It’s no surprise that a spike in fuel prices is sparking interest in Chinese EVs which are far better value than European or Japanese EVs. But will the long term practicalities of home charging infrastructure, the UK’s lack of power station generating capacity, plus the reality that tyres, wheel bearing grease, plastic cable sleeves, interior trim and many other parts are all made from oil, mean EV drivers can swerve volatile/high oil prices indefinitely?
Here’s the word from LeaseLoco
Interest in Chinese car brands is surging among UK motorists, with leasing enquiries almost doubling in the past year and now accounting for nearly one in five UK enquiries.
New data from car leasing deals comparison site LeaseLoco reveals that Chinese vehicles made up 9.2% of all car lease enquiries in 2025. So far in 2026, that figure has jumped to 18.1% – a staggering 97% rise in demand.
The figures suggest British drivers are becoming far more open to vehicles from Chinese manufacturers like BYD and Leapmotor, many of which are entering the UK market with competitively priced electric vehicles (EVs) and boasting long range batteries.
In 2025, LeaseLoco’s top five most searched for Chinese manufacturers were BYD, Omoda, MG, GWM (ORA) and Leapmotor.
LeaseLoco’s experts say the shift is likely being driven by the fact Chinese manufacturers are focusing heavily on EVs and offering models with advanced technology and longer battery ranges at lower price points than many established European brands.
In fact, LeaseLoco’s latest data shows that monthly lease prices for Chinese brands are, on average, around 27% lower than those for European brands.
As the UK continues its transition away from conventional petrol and diesel vehicles ahead of the 2035 ban, drivers appear increasingly willing to consider newer and lesser-known brands if it means lower costs and better EV performance.
And with more Chinese manufacturers expected to enter the UK market in the coming years, competition in the EV space looks set to increase.
However, motorists considering a newer or unfamiliar brand are being urged to research carefully before committing to a lease agreement.
John Wilmot, CEO of LeaseLoco.com, said: “We’ve seen a huge jump in interest in Chinese car brands over the past year, particularly from drivers looking for more affordable electric vehicle options.
“Many of these manufacturers are entering the UK market with well equipped EVs that offer modern tech and competitive monthly lease prices, so it’s not surprising that more motorists are starting to consider them.
“For a lot of drivers, leasing also removes some of the uncertainty that can come with trying a newer brand, because they’re not committing to long term ownership.
“That makes it an appealing way to test out a vehicle that might offer better value or features than some more established models.
“That said, it’s still important for drivers to do their research by looking into things like servicing availability, warranty cover, and independent safety ratings. This can help make sure the car is the right fit before signing a lease agreement.”
LeaseLoco is the UK’s biggest car lease comparison website, making it super quick and easy for drivers to filter and compare millions of car lease deals from the country’s leading car leasing companies to best suit their needs.
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