The Chinese EV market is growing at an exponential rate, there are many models that sell extremely well. But many of these models are unknown to many of the potential buyers outside China.
So, we decided to craft a list of the top 20 best-selling EVs in China for 2023 and see which models are the most popular among the buyers.
1. Model Y
The Tesla Model Y is definitely one of the major hits in China with record sales for the 2023 model year. This model is a crossover SUV that is manufactured locally in China, at the Gigafactory in Shanghai.
The Model Y was introduced in 2020 and is based on the smaller Model 3. This Tesla follows a similar design language as the Model 3 but at a larger scale.
The Model Y comes with single or dual electric motors. There are also battery options that range from 67 kWh and up to 81 kWh.
Overall, the Model Y is a really good choice for those who want to get an EV that performs well in all aspects. This is why this model is so popular in China.
| Price: $47,250 | Release Year: 2020 |
| Engine: Single Or Dual Motor | Top Speed: 241 km |
| 0 to 100 km/h: 3.7 seconds | Power: 425 – 454 hp |
| Torque: 545 – 623 Nm | Range: 480 – 594 km |
2. BYD Yuan
The BYD Yuan is another very popular model in the Chinese market made by the domestic manufacturer BYD.
BYD makes really solid models and one of them is definitely the Yuan. This is a crossover SUV that comes in two variants, as a subcompact and a compact crossover SUV.
The smaller is known as the Yuan Pro, while the larger is known as the Yuan Plus or BYD ATTO 3 in foreign markets.
| Price: $13,000 | Release Year: 2020 |
| Engine: Single Motor | Top Speed: 160 km/h |
| Power: 136 – 201 hp | Torque: 210 – 310 Nm |
| Range: 301 – 510 km |
3. BYD Dolphin
The BYD Dolphin is another model that BYD introduced to the market in recent times. This is a hatchback model designed for those who don’t want an SUV.
What is worth noting is that the Dolphin is a subcompact. Meaning that it is relatively small and also very light.
This is a perfect city cruiser that will allow you to cruise around town and get an incredible range.
| Price: $13,000 | Release Year: 2021 |
| Engine: Single Motor | Top Speed: 150 km/h |
| 0 to 100 km/h: 10.5 seconds | Power: 95 hp |
| Torque: 180 Nm | Range: 301 – 427 km |
4. Model S
In the world of EVs, the Tesla Model S is the O.G. The car that started all this revolution to clean energy.
Although pretty dated, the Model S is still popular among buyers. Tesla is working hard to keep this model fresh and updated.
Currently, the Plaid version is the fastest EV out there with acceleration time to 100 km/h in only 2 seconds.
| Price: $123,000 | Release Year: 2012 |
| Engine: 2 or 3 Motors | Top Speed: 250 – 320 km/h |
| 0 to 100 km/h: 2.1 seconds | Power: 661 – 1,084 hp |
| Torque: Up to 1,420 Nm | Range: 663 – 840 km |
5. BYD Seagull
The BYD Seagull is the latest model introduced by BYD. This is another hatchback and is placed below the Dolphin.
This means that this is an even smaller model. But although small, it gets the job done. It will allow you to cruise around the city and never worry about finding a parking spot.
It is a really versatile model and also very cheap, which is the main point of the Dolphin.
| Price: $10,000 | Release Year: 2023 |
| Engine: Single Motor | Top Speed: 130 km/h |
| 0 to 100 km/h: 13 seconds | Power: 73 hp |
| Torque: 135 Nm | Range: 305 – 405 km |
6. Aion S
The Aion S is another very popular EV model in China. This is a product by GAC, Aion is their EV division.
The S model is a compact sedan that is very affordable and delivers a good performance. With Aion models you also get the option for a 480 kW charging which makes charging from 0 to 80% happen in less than 8 minutes!
| Price: $20,410 | Release Year: 2019 |
| Engine: Single Motor | Top Speed: 156 km/h |
| 0 to 100 km/h: 6.8 seconds | Power: 181 hp |
| Torque: 300 Nm | Range: 510 km |
7. Aion Y
The Aion Y is another hugely popular model made by Aion. This is a compact crossover SUV that was introduced in 2021.
This model is very modern looking and a perfect city cruiser. We recommend it to anyone who wants to get a good grocery getter with decent range.
