XPeng has become the latest EV firm to set up shop in the UK as Chinese carmakers increase their market share.

The Alibaba and Foxconn-backed business, which delivered 190,000 vehicles worldwide, has set itself a target of doubling that number for 2025, with Europe seen as a key growth driver — in which the UK has the largest EV market.

As part of its UK debut, XPENG has opened pre-orders for its new G6 SUV, with launch prices starting at £39,990 and deliveries to begin in March 2025.

Dr. Brian Gu, Vice Chairman and President of XPeng, said: “We are excited to bring a new era of smarter, more sustainable mobility to the UK market and globally.

“With XPENG’s cutting-edge proprietary technology – ranging from futuristic design and impressive range to ultra-fast charging – we are confident that our vehicles will resonate with UK consumers.”

The move comes just months after another Chinese electric car maker, Omoda launched in the Britain, with plans to set up an assembly plant in the UK as it eyes sales of up to 10,000 in its first year in the country.

Chinese EV makers have been rapidly gaining market share in the UK over the past five years. Omoda had already sold more than 3,000 cars in the UK by the end of 2024, according to figures from SMMT, while BYD sold more than 8,000.

Chinese-made MG topped the list for Chinese EV makers in 2024, with more than 80,000 vehicles sold and its MG4 model ranking 4th in the top-10 EVs sold.

The UK became the biggest electric car market in Europe in 2024 with nearly 400,000 vehicles sold — thanks in part to carmakers offering discounts to hit sales quotas.

Both European and Asian carmakers saw major gains in EV sales — but demand has been weaker for US EV maker Tesla, which has been interpreted as a backlash against the political activity of its boss, Elon Musk.

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