Monday to Friday 9am - 12.30pm - 2pm - 7pm
Chinese electric cars: attacking the European market?
It's no longer a secret, sales of electric cars are beginning to be significant with 5 million electric vehicles sold by 2022 and an estimated 15 million by 2030. Chinese manufacturers are gradually gaining a foothold in the all-electric market in Europe. MG and other dealers in the same country have understood this very well. have found here a great opportunity to establish a foothold in Europe over the long term.
We can also see that it's not just the big incumbent manufacturers who are looking to win market share in this area. More and more small new start-ups (like FiskerXpeng and Sonos) who take the plunge and embark on this adventure. Partnerships between Chinese and Western manufacturers are also becoming commonplace. China is therefore deploying a real action plan to attract future electric car drivers and find its place in the European market.
The Covid-19, an unfortunate event, led to plunge in car sales during health restrictions, 63 million vehicles by 2020 against 75 million in 2019.Consumers delayed their purchasing decisions during the pandemic and now want to move towards cleaner electric vehicles and respectful of nature. A trend that proves the rise of a strong ecological conscience. For good reason, 63 % of French people think that climate disorder is caused by global warming. Their choice is propelled by the decision ban the sale of internal combustion cars from 2035also motivated by State aid as the conversion premium and the environmental bonus.
Le fuel costs was also an argument that prompted many drivers to make their ecological transition. As a reminder, the price of a full recharge on a terminal charging station for a An electric car is much cheaper than a full tank of diesel or petrol. Although fuel consumption varies from model to model, it is generally 15 kWh/100 km. For the most energy-hungry models, consumption can be as high as up to 20 kWh/100 km. The cost of a full charge for an electric car is around 2 for a 100 km charge compared with €10 of fuel for a combustion model per 100 km.
More information ⇒ The cost of recharging an electric car
Chinese brands therefore have a long way to go to conquer the European market. Chinese manufacturers need to adopt a solid brand image and adapt to the European market, which does not have the same consumer and purchasing habits or the same culture. However, there are a number of challenges, Several Chinese brands have already begun to establish themselves and sell on the Old Continent.
Discover the electric cars available from Beev
Xpeng G9 vs BMW iX
Xiaopeng, well known as XPeng Motors, is one of the world's leading Chinese carmakers a well-known player that has recently entered the electric vehicles with its G3 electric SUV. Since then, the company has expanded internationally and offers two electric vehicles in Europestarting with the Xpeng G9. This model, presented in September 2022, has been the talk of the town, not least because of its impressive recharge speed. from 10 to 80 %, equivalent to 200 km at only 15 minutes!
His big autonomy (de 650 up to 700 km) remains one of its major advantages over its German competitor, the BMW iX. Le XPeng G9 is a fast, quiet and comfortable electric vehicle. It also offers a top-of-the-range interior with a touchscreen on the left and a second on the right, a trend that is becoming increasingly popular.
In terms of practicality, it has nothing to envy from other luxury models in the same range, with a good boot capacity of 661 L against 500 L for the German model, which makes it a perfect Electric SUV for families. On his side, BMW is one of the world's leading brands of vehicles and electric cars. It offers some of the highest quality models in the world, but at fairly high prices.
The closest rival model to the XPeng G9 of the German brand is the BMW iX. BMW offers For over 100 years, we've been creating luxury cars that approach perfection in every respect. Targeting above all a high-end clientele. It also markets models in all ranges from the small city car with electric saloon of around €100,000.
Prices | Battery gross | Autonomy | |
XPeng G9 | 45 000 € | 78 kWh | 650 km |
BMW iX Drive 40 | 86 450 € | 76 kWh | 435 km |
Le BMW iX is aimed at a public with a passion for Electric SUV luxury with impressive performance and the latest technology on the market. All this without neglecting the comfortable and spacious aspect.
MG ZS vs Citroën ë-C4
Le MG ZS will undoubtedly ring a bell, because the brand MG originally British, belonging to the MG-Rover was bought by the Chinese group SAIC in 2007. The Chinese brand has therefore been firmly established on the European market for a long time. It is for this reason in particular that various electric cars of the brand in dealerships in France, and in particular on Beev (MG Marvel R, MG 5 and the MG 4).
Citroën has unveiled its brand new electric SUV, the Citroën ë-C4 Shine Edition. A model positioning itself as a direct competitor to the MG ZS EV in the market for the best, most affordable electric vehicles. All Citroën ë-C4 models come with a single electric configuration, a 100 kW motor and a 50 kWh battery.
