Chinese manufacturers are rapidly moving from curious newcomers to major players in the UK fleet and EV market, and the latest registration figures show just how quickly that shift is happening.

BYD has now become the UK’s best-selling EV brand so far in 2026, overtaking more established names including Tesla, BMW, Kia, and Volkswagen. The brand has sold more than 12,700 electric cars already this year, while its combined EV and plug-in hybrid sales now give it almost 10% overall market share.

What’s particularly notable is that BYD achieved this without access to the Government’s Electric Car Grant, suggesting buyers are increasingly willing to consider newer Chinese brands on value, technology, and equipment alone.

At the same time, Chery International is also growing rapidly through its expanding group of UK brands, including OMODA, JAECOO, and CHERY. Together, they reached almost 7% UK market share in April alone, less than two years after entering the market.

Many of these brands are targeting exactly the areas traditional manufacturers have struggled with recently: well-equipped EVs and hybrids at more accessible price points. In many cases, drivers are getting larger vehicles, longer equipment lists, and newer battery technology for monthly costs comparable to smaller European rivals.