Affordable Chinese Electric Cars: Which Ones to Really Choose in Italy

The Italian automotive market is undergoing a significant transformation. Looking at the 2025 data, Chinese cars no longer represent risky experiments or poor-quality imitations, but vehicles that achieve 5-star Euro NCAP ratings and, in some cases, cost less than a used European city car.

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So, How Much Cheaper Are They? The Truth Behind the Prices

The fundamental fact is that Chinese cars do indeed cost less than their European counterparts. However, this price difference is not solely due to low-cost labor, as is often believed.

Vertical Integration That Changes Everything

The competitive advantage lies in vertical integration. BYD, for example, is not just a car manufacturer: it also produces its own batteries internally, which account for about 40% of the cost of an electric car. This vertical integration eliminates intermediaries and significantly reduces production costs.

The Numbers of Mass Production

There is also the factor of production volumes. While in Europe the debate on electric vehicles is still ongoing, in China, 10 million electric vehicles were sold in 2024 alone. With these volumes, development costs are quickly amortized, allowing for more competitive prices.

Advanced Technology, No Compromises

It is important to emphasize that "affordable" in 2025 no longer means "low quality." The Leapmotor T03, which can cost €4,900 with incentives, includes a panoramic roof, parking sensors, and safety systems that until recently were reserved for premium German cars. It may not be a Mercedes, but for urban use and charging at Electra fast-charging stations, it perfectly meets daily needs.

Who Are These Chinese Brands Really?

It is useful to clarify the main Chinese brands present or arriving on the Italian market.

Established Giants

BYD (acronym for "Build Your Dreams") is currently the world's largest producer of electric vehicles, having surpassed Tesla in some markets. Warren Buffett invested in the company in 2008, a sign of the solidity of the industrial project. In Italy, BYD now has about a hundred dealerships, a rapidly expanding network.

MG represents a special case. The brand, historically British (Morris Garages), is now owned by the Chinese group SAIC. In Italy, MG can rely on over 100 dealerships, the most extensive network among Chinese brands.

New Strategic Arrivals

Leapmotor is the latest arrival, but with an important competitive advantage: Stellantis owns 20% of the company and produces the vehicles in Poland. This means guaranteed assistance from the Stellantis network and exemption from additional duties.

Among the upcoming brands, we find Xpeng (pronounced "Shao-peng"), NIO (whose arrival is still uncertain), and the Chery group with the Omoda and Jaecoo brands.

Models Worth Considering (With Some Surprises)

City Cars Under €20,000

The Leapmotor T03 represents the most striking case: with government incentives, it can cost as little as €4,900. To access this price, you need to scrap an Euro 5 vehicle and have an ISEE below €30,000. Even without these requirements, the price remains between €15,000 and €18,000. The car offers 265 km of real-world range and 95 horsepower.

The BYD Dolphin Surf, with a base price of around €18,000, promises up to 320 km of range. In Euro NCAP tests, it achieved a full 5-star rating, surpassing some more expensive European competitors.

Compact Cars for Everyday Use (€30,000-35,000)

The standard BYD Dolphin costs around €34,000 and offers a range of 427 km, with realistic values confirmed by road tests.

The MG4, with a design that does not betray its Chinese origin, has a base price of €30,790, which drops to around €24,000 with incentives. It offers rear-wheel drive (a rare feature in this price range) and appreciable driving dynamics. The declared range of 350 km in the base version is confirmed by independent tests.

SUVs and Family Cars (Over €35,000)

The BYD Atto 3 starts at €38,990. Although not absolutely cheap, it offers 420 km of real-world range and premium-segment features, ensuring an interesting quality-price ratio. This model also achieved 5 stars in Euro NCAP tests.

The MG5 deserves special mention: it is the only electric station wagon available under €35,000. For families needing space but preferring to avoid SUVs, it represents a rational choice.

The Omoda 5 EV from the Chery group, expected at €35,000, promises 450 km of range on paper, but independent tests are still needed to confirm these figures.

Things to Watch Out For

It is necessary to carefully evaluate some aspects before proceeding with the purchase.

