Last checked September 2026. Prices are UK list prices before discounts; dealers often offer more.
Chinese brands now make some of the best-value electric cars on sale in the UK, from a £13,000 city car to long-range saloons that take on Tesla. We have picked the best in each category, based on price, range, charging, safety, running costs and what UK reviewers say.
The best Chinese electric cars at a glance
| Category | Our pick | Price from | Official range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best cheap EV | BYD Dolphin Surf | £18,650 | 137 to 200 miles |
| Best budget buy | Leapmotor T03 | £12,995 | 165 miles |
| Best hatchback | MG4 | £29,995 | 280 to 338 miles |
| Best family SUV under £30,000 | Leapmotor B10 | £29,995 | 270 miles |
| Best compact SUV | MGS5 | £28,995 | Up to about 298 miles |
| Best mid-size SUV | Deepal S07 | £39,995 | About 295 miles |
| Best long-range saloon | BYD Seal | £45,730 | Up to 354 miles |
| Best tech-focused SUV | XPeng G6 | £39,990 | 292 to 326 miles |
Best cheap EV: BYD Dolphin Surf
The Dolphin Surf is the small electric car we would recommend to most buyers on a budget. The Boost version goes up to 200 miles, charges at up to 85kW, has five Euro NCAP stars and sits in low insurance groups of 14 to 19. A six-year warranty adds peace of mind. See how it compares in our cheapest electric cars guide.
Best budget buy: Leapmotor T03
After a £3,000 price cut, the T03 costs £12,995 and comes well equipped. It is a four-seat city car with a small boot and no Euro NCAP rating, but for town driving it is remarkable value.
Best hatchback: MG4
The MG4 is still the benchmark affordable electric hatchback. The 2026 update fixed its interior, it is great fun to drive, and the Extended Range version goes up to 338 miles. Reliability surveys have been unkind to MG, but the seven-year warranty helps. See our MG4 vs VW ID.3 comparison.
Best family SUV under £30,000: Leapmotor B10
The B10 offers a lot of space and a 270-mile range for £29,995, and scored an outstanding 93% for adult and child protection in Euro NCAP’s tests. Its insurance group of 32 is reasonable for the class. The warranty, at four years, is shorter than most Chinese rivals.
Best compact SUV: MGS5
The MGS5 is MG’s electric family SUV, with five Euro NCAP stars and a 90% adult occupant score. It is roomy, sensibly priced and backed by MG’s large dealer network.
Best mid-size SUV: Deepal S07
The Deepal S07 from Changan is a stylish SUV with a high-quality interior and the best adult occupant score of any Chinese car tested, at 95%. It sits in insurance group 45 and Deepal’s dealer network is still small, so check both before buying.
Best long-range saloon: BYD Seal
The Seal Design goes up to 354 miles and has a beautifully finished cabin and a six-year warranty. The Tesla Model 3 is cheaper and goes further, as our Seal vs Model 3 comparison explains, but BYD dealers often discount heavily.
Best tech-focused SUV: XPeng G6
The XPeng G6 is one of the fastest-charging cars in its class, is packed with technology and has five Euro NCAP stars. Insurance groups of 43 to 47 and a small dealer network are the drawbacks.
Things to check before buying any Chinese EV
- Insurance: get quotes first. Some insurers have been cautious with newer brands. See our insurance groups guide.
- Grant: no Chinese-built car qualifies for the Electric Car Grant, so compare final prices with grant-eligible rivals.
- Charging: see our charging guide and charging times and costs for every Chinese EV.
- Dealers: check how far your nearest service centre is. See our servicing guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Chinese electric car?
For most buyers, the MG4 and BYD Dolphin Surf offer the best mix of price, range and running costs. The Leapmotor B10 is our pick for families on a budget.
What is the cheapest Chinese electric car in the UK?
The Leapmotor T03, at £12,995 after a price cut in June 2026.
Which Chinese electric car has the longest range?
Among mainstream models, the BYD Seal Design claims up to 354 miles and the MG4 Extended Range up to 338 miles.
Are Chinese electric cars good value?
Yes. They usually undercut European and Korean rivals and come with more standard equipment and longer warranties, although they miss out on the Electric Car Grant.