in the industry. We move products more than anyone out there with great success.

We make sure that we deliver the product as fast as possible without delays for maximum customer satisfaction.

During the whole process, we offer the best guidance. We have many experts in this field that have been doing this for a really long time and they will make sure that you never have any issues whatsoever.

Foshan Sourcing was set up as a sourcing enterprise in 2007.We try the best to offer one-stop sourcing services for every our client to make sure they can receive exclusive products, achieve cost savings, and navigate the sourcing process without hassle in the past 17 years.We are dedicated to our core values of hard work, honesty, sincerity, and friendliness, and we are fully committed to providing support for your sourcing and importation needs of electric vehicles from China. If you require expert guidance when sourcing good EV manufacturers from China, please feel free to get in touch with us. Your satisfaction and success are our utmost priorities.