China’s EV Surge in 2025: Top Models, Pricing & Ownership Costs
The Chinese market for electric vehicles (EVs) is accelerating into 2025 with remarkable momentum. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), sales of electric cars in China are projected to push toward ~60% of total car sales in 2025 thanks to incentives and competitive pricing. Meanwhile, data from the first half of 2025 shows several models competing strongly for top positions.
Below we unpack the current market landscape for China’s EV sector in 2025 — which models are leading, what price-levels we’re seeing, and what to know about ownership costs and maintenance.
Leading EV Models in China in 2025
Here are some of the best‐selling EV models (BEV/PHEV) in China in 2025 (early data) along with approximate pricing where available:
- Geely Geome Xingyuan: In H1 2025, this model achieved ~205,091 units sold, about 5.9% of BEV sales in China.
- BYD Seagull: Also in H1 2025 sold ~174,912 units (~5% market share) in China.
- Tesla Model Y: In the first half of 2025 around ~171,491 units sold in China (~4.9% share) according to one source.
- BYD Qin Plus EV: Sold ~155,692 units in H1 2025 (4.5% share) per the same source.
- Wuling Hongguang Mini EV: Compact city EV in H1 2025 it sold ~100,590 units (2.9% share) in China.
- The BYD Seagull is one of the lower cost EVs, with sources citing around US $10,000 (~70,000 yuan) starting price in China.
- The Tesla Model Y China base price around ~249,900 yuan (~US $34,100) for some entry variant (past data).
- Note: These prices are ballpark, depend on trim, subsidies, and region.
Ownership & Maintenance Costs in 2025
With EVs increasingly dominant in China, what should a prospective buyer monitor in terms of costs beyond the sticker price?
- Battery health & warranty
- Given China’s rapid EV adoption, battery pack warranties remain vital. Domestic brands often provide strong warranties to reassure buyers.
- With increased competition and aggressive pricing, some cheaper models may cut corners on battery capacity or thermal management monitor pack health.
- Because BEV sales are expanding rapidly (H1 2025 BEV growth ~47% vs H1 2024 in China) maintenance related to battery pack longevity is more critical than ever.
- Charging & energy cost
- With China’s electricity rates relatively lower than petrol equivalents, EVs offer running cost advantages.
- However, larger models (e.g., Model Y) consume more energy, and frequent DC fast-charging may increase cost per km.
- With EV penetration predicted to exceed 50% of vehicle sales in China in 2025.
- Service, parts & depreciation
- Domestic brands (BYD, Geely, Wuling) benefit from large local service networks & lower parts logistics cost in China.
- Imported or premium-brand EVs may carry higher maintenance cost if spare parts or specialised service needed.
- Depreciation: As new models flood market and incentives shift, residual values may be volatile.
- Incentives & regulatory cost
- Many cities and national policies in China still provide incentives or trade-in bonuses for EVs, lowering effective purchase cost.
- However, as market matures, some incentives are being phased out, which can affect total cost of ownership.
Why 2025 is a Pivotal Year
- The EV share in China is expected to climb significantly this year: more than half of all new car sales may be EVs by end of 2025.
- Competition is intensifying: more brands, more models, and aggressive pricing. For example, the Geome Xingyuan model launched in Sept 2024 and by mid-2025 already taking top sales spots.
- The cost floor of EVs is dropping: city-EVs like Seagull and Mini EVs make ownership accessible to more buyers.
- Maintenance and ownership cost management is becoming a key differentiator among brands buyers increasingly evaluate “total cost of ownership”, not just sticker price.
Key Takeaways for Buyers
- If you’re looking for value-for-money EV in China, look at the lower-cost models from domestic brands (Seagull, Wuling Mini, Geome Xingyuan) affordable purchase price + modest running costs.
- If you want premium performance/brand, Tesla Model Y (and other high-end EVs) remain compelling but expect higher purchase and potentially higher maintenance cost.
- Always check battery warranty, after-sales network, and local incentives when comparing.
- Consider ownership cost beyond purchase: charging cost, expected battery degradation, service/parts aging.
- With 2025 seeing more EVs than ever, buying now means you’ll be part of a fast-evolving market consider resale/depreciation risk.