Fleet electric vehicle market turns to Chinese models
Chinese vehicles now account for 15.8% of all fleet leasing enquiries and 17% of the fleet electric vehicle market.
According to new data from Leasing.com, lower list prices, high standard spec, and attractive BIK rates are driving up demand.
The research revealed that BYD attracted 41.6% of all Chinese fleet enquiries, giving the brand an estimated 6.6% share of the total UK fleet leasing market, with the Seal and Sealion 7 capturing 17% and 16.9% of the Chinese segment, respectively.
Meanwhile, 61% of all fleet enquiries for Chinese manufacturers are for fully electric models.
Mike Fazal, CEO at Leasing.com, said: “The response to Chinese EV manufacturers across the UK corporate sector has moved past initial intrigue and into direct volume adoption. Fleet decision-makers operate on strict commercial metrics, not legacy badges. When a brand offers strong range, generous standard spec, and low running costs that stay within monthly fleet spending caps, it secures a spot on the choice list.
“We saw this financial shift taking shape last year when average business lease payments fell 10.3% to £397 a month. Chinese brands are expanding on that trend in 2026, offering high-spec electric models that keep monthly costs down while helping businesses hit their zero-emission targets.”
“Our marketplace data shows Chinese brands capturing 17% of all UK fleet EV enquiries year-to-date. What is particularly compelling is how fleet demand is outpacing the wider market. While pure EVs account for 41.6% of general consumer enquiries, that figure climbs to 56% across business fleets. It demonstrates that companies aren’t turning to these incoming brands for petrol or hybrid alternatives; they are actively using them to hit their corporate zero-emission targets.”
