Business · Trade · 2 hrs ago
Chinese hybrid car imports to Europe forecast to reach 800,000 this year
Europe is expected to import 800,000 Chinese hybrid cars in 2026, up from 300,000 in 2025, according to a PwC forecast.
The forecast covers conventional hybrids and plug-in hybrids, whose imports have risen sharply this year.
EU tariffs on Chinese-made electric cars do not apply to hybrids, helping make hybrids a growing part of Chinese car imports to Europe.
China’s domestic car sales have been weak, and fewer buyers there have chosen hybrids, leaving manufacturers with more reason to export them.
Imports of Chinese electric cars have also continued to grow, passing 500,000 through September, 55% more than in the same period last year.
The EU and China agreed to limit hybrid imports to 350,000 in 2027, with the limit set to rise by 6% a year under a four-year agreement.
European imports of Chinese hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles are forecast to reach 800,000 in 2026, up from 300,000 in 2025, according to PwC Autofacts.
Imports of conventional hybrids rose 162% to 254,000 and plug-in hybrids rose 178% to 412,000 so far this year, the report said.
The article says Chinese hybrids are not subject to the tariffs imposed on imports of Chinese all-electric cars from late 2024.
Weak car sales in China and a shift by Chinese consumers toward electric cars are cited as factors pushing manufacturers to export more hybrids.
The European Union and China agreed to limit imports to 350,000 vehicles in 2027, with a 6% annual increase under a four-year pact.
- Who
- Chinese vehicle exporters and European importers. PwC Autofacts provided the forecast.
- What
- Imports of Chinese hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars to Europe are forecast to reach 800,000 in 2026.
- When
- The forecast is for 2026. The article was published on November 14, 2026.
- Where
- Europe, including the 27 European Union member states.
- Why
- The article cites weak car sales in China, fewer incentives for hybrids and consumers shifting to electric cars. Hybrids also avoid the tariffs imposed on Chinese all-electric cars.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The European Union imposed tariffs on imports of pure electric cars from China.
Imports of Chinese hybrids and plug-in hybrids had already exceeded the previous year's figures.
PwC Autofacts issued the report forecasting 800,000 European imports of Chinese hybrids and plug-in hybrids for the year.
The European Union and China agreed to limit imports to 350,000 vehicles, with a 6% annual increase under a four-year pact.
- 2026 import forecast
- 800,000 Chinese hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles
- 2025 imports
- 300,000 vehicles
- Conventional hybrids
- 254,000 imported so far in 2026, up 162%
- Plug-in hybrids
- 412,000 imported so far in 2026, up 178%
- 2027 import limit
- 350,000 vehicles under the EU-China agreement
What people are saying
The demand for hybrids has fallen sharply in China this year, as incentives were withdrawn and consumers opted for electric cars.
The boost to exports is a natural outlet for existing domestic production capacity