Chinese electric car sales have surged to a record high across Europe, driven by strong demand and, amusingly, low tariffs in the UK and a sudden Italian buying spree. The figures, which show Chinese brands now account for 14.2% of battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales in Western Europe, are sure to add fuel to the fire of those claiming Chinese carmakers are "dumping" state-subsidised vehicles on the EU and UK. Because nothing says fair competition like a 35.3% tariff on top of the standard 10% import duty, and still losing market share.

According to Schmidt Automotive Research, Chinese brands sold 171,800 EVs in the first five months of this year across 18 major Western European markets, a market share increase of nearly five percentage points compared to the same period in 2025. That's one in every seven BEVs sold, with brands like BYD, Chery, SAIC, and Xpeng leading the charge. Traditional European manufacturers, already sweating under tougher emissions rules, are feeling the heat.

The UK, which has wisely declined to follow the EU's lead on extra levies, is the largest European market for Chinese cars, accounting for a quarter of sales. Italy, meanwhile, contributed a fifth of the total, but that's an "anomaly" - Leapmotor shipped thousands of its cheap T03 models to take advantage of government purchase subsidies, making the car as cheap as €5,000 at one point. Yes, that's less than a used Fiat Panda.

Chinese manufacturers have flooded Europe with over 120 different models this year, compared to about 100 from European brands. But Matthias Schmidt, founder of Schmidt Research, suggests China's BEV market share may have peaked, as they pivot to plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), which conveniently aren't subject to EU tariffs. "They will prioritise PHEVs over the next 12 months given hybrids are omitted from extra tariffs placed on BEVs only," Schmidt said. "With that loophole set to close, they will aim to maximise that gap in the door for as long as possible." Nothing like a good loophole to keep the party going.

Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume has called for change, noting that European PHEVs are uncompetitive against Chinese equivalents. The EU is reportedly considering extending levies to PHEVs, which might just close that loophole before the next round of drinks.

In other news, Tesla sales rebounded with a 60% year-on-year increase, helped by cheaper Model 3 and Model Y variants. The Model Y was Europe's bestselling individual model, proving that even a controversial CEO can't keep a good car down - or at least, not for long.