New data has found that elderly drivers are seriously concerned about the growing number of Chinese electric car brands available on the UK market.
Around 41 per cent of people over the age of 55 say they have fears about data security and privacy risks when buying Chinese products.
The research found that 43 per cent of Britons in the same age group said they mistrust the quality of these goods, including electric vehicles.
Several Chinese brands have seen an explosion in popularity recently with BYD being the overwhelming favourite for consumers in the UK, Europe and North America.
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Elderly drivers are the least trusting age group of Chinese electric cars
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The brand, which was seen advertising throughout the European Championship in 2024, has made major headways with cheap upfront costs and impressive battery ranges.
The BYD Seal has a WLTP combined battery range of 354 miles for £45,695, while the Dolphin model starts from an affordable price of just £26,195.
Other popular Chinese brands making their way to the UK include Jaecoo, Omoda, GWM and Ora.
In 2024, BYD sold 8,788 models, according to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). This is more than established brands like Bentley, DS, Maserati and Polestar.
A report from Auto Trader suggested that Chinese companies could hold a share of up to 25 per cent of the UK’s new electric vehicle market by 2030.
The greatest support for Chinese EVs comes from the younger age group of 17 to 34, with 57 per cent of the group being attracted to the innovation and affordability.
Ian Plummer, commercial director at Auto Trader, said Chinese brands were playing an “increasingly pivotal” role in the UK’s transition to electric vehicles.
He added: “Their ability to offer affordable, high-quality electric vehicles is winning over the younger drivers who will play a vital role in driving the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
“But the rise of Chinese brands comes with challenges. Consumers’ trust in the quality and safety of these new entrants remains mixed, particularly among older buyers.”
Plummer suggested that Chinese brands would need to focus on winning British drivers over with their products, namely with impressive safety ratings and data security.
Chinese electric car brands have come under increased scrutiny in recent months, with the United States, European Union and Canada imposing heavy tariffs on these companies, accusing them of benefitting from unfair market practices.
Many manufacturers from China make use of cheaper production costs and better access to technology, allowing motorists to see cheaper costs on the forecourt.
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Dr Andy Palmer, former chief executive of Aston Martin and founder of Palmer Energy, said smart electronics and AI software were becoming more commonplace in all facets of life.
Palmer, who was also former operating chief of Nissan said: “For some, this has raised concern about the growth in Chinese EVs and the risk of spying.
“We should be cognisant of the risk but not attribute this only to China and only to EVs. The same functions can exist on internal combustion cars, and the risk from phones is probably greater.”
