China's Electric Car Exports Set to Skyrocket as Domestic Market Slumps

KatadataOTO – Electric car manufacturers in China are looking for ways to stimulate the market. This is because the demand for Electric Vehicles (EVs) is projected to decline in 2026.

According to a Financial Times report on Monday (12/01), four-wheeled vehicle factories in China are expected to flood the export market.

It was mentioned that China's automotive exports will increase by up to 25 percent, breaking records by reaching seven million units.

“Car manufacturers are trying to offset the decline in domestic sales of gasoline cars and the slowdown in EV growth,” wrote the online media.

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Furthermore, it was mentioned that China's electric car exports are expected to jump by more than 50 percent, reaching 3.7 million units in 2026.

Meanwhile, for gasoline-powered four-wheeled vehicles, there is an increase of about four percent, reaching 3.4 million units.

Analysts in China even say that their country's four-wheeled vehicle exports will reach 9.4 million units by 2030.

The number above is double the figure shipped by BYD, Chery, and Changan in 2024.

“The automotive market is facing tremendous growth pressure in 2026,” said Cui Donshu, Secretary General of the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA).

According to data, Chinese electric cars will flood several countries, such as Mexico, the Middle East, Russia, and parts of Europe.

This is already evident from a number of manufacturers building factories and dealer networks around the world.

It is recorded that China's seven largest automotive groups, such as BYD, Great Wall Motor (GWM), Chery, SAIC, Changan, GAC, and Geely, have a total of 31 production facilities abroad.

For your information, electric car sales in China are indeed predicted to slow down during this year's period.

Several obstacles are ready to block the way, such as trade tensions, tariff shifts, and government regulatory uncertainty.

The conditions above are forcing manufacturers to rethink production, pricing, and market strategies.

It is even said that dozens of electric car manufacturers in China are under serious threat in 2026.

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They are likely to close or reduce their operations next year. This is because industry growth is slowing and government incentives are ending.

It should be noted that a number of Chinese electric cars have already flooded the Indonesian market. Take for example BYD, which markets the Atto 1, Dolphin, and Seal.

Not to be left out is Chery Group. They also market several flagship products to consumers in the country.