For European shoppers trying to cut the cost of getting an electric vehicle, used Chinese imports are becoming a more attractive option than brand-new models.
From January through September, EU buyers purchased 7,900 pre-owned Chinese EVs, a 280% increase from the same period a year earlier.
Here's what to know
EU trade measures that made many new Chinese models harder to purchase helped fuel the rise, as Car News China reported.
Over that same span, China EV Marketplace said new-vehicle sales to EU customers dropped 44%.
The change in demand followed a 2024 decision to place countervailing duties of up to 45.3% on battery electric vehicles imported from China.
That pushed some buyers toward new plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and used battery EVs since neither category was covered by the extra duties.
TCD Picks » Quince Spotlight
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
Buying patterns shifted again after the EU introduced a separate annual cap of 350,000 hybrid imports from China, as BioEnergy Times added.
More background
China EV Marketplace said affordability is a big reason for the growing interest in used EVs. Car News China noted its website features more than 2,600 used EVs, and the company updates that inventory daily while looking for discounted vehicles for European customers.
Brands in the lineup include Xiaomi, BYD, iCar, Denza, Lynk & Co., and Avatr. The company said those lower prices reflect intense competition in China's domestic auto market.
That same competitive pressure is affecting resale prices too.
"Tariffs have already weakened demand for new Chinese BEVs among our European customers," Jakub Geršl, chief operating officer of China EV Marketplace, told Car News China. "We expect the hybrid import cap to put pressure on new PHEV sales too."
The combined pressures are creating bargains on lightly used vehicles. Geršl noted that vehicles with 6,000 kilometers (3,728 miles) on the odometer are selling for around 40% less than their original Chinese list prices.
What's being done?
China EV Marketplace has shifted its European approach to emphasize used vehicles. Geršl told Car News China that pre-owned models are the core of its European business because they are exempt from both the additional BEV tariffs and the new PHEV quota.
To back that effort, the company's Shanghai-based team searches for vehicles in China that are available at steep discounts.
The China Automobile Dealers Association publishes monthly reports that track used-car value retention.
Car News China added that China EV Marketplace unveiled a delivery center in Prague with a modest selection of 20 EVs for customers who don't want to wait three months to get direct imports from China.
Where can I learn more?
This surge in used imports is part of how Chinese automakers are competing in Europe's EV market.
• Chinese automakers captured a record share in Europe even as tariff pressure intensified in 2026.
• BMW's CEO said some Chinese cars in Europe made no business sense amid tariff talks.
• BYD responded to EU duties by expanding in Hungary and planning three more European factories.
• Across the EU, analysts found EVs were often overpriced in leases despite stronger-than-expected value retention.
• Chinese automakers moved toward a South Korea export hub as U.S. and European barriers rose.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
