Europe Warms Up to Chinese EVs as Ties With the US Waver
Chinese electric vehicle sightings are surging across European roads despite trade barriers meant to block them, exploiting the EU's fraying alliance with America and undercutting local manufacturers on price. BYD and rival brands swallowed the cost of Europe's 35% import duties, pivoted to hybrid powertrains that avoid the levies, and still beat European competitors on sticker price. Hybrid vehicles from Chinese factories saw demand multiply fourteen times over between mid-2024 and mid-2025, while Chinese brands claimed 10 percent of December sales continentwide. The shift from Western cars to Chinese-made electric cars is largely due to price, with an assist from performance. European factories turn out battery vehicles that cost an average $58,907, while BYD's range opens at $33,344 to…
