The four Chinese EV brands you’ve never heard that are hitting our roads
As Donald Trump slaps sky-high tariffs on Chinese imports, Australia has become a haven for Guangzhou-made electric vehicles. Here is what’s coming.
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A Chinese invasion has hit Australia – just drive past any car dealership. No longer are they dominated by Ford, Toyota, Kia. Instead, there are names you’ve never heard of.
As Donald Trump slaps sky-high tariffs on Chinese imports, Australia – with its 10-year-old free trade agreement with Beijing and therefore no trade barriers – has become a haven for Guangzhou-made electric-vehicles.
BYD has overtaken Tesla as the world’s top-selling EV maker – as Elon Musk’s relationship with Trump implodes. And another top Chinese marque, Geely Motors, has progressed from making Mercedes knock-offs to acquiring up-market brands, including Volvo, Polestar and Lotus.
Chinese EVs are here to stay. And here are four brands that are hitting Australian roads.
XPeng
XPeng launched in Australia in December, opening a “Flagship Experience Centre” near Sydney airport. It has since opened showrooms or offered test drives in Wollongong, Melbourne, Tasmania, Queensland and Western Australia.
While XPeng only offers one model – its G6, priced from $54,800, which is $4000 cheaper than a Tesla Model Y – it is wooing Australians with a 10-year warranty on its G6.
The warranty covers both car and battery. XPeng offers a five-year manufacturer’s warranty, which it has extended another five years for cars ordered before June 30. The battery normally has an eight-year warranty, which it has extended by another two years in an attempt to ease anxiety about battery life.
The G6 comes in two range options: 435km standard and a 570km long-range version. XPeng plans to launch two new models, a G9 SUV and an X9 people mover.
Zeekr
Zeekr, majority-owned by Geely, is another Chinese marque that launched in Australia last year with its X small SUV and 009 mini-van. Based in Zhejiang, it pitches itself as a “premium EV” brand, with its 009 van featuring “Sofaro first-class airline seats” upholstered in nappa leather – not vegan pleather. It is priced from $135,900 in a seven-seat configuration, and from $139,900 for a six-seater. Both have a range of 686km.
The X is a more affordable option, priced from $49,900 for a rear wheel drive version, while an all wheel drive option will cost $13,000 more. It has a 66kWh lithium-ion battery that can provide up to 540km of range.
The X has a five-star ANCAP safety rating, featuring “360 degree head protection” from seven airbags and an “intelligent driver assistance system” that includes five cameras and radar devices.
Zeekr Australia managing director Connal Yan said: “Zeekr’s expansion into the Australian market brings our innovative electric-vehicles to a new audience, offering a unique driving experience that blends style, performance and sustainability.
Leapmotor
Based in Hangzhou, Leapmotor was founded in 2015, selling its first EVs four years later. It launched in Australia in November last year after partnering with Stellantis to expand into international markets.
In March it unveiled its C10 REEV – or range extender electric vehicle – which delivers a range of up to 1150km.
The C10 REEV has a 158kW electric motor and a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. The 28.4kWh battery allows for an electric range of up to 170km. The petrol engine extends the range up to 1150km. Fuel consumption is 0.9 litres per 100km, while its C02 emissions are 21 grams a kilometre. It is priced from $45,900.
For those who want a pure electric driving experience, it offers a C10 version with a 160kW/320Nm “e-motor” with a 69.9kWh battery with a range of up to 420km. Priced from $45,888.
Aion
Owned by Guangzhou Automotive Group (GAC), Aion is planning to launch in Australia in coming months with its Aion V electric SUV, which is set to be one of the cheapest EVs available.
It is priced at about $15,000 in China. In Australia it could sell for below $25,000 – less than BYD Dolphin’s $29,990 price tag.
GAC said the brand name “Aion” combines “AI” and “ON”, meaning “AI on the road”.
It has a 75.3kWh battery and a driving range of up to 485km.
GAC is yet to reveal a precise launch date, saying only that it expects to sell cars in Australia in “mid-2025”.
“The brand is in its preparatory phase, laying groundwork through dealer recruitment, channel development and service system establishment,” GAC says.
“With global experience in 70 countries and regions, GAC is positioned to overcome logistical challenges posed by fluctuating global shipping capacities.
“Supply chain risk management and real-time delivery monitoring will ensure smooth availability in Australia.”
Originally published as The four Chinese EV brands you’ve never heard that are hitting our roads
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