What is the best-selling Electric Vehicle in China recently?
Electric vehicles (EVs) saw strong growth in China recently, but which models were the most popular? Today, let’s analyses the market.
In the first seven months of 2024, EV sales totalled almost 5.2 million units. This was a significant jump from the 3.9 million recorded at the same point last year. Between January and July, EVs made up 45% of all new-car sales. Plug-in powertrains can be expected to make up around half of the overall new-car market by the end of 2024.
Out of the eight EVs in the overall top 10, six belonged to BYD. The carmaker has cut prices on its electric models to challenge the ICE market and bring buyers to the brand. This, however, is not only putting pressure on petrol and diesel powertrains, but also over EV models.
BYD
NIO
Xpeng
Li Auto
Volkswagen
Geely
Huawei
Changan
Chery
Aion
BYD – BYD Song（BEV+PHEV）
The BYD Song was the uncontested leader of the Chinese EV market in July. The midsize SUV recorded 52,642 registrations, with just 3,873 units belonging to the BEV version, highlighting the performance of PHEVs in the month.
The model’s continuing success will depend on its competition, particularly from within BYD. The Song could soon be facing off against the Song L, Sea Lion and the Denza N7.
This is a lot of competition from inside BYD’s midsize SUV portfolio for the Song to keep producing around 50,000 sales a month. That figure is a necessary threshold for models wanting to lead the Chinese market. But thanks to its recent price cuts, the Song is well placed to continue its success.
BYD – BYD Seagull
The BYD Seagull secured fourth place in the month with 34,789 registrations. With some production diverted to export markets, demand appears to have stabilised at around 35,000 units a month in China. The small EV now has a regular spot in the country’s top five EV list.
Even with the model’s attention diverted to other regions, such as Latin America and the Asia-Pacific, the Seagull is likely to remain in China’s top 10.
The BYD Seagull continues the oceanic aesthetic design concept, with an overall sporty style, positioning itself as a pure electric microcar. This model is highly similar to the Dolphin, both in terms of exterior and interior. The steering wheel adopts the same design as the Dolphin, and the center console is also similar, consisting of a large square central touchscreen and a cylindrical physical button area, with what appears to be a storage space in the middle.
BYD – BYD Yuan Plus (ATTO 3)
BYD has now expanded to 58 countries worldwide, and in many of these countries, it has become the leader in the new energy vehicle market. Among its most popular models is the Yuan PLUS, a vehicle very familiar to us. In the past, many global best-selling cars were introduced into our country, but now, Chinese brand vehicles have also become global cars, further proving BYD’s strength in the new energy sector. As one of the few car manufacturers globally capable of independently developing and producing the entire electric system, BYD has earned widespread recognition from consumers around the world for its safety and performance. Recently, we encountered the ATTO 3 (the overseas name for Yuan PLUS) several times on the roads of Malaysia and Thailand.
Other BYD Models
Huawei– AITO M7
The deep collaboration with Huawei has given AITO a leading edge in intelligence among its peers. Whether it’s the smart cockpit or advanced driving systems, AITO is at the forefront of domestic brands. As an essential model in the family-oriented market, the AITO M7 has significantly contributed to sales, achieving 106,540 units in the first half of the year, making it the top-selling model among new energy brands.
Huawei– AITO M9
Other Huawei Models
Li Auto–Li Auto L7
The Li Auto L7 is the company’s first mid-to-large five-seat flagship SUV. It has a body length of 5050 mm, a width of 1995 mm, a height of 1750 mm, and a wheelbase of 3005 mm. The Li Auto L7 is equipped with the company’s latest all-wheel-drive extended-range electric system, offering a CLTC combined range of 1,315 km and a WLTC combined range of 1,100 km. Additionally, the L7 comes standard with Li Auto’s self-developed intelligent air suspension control system, known as the “Magic Carpet” air suspension.
In August, Li Auto L6 sold 24,897 units, marking the third consecutive month where sales approached or reached 24,000 units in a single month. Despite this, the L6 has not impacted the market share of the L7, which also saw its sales exceed 10,000 units for three consecutive months, with 10,307 units sold in August. The Li Auto L8 achieved 5,476 units sold in August, while the Li Auto L9 reached 6,696 units. Both models continue to perform well in the 300,000 to 400,000 yuan market, with strong results even in the 400,000 yuan and above segment.
