The rapid rise in sales of Chinese-made hybrid cars in the European Union is raising concerns in Brussels and among European carmakers. Just 659 Chinese full hybrids were sold in the EU in 2022, compared with 160,662 in the first seven months of 2026. Sales of plug-in hybrids, which can be charged by both the combustion engine and an external power source, are even higher, rising from 56,706 vehicles in 2022 to 217,764 between January and July 2026.
The increase follows the EU’s introduction of countervailing duties on battery electric vehicles from China in 2024, after a European Commission investigation into state subsidies. The duties, currently ranging from 7.8% to 35.3%, apply to battery electric vehicles but not conventional or plug-in hybrids. This has raised concerns that some Chinese exports are shifting towards categories not covered by the measures, although the timing alone does not establish that the tariffs caused the increase.
The EU is now asking China to voluntarily limit exports, while the German automotive industry has proposed quotas, minimum prices or new tariffs.
According to The Guardian, the EU has asked China to voluntarily limit hybrid exports, or face possible safeguard measures, most likely quotas. Germany’s automotive industry association, VDA, has called for a comprehensive assessment of the impact and said that, if unfair practices are established, measures consistent with WTO rules could be considered.
The issue is gaining importance as hybrids now account for nearly 37% of the European market, compared with just over 21% for electric vehicles. Meanwhile, BYD, Chery and Leapmotor are recording triple-digit growth rates, while Geely remains the largest Chinese company operating in the EU.
Source: The Guardian
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