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Video | Inside the rise of Chinese EVs (and what it means for us)
Rory Reid finds what China is getting so right with its electric cars
Words by: Catherine King
Published on 17 November 2025 | 0 min read
It took Korean brands Hyundai and Kia decades to establish themselves in the UK, while even Tesla didn’t become mainstream until it launched the Model 3 in 2017. Yet, new names like BYD, Omoda, and Jaecoo are already selling in impressive numbers. What do these newcomers have in common? They are all from China. In this video Rory Reid examines the rise of Chinese electric cars and takes us on a voyage into the past to see what we can expect in the car industry’s future.
To help Rory set the scene Autotrader’s very own Charene Gavajena, Senior Analyst, is on hand to provide some insight into why Chinese manufacturers are such big hitters. It turns out the answer is simple. To succeed in the electric revolution it’s all about supply, scale and speed – China speed. With this in mind, Rory pays a car retailer a visit to find out what buyers really make of the latest Chinese models and to try one out for himself. Will the BYD Sealion 7 and its abundance of tech impress? You’ll have to watch the video to find out. So, we know China is well positioned, we know its products are competitive, but how likely is it consumers will actually buy these unfamiliar models? Recent data suggests up to 40 per cent of people would consider a Chinese EV and judging by the people Rory speaks to in this video there’s certainly an appetite. But not everyone is convinced, as Charlene explains using Autotrader’s data and research. Will Chinese cars replace brands like Volkswagen, Land Rover and Ford completely? The landscape is changing at a rapid pace. We’ve put together a rundown of some of the biggest new brands and been driving everything from the Geely EX5 to the Changan Deepal S07 to keep you in the know. However, only time will tell which traditional manufacturers will survive the rise of the Chinese EV. If you enjoyed this video give it a like and let Rory know your thoughts on Chinese cars in the YouTube comments. You can also subscribe for more like it.
To help Rory set the scene Autotrader’s very own Charene Gavajena, Senior Analyst, is on hand to provide some insight into why Chinese manufacturers are such big hitters. It turns out the answer is simple. To succeed in the electric revolution it’s all about supply, scale and speed – China speed. With this in mind, Rory pays a car retailer a visit to find out what buyers really make of the latest Chinese models and to try one out for himself. Will the BYD Sealion 7 and its abundance of tech impress? You’ll have to watch the video to find out. So, we know China is well positioned, we know its products are competitive, but how likely is it consumers will actually buy these unfamiliar models? Recent data suggests up to 40 per cent of people would consider a Chinese EV and judging by the people Rory speaks to in this video there’s certainly an appetite. But not everyone is convinced, as Charlene explains using Autotrader’s data and research. Will Chinese cars replace brands like Volkswagen, Land Rover and Ford completely? The landscape is changing at a rapid pace. We’ve put together a rundown of some of the biggest new brands and been driving everything from the Geely EX5 to the Changan Deepal S07 to keep you in the know. However, only time will tell which traditional manufacturers will survive the rise of the Chinese EV. If you enjoyed this video give it a like and let Rory know your thoughts on Chinese cars in the YouTube comments. You can also subscribe for more like it.