Have you ever thought that China, the land of cheap electronics and questionable design, would become the queen of electric cars? Well, welcome to 2025, where Chinese electric cars are no longer a ridiculous alternative, but a brutal reality that robs European manufacturers of sleep. So - the prices of European electric cars that would attract buyers.
With aggressive prices that are still around 30 percent lower than European, and technology that shamelessly rivals the best, companies like BYD, MG, Jaecoo, Xpeng and Leapmotor are taking over our roads. But hey, it's not all bad – maybe this is just the kick in the ass that Europe needs to wake up and start driving into the future without excuses. orej – the prices of European electric cars that would attract buyers. In this article, we reveal why Chinese electrics are so cheap, how much European prices would have to fall to be seriously competitive and what this means for our beloved VWs and BMWs.
China: where the electric car becomes an everyday toy
China's automotive industry has made a quantum leap in recent years. They have gone from cheap copies to innovators who set the pace. Thanks to vertical integration – we mean their own battery factories, not-so-cheap labor and mass production – their costs are about 30 percent lower. Battery prices in China have fallen by almost 30 percent in recent years, while in Europe they have only fallen by 10-15 percent. The result? Electric cars, which are cheaper, better equipped and have ranges that European models would envy. So what should the prices of European electric cars be to attract buyers?
Let's look at some examples that will make European manufacturers uncomfortable. BYD Dolphin Surf: this cute compact electric car costs around 19,000 euros (price depends on the market), offers a range of around 320 km (WLTP), power of 70 kW (95 hp), torque of 180 Nm (133 lb-ft). Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 12.3 seconds, and a top speed of 150 km/h (93 mph). The battery capacity is 44.9 kWh, and charging is fast – up to 80 percent in 30 minutes on a DC charger. And that's with a rich set of equipment, including adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera. No wonder it's selling like hotcakes.
Then there is Leapmotor T03: a small city electric for between 17,000-18,000 euros (in some countries even under 5,000 euros with subsidies). Range 265 km, power 70 kW (95 hp), torque 158 Nm (117 lb-ft), acceleration 0-100 km/h in 12 seconds, top speed 130 km/h (81 mph). Battery 36.5 kWh, fast charging up to 80 percent in 36 minutes. Ideal for city traffic where you don't need a premium feel, just reliable transportation.
And let's not forget MG 4: compact hatchback for around 23,700 euros after subsidies in Germany and, for example, Slovenia. Range up to 450 km, power 125 kW (170 hp), torque 250 Nm (184 lb-ft), acceleration 0–100 km/h in 7.7 seconds, top speed 160 km/h (99 mph). Battery 51 kWh, charging up to 80 percent in 35 minutes. This is no longer a “Chinese toy” – this is a car that is quite concrete.
But the Chinese aren't just cheap; they are smart. Despite EU tariffs of up to 38 percent (17 percent for BYD, 20 percent for Geely, 38 percent for SAIC/MG), they are building factories inside Europe. BYD in Hungary, Chery in Spain, and Xpeng is partnering with Magno for local production. When a car is made in the EU, the tariffs disappear, but the price advantage remains. It is as if the Chinese were saying: “Thanks for the tariffs, but we will stay here”. And prices will continue to fall.
Europe: Premium bubble under pressure – European electric car prices that would attract buyers.
European manufacturers have long lived in a dream: electric car as a status symbol with high margins. But reality is harsh. The average electric car in Europe costs 50 percent more than a comparable gasoline car, and in compact classes even more than 50 percent more expensive. The Volkswagen ID.3 starts at over 30,000 euros, the Škoda Enyaq exceeds 40,000 euros, and the BMW i4 is quietly aiming for 50,000 euros and more.
But not all of them are so expensive. Dacia Duster: the cheapest European electric car under 20,000 euros, range 230 km, acceleration 0–100 km/h in 19 seconds, top speed 125 km/h (78 mph). Battery 26.8 kWh, charging up to 80 percent in one hour. But … if we look at the Chinese competition … not enough.
