European markets are witnessing a significant surge in plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) imports from China during the first half of 2025, according to data from industry service provider Dataforce, reported by the “Handelsblatt”. Combined sales of PHEV models from brands BYD, MG and Lynk & Co within the European Union reached nearly 33,000 units – a 364 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Including other hybrid models, the overall rise in imports is even greater.
Industry experts attribute this trend as a response to the EU’s imposition of tariffs of up to 45 percent on China-produced electric vehicles, which took effect in October 2024. “Many Chinese manufacturers have shifted their distribution strategies, increasingly focusing on models that are not subject to additional countervailing duties” explained Charles Lester, an analyst at London-based e-mobility specialist Rho Motion.
The increase in PHEV imports is now prompting calls within Brussels for the tariff regulations to be extended to include these vehicle types. “To protect our manufacturers, countervailing duties must also apply to plug-in hybrids. Otherwise, Europe will undermine its own industrial policy” stated Green European Parliamentarian Michael Bloss in a statement to the “Handelsblatt”. A spokesperson for the European Commission indicated willingness to engage in further discussions with Beijing regarding existing tariff rates, but did not offer specific comments on the PHEV situation.