An all-electric BYD car is displayed during an expo in London on April 16. JOHN KEEBLE/GETTY IMAGES
LONDON — Chinese-made electric vehicles have become increasingly visible in the British market, David Bailey, professor of business economics at the University of Birmingham, said on Thursday.
"Chinese brands have clearly moved from fringe players to mainstream contenders in the UK market," Bailey said.
His remarks came as figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show that Chinese-made EVs accounted for a growing share of Britain's EV market in the first four months of 2026.
According to SMMT data, Chinese brands, including BYD and Jaecoo, sold 30,480 EVs in Britain between January and April, accounting for 17.4 percent of EVs sold during the period. When brands owned by Chinese companies, such as Volvo, Polestar and Lotus, are included, the total rises to 40,222 EVs, representing 22.7 percent of all EVs sold in Britain during the four months.
