Currently reading: ‘Brutal’ price war in China hands drivers ICE-priced EVs

The Tesla Model 3 now costs just £27,000 in China, and domestic-market rivals are even cheaper

The dominant question fielded by automotive executives at the Shanghai motor show was not about cars, batteries or exports but about the price war that has raged in the country since the start of the year. 

The event gave them the opportunity to offload about an issue that is worrying many. “This price war has had an impact on the whole industry,” said William Li, CEO of Chinese premium EV maker Nio.

The trigger was pulled by Tesla, which in January cut the prices of its Model 3 and Model Y by up to 13.5%.

To access this content please subscribe

20% annual saving
Regular membership
£19.99
Monthly
£199
Annual
Automatic renewal
Team membership
£799
Price includes a 20% discount for a team of 5
See all benefits here