Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers face an unexpected challenge as they expand into European markets this year, with insurance accessibility emerging as a critical barrier for consumers. New models from the Chinese mainland are encountering resistance from risk-averse insurers who require detailed safety and repair data – information that established European automakers have accumulated over decades.
Ben Townsend, Head of Automotive at UK-based Thatcham Research, explains: "The insurance system across Europe operates fundamentally differently from China's market. Without historical crash statistics and repair cost analyses, many insurers remain hesitant to cover these vehicles at competitive rates."
Thatcham Research's Berkshire facility has become a crucial testing ground, conducting comprehensive assessments on new Chinese EVs entering the UK market. Their evaluations provide vital data points for insurance underwriters, potentially determining which brands succeed in Europe's competitive automotive landscape.
This development comes as Chinese automakers intensify their global expansion efforts in 2026, with Europe representing both a strategic market and a proving ground for international safety standards compliance.
