What do the Chinese prefer to drive: top cars, electric cars and local features

China is the world's largest auto market, selling more cars annually than the United States and Europe combined. But if Europeans traditionally choose German brands or Japanese reliability, then the preferences of Chinese drivers are formed under the influence of completely different factors. Not only price and prestige are important here, but also state policy in the field of ecology, local production facilities, as well as the unique needs of megacities with populations of many millions.

In this article we will look at what makes and models today they are most in demand in the Middle Kingdom, why electric cars occupy the lion's share of the market, and how the Chinese auto industry differs from the brands we are used to. We’ll also find out which vehicles chosen by residents of different regions of China - from the noisy streets of Shanghai to rural provinces.

Spoiler: if you think that the Chinese only drive cheap copies of foreign cars, you are in for a surprise. Local manufacturers have long ceased to be outsiders - today they dictate trends not only within the country, but also in the global market.

1. Electric cars: why China is the world leader in EV sales

In 2023, electric vehicles and hybrids accounted for more than 30% of all car sales in China This is an absolute record among large economies. The reasons for this boom lie in three key factors:

• 🔋 State support: subsidies for the purchase of EVs, registration benefits (in some cities, license plates for gasoline cars are drawn by lottery, and for electric cars are issued automatically).
• 🏭 Local production: The largest factories producing batteries (CATL, BYD) and electric vehicles themselves (Tesla Gigafactory 3 in Shanghai) are concentrated in China.
• 🌿 Environmental restrictions: Beijing and other megacities have strict emission quotas, and some areas are completely prohibited for internal combustion engines.

Best Selling Model of 2023 - BYD Song (platform DM-i with a hybrid installation). This crossover has even surpassed Tesla Model Y, which takes second place. Interestingly, the average price of an electric car in China today is about $25,000–$35,000, which is comparable to European middle-class gasoline cars.

But what surprises foreigners: they are popular in China microelectric vehicles (for example, Wuling Hongguang Mini EV for $5,000), which are considered toys in Europe. They are bought for short city trips - ideal for dense buildings and narrow streets of historical areas.

2. Top 5 most popular car brands in China (2026 data)

If they lead in Europe Volkswagen, Renault and Toyota, then in China the picture is different. Here is the current ranking by sales volume:

Place	Brand	Market share (%)	Popular models
1	BYD	12.4	Song, Dolphin, Han
2	Volkswagen	9.8	Lavida, Tiguan L (long version for China)
3	Geely	7.6	Bo Yue, Xing Yue L
4	Changan	6.9	CS75, Eado
5	Tesla	5.2	Model Y, Model 3 (production in Shanghai)

Please note: The local brand BYD takes first place, surpassing even Volkswagen, which has dominated the Chinese market for decades. The reason is an aggressive strategy to produce affordable electric vehicles and hybrids. For example, BYD Dolphin costs from $15,000, but offers a power reserve 400+ km and modern multimedia.

But Tesla got into the top 5 thanks to localized production: Model 3 and Model Y, assembled in Shanghai, are 20–30% cheaper than American versions. In addition, Elon Musk is actively adapting software to Chinese realities (for example, integration with WeChat and Alipay).

3. Gasoline cars: which models still hold their positions

Despite the boom in electric vehicles, gasoline and diesel cars are still in demand - especially in provinces where the infrastructure of charging stations is poorly developed. The leaders here are:

• 🚗 Sedans: Volkswagen Lavida (best selling foreign car in China), Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic. They are chosen for reliability and prestige - in China, a sedan is associated with business respectability.
• 🏔️ Crossovers: Haval H6 (local brand, similar Toyota RAV4), Geely Bo Yue, Nissan X-Trail. Popular due to their high ground clearance - on many Chinese roads the quality of the surface leaves much to be desired.
• 🚐 Minivans: Wuling Hongguang (best selling commercial vehicle in the world!), Buick GL8. They are bought for businesses (taxi, delivery) or large families.

Interesting fact: often sold in China extended versions foreign models. For example, Volkswagen Tiguan L 20 cm longer than European Tiguan — this is done for the comfort of rear passengers (in China it is not customary to sit in the front seat if there is a driver or a senior in status).

