Chinese electric cars: are they reliable?

As part of the Paris Motor Show, the spotlight is on Chinese electric cars. With China dominating the market with over 50% of global sales, brands such as BYD, MG, NIO and Xpeng are looking to establish themselves on European and American roads.

Price is one thing, reliability is another. While the Paris Motor Show is in full swing in Paris, Chinese electric cars are in the spotlight.

China, world number 1 in electric cars

These new brands, most of which you have never heard of, intend to conquer our roads and our garages. Who is it about? Chinese automobile manufacturers, with their advances and experience in this area, as well as a virtual monopoly on battery production. Result: In 2023, China alone represented more than 50% of global sales of electric cars.

They are called BYD, Zeekr, MG (famous English brand bought by the Chinese group SAIC Motor), NIO or Xpeng, and their latest models are perfectly equipped with the latest connected technologies, at an unbeatable price, even with one of the highest import taxes in Europe. But beyond competing with European or American production, and beyond the price, the basic question to ask is that of their reliability.

Survey – Are you ready to buy an electric car?

Which battery for what autonomy?

Key question when we talk about electric cars: what about their autonomy? This remains the first purchasing criterion, depending on the use you make of it, urban, rural or for long journeys. Chinese vehicles generally use LFP (lithium-iron-phosphate) batteries, which are both safer and less expensive than conventional lithium-ion batteries. Many come from the world leader in the field, the Chinese producer CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Ltd)

These LFP batteries have good resistance to recharge cycles. On the other hand, they generally offer a slightly lower autonomy than traditional lithium-ion batteries. In real conditions, the announced autonomy of a Chinese electric vehicle may therefore disappoint you. Before you decide, consult independent tests and trials widely in order to compare the manufacturers’ ideal with the reality of urban and peri-urban driving, but also on the motorway or in cold weather (which negatively influences the load).

MG brand car

Quality at European level

In terms of finishing and manufacturing, Chinese manufacturers are progressing quickly, very quickly. The level of quality and reliability continues to improve to catch up with Western standards in this area, and export these vehicles outside the vast national market. One of the best-known brands, BYD, has developed cutting-edge robotic manufacturing processes associated with rigorous quality tests. Enough to now go back to European brands.

At the same time, other Chinese brands, such as NIO, are choosing the high-end market. They then emphasize the quality of finishes and materials, associated with innovative on-board functionalities, in particular advanced autonomous driving systems, or even charging services using interchangeable batteries to reduce charging times.
It remains that the after-sales service and the network are also up to par, and that you can actually try them. Nothing will replace driving to form an opinion.

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