Sales of Chinese-made hybrid vehicles have escalated dramatically in the European Union, intensifying competition for local car manufacturers and prompting concerns in Brussels. Recent data reveals that sales of these fully hybrid vehicles soared from a mere 659 units in 2022 to a staggering 160,662 in the first seven months of 2026. Plug-in hybrid cars from China also saw a notable increase, with sales jumping from 56,706 units in 2022 to 217,764 during the same timeframe this year.
This surge in sales coincides with the EU’s 2024 imposition of anti-subsidy tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, a measure that did not encompass hybrid models. As a result, Chinese hybrids have gained a foothold in the European market, leading to calls from the European Commission for China to voluntarily cap its hybrid exports to the EU. Absent an agreement, the EU may consider implementing safeguard measures, such as quotas, to protect its automotive industry.
Chinese automakers like BYD, Chery, and Leapmotor are rapidly expanding their market presence, with Geely maintaining its status as the largest Chinese automotive group in Europe. BYD, for instance, reported sales of approximately 177,000 vehicles in the EU, marking a significant year-on-year increase. Meanwhile, Geely sold around 205,000 vehicles in the first eight months of 2026, although European manufacturers still hold the majority market share.
The influx of Chinese imports comes at a time when hybrid vehicles have captured nearly 37% of the European car market, compared to fully electric vehicles, which account for just over 21%. This trend underscores the EU’s ongoing challenges in addressing its trade imbalance with China while safeguarding the competitive edge of its automotive sector.