BEIJING : Chinese car brands continued to expand across Europe last month, supported by growing demand for hybrid and fuel-powered vehicles among motorists who remain concerned about charging infrastructure and the practicality of switching completely to electric vehicles.

According to data firm DataForce, Chinese automaker BYD’s share of the European market reached approximately 12% in August. The company accounted for around one in every four hybrid vehicles sold in Europe, benefiting from models that are currently exempt from the European Union’s additional tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles.

The figures underline how Chinese manufacturers are using hybrid vehicles as a bridge between traditional combustion-engine cars and fully electric models, particularly as concerns remain over charging networks and the availability of EV infrastructure.

At the same time, higher fuel prices are adding pressure on owners of conventional internal combustion engine vehicles, further encouraging consumers to consider electric and hybrid alternatives, Bloomberg reported.

DataForce figures showed that demand for electric and hybrid vehicles in Europe increased by 27% in August, helping offset a decline in sales of petrol-powered cars. The rise contributed to an overall 4.6% increase in European car sales during the month.

Chinese hybrid vehicles are not currently subject to the same additional EU tariffs imposed on electric vehicles imported from China. However, that could change.

German newspaper Handelsblatt reported that hybrid cars from China could eventually face similar duties. Bloomberg also reported earlier this month that Germany is preparing a package of economic security measures that could include new tariffs on hybrid vehicles imported into Europe, with proposals expected to be presented to the European Union.

Chinese brands have made even stronger gains in Britain, where they are not subject to the EU’s additional tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. Chinese cars now account for more than one in five new cars sold in the country, with brands including Chery-owned Jaecoo gaining popularity among buyers.

While their market share remains lower in Germany, Chinese manufacturers are also steadily expanding in Europe’s largest automotive market. DataForce figures showed that Chinese brands captured a 6.4% share of the German market in August.

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