CHINA'S ELECTRIC DREAMS

Chinese car makers have powered into the British EV market as record numbers of motorists seek cheaper models. But could there be trouble ahead? Motoring correspondent LUKE CHILLINGSWORTH investigates the pros and cons

- LUKE CHILLINGSWORTH

WHEN doctor Dimitar Ormanov traded in his Honda Civic for a new motor at a Milton Keynes dealership two years ago, he envisaged driving away in a hi-tech Tesla.

But when he spotted the Chinese-made BYDs on the forecourt for a fraction of the cost of Elon Musk’s electric brand he knew in which direction he was headed.

And two years on he has no regrets.

“I am happier driving Chinese cars than a Volkswagen, Mercedes or BMW,” he says today. “Chinese cars are really well made.”

Dimitar is in good company.

Last week BYD announced the UK had become its second biggest market after sales surged 880% in September, compared with a year earlier.

The company sold 11,271 cars in the UK last month, placing it above Land Rover, Mini and Tesla. In comparison, Vauxhall registered 12,120 cars, while Skoda sold 11,925 and Volvo 11,570. How long before BYD overtakes them, too?

It’s been a breakthrough year for Chinese cars in the UK, with brands such as BYD, Omoda and Jaecoo cutting through to achieve genuine sales success in what many experts believe is a major threat to Western manufacturers.

But what is their appeal? A recent study shows seven in 10 people are open to the idea of buying a Chinese model.

And Dan Aleksandrov is one BYD owner who believes he knows why.

His Atto 3 is one of several BYDs seen in his neighbourhood in Peterborough in recent weeks, along with the Omoda, made by Chinese manufacturer Chery.

Showing off the car’s top-performing features to the Sunday Express, Dan explains that China has become a leader in “Vehicle-to-Load technology”.

'People get a decent car at a good price'

This allows road users to top up anything from camping appliances to other electric vehicles (EVs) without access to a plug.

His car runs up to four sockets and even has the capability to top up my own Renault 4 by connecting one cable.