Citroën ë-C3: for around 27,000 euros, range 320 km, power 83 kW (113 hp), torque 260 Nm (192 lb-ft), acceleration 0–100 km/h in 11 seconds, top speed 135 km/h (84 mph). Battery 44 kWh, fast charging in 26 minutes. This is the European answer to the Chinese city electrics, with a bit of French charm. However, the price for a relatively city car remains above 20,000 euros.
Renault 5 E-Tech: targets a price of 27,000 euros, range up to 400 km, power 90 kW, acceleration 0–100 km/h over 10 seconds, top speed 150 km/h (93 mph). Battery 40 kWh, charging without DC charging for the cheapest version. Retro design with slow technology – here Europe shows that it can be fun, but definitely not efficient.
However, the average prices are 20–30 percent higher than Chinese ones. Why? High labor costs, imported batteries and old platforms adapted from gas stations. But on the positive side: Europe has quality, safety and brands that people trust.
The Renault 4 reincarnation is one of the better options on the European market. However, it should be noted that the model with the 52 kWh battery would have to be at least 3,000 to 4,000 euros cheaper to be seriously competitive. In addition, the battery would have to be at least 3 kWh larger.
What if prices drop by 30 percent? Dream or nightmare?
Imagine a radical reduction: all European electric cars minus 30 percent. That would mean Europe finally catching up with China.
- City electric cars: Dacia Spring at 13,000 euros, Citroën ë-C3 at 16,000 euros (-10,000 euros). Finally competitive with Leapmotor.
- Compact models: Volkswagen ID.3 at 22,000 euros (range 330 km, power 150 kW/204 hp, torque 310 Nm/229 lb-ft, acceleration 7.3 s, final 160 km/h, battery 58 kWh). Renault Mégane E-Tech at 27,000 euros.
- Family SUVs: Škoda Enyaq at 35,000 euros (range 560 km, power 210 kW/286 hp, torque 545 Nm/402 lb-ft, acceleration 6.7 s, final 180 km/h, battery 77 kWh).
- Premium segment: BMW i4 at 45,000 euros (range 590 km, power 250 kW/340 hp, torque 430 Nm/317 lb-ft, acceleration 5.7 s, final 190 km/h, battery 83.9 kWh).
That would do it. electric cars accessible for everyone, not just the rich. Margins would go into the red, jobs would be at risk, but a shift would be established that would enable development. Europe must make batteries cheaper with local gigafactories, simplify platforms and use subsidies wisely – not for luxury, but for the masses. It must finally start selling good electric cars en masse. And increase volumes, because only sales volumes allow the price per unit to be reduced.
Customs: a temporary brake or a dead end?
EU tariffs bought time, but The Chinese are adapting with local productiono. Negotiations on minimum prices are underway to avoid dumping. But the truth is that tariffs will not stem the tide – they will only slow it down. Europe needs to invest in its own batteries and new platforms to drive down costs.
Brand history: Let's remember Japanese cars in the 1980s – we laughed at them, we drive them today. The Chinese are the next wave, but with electricity. Which we can see positively: this will force Europe to innovate, if only it is not too late.
Conclusion: the future on four wheels – European or Chinese?
To summarize from several sources: Chinese electric cars have already picked up to 10 percent of the EU market, thanks to 30% price advantage and technology that keeps up. Europe needs to reduce prices by about 30 percentto become competitive – city electric cars at 15–20,000 euros, compacts at 20–30,000, SUVs at 25–35,000, and premium ones a little less over 40,000. This means local batteries, simplified models and smart subsidies. Personal opinion? As a car enthusiast, I am cynical about European slowness – how much longer will we pay a premium for the “European feel”? But optimistic: this is an opportunity. The EU auto industry needs to start realizing economies of scale and behave like Tesla. By optimizing operations and adapting to new business models.
If Europe act now, we will drive domestically electric cars, which are cheap, fun and green. If not, our garages will be full BYD's and MGs – and you know what? Maybe they're not that bad. I've driven them; they have soul, just different. Now is the time for action: Share in the comments which electric car would you buy – Chinese or European? And why? Your opinion counts because we are driving the future together.