The Issue of After-Sales Service

After-sales service remains the most critical point. The approximately 100 BYD dealerships in Italy guarantee good territorial coverage. MG, with over 100 dealerships, offers a similar situation. Leapmotor relies on the Stellantis network, but effective integration is yet to be verified. There have been reports of long waits for spare parts and difficulties in finding qualified mechanics for these vehicles.

Safety: Finally, We're There

Safety is no longer an issue. Euro NCAP tests confirm that BYD Seal, Dolphin, and Atto 3 have achieved 5 stars. The Xpeng P7 has achieved the same result. Even the small Leapmotor T03 has achieved 4 stars, a respectable result for a city car.

The Value of Used Cars: The Big Unknown

The resale value remains an unknown. MG seems to maintain quotes similar to Hyundai or Kia. For BYD and Leapmotor, there is still insufficient data. Those who buy for long-term use (over 10 years) may not worry, but those who change cars every 3-4 years should consider this aspect.

Common spare parts are generally available, but for specific components, waiting times can be long. It is necessary to go to authorized workshops, which are not yet widespread.

The savings on operating costs should be considered: with Electra's competitive prices, charging a Chinese electric car costs an average of €3-4 per 100 km, compared to €12-15 for a gasoline car.

The Issue of Tariffs: Why You Should Be Concerned

Current Tariffs and Their Impact

Since October 2024, Europe has introduced additional tariffs on Chinese electric cars. BYD pays an extra 17%, MG (SAIC) 35%, in addition to the existing 10%. Tesla benefits from preferential treatment with only an additional 7.8% thanks to agreements with Brussels.

How the Chinese Are Bypassing the Problem

Chinese manufacturers are already implementing strategies to bypass these tariffs. Leapmotor produces in Poland, BYD is building a plant in Hungary, and Chery is targeting Spain. This could contain price increases.

An interesting strategy concerns powertrains: additional tariffs apply only to pure electric vehicles. In 2025, we will therefore see an increasing offer of Chinese hybrid models, subject only to the basic 10% tariff. BYD has already launched the Seal U plug-in hybrid, and MG offers the HS hybrid.

Chinese vs. European: A Frank Comparison

Comparing an MG4 with a Volkswagen ID.3 reveals significant differences. The MG starts at €30,790, the VW at €40,000. The range is comparable, but the MG includes standard features that are optional on the VW.

European cars maintain advantages in the service network, residual value, and brand prestige. A VW still has a superior appeal compared to an MG, which is undeniable.

Chinese cars win on price, warranty (7 years for MG vs. 2+2 for VW), and often in standard features. Additionally, delivery times are generally shorter compared to European cars, which are often burdened by months of waiting.

So, Should You Buy These Chinese Cars or Not?

For Whom It Really Makes Sense

After a comprehensive analysis of prices, features, and issues, the answer depends on the buyer's specific needs.

For those who travel 30 km a day in the city and seek maximum savings, the Leapmotor T03 at €4,900 with incentives represents an opportunity that is hard to ignore.

Those looking for a versatile car, suitable for travel as well, will find the MG4 a rational choice. It costs as much as a well-equipped Clio but offers electric mobility, over 400 km of real-world range, and satisfying driving dynamics. MG's service is adequate, and the brand is building its credibility.

For those who want an SUV, the BYD Atto 3 offers great value for €39,000. It is not absolutely cheap, but compared to an equivalent electric Volkswagen Tiguan, the quality-price ratio is evident.

The Final Advice (The One That Counts)

The most important advice is to test these vehicles directly. A test drive can reveal positive surprises and dispel preconceptions. The MG4, for example, offers a driving experience that exceeds expectations, considering the €10,000 price difference compared to European competitors.

2025 marks the moment when Chinese cars become a serious alternative to consider, no longer relegated to a niche market. Considering the evolution of European car prices, it is appropriate to evaluate these options without prejudice.

One last consideration: waiting for further price drops may not be strategic. With tariffs and inflation, a price increase is more likely. Government incentives are also subject to fund depletion.

As for charging, the expanding network of Electra fast-charging stations guarantees increasing ease of charging, with full compatibility for Chinese cars that meet European standards. For those seeking even more convenience, Electra Plus offers advantageous rates for regular customers.