Chinese Electric Car Sales Begin to Dominate the Global Market

KatadataOTO – Chinese electric cars are starting to be widely offered in various countries. Several advantages are offered, one of which is a competitive price tag without sacrificing modern features inside.

Even amidst the turmoil of import bans in the United States, Chinese electric car manufacturers are still thriving and dominating global EV (Electric Vehicle) sales by 76 percent.

Yet the US is a fairly large and potential market. However, due to various difficult policies and the implementation of tariffs, Chinese brands have shifted their focus to other countries with sales opportunities.

Europe has become a destination for many Chinese manufacturers to sell not only EVs but also PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) hybrid models.

Photo : Carnewschina

Outside of Europe, the contribution is even greater. For example, in Brazil, 82 percent of electric cars and PHEVs sold in 2024 came from China.

Meanwhile, in Indonesia, the percentage is 75 percent, Malaysia 52 percent, and Nepal 74 percent.

Again, subsidies are cited as a factor attracting Chinese brands to invest in various countries and slowly dominate the market.

Looking at Japanese brands, the majority are still more focused on selling gasoline-powered or hybrid cars.

Domination of Chinese Electric Cars in Indonesia

Processed from Gaikindo (Association of Indonesian Automotive Industries) data, nine of the 10 best-selling models in January 2025 were Chinese electric cars.

In first place is the M6 MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle). Their wholesale figure (distribution from factory to dealer) was 581 units, followed by the Chery J6 off-road electric SUV with 423 units.

Photo : KatadataOTO

Occupying third place is the BYD Seal sedan, with 285 units. Although the sedan market is still relatively small, the presence of the Seal seems to add a new and attractive option for consumers who like sporty cars.

The compact SUV from BYD, the Atto 3, was also recorded as distributing 240 units in January 2025. Meanwhile, in fifth place was the Wuling BinguoEV with 147 units.

There are still many newcomers who will bring electric cars and PHEVs to the country, such as Changan and Xpeng.