And most importantly, it is very cheap. Starting as low as $14,500.
| Price: $14,500 | Release Year: 2021 |
| Engine: Single Motor | Top Speed: 150 km/h |
| 0 to 100 km/h: 7.9 seconds | Power: 181 hp |
| Torque: 225 Nm | Range: 410 – 600 km |
8. Wuling Bingo
The Wuling Bingo is one really popular model made by Wuling Motors. Wuling is a company with a long legacy that is trying its luck in the EV segment and is definitely making an impact.
Their Hongguang Mini EV is one of the best selling EVs worldwide and they are trying to repeat the success with the Bingo.
The Bingo is a small city cruiser that thrives with its modern design and also in terms of technology. But most importantly, this model is extremely affordable.
| Price: $8,300 | Release Year: 2023 |
| Engine: Single Motor | Top Speed: 0 to 100 km/h |
| Power: 40 – 67 hp | Torque: 110 – 150 Nm |
| Range: 203 – 410 km |
9. MG4 EV
The MG4 is another very popular model by MG, a brand that is owned by SAIC Motor. The MG4 is a small hatchback that in China is known as the MG Mulan.
This model has very aggressive styling with beautiful lines. Overall, the design is extremely aerodynamic, which allows the MG4 to get a range of up to 520 km on a single charge.
But this model is also very affordable. Starting at $18,000.
| Price: $18,000 | Release Year: 2022 |
| Engine: Single or Dual Motor | Top Speed: 160 km/h |
| 0 to 100 km/h: 3.8 seconds | Power: 168 – 429 hp |
| Torque: 250 – 600 Nm | Range: 425 – 520 km |
10. Changan Lumin
The Changain Lumin is a really popular micro car. This is the smallest class of EVs that are out there.
The Lumin is a two-door, meaning that you can only seat up to two people inside. The design is really smart and its size makes the Lumin one of the best cars for driving around town.
It delivers good range and most importantly, it is very affordable. Starting as low as $6,800.
| Price: $6,800 | Release Year: 2022 |
| Engine: Single Motor | Top Speed: 100 km/h |
| 0 to 100 km/h: 6.5 seconds | Power: 41 hp |
| Torque: 85 Nm | Range: 155 – 210 km |
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11. Li Auto L7
The Li Auto L7 is one of the most popular Li models. The L7 is a midsize luxury SUV that has been sold by Li Auto since 2023.
This model is a premium range extender (EREV). So, what does this mean? This means that the L7 is running on electric power but is using the internal combustion engine as a power generator.
With this model, you benefit from great fuel efficiency and the ability to get up to 1,315 km of range.
| Price: $44,450 | Release Year: 2023 |
| Engine: ICE + Electric Motors | Top Speed: 180 km/h |
| 0 to 100 km/h: 5.3 seconds | Power: 440 hp |
| Torque: 620 Nm | Range: 1,315 km |
12. Li Auto L8
The Li L8 is another model by Li Auto. This is also a midsize SUV model that is a range extender.
This means that the model uses the internal combustion engine as a generator of electricity that charges the battery and powers the electric motors.
Overall, the L8 is larger than the L7 and has more features and technology. The rest of the numbers are pretty much the same, except for the price. The L8 is more expensive.
| Price: $50,000 | Release Year: 2022 |
| Engine: ICE + Electric Motors | Top Speed: 180 km/h |
| 0 to 100 km/h: 5.3 seconds | Power: 440 hp |
| Torque: 620 Nm | Range: 1,315 km |
13. Li Auto L9
The Li L9 is a full-size SUV produced by Li Auto from 2022. This model is Li’s most premium range extender that they offer.
The spec sheet of this model is the same as the L7 and L8. But the area where this model performs is in terms of technology and space.
The L9 is able to seat up to 7 people pretty comfortably and in the rear you have a massive cinema-like screen to entertain all of your passengers.
| Price: $63,910 | Release Year: 2022 |
| Engine: ICE + Electric Motors | Top Speed: 180 km/h |
| 0 to 100 km/h: 5.3 seconds | Power: 440 hp |
| Torque: 620 Nm | Range: 1,315 km |
14. BYD Han
The BYD Han is BYD’s take on creating a Tesla Model S competitor. And we can honestly say that BYD did a really good job with the Han.
