Fleets gain confidence in Chinese EVs as affordability and AI become key drivers

August 31, 2026

Acceptance and fleet desirability for Chinese EVs has grown as affordability, quality compared with competitors, and AI become key drivers in fleet buying decisions.

The OC&C Strategy Consultants carried out a survey across 8,460 drivers across nine countries - including the UK - which revealed vehicles from China are growing in preference. The findings can be found in the fifth edition of the OC&C Global Automotive Disruption Speedometer Report.

Of the UK respondents, 38% said Chinese EVs now match or even exceed equivalents from established brands in terms of quality. The global average reached 44%, with 48% in Italy sharing that view compared with 35% in Germany.

In terms of UK respondents' views to buying Chinese EVs, 35% said they would pay the same as an equivalent vehicle from an established marque with 10% saying they'd spend more for a Chinese car.

Furthermore, evidence is suggesting that fleets are narrowing down the brand consideration gap. Across the EU, 18% said they would consider a Chinese EV marque compared to 16% for a U.S EV brand - predominantly Tesla.

Additionally, the report states that AI is increasingly being used as a tool to help fleets make buying decisions. It also expects nearly 60% of consumers to use it to research about their next car.

The OC&C suggests that manufacturers must ensure that key information about vehicles and inventory is made easily accessible for AI tools to pick up.

Factors such as acquisition cost, monthly payments and overall value compared to other manufacturers could soon overtake more traditional reasoning such as brand reputation. For fleets, this represents a significant shift in trust for Chinese marques compared to more established equivalents.

It also demonstrates that many Western car manufacturers need to become more competitive if they aim to take the fight against the Chinese. Nearly 60% of new car registrations so far in 2026 were fleet acquisitions, so the evidence of increasing appeal and trust places a question mark on the longevity and market appeal of many established vehicle manufacturers.

Click here to learn more about car sales figures so far in 2026