China EV Marketplace allows customers to order EVs directly from China

China EV Marketplace claims to be the largest online shop for Chinese electric vehicles and serves customers worldwide. In the first half of the year, the company sold 7,000 vehicles, 66 per cent more than in the first six months of 2024. However, according to the portal CarNewsChina, this growth is mainly due to plug-in hybrids, as these are not subject to special tariffs when exported to the EU.“For the first time, EV enthusiasts across Europe can order a new Chinese BEV or PHEV directly from China and have it delivered directly to their door,” explained Jakub Gersl, COO of China EV Marketplace. “Our new service removes the traditional complexities and headaches associated with international car imports.”Previously, customers had to take care of customs clearance themselves and pick up the electric car at the port, but now the platform takes care of this and delivers the car to the customer’s doorstep. The minimum order quantity at EV Marketplace is one vehicle, so it is open not only to importers but also to private customers.Model range extends from Xiaomi to VWIn addition to brands that are active in Europe (such as BYD, Xpeng, Nio and Leapmotor), the range also includes cars from manufacturers that do not (yet) have their own European distribution network. These include Wuling, Baojun, Avatr and Xiaomi’s electric cars. Volkswagen models and Tesla are also available via the China EV Marketplace.A BYD Seagull is offered on the platform for 10,200 US dollars net. BYD itself offers the model under the name Dolphin Surf in Europe for 22,990 euros (approx. $26,650). The Leapmotor C10 BEV is listed at $17,030, equivalent to around €17,500 gross, instead of over €36,000 as it would cost through regular European distribution channels. The Xpeng Mona M03 is available from 16,700 dollars net (approx. 17,100 euros gross), and the Xiaomi SU7 from 31,250 dollars.The platform also allows users to order a Chinese-made VW ID.3 for $23,270 net. Including VAT, this equates to less than €24,000. The Chinese MEB models ID.4X, ID.4 Crozz, ID.6X and ID.6 Crozz are also available.However, there are also some disadvantages to consider: these are vehicles built to Chinese specifications, as the electric cars are all equipped with the Chinese GB/T charging standard, not the CCS connection commonly used in Europe. Although they come with a free adapter, so that they can be charged at CCS charging points, this may affect charging performance. In addition, spare parts are likely to be difficult to obtain, and there is no guarantee that the language in the vehicle’s operating system can be changed. Restrictions on use are also possible if the systems or apps can only communicate with Chinese servers.In addition to the prices quoted, there is a net charge of $400 for optional customs clearance by China EV Marketplace, and the important EU homologation of the vehicles is also offered for an extra $1,500 net. In theory, the customer can do both themselves, but this involves time and effort. Both customs clearance and homologation are necessary to import and register the vehicles, and special import duties are also likely to be payable separately. Transport is also charged separately depending on the vehicle. In the end, the price advantage of importing from China compared to the regular European price can be significantly reduced, if it is still there at all at the end of the calculation.Each individual must weigh up for themselves how attractive purchasing such an electric car via this platform is for private customers. However, it will make it much easier for the industry to purchase competing models for comparison purposes. Since these vehicles are only subjected to tests anyway and are sometimes dismantled at the end, the lack of service options is likely to be less of an issue here.China EV Marketplace has also been active in the United States, but will soon cease operations there. According to reports, sales figures have plummeted due to tariffs. So far, only around 30 vehicles have been sold there to industrial customers for comparison purposes.carnewschina.com,marketplace.china-crunch.com