The cheapest Chinese electric cars in Portugal

In the first half of this year, one in every ten cars sold in Europe came from a Chinese brand. That share could have been even higher without the tariffs imposed by the European Commission on electric cars built in China - including those sold under European brands.

Electric-car sales are continuing to rise, tariffs or not. Fuel-price volatility is proving a particular driver, while the range of available models keeps expanding. At times, it can be hard to keep track.

To make things easier, we have brought together Portugal’s cheapest Chinese electric cars in this article. The list covers models already on sale as well as those due to arrive shortly. We have also widened the criteria slightly to include models carrying European badges but developed or manufactured in China.

BYD Dolphin Surf from €23,395

This is BYD’s smallest and least expensive model in Portugal. Its front end has a Lamborghini-like look, while its cabin incorporates many of the mechanical and electrical components used in the brand’s larger-segment models.

The €23,395 price applies to the Active version, which has a 30 kWh battery and a WLTP range of 220 km. There is also a variant with a 43.2 kWh battery and more than 300 km of range, although its price rises to €24,990. Every version in the range shares a very generous standard equipment list.

It faces stiff competition from the Citroën ë-C3, the electric Fiat Grande Panda and all the models mentioned below.

Dacia Spring from €16,900

Dacia may not be a Chinese brand. In fact, it is increasingly aligned with European tastes. However, the Dacia Spring uses a Chinese platform supplied by Dongfeng.

It has been the price champion since its market launch, and it remains so. In entry-level Essential specification, it costs €16,900. Its 24.3 kWh battery is small, but the car’s low weight allows it to claim a WLTP range of 225 km.

Dongfeng Box €26,750

It is electric and Chinese, but it is not cheap - at least compared with its closest rivals. Dongfeng Box prices begin at close to €27,000 and can exceed that figure once registration and transport costs are added.

That puts it directly up against European alternatives such as the Renault 5, Volkswagen ID. Polo and CUPRA Raval.

In return, it provides a good amount of cabin space - the front seats can fold down and the boot holds 326 litres - along with plenty of equipment. With 95 hp and a 42.3 kWh battery, this electric vehicle claims a WLTP range of 310 km. That is enough to take it beyond city use.

Geely E2 still has no prices

The first Geely E2 units will reach Europe later this year. It is not just another electric car: it is China’s best-selling electric car. There, it has outperformed BYD, Chery and SAIC, selling at a frantic rate of more than 50,000 units per month.

Neither prices nor official European specifications have yet been announced, but Razão Automóvel understands that two battery options will be offered.

The smaller unit will enable ranges below 300 km, while the larger one could exceed 350 km. As for pricing, entry-level versions are expected to cost around €22,000.

Keep an eye on the Razão Automóvel YouTube channel, as we have already recorded a first drive of this model in Germany.

Leapmotor B03X from €22,500

Leapmotor is a Chinese brand, although Stellantis - owner of Peugeot, Citroën, Jeep, Alfa Romeo and Opel, among others - holds part of its share capital. Its European-market push began with the basic T03, which we will cover later, but it is expanding rapidly.

The B03X is perhaps the clearest example, as it targets European preferences directly: an SUV body style and a highly competitive €22,500 price.

As well as its price, it offers 176 hp and a 39.8 kWh battery. WLTP range stands at 292 km. Those wanting more can choose the ProMax version, which features a 52 kWh battery. It is a model that will undoubtedly shake up the European market.

Leapmotor B05 from €24,500

The B05 is Leapmotor’s latest model to arrive in Portugal and one of the most interesting entries on this list. Starting at €24,500, it positions itself as an alternative to European electric hatchbacks, with a hard-to-ignore combination of space, equipment, range and price.

The entry-level version uses a 160 kW (218 hp) motor and a 56.2 kWh battery, enough for a claimed WLTP range of up to 401 km. Together with its interior room, standard equipment and on-road behaviour, this should make the B05 one of the Chinese electric cars most competitive in its segment.

Leapmotor T03 from €18,500

It was the first Leapmotor model to reach the Portuguese market and, with prices starting at €18,500, it remains one of the most affordable electric cars available in the country.

It has a 95 hp electric motor, a 37.3 kWh battery and a claimed WLTP range of up to 265 km. Compared with its main competitors, it stands out for its comprehensive standard equipment, its significantly larger battery and its greater versatility than its dimensions might suggest. That was one of the aspects that surprised us most when we first drove it.

Renault Twingo E-Tech from €19,490

Let us make one thing clear: the Renault Twingo E-Tech is not Chinese. We know that. However, it deserves a place on this list because it was co-developed in China by Renault’s Advanced China Development Center (ACDC) division, which was established to speed up the development of affordable electric models. It is a good illustration of how China’s automotive industry now has an influence extending far beyond local brands.

At €19,490, it is one of the cheapest electric cars on sale in Portugal. It comes with a 27.5 kWh battery and claims a WLTP range of up to 263 km, combining a retro-futuristic design inspired by the original 1993 Twingo with a proposition aimed primarily at urban drivers.