What happened in China In December 2025, Chinese automakers sold 109,864 electrified vehicles in Europe — the first time they have ever topped 100,000 units in a single month on the continent. Led by BYD, MG, and Chery, that represents a 126% increase in combined European volume. For all of 2025, Chinese brands held 11% of Europe's electrified car market. By early 2026, they commanded 9.5% of Europe's overall car market. BYD, SAIC, and Geely now rank in the global top 10 for sales, ahead of Ford and Honda. Back in China, the dynamic has shifted again. As price floor policies ended subsidy wars, China's EV market pivoted toward a high-tech focus in 2026. Chinese manufacturers sold approximately 3.33 million battery electric vehicles in the first half of 2025 alone — up more than 37% year-over-year. The domestic market is maturing and intensifying simultaneously. What gets refined at home…