10 Chinese EVs That Could Succeed In America – CarBuzz

While America’s domestic automakers fumble around trying to make electric vehicles (EVs) of interest to anyone at all, China has all but left them in the dust. Tesla may have kicked off the electrified segment here in the States, but a quick look at the current crop of Chinese electric cars makes it clear that even the once-mighty Tesla is well behind the eight-ball.

Tesla

Tesla, Inc. is an American electric vehicle manufacturer largely attributed to driving the EV revolution. Through the Model S and subsequent products, Tesla has innovated and challenged industry conventions on numerous fronts, including over-the-air updates, self-driving technology, and automotive construction methods. Tesla is considered the world’s most valuable car brand as of 2023, and the Model Y the world’s best-selling car in the same year, but the brand’s greatest achievement is arguably the Supercharger network of EV charging stations.

Founded

July 1, 2003

Founder

Martin Eberhard, Marc Tarpenning

Headquarters

Austin, Texas, USA

Owned By

Publicly Traded

Current CEO

Elon Musk

Arguments around American consumer’s acceptance of Chinese electric vehicles aside, the fact is, China is making some incredible cars. Of course, the likelihood of seeing a Chinese EV on American roads anytime soon is slim, but in the meantime, feast your eyes on these 10 high-tech Chinese electric cars that are currently classified in the Unobtanium category for Americans.

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1

BYD Seal

Specifications

China and its electric car brand BYD have taken the EV fight onto Tesla’s doorstep with impressive options like the Seal. A Tesla Model 3 competitor, the BYD Seal has a starting price of around $49,000, offers up to 354 miles of driving range, and is loaded with interesting tech. Its range-topping 523-horsepower dual-motor variant can’t quite keep up with the Model 3 Performance in a straight line, but the rotating 15.6-inch central display, fully digital gauge cluster, fixed glass roof, integrated heat pump, and handsome quilted leather upholstery make up for that.

2

MG Cyberster

Specifications

Arguably the best Chinese electric car from a design perspective, the MG Cyberster blends the heritage of a storied British carmaker with the battery-powered platform from Chinese manufacturer SAIC Motor. The power-operated scissor doors are normally reserved for Lamborghini and the slinky bodywork with a classic fabric convertible top will make it easier for ICE enthusiasts to make the EV transition. Roughly $71,400 to start, the MG Cyberster – currently on sale in the U.K. – will make for an interesting foil to the upcoming Tesla Roadster… should it ever arrive.

3

BYD Sealion 7

Specifications

As you may have noticed, BYD’s range of EVs has an ocean-inspired vibe both in design and name. With the Sealion 7, that inspiration results in a sleek five-seater crossover on the scale of a Hyundai Ioniq 5 or Kia EV6. Starting at around $61,000, the Sealion 7 can be very nicely equipped with features like adaptive dampers, quilted vegan Nappa leather upholstery, and 128-color ambient lighting. The Sealion 7 is also capable of charging its battery from 10% to 80% in 24 minutes and offers 63 cubic feet of cargo space with the second row folded flat.

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4

Yangwang U8

Specifications

Yangwang has its sights zeroed in on the Land Rover Defender for capability, but the Range Rover for opulent luxury digs. The price point, which ranges as high as $153,000, puts the U8 and its “Time Gate” design language, 1,180-horsepower setup, and leather-lined cabin in the Range Rover’s ballpark. But it also aims to be a hardcore off-roader with eye-popping capabilities like the ability to ford up to 55 inches of water and a Yachting mode – which effectively turns the big Yangwang into a boat for up to 30 minutes. It’s certainly a moonshot EV and one we’d love to get behind the wheel of.

5

BYD Han

Specifications

BYD positions the Han as a luxury sports sedan, along the lines of the BMW i5 series. With its “crystal streamer” headlights, fastback profile, and two-tone leather cabin, the Han certainly looks the part. With more than 1,000 horsepower, adjustable dampers, and Brembo-sourced brakes available, the BYD Han also steps up to the sports sedan plate with confidence. Pricing comes in around $78,000 and amenity highlights include a panoramic glass roof, climatized front and rear seats, a cabin air purification system, carbon fiber trim, and a 15.6-inch central touchscreen.

6

Li Auto L6

Specifications

The Li Auto L6 falls within the burgeoning class of range-extender EVs that use, in this case, a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 gas engine to charge the battery pack instead of powering the wheels. It translates to more than 800 miles of range, which makes the Tesla Model Y look positively lame in comparison. Especially considering the L6’s roughly $35,000 entry price. The creature comforts list is deep with this Li Auto crossover, but choice features include a 19-speaker audio system, massaging front sets with 10 acupressure points, 45 inches of second-row legroom, and a built-in fridge.

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7

Zeekr 7X

Specifications

Designed in Sweden, the Zeekr 7X is a looker, but don’t be confused by the name; this Model Y competitor can only seat five. A strong range of up to 382 miles and good performance like doing the 0-62 mph run in 3.8 seconds for dual-motor models make the Zeekr a compelling EV crossover. Then there is the adaptive air suspension, rear seats that offer power recline, heat, ventilation, and massage functionality, and power-operated doors that open 90 degrees. Add in the 800-volt architecture that enables charging from 10% to 80% in about 15 minutes, and the Zeekr 7X will certainly be missed here in the States.

8

Xiaomi SU7

Specifications

Xiaomi may be known for making smartphones, but with the Porsche Taycan lookalike SU7, it’s clear the Chinese manufacturer knows a thing or two about making EVs as well. Up to 503 miles of driving range is impressive, as is 816 hp and a 0-62 mph metric of less than three seconds for top-spec SU7s. And though it won’t get you these headlining specs, the base SU7’s affordable sticker price has it selling like hot cakes in its home market. Trick features include a huge 56-inch head-up display, an instrument panel that rotates to “greet” you upon entry, and a 25-speaker audio system running Dolby Atmos 7.1.

9

Nio ET5

Specifications

Another Tesla Model 3 competitor, the Nio ET5 offers more than 600 miles of driving range. Calculated using the CLTC cycle, were that figure to translate reasonably well to U.S. roads, American consumers might be able to stop taking their range anxiety pills. The focus on sustainability is nice as well, with Nio noting that the equivalent of more than 100 plastic water bottles are used in the ET5 cabin materials. But perhaps the most interesting ET5 feature is the small robot head perched on the dashboard. Dubbed NOMI, it promises AI-enabled driver assistance and no shortage of E.T. references.

10

Hongqi E-HS9

Specifications

Hongqi has been known as the Rolls-Royce of China for a long time and that sentiment comes through strongly in the E-HS9. Resembling the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, this high-dollar Hongqi stickers near $150,000. A big battery pack enables a solid range of up to 320 miles, but it is the high-end features that are perhaps more impressive. Two-tone paint finishes, curtains of ambient light, climatized rear seats, seven-passenger seating, 22-inch wheels, and an intelligent fragrance system are just a few highlights that would no doubt leave status-seeking American EV buyers salivating with envy.

Sources: BYD, MG, Li Auto, Zeekr, Nio, Xiaomi, Hongqi, Motor Trend, Goodwood, Business Insider, Guang Cai Auto