Chinese EVs are holding their value well against comparable mainstream models, suggesting consumer trust and confidence in newer brands is continuing to grow.
New research by car leasing and contract hire specialist, LeaseCar, analysed a selection of popular Chinese EVs alongside similar mainstream models and found that across the vehicles analysed, Chinese EVs are currently retaining almost 10% more value on average.
The study compared five Chinese EV models with similar mainstream electric cars. The BYD Dolphin recorded the strongest value retention, holding onto 63.4% of its value.
Value retention comparison
Which Chinese EVs show the biggest value gap on the used car market?
The findings revealed that the MG4 EV, a compact family hatchback, recorded the highest percentage depreciation among the Chinese EVs analysed in the study, with used examples retaining 52.1% of their value.
The BYD Atto 3 Evo showed the largest cash difference between new and used prices, with a gap of £18,491 on average, based on the current OTR pricing and median advertised used values.
Tim Alcock, Director at LeaseCar, comments on the findings, “We’ve been seeing a substantial shift in the UK automotive landscape over recent years, with more drivers turning to Chinese brands as they make the switch to electric. However, one concern that seems to have been holding some people back is the lack of knowledge around how they will hold their value and stand up against more well-known brands in the long term.
Building credibility
“Broadly speaking, the findings suggest that Chinese EVs are starting to move away from being seen as the budget alternatives and are becoming credible, mainstream choices. If this trend continues, we could see Chinese models becoming even more desirable within both the new and used car markets.”
What this means for the future of the car buying market
He concluded, “Historically, plug-in cars have seen more volatility in depreciation than petrol or diesel models. However, advances in technology and pricing changes could mean that this begins to stabilise more over the coming years.
“For drivers, it reinforces the importance of choosing the right model. In some circumstances, options such as leasing may be more favourable as it means drivers won’t need to deal with future resale concerns but can still enjoy the benefits of driving a new and capable EV car.”
Broadening the UK car market
LeaseCar also recently analysed the latest UK registration data and found that Chinese brands now account for around 8% of all licensed plug-in cars in the country, up from 2.7% in 2021.
According to the data, around one in every 13 plug-in vehicles on UK roads now originates from a Chinese manufacturer.
While MG has long established itself as a household name, we have recently seen the arrival of a new wave of challengers.
BYD has transitioned from a niche player to a volume leader almost overnight. The BYD Seal U Design (PHEV) recorded a staggering 28,581% year on year growth, rising from 58 units in 2024 to 16,635 units in 2025.
Similarly, newcomer brands from the Chinese giant Chery are seeing immediate success. The JAECOO 7 Luxury 4×4 entered the market with zero registrations and achieved 12,651 units in a single quarter.
