January 2026 was a period of natural cooling. After everyone tried to buy a car in December before the VAT refund, the figure of 864 new electric cars looks modest (-85.2% compared to December). However, the growth of 35.6% compared to last January hints: the trend towards electrification is alive, it just became more expensive.
- Check the history of a car by VIN code before buying using the CEBIA service!
Leaders among brands
In this segment, the competition looks like a monologue of the Chinese auto industry with rare European interludes.
- BYD is the absolute and unassailable leader. The brand actually formed half of the entire market for new electric vehicles in a month.
- Zeekr and Volkswagen shared second place. While for VW it is a stable presence thanks to the popular ID series, for Zeekr it is confirmation of the status of the “new premium”, behind which there are queues.
- Xiaomi confidently holds its place in the top five. A smartphone on wheels is no longer a novelty, but a stable choice for Ukrainian buyers.
- At the bottom of the list we see “traditionalists” Audi and Toyota, who are trying to compete with progressive Chinese brands like Avatr and Lixiang.
The model score demonstrates a very high concentration — the top 3 models occupy almost 80% of the entire market.
- BYD Sea Lion 06 is the real hit of the month. This crossover was the answer to the request for "a lot of modern car for reasonable money."
- Zeekr 001 and Volkswagen ID. Unyx showed identical results. Interestingly, the ID. Unyx (actually a VW-branded Cupra Tavascan for the Chinese market) instantly became more popular than the classic ID.4 or ID.6.
- The Honda e:NS1 continues to be a “stable base” for those who want a clear Japanese brand in a Chinese version.
- The Xiaomi SU7 remains the most hyped sedan, while the Avatr 11 and MG Marvel R meet the needs of those looking for futuristic design and comfort.
General conclusion: The market for new electric vehicles is currently supported by three "whales": BYD, official dealers working on the inertia of December orders, and new products from China that appear faster than we can get used to them.
- Subscribe to the Telegram channel of the Auto Market Research Institute to receive information first, without advertising and spam.