And the Chinese also love pickups, but not as a workhorse, but as a status accessory. Popular models: Great Wall Poer and Foton Tunland. They are often decorated with chrome and LEDs - such “Chinese tuning” can shock Europeans.

Why are extended versions of cars so popular in China?

In Chinese culture, "face" (miànzi) - the outward manifestation of status - is of great importance. A long car is associated with success and respect. In addition, families often travel with parents or grandparents, so a spacious interior is not a luxury, but a necessity.

4. Motorcycles and scooters: transport for cities and rural areas

While in Europe motorcycles are more of a hobby, in China they remain main transport for millions of people. Especially in densely populated cities, where traffic jams make traveling by car a challenge. Here are the key trends:

• 🛵 Electric scooters: in Shanghai and Beijing, they replaced gasoline models due to a ban on internal combustion engine motorcycles in the center. Popular brands: Niu, Yadea, Aima. The average price is $800–1,500.
• 🏍️ Classic motorcycles: in the provinces they prefer Honda and Yamaha, but local brands (Loncin, Zongshen) offer copies for a third of the price.
• 🚲 Electric bicycles: do not require rights or registration (if the power is up to 400 W). They are chosen by students and retirees.

Important nuance: in China motorcycle license (D-category) is more difficult to obtain than automobile (C). Therefore, many travel without documents, risking fines. In some cities, police conduct raids and confiscate motorcycles without license plates.

And in China there is a unique phenomenon - "diddy cards" (, sanlyunche). These are three-wheeled electric cars that are used to transport goods or passengers. They can be seen everywhere: from rural roads to park alleys. They cost from $1,500, but often cause accidents due to their low speed and maneuverability.

5. Public transport: why many Chinese refuse personal cars

In cities such as Beijing, Shanghai or Guangzhou, Owning a car is not always an advantage. Here's why many people prefer public transport:

• 🚇 Metro: Shanghai has the longest network in the world (831 km), and Beijing has the second longest network (783 km). The ticket costs $0.3–0.8, and the trip takes 20–30 minutes instead of 2 hours in traffic.
• 🚌 Buses: electric buses BYD and Yutong operate on most routes. Some cities offer free travel for pensioners.
• 🚲 Bicycle sharing: systems HelloBike and Meituan Bike They allow you to rent a bike for $0.15 per hour. In 2023, 300 million people used them.

The main problem of personal cars in megacities is restrictions on license plates. For example, in Shanghai a new license plate for a petrol car costs about $15,000 at auction (price is determined by demand). For comparison: in Beijing there is a lottery where the chance of winning a number is 1 in 2,000. Electric cars do not face such restrictions.

In addition, parking in the center costs $5–10 per hour, and fines for traffic violations can reach $500 (for example, for driving in a public transport lane). Therefore, many Chinese expect: “Why buy a car if it’s cheaper by taxi and metro?”

Check license plate quotas in your city

Estimate the cost of insurance (mandatory TPLI + voluntary CDW)

Find out if there are EV charging stations near your home

Compare prices for local and imported models (the difference can reach 40%)

Consult a lawyer about car ownership taxes-->

6. Regional characteristics: how preferences differ by province

China is huge, and the choice of transport depends heavily on geography. Here's how preferences differ across regions:

Region	Popular transport	Reasons
Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou	Electric cars, metro, bike sharing	Restrictions on internal combustion engines, developed infrastructure
Sichuan, Yunnan	Gasoline crossovers, motorcycles	Mountainous terrain, weak charging network
Xinjiang, Tibet	SUVs, pickups	Off-road, harsh climate
Hong Kong, Macau	Imported cars (Toyota, Mercedes)	High standard of living, no restrictions

For example, in Tibet popular Toyota Land Cruiser and Great Wall Haval H9 - They can withstand high altitudes and extreme temperatures. And in Guangdong (industrial south) cheap electric cars lead Wuling and Changan, which are bought by workers and students.

