Chinese EV models

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Sep 22, 2023
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Does anyone have any experience with electric vehicles manufactured by the Chinese? Geely, BYD, Changan etc? If so, what would you pinpoint as the main point of difference? In comparison to standard offerings in the West.
 
Check out “Chinese made cars exported to Europe”. Many look dorky but this one is nice.

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Does anyone have any experience with electric vehicles manufactured by the Chinese? Geely, BYD, Changan etc? If so, what would you pinpoint as the main point of difference? In comparison to standard offerings in the West.
Not sure about EV but I know a lot of people online who just left China and moved to Europe / US was surprised that certain brands aren't as prestigious as within China. Typically they used to look down on Lexus / Toyota back there because they sold more "base model" trims and got stolen a lot for parts, whereas Mercedes and BMWs all sold mostly top out models and didn't really have owners who couldn't afford to keep them running with their expensive maintenance. They were usually surprised that many working class would pick a Lexus over Mercedes due to reliability and people actually drive their Toyota for 20 years here (30 years ago most people don't drive).

Most of the "concerns" I heard are about prestige (if Geely makes the same quality car as Mercedes and sell for the same price, might as well get a Mercedes) and ride quality. Some of those Chinese stuff are very simple and durable, proven in rural farm road and construction sites, but don't expect US standard ride quality and "luxury".
 
Does anyone have any experience with electric vehicles manufactured by the Chinese? Geely, BYD, Changan etc? If so, what would you pinpoint as the main point of difference? In comparison to standard offerings in the West.

I think the Volvo EX30 will be the first really “Chinese” EV on our roads next year. I’m excited to test drive it once it becomes available. Will be cross shopping with Equinox EV.

Overall EVs tend to be pretty reliable. Although I did hear of some Volvo PHEVs overheating the electric motor and derating because their cooling system wasn’t up to snuff. That’s not just a Volvo issue, some other EVs derate after sustained hard driving, I think that one was just too soon and too obvious.
 
I think the Volvo EX30 will be the first really “Chinese” EV on our roads next year. I’m excited to test drive it once it becomes available. Will be cross shopping with Equinox EV.

Overall EVs tend to be pretty reliable. Although I did hear of some Volvo PHEVs overheating the electric motor and derating because their cooling system wasn’t up to snuff. That’s not just a Volvo issue, some other EVs derate after sustained hard driving, I think that one was just too soon and too obvious.
Most Evs are relatively new.
 
My family in russia says they catch fire....a lot. They started getting lots of chinese ev imports after the sanctions and they cost pennies, but many are skeptical.
 
It is really a political issue stemming from SERIOUSLY DUMB decisions German politicians have been making last 20 years.

The problem is in the EU making. Intrastate entity that has a lot of sway but it is not a country. The policy is over bureaucratic and policy is usually wishful thinking. Add to that serious Russian propaganda that propels some dumb policies.
1. Germany became anti-nuclear when the US deployed INF (Intermediate Nuclear Force). Movements against INF were seriously propelled by the KGB (files after the collapse of the USSR proved that). It also coincided with Three MIle Island event and later Chernobyl. But movement stayed super strong and Green Party derived strength in it. Fukushima rejuvenated the movement and Putin and FSB gladly saw an opportunity to bury nuclear power in Germany, which would transition it to Russian gas. The problem is, of course, that Russia is really not a reliable partner. But it sounded like a good idea. No more cheap power for German small businesses etc.
2. EU, on other hand, after VW dieselgate jumped on super strict emission standards, which in combination with expensive gas and diesel, made cars really expensive.
3. Europeans were behind EV development mostly bcs. culture of over-regulation.

All this is starting to create more serious issues than just unaffordable cars. It is the proliferation of ultra-right wing parties. It seems that they are starting to realize this as they just indefinitely postponed Euro7 norms, while some countries (Poland) are going all in on nuclear.
Chinese are using that situation to sell, well, uber cheap cars. It is a problem. No one knows their reliability or safety, but they found their way into the EU and they are really affordable.
 
Of those that are Chinese-designed, in NZ we have the BYD Atto 3 and Dolphin, GWM Ora, multiple models from MG, and a van and pickup from LDV. Not counting Polestar and Tesla 3/Y models that are only manufactured there.
... what would you pinpoint as the main point of difference? In comparison to standard offerings in the West.
The styling and lower level of software refinement seem to draw the most comments from owners and reviewers. The underpinnings and build quality are much the same as other EVs but some owners have complained of underside surface rust on the BYD. The MGs have been here the longest, perhaps 4 years with no major complaints. The best effect on the local market however is that other EV brands have had to lower their prices to better compete.

We also have models from European makers Opel, Seat, Skoda, Citroen and Peugeot. EVs currently make up 1.77% of all cars registered here.
 
Check out “Chinese made cars exported to Europe”. Many look dorky but this one is nice.

View attachment 180855
I think it's a bit of a stretch calling MG Chinese with its rich history as a British brand. It's pretty obvious how this is written that they've spent a lot of time making sure it's noticeable. Kind of like Hamilton watches being Swiss. Everything is done to honor Hamilton's American history.
 
Of those that are Chinese-designed, in NZ we have the BYD Atto 3 and Dolphin, GWM Ora, multiple models from MG, and a van and pickup from LDV. Not counting Polestar and Tesla 3/Y models that are only manufactured there.

The styling and lower level of software refinement seem to draw the most comments from owners and reviewers. The underpinnings and build quality are much the same as other EVs but some owners have complained of underside surface rust on the BYD. The MGs have been here the longest, perhaps 4 years with no major complaints. The best effect on the local market however is that other EV brands have had to lower their prices to better compete.

We also have models from European makers Opel, Seat, Skoda, Citroen and Peugeot. EVs currently make up 1.77% of all cars registered here.
Competition is always good. I really don't know why rational people would want to give away their freedom of choices because others tell them some propaganda. Personally I won't buy a Chinese EV if the price isn't great (really really great), but I don't want people to force me to choose between half baked designs.
 
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