La MG ZS Confort has a 130 kW engine and a 51.1 kWh battery offering a useful capacity of 49 kWh. It could be more efficient and capable of reaching distances over which the Citroën ë-C4 would struggle to cope with a single charge. A negative point for the model from the French brand, but that doesn't mean it has said its last word. Yes, it has, its 50 kWh battery is ideal for everyday use, its capacity even exceeds that of the Mazda MX-30. It is in terms of comfort and driving quality that the Citroën ë-C4 takes over. Where the MG ZS and offers a fairly firm ride quality, the French electric vehicleoffers drivers a smoother ride, thanks in particular to its hydraulic suspension system.
It's not more technical performance that we will be able to decide between the two electric cars. They both offer almost identical 0 to 100 kph results, as well as a usable capacity close to that of a conventional car. (44.5 kWh for the MG ZS and 46 kWh for the Citroën ë-C4)The same goes for on-board technology and safety systems. The same applies to on-board technology and safety systems. The Citroën ë-C4 includes the Safety Pack Plus with the Shine edition, which is equivalent to the MG Pilot Advanced Driver Assistance System on the MG ZS EV.
The design seems to be one of the weak points of the Chinese brand's model. While the Citroën ë-C4 combines the elegance of a compact saloon with that of an electric SUV. MG ZS EV looks a little dull and uninteresting. It offers very few free graphics options for customising certain body parts, unlike the French electric car.
Prices | Raw battery | Autonomy | |
Citroën ë-C4 | 37 750 € | 50 kWh | 350 km |
MG ZS EV | 27 990 € | 51 kWh | 320 km |
Le MG ZS EV is therefore the best choice for range and value for money when you look beyond comfort and design. In this respect, the Citroën ë-C4 wins hands down with its superior design and better suspension.. The Citroën ë-C4 therefore seems ideal for a public with looking for their very first electric vehicle. What's more, the MG ZS EV is more suited to a customer base of en search for a more solid model and proposed to excellent value for money.
LeapMotor 03 vs Fiat 500e
Leapmotor is undoubtedly a brand you're not familiar with, but that could soon be history. Its catalogue includes electric vehicles which offer excellent value for money. In particular the LeapMotor 03This is the model we'll be talking about in more detail in the following lines. It is the main competitor to the Fiat 500e sharing similar small dimensions (3.62 m long, 1.65 m wide and 1.58 m high) compared with 3.63 m, 1.9 m and 1.53 m for the little Italian. Its lines and design are very reminiscent of that of the Fiat 500e even if they are a little less refined.
Straight from China, the Leapmotor T03 is a small electric city car five-door 100 % electric. Under the bonnet of this compact car is a 109 bhp engine powered by a battery with a total capacity of 41.3 kWh, or around 38 kWh net.
In terms of equipment, it has nothing to envy its competitor in the Italian brand. Everything has been updated, including identical full LED lights, 15-inch alloy wheels that are slightly smaller than those on the Fiat 500e, a panoramic roof and no fewer than 11 proximity sensors, all as standard!
When it comes to practicality, the T03 is generous with a large glovebox and ample storage space. An advantage for the Chinese model, especially as it has a load volume of 210 litres, which is slightly better than the Fiat, which offers 185 litres. Passengers also benefit from incredible knee room for such a small car and a comfortable bench seat. However, the absence of an armrest on the other side is regrettable. is also present on the Fiat. Up front, the upholstery is well designed and welcoming, but you'll have to make do with fixed headrests and a passenger seat that can't be adjusted for height.
A major flaw for this electric vehicle comfort that benefits the Fiat 500e offering a heated and adjustable seat. The dashboard is relatively sober and of standard design, covered in the same hard material. It incorporates its own voice recognition system and intelligent 3.0 connectivity for the fastest connections The Bluetooth connection (like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the latest models to go on sale at the end of the year) is also located on the 10.1-inch central screen, which is the same size as that of the Fiat 500e (10.25 inches). The Fiat 500e offers its customers :
- A system that automatically synchronises with traffic informationthe traffic densitythe weatherthe recharging stations or even radars.
- Apple CarPlay and theAndroid Auto to use your smartphone in complete safety.
- Its entire range of connected services for control the electric vehicle remotely.
- Once again battery capacity will be the deciding factor between the two vehicles.They are virtually identical, although the Fiat 500e is a little bit higher.
- On the other hand the price that the little Chinese electric car stands out and becomes a real asset for potential buyers. It becomes really interesting knowing thatit is sold for €5,000 less than the Fiat 500e.