In rural provinces (eg Henan or Anhui) many still go to "three-wheeled trucks" (sanlunche), which resemble Soviet motorized strollers. Their advantage is a load capacity of up to 1 ton at a price starting from $3,000.

7. The future of the Chinese car market: what trends to expect by 2026

Analysts predict several key changes:

1. Growth in sales of hydrogen cars. China is investing billions in development H2-infrastructure. Today Toyota Mirai and Hyundai Nexo sold in Shanghai and Beijing.
2. Autonomous taxis. Companies Baidu (Apollo) and Pony.ai robotaxis are being tested in 10 cities. By 2026, they could displace traditional services.
3. Tightening of economic regulations. New standards will be introduced from 2026 China 6b, which will actually ban the sale of old internal combustion engines.
4. Export of Chinese brands. BYD, Geely and Changan are actively entering the European market, offering EVs cheaper Tesla by 30–40%.

One of the most ambitious projects - "New Energy Revolution", which stipulates that By 2035, 50% of all cars sold in China will be electric. For comparison: in the EU the same target is 35%.

And China may become the first market where electric cars will be cheaper than gasoline ones already by 2027. This is due to falling battery prices (today 1 kWh costs $100, and is expected to be $60 by 2026).

8. Frequently asked questions about Chinese cars and transport

❓ Is it possible to buy a Chinese electric car in Russia?

Yes, but only some models are officially presented: BYD (through dealers in Moscow and St. Petersburg), Geely (brand Zeekr), and also Changan and Haval. Prices start from 2.5 million rubles. The main problem is service: not all cities have qualified centers.

An alternative is “gray” imports from China (for example, through Vladivostok). But in this case, you risk being left without a warranty and spare parts.

❓ Why are Chinese cars so cheap?

Several factors:

1. Local production of all components (from steel to electronics).
2. Low labor costs (wages at factories are 3–5 times lower than in Europe).
3. State subsidies to manufacturers (for example, BYD receives benefits as a “national champion”).
4. Saving on safety: many budget models do not pass crash tests Euro NCAP.

However, prices for premium Chinese cars (for example, Hongqi or Zeekr) comparable to European brands.

❓ Which Chinese cars are the most reliable?

According to ratings J.D. Power China and C-NCAP, reliability leaders in 2026 were:

• Geely Xing Yue L (crossover, 5 stars C-NCAP)
• BYD Han (sedan, best electric car according to Auto Home)
• Changan CS75 (SUV, record holder for mileage without breakdowns)
• Haval H6 (best selling SUV in China for 10 years in a row)

But the budget models (Wuling, Baojun) are often criticized for poor quality materials and poor sound insulation.

❓ Is it legal to ride an electric scooter without a license in China?

Yes, but with reservations:

• Power should not exceed 400 W (otherwise a category is required D).
• Maximum speed - 25 km/h.
• It is prohibited to drive on highways and in some central areas of megacities.

In Beijing and Shanghai, the police regularly confiscate “illegal” scooters, so it’s better to get a license (E-category for electric vehicles).

❓ Is it true that gasoline cars are banned in China?

There is no complete ban, but strict restrictions apply:

• B Beijing from 2026, new gasoline cars must meet the standard China 6b (in fact, these are hybrids or low-power internal combustion engines).
• B Shenzhen From 2026, it is planned to ban the registration of new internal combustion engines.
• B Hainan (island province) by 2030 all cars must be electric.

However, in the provinces and small cities there are almost no restrictions - there petrol cars will remain relevant for a long time.

The Chinese car market is not only about cheap copies of foreign models, but also about innovations that are 5–10 years ahead of Europe. Electric cars, hydrogen cars, robotaxis - all this is already a reality for millions of Chinese. And if earlier the world laughed at “Chinese consumer goods,” today local brands dictate trends, and European manufacturers are forced to adapt to them.

So if you are interested in what the Chinese drive, remember: they choose not so much the brand as the solution for specific tasks - be it a compact electric car for a metropolis or an SUV for the Tibetan Plateau. And it is this pragmatic approach that makes their market so dynamic.