Li Auto–Li Auto L6
The Li Auto L6 is a sizable vehicle, classified as a mid-to-large SUV. The dimensions of the new model are 4,925 mm in length, 1,960 mm in width, and 1,735 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,920 mm. Its features are equally impressive, equipped with a 128-line LiDAR and two NVIDIA Orin-X chips, offering a total computing power of 508 TOPS, enabling advanced Li Auto AD Max urban-level assisted driving. Inside, the car is fitted with two 15.7-inch 3K entertainment screens and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295P in-car chip, along with a built-in fridge. Both the front and rear seats have heating and ventilation, with massage functionality for the front seats. The vehicle also boasts a 19-speaker Dolby sound system and an adjustable suspension system.
Other Li Auto Models
Geely –Zeekr 001
The ZEEKR 001 is an intelligent electric vehicle from ZEEKR, built on the SEA (Sustainable Experience Architecture), a cutting-edge pure electric platform designed for continuous dynamic evolution and compliant with Industry 4.0 standards.
The ZEEKR 001 features a 100kWh “ZEEKR Cell” battery pack, with a maximum CLTC range of 732 km. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds and has a top speed exceeding 200 km/h. With a peak power output of 400 kW and a maximum wheel torque of 7,680 N·m, the car delivers impressive performance. It is equipped with an advanced air suspension system composed of a fully automatic air suspension and CCD electromagnetic damping system, along with an intelligent all-wheel-drive system featuring torque distribution and dynamic torque vectoring braking (DWTB). The vehicle’s 5.9-meter minimum turning radius further enhances its versatility, solidifying its reputation as an all-around powerhouse in the shooting brake category.
In addition, the ZEEKR family is about to officially launch its new model, the ZEEKR 7X.
Other Zeekr Models
GAC–AION S
The Aion S is a compact electric sedan produced by GAC Aion. It was revealed at Auto Guangzhou of 2018. A new variant, the Aion S Plus, was shown in 2021. Another new variant, the Aion S Max, was shown in 2023.
The Aion S was unveiled at Auto Guangzhou in November 2018. It went on pre-sale in March 2019 and officially on sale in May 2019. It was New Energy’s first car under the Aion brand.The first models to launch are the higher trim levels, featuring a 184-horsepower (137 kW; 187 PS) and 300 N⋅m (221 lb⋅ft) electric motor and a NEDC range of 510 kilometres (317 mi).
There are 7 trim levels available as of July 2020, with the Mei 580 and Xuan 580 being the lowest trim level available and features a different and cheaper exterior design. The Mei 580 and Xuan 580 trim models were launched in July 2020 with a NEDC range of 460 kilometres (286 mi) and 136 hp (101 kW; 138 PS).
GAC–AION Y
The Aion Y is a compact electric crossover SUV produced by GAC Aion since 2021.The Aion Y was launched in the second half of 2021.A ride-hailing-intended version called Aion Y Pio with different side-fenders and front bumper will also be produced.
The Aion Y is offered in five grade levels. The Aion Y is equipped with the ADiGO 3.0 automatic driving assistance system, one-button remote parking and 5G in-vehicle entertainment as well as interior features including a LCD instrument panel and large central control screen. The Aion Y is available in four cruising range versions of 460, 500, 503 and 600 kilometres (286, 311, 313 and 373 mi).
The Aion Y features the ADiGO 3.0 autonomous driving system and automatic parking. The Y is based on the new GAC GEP 2.0 platform.
Other A Models
The sales rankings of new energy vehicles (NEVs) for the first seven months of 2024 not only reflect the current market landscape but also hint at the future direction of the industry. The rise of Chinese brands, the transformation of traditional automakers, and the innovations from new forces are all injecting fresh momentum into this dynamic market. In the future, those who can make breakthroughs in technological innovation, product strength enhancement, and global expansion are likely to emerge as the ultimate winners in this competition.
For consumers, the booming NEV market is undoubtedly good news. More diverse product options, more advanced technological features, and improved user experiences will all become a reality. When choosing an NEV, consumers need to be more rational and cautious, fully considering their own needs, product performance, brand services, and other factors to make the best choice for themselves. The NEV revolution is still ongoing, and we can all look forward to more surprises and possibilities from this vibrant market.
Resource Link: More About China EV Cars