La Leapmotor T03 is therefore an excellent compromise for drivers looking for a very affordable model that easily fulfils the objectives of a small city car (daily journeys in urban areas) with a very attractive range. Unfortunately, you can't expect a an ultra-comfortable model offering perfect ride quality. It is not aimed at drivers specifically looking for these features, but at those looking for simplicity, sobriety and the essential. that an electric vehicle can and should offer. Nevertheless, it remains a model of quality.
For the Fiat 500ebut the price is still right for a Fiat. It targets customers who are already familiar with the brand, its expertise and the quality of their cars. Drivers are looking for comfort, driving quality and better performance, even if it means sacrificing range, which is less important. Even if the price is much higher.
Prices | Raw battery | Autonomy | |
LeapMotor T03 | 20 000 € | 41 kWh | 280 km |
Fiat 500e | 25 400 € | 42 kWh | 320 km |
Aiways U5 vs Volkswagen ID.4
As seen above with the BMW iX, it's the turn of Volkswagen ID.4 to rub shoulders with the Chinese model, it is interesting to discover this duel with the two German electric vehicles. While the Volkswagen ID.4 seems comfortably established as one of the top models in the Electric SUVsA newcomer from China is just around the corner. L'Aiways U5 is once again positioning itself as a very serious competitor to the German model, like the BMW iX. An electric SUV, which despite its big price difference is capable of keeping pace with European quality.
Indeed, there are a staggering difference of more than €10,000 between the Volkswagen ID.4 and theAiways U5. How do you explain this incredible difference? Is the Chinese model really a good deal?
Obviously, with a price differential as wide as that for Volkswagen ID.4 and Aiways U5So it's only natural that the Volkswagen should perform better. While the German electric car has a raw battery of 82 kWhthe Chinese manufacturer offers a 63 kWh.
In terms of size, however, theAiways U5 is taller and longer (4.68 m versus 4.58 m and 1.87 versus 1.85). It looks more like a Electric SUV 100%that Volkswagen ID.4 more elongated, which with its flowing forms looks like a mixture of van and electric SUV.
There's not much to complain about in terms of the ergonomics of the two electric cars. The driver's seating position is very comfortable, and essential controls such as the steering wheel and pedals are ergonomically designed.
Furthermore, on theAiways U5The touchscreen is often not as responsive as you'd expect, which is a major danger and distraction when driving. Incidentally, This shortcoming has earned the electric car a great deal of criticism. It's worth noting that the climate controls have no physical buttons and are operated on an additional touchscreen, which also serves as a cover for the mobile phone charging compartment, which isn't very practical.
For the Volkswagen ID.4It's not much better. She also completely dispenses with fixed buttons. As a result, it takes much longer to perform the same actions as usual on other models of Volkswagen for example. The touchscreen, which enables a large number of actions to be performed, still occasionally encounters a few bugs.
Manufacturers have focused their vehicles on comfort. But Volkswagen seems to make much better use of this potential. The ID.4 is fitted with shock absorbers that give it a comfortable ride despite its large wheels, even at high speeds. L'Aiways U5This can be problematic and uncomfortable on winding roads, but the configuration suits the relaxed nature of the electric SUV quite well.
Bad point forAiways U5. It's not up to the usual standard in this class of vehicle, in fact, there are also very few adjustment options. On their side, The seats in the ID.4, on the other hand, offer good seating comfort, even on long journeys. They offer adequate lateral support and lumbar support with a massage function. In terms of interior soundproofing, the Volkswagen ID.4 is also better suited to long journeys.
Prices | Raw battery | Autonomy | |
Aiways U5 | 39 990 € | 63 kWh | 410 km |
Volkswagen ID.4 | 52 500 € | 82 kWh | 531 km |
L'Aiways U5 is not a bad thing electric vehicle for its price, but with its large battery and range, it is positioned as a mid-range electric SUV. That's true, it doesn't offer the near-flawless features of the Volkswagen ID.4But it's also not aimed at the same target group. It's up to the driver to decide whether the extra €10,000 is justified, based on his or her expectations.
Conclusion
Despite the enthusiasm generated by the invasion of dealerships, it is still too early to judge whether the Chinese gamble will be won. The breakthrough of Chinese electric cars could remain limited for two reasons: strong European competition, but also the continuing difficulties in using electric cars in general.
Beev is working to make it easier for as many people as possible to make the switch to electric power, by offering long-term rental as well as medium-term rental. Finally, to find out more, we invite you to discover our Top 9 Chinese electric cars.