This model implements an incredible design that is very unique and also a lot of luxury and technology inside of the cabin.
It is easily one of the most affordable luxury sedans on the market right now and is definitely worth your attention.
| Price: $31,940 | Release Year: 2020 |
| Engine: Single Or Dual Motor | Top Speed: 185 Km/h |
| 0 to 100 km/h: 7.9 seconds | Power: 219 – 509 hp |
| Torque: 330 – 700 Nm | Range: 345 – 675 km |
15. Panda Mini
The Panda Mini EV is one cute little micro EV car. Just like the Changan Lumin that we covered previously.
But the Panda Mini is a product by Geely, another very well known Chinese car manufacturer. This model is their take on the micro niche.
And the Panda Mini really delivers when it comes to this. This is a perfect city cruiser that looks really nice and also delivers a really good range.
| Price: $5,960 | Release Year: 2022 |
| Engine: Single Motor | Top Speed: 100 km/h |
| 0 to 100 km/h: Unspecified | Power: 40 hp |
| Torque: 110 Nm | Range: 120 – 200 km |
16. Ora Good Cat
The Ora Good Cat is another popular model, especially among women drivers. Ora really knows how to deliver a model and make it look very sensible and appealing.
The Good Cat is Ora’s entry level model but although small, it is quite roomy inside. You will be able to fit up to 4 people quite comfortably.
This model is not a powerhouse but delivers decent performance and also incredible range around town.
| Price: $14,440 | Release Year: 2020 |
| Engine: Single Motor | Top Speed: 150 km/h |
| 0 to 100 km/h: 8.5 seconds | Power: 143 – 171 hp |
| Torque: 210 Nm | Range: 401 – 501 km |
17. BYD Song
The BYD Song is one of the best compact crossover SUVs on the market right now and this model sells really well in China.
This EV model is known as the Song Plus in China and was introduced in 2020. What is interesting about this model is its incredible design and also very good performance and excellent range of 510 km.
| Price: $25,970 | Release Year: 2020 |
| Engine: Single Motor | Top Speed: 510 km |
| 0 to 100 km/h: 8.5 seconds | Power: 181 hp |
| Torque: 280 Nm | Range: 510 km |
18. BYD Seal
The BYD Seal is BYD’s take on creating a Tesla Model 3 competitor. And we can say that BYD nailed it from the first try.
The Seal is not only more beautiful than the Tesla Model 3, it also packs a better interior and more luxury.
Overall, the Seal is one of the best deals in this compact executive sedan segment that you can get right now.
| Price: $29,580 | Release Year: 2022 |
| Engine: Single Or Dual Motor | Top Speed: 180 km/h |
| 0 to 100 km/h: 5.9 seconds | Power: 201 – 523 hp |
| Torque: 310 – 670 Nm | Range: 550 – 700 km |
19. Wuling Mini
The Wuling Hongguang Mini EV is definitely one of the most popular EVs in the world right now. This model has sold more than 400,000 units in 2022, making it the best seller in China.
What is worth noting is that this is a micro car. Similar to the Panda Mini and the Changan Lumin that we discussed.
But the Wuling Mini EV is the cheapest model that you can get, starting as low as $4,000.
| Price: $4,000 | Release Year: 2020 |
| Engine: Single Motor | Top Speed: 100 km/h |
| 0 to 100 km/h: Unspecified | Power: 20 – 40 hp |
| Torque: 85 Nm | Range: 120 – 280 km |
20. Zeekr 001
And last on our list of best-selling EVs in China is the Zeekr 001. This is the first model introduced by Zeekr and is definitely one of the best out there.
This is a sedan that implements a shooting brake design like the one of the Porsche Panamera. Which makes the Zeekr 001 really attractive.
This model is very popular among young buyers and people who want to drive in luxury. This model sold more than 79,000 units this year alone.
| Price: $39,000 | Release Year: 2021 |
| Engine: Single Or Dual Motor | Top Speed: 200 km/h |
| 0 to 100 km/h: 3.8 seconds | Power: 268 – 538 hp |
| Torque: 384 – 768 Nm | Range: 526 – 712 km |
Conclusion
In this article, we crafted a very long list of the top 20 best selling vehicles that you can find in the Chinese market.
We made sure that we added models from all of the segments in order for you to have an option to choose and get a model that is perfect for your budget.
