From Beijing to Berlin: Chinese EVs turn heads as brands eye European markets

BYD, Geely and Xpeng showcase eye-catching EVs at Beijing auto show as they build momentum in Europe and target more discerning buyers

For German consumer Erik Böhme, a first visit to the Beijing auto show was an eye-opener – the world’s largest car exhibition showcased a vast array of electric vehicle (EV) brands, many already gaining traction in Europe.

“I think there will be more Chinese brands coming and being successful in Europe,” said Böhme, a freelance automotive consultant who spent two days at the event, which ran through May 3.

Böhme was among 250 foreign media, clients and social media influencers invited by Geely Automobile, China’s second-largest EV maker, to attend the show in Beijing. Around 50 of them came from Europe, the world’s third-largest car market.

Other Chinese carmakers, including Xpeng and Chery Automobile, also flew in hundreds – in some cases thousands – of overseas visitors, with Europeans making up a large share.

The push comes as Chinese EV makers pivot from a bruising domestic price war to overseas expansion, targeting higher margins, particularly in Europe, amid tightening regulations at home.

“Compared with the United States, Europe has been more open to the sale of Chinese vehicles,” said Dan Hearsch, global co-leader of the automotive and industrial practice at AlixPartners, pointing to higher trade barriers in the US.