These Are the High-Tech Chinese EVs the U.S. Is Missing Out On

While U.S. automakers struggle to make electric vehicles (EVs) appealing, China has surged ahead, leaving them in the dust. Tesla may have been the pioneer in the U.S. EV market, but a glance at the latest Chinese electric cars shows that even Tesla, once a leader, is now falling behind.

Regardless of the debate over American consumers’ willingness to embrace Chinese electric vehicles, the reality is that China is producing some truly impressive cars. While it’s unlikely we’ll see many Chinese EVs on U.S. roads anytime soon, here’s a look at 10 high-tech Chinese electric cars that are currently in the “Unobtanium” category for Americans.

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1

BYD Seal

Competes With: Tesla Model 3, Polestar 2, BMW i4, Ford Mustang Mach-E

Along with its electric car brand BYD, China has brought the EV battle right to Tesla’s doorstep with standout models like the Seal. A direct competitor to the Tesla Model 3, the BYD Seal starts at around $49,000, offers up to 354 miles of range, and is packed with impressive tech.

Seal Performance Specifications

While its top-tier 523-horsepower dual-motor version doesn’t quite match the Model 3 Performance in a straight-line race, features like the rotating 15.6-inch central display, fully digital gauge cluster, fixed glass roof, integrated heat pump, and stylish quilted leather upholstery more than make up for it.

2

MG Cyberster

Competes With: Tesla Roadster, Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray

Arguably the best-designed Chinese electric car, the MG Cyberster combines the legacy of a renowned British carmaker with the battery-powered platform of Chinese automaker SAIC Motor. Featuring power-operated scissor doors typically seen on Lamborghinis and sleek bodywork paired with a classic fabric convertible top, it offers a smooth transition for traditional car enthusiasts moving to electric vehicles.

Cyberster Performance Specifications

The MG Cyberster, which starts at around $71,400, is currently available in the U.K. and could serve as an intriguing rival to the long-awaited Tesla Roadster—if it ever makes its debut.

3

BYD Sealion 7

Competes With: Tesla Model Y, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Volkswagen ID.4, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6

As you might have noticed, BYD’s electric vehicle lineup carries an ocean-inspired theme in both its design and names. The Sealion 7 reflects this influence with its sleek, five-seater crossover, comparable in size to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 or Kia EV6.

Sealion 7 Performance Specifications

Starting at around $61,000, the Sealion 7 comes well-equipped with features like adaptive dampers, quilted vegan Nappa leather upholstery, and 128-color ambient lighting. It also boasts impressive charging capabilities, is able to charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in just 24 minutes, and offers 63 cubic feet of cargo space with the second row folded flat.

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4

Yangwang U8

Competes With: Rivian R1S, Tesla Model X, GMC Hummer EV SUV, Lucid Gravity, Land Rover Defender, Land Rover Range Rover

YangWang has set its sights on combining the Land Rover Defender’s off-road prowess with the Range Rover’s luxurious comfort. With a price tag reaching up to $153,000, the U8, featuring its “Time Gate” design, 1,180 horsepower, and leather-lined interior, enters Range Rover territory.

U8 Performance Specifications

However, it doesn’t just focus on luxury—it’s also built for serious off-roading, boasting impressive features like the ability to ford water up to 55 inches deep and a Yachting mode, which turns the U8 into a boat for up to 30 minutes. It’s a bold, ambitious EV and one we’d be eager to take for a spin.

5

BYD Han

Competes With: Tesla Model S, Lucid Air, BMW i5, Porsche Taycan, Audi e-tron GT

BYD markets the Han as a luxury sports sedan, which is akin to the BMW i5 series. Its “crystal streamer” headlights, sleek fastback design, and two-tone leather interior give the Han an unmistakable premium appearance. ​​​​​​​

Han Performance Specifications

With over 1,000 horsepower, adjustable dampers, and Brembo brakes available, the Han proves it’s more than just a pretty face, confidently stepping up as a true sports sedan. Priced around $78,000, it comes well-equipped with features like a panoramic glass roof, climatized front and rear seats, an air purification system, carbon fiber accents, and a 15.6-inch central touchscreen.

6

Li Auto L6

Competes With: Tesla Model Y, Rivian R1S, Ford Mustang Mach-E, BMW iX, Audi e-tron

The Li Auto L6 belongs to the growing category of range-extender EVs, using a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 gas engine to charge the battery rather than power the wheels. This setup delivers an impressive range of over 800 miles, making the Tesla Model Y seem lackluster by comparison—especially with the L6’s starting price of around $35,000. ​​​​​​​

L6 Performance Specifications

This Li Auto crossover has extensive features, with standout offerings like a 19-speaker audio system, massaging front seats with 10 acupressure points, 45 inches of second-row legroom, and even a built-in fridge.

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7

Zeekr 7X

Competes With: Tesla Model Y, BMW iX, Audi e-tron, Mercedes-Benz EQB

Designed in Sweden, the Zeekr 7X is a stunning electric crossover, though don’t be fooled by the name—it only seats five. With a solid range of up to 382 miles and impressive performance, including a 0-62 mph time of just 3.8 seconds for dual-motor models, the Zeekr is a strong competitor to the Model Y. ​​​​​​​

7X Performance Specifications

Features like adaptive air suspension, rear seats with power recline, heat, ventilation, and massage functionality, and power-operated doors that open 90 degrees add to its appeal. Plus, its 800-volt architecture allows for charging from 10 percent to 80 percent in around 15 minutes, making the Zeekr 7X a model that will certainly be missed in the U.S.

8

Xiaomi SU7

Competes With: Tesla Model 3, Lucid Air, BMW i4, Porsche Taycan, Audi e-tron GT

Xiaomi may be famous for smartphones, but with the Porsche Taycan-inspired SU7, it’s clear the Chinese company has also mastered the art of making electric vehicles. Offering up to 503 miles of range, 816 horsepower, and a 0-62 mph time of under three seconds for top-spec models, the SU7 is a performance powerhouse. ​​​​​​​

SU7 Performance Specifications

While the base version may not hit those jaw-dropping specs, its affordable price has made it a hot seller in its home market. Notable features include a massive 56-inch head-up display, an instrument panel that rotates to “greet” you when you enter, and a 25-speaker audio system powered by Dolby Atmos 7.1.

9

Nio ET5

Competes With: Tesla Model 3, BMW i4, Lucid Air, Polestar 2

The Nio ET5, another challenger to the Tesla Model 3, boasts an impressive range of over 600 miles, calculated using the CLTC cycle. If that figure translates well to U.S. driving conditions, American drivers may finally say goodbye to range anxiety. ​​​​​​​

ET5 Performance Specifications

Nio also emphasizes sustainability, highlighting that the ET5’s cabin materials incorporate the equivalent of over 100 plastic water bottles. However, the most intriguing feature of the ET5 is the small robot head on the dashboard. Named NOMI, it offers AI-powered driver assistance and is sure to spark plenty of E.T. references.

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10

Hongqi E-HS9

Competes With: Rolls-Royce Cullinan

Hongqi has long been regarded as the Rolls-Royce of China, and that prestige is clearly evident in the E-HS9. This luxury electric SUV, priced at around $150,000, has styling reminiscent of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan.

E-HS9 Performance Specifications

A large battery pack offers a respectable range of up to 320 miles, but the opulent features truly stand out. Highlights include a two-tone paint finish, ambient lighting curtains, climatized rear seats, seven-passenger seating, 22-inch wheels, and an intelligent fragrance system—details sure to make any status-conscious American EV buyer envious.