German automotive platform Autohelden is preparing to bring several Chinese electric vehicle brands to Europe, including Xiaomi, Zeekr, Avatr and Jetour, with plans to sell around 50,000 vehicles annually across the region.
According to a report by Automobilwoche, the initiative is based on statements from Autohelden Managing Director Christoph Wicke, who said the company has completed the necessary import and approval processes and is entering the final phase before launch.
“We are rolling this out on a broad scale and are in the final stages of preparation,” Wicke told the publication.
He added that Autohelden expects to sell approximately 50,000 vehicles during its first full year of operations in Europe, with roughly one-third of those deliveries expected in Germany.
Xiaomi Models Among First Imports
Autohelden plans to import Xiaomi’s SU7 electric sedan and YU7 electric SUV in all available powertrain variants.
The company also intends to bring Zeekr’s 8X and 9X models to Europe, alongside several vehicles from Avatr, including the 06, 07, 11 and 12.
Jetour’s Dashing, X70 and T2 models are also expected to be part of the lineup.
The vehicles will be distributed through a dealer network spanning between 80 and 100 sales locations across Europe.
Importer to Handle Approval Process
According to the report, Autohelden will manage customs clearance and vehicle approvals independently, including TÜV certification required for road use in Germany.
The approach is designed to simplify access to Chinese vehicles that are not yet officially available through European distribution channels.
Xiaomi, for example, has previously stated that it plans to begin official international sales of its electric vehicles from 2027.
Growing Market for Direct Chinese EV Imports
Autohelden is part of a growing number of businesses seeking to capitalize on European interