Guides
Plain-English buying advice for UK drivers: costs, tax, charging, reliability and buying used. Figures come from our live data and named sources.
Explainer · with 3D diagrams
Power types, explained
Battery electric, range extender, plug-in hybrid, self-charging hybrid or petrol: how each one works, what it costs to run and who it suits.
Available in the UK now: 46 electric · 2 range extender · 23 plug-in hybrid · 7 hybrid · 14 petrol (some models offer more than one)
Read the explainer
Buying
Are Chinese cars reliable?
The honest answer is that most Chinese brands are too new in the UK for long-term data. Here is what the surveys say so far, and how the warranties protect you.
8 Nov 2026 · 2 min read
Buying
Buying a used car
Used Chinese cars are starting to appear in numbers, often at tempting prices. Here's how to check the history, the battery and the warranty before you buy.
8 Nov 2026 · 2 min read
Charging
Charging at home and on the road
Where you charge matters more than which car you buy. Home charging can cost a fraction of public rapid charging, so here is what each option costs and how to get set up.
8 Nov 2026 · 2 min read
Costs and tax
Company car tax (BIK) on EVs and plug-ins
For company car drivers, an electric car or a long-range plug-in hybrid can cut tax bills by thousands. Here are the rates, the electric-range bands that matter, and worked examples.
8 Nov 2026 · 2 min read
Costs and tax
Running costs: EV vs petrol
An electric car can cost less than half as much per mile as a petrol one, or more, depending on where you charge. Here is how fuel, tax and servicing compare.
8 Nov 2026 · 2 min read
Model verdicts
Our view on the best-selling Chinese cars in the UK: who each one suits, who should think twice, and what to watch. Open a model to read its verdict.
Seal
BYD
Seal U DM-i
BYD
Jaecoo 5
Jaecoo
Jaecoo 7
Jaecoo
Jaecoo E5
Jaecoo
B10
Leapmotor
HS
MG
MG3
MG
MG4 EV
MG
ZS
MG