- BYD Seal sees a 200% increase in enquiries over the past year, reports The Electric Car Scheme
- Lower pricing and new Chinese EV launches fuel British buyer interest
- Leading Chinese electric vehicles tipped to make a major impact in 2025
The Electric Car Scheme has reported an impressive rise in demand for Chinese electric vehicles, with the BYD Seal witnessing a 200% jump in customer enquiries year-on-year. This comes as BYD overtakes Tesla in European sales for the first time—marking a shift in the EV landscape.
Chinese EVs are fast becoming a go-to option for UK drivers, offering an appealing mix of affordability and evolving technology. The Electric Car Scheme expects orders for BYD vehicles to increase by 300% in 2025 as drivers look for cost-effective, high-quality alternatives.
Among the most sought-after models are the BYD Seal, Atto (starting at £358 per month), Dolphin (£298 per month), and the premium Sealion 7 (£478 per month). Meanwhile, brands like XPeng, Ora, Haval, Jaecoo, and Omoda are also preparing to enter the UK market with their own range of electric models.
With 2025 projected to be a landmark year for electric vehicles in the UK, Chinese EVs are likely to lead the charge. In response, The Electric Car Scheme has highlighted the top three Chinese models set to shape the year ahead.
BYD Seal
This Model 3 rival has seen a huge increase in interest already and is set to be one of the most popular EVs in 2025 and beyond. The range of up to 354 miles and 0-60 acceleration in just 3.8 seconds makes this electric saloon car a popular choice for families, especially with a spacious 402 litre boot.
Available for £386 per month with salary sacrifice this is a model UK drivers are likely to see more of on the roads this year.
MG4
One of the most popular EVs available through salary sacrifice, the MG4 combines performance and affordability. From £255 a month and with a top spec range of 435 miles, it makes a great first EV for anyone looking to make the jump to electric. The MG4 impresses first-time EV drivers with its dynamic design and spacious interior, providing 363 litres of boot space and comfortable seating for five passengers.
Omoda E5
The first SUV on this list is likely to make an impact with some stylish design and its size. Inside, the Omoda E5 features a high-tech cabin with a dual-screen setup that includes a 12.3-inch central touchscreen and a digital driver display. Advanced connectivity features like wireless smartphone mirroring, over-the-air updates, and a comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies ensure convenience and safety.
Available from £298 per month it is also one of the more affordable models around, which research from The Electric Car Scheme shows is the biggest consideration for 54% of potential EV drivers.
The Electric Car Scheme CEO and Co-Founder Thom Groot commented:
“It is no surprise that Chinese EVs which are more affordable than rivals and equipped with modern and high spec technology are becoming more popular. It is true that Western models have taken a bit of a hit in terms of popularity over the past few months, but as much as anything else we see this as evidence of the rest of the pack catching up in terms of performance and quality.
“We know that affordability is the biggest barrier to getting into an electric car for the majority of Brits so cheaper alternatives will be a welcome addition to the journey of reaching Net Zero and Zero Emission Vehicle goals. Whether it be a Seal, Dolphin or Sealion it is clear that these models are here to stay and play their part in the cars of the future.”
