China export drive puts EVs on map worldwide

Row of parked XPENG fleet of electric vehicles viewed from front, in different colours, with model names instead of number plates.

Electric vehicle (EV) sales are not the only metric for the global energy transition, but their consumer focus and policy sensitivity make it interesting to plot the specifics of China exports on the world map.

Providing a breakdown of global growth and customer demand, China EV Marketplace (CEVM) has released a country-level overview of the top-selling brands in overseas markets, based on its retail sales data.

When it comes to EV adoption, whilst Norway might boast the highest proportion (96%) of all new car sales China is by far the world leader in terms of sheer volume, with estimates of 20% market growth for 2025.

Exports actually showed faster growth rates than sales made within China itself. Overall, despite the impact of geopolitical tensions and tariff wars, China announced a record $1.2 trillion dollar trade surplus for 2025.

Double-digit growth in Europe

Map graphic showing which of 12 EV brands has most sales by country in Europe 2025, with Xiaomi (coded in orange) dominant.

In total, more than 11,000 electric vehicles, including all-electric and plug-in hybrid models, were sold on the China EV Marketplace globally in 2025, representing a whopping 224% year-over-year increase.

This uptick was primarily driven by full expansion into Europe, with the launch of an EU door-to-door service last August, plus option to purchase used EVs. Used vehicles are exempt from EU countervailing tariffs.

Up 13% year-on-year, EU totals represented almost half (48%) of all CEVM sales for 2025.

With new territories to come, growth prospects are strong, says Jakub Geršl, COO of China EV Marketplace:

“Our goal is to double overseas sales in 2026, as we expect potential changes in EU tariff policy and planned entry into a new market – Canada. We will further strengthen our European presence by opening an aftersales service network in the first quarter and launching a pilot stock-vehicle programme.”

Mixed market penetration by country

Map graphic showing which of 24 EV brands has most sales by country around the world in 2025, with no maker especially dominant.

For 2025, Xiaomi became the top-selling EV brand on the China EV Marketplace. About 70% were SU7 sedans, while 30% were YU7 SUVs. For SU7, the trim breakdown was as follows:

45% Max (top trim);
30% Standard (entry-level trim);
15% Pro (middle trim); and
10% Ultra, the high-performance variant.

Huawei’s premium brand, Maextro, recorded its strongest results in the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia and Oman. Chery-related brands were successful in South America, while BYD and Great Wall Motor (GWM)-related brands were winners in South Africa, according to CEVM data.

Logistics, import duty, and tariffs

China EV Marketplace (CEVM) is the leading marketplace (by overseas deliveries) for buying new and used EVs directly from China. Its range includes passenger cars, commercial vehicles, buses, and spare parts.

The company offers purchase and logistics management, managing the entire process from the initial car order in China to its final delivery, overseeing freight sea transport and coordinating inland logistics. In Europe, CEVM customers receive a fully legal, homologated vehicle with all necessary documents.

While plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are exempt from EU countervailing tariffs and have only a standard 10% import duty, extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) are rated as battery electric vehicles (BEVs) under EC policy and subject to up to 35% tariffs. This is because EREVs are BEVs with an internal combustion engine (ICE) that operates only as a generator, and is not directly connected to the wheels.

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