The price war on electric vehicles (EVs) coming from China is in full swing. Brands like BYD are slashing their list prices by over 30 percent. That opens the European door to high-quality EVs at record-low prices. Tempting? Absolutely. But behind this price battle lie logistical bottlenecks, residual value risks and compliance challenges. Let’s take a closer look.
A Chinese surplus puts Europe under pressure
China’s domestic EV market is dealing with significant overcapacity. As a result, more and more manufacturers are shifting their focus abroad – with Europe as a prime destination. The outcome: a sharp rise in EV imports arriving through European ports.
But that surge comes at a price:
Used EVs are depreciating faster
Leasing and remarketing strategies require a full reset
- Ports are reaching capacity and delays are increasing
What does this mean for car transport?
The Chinese EV price war is affecting the logistics chain in several ways:
1. Accelerated depreciation
Importing EVs to sell later? There’s far less time to preserve value. That means the entire process – from vessel to showroom – needs to be planned with surgical precision. Residual value starts with timing.
2. Logistical peaks and pressure points
Ports are reaching breaking point as large volumes arrive simultaneously. That calls for transport partners who can not only scale up quickly but also plan dynamically. Real-time ETAs, intelligent dispatching and clear insight into stock locations are no longer nice-to-haves – they’re mission-critical.
3. Growing regulatory complexity
From ADR regulations on battery transport to SoH certification and potential anti-dumping duties – compliance is now a core part of the logistics process. Without in-depth knowledge, it’s easy to hit roadblocks.
Forward thinking is essential
The Chinese EV price war isn’t a temporary blip. It’s a structural shift that will reshape the European automotive market for years to come. For car transport, that means we must act with speed, scale and strategy.
Want to know how we keep car imports predictable and under control?
Feel free to get in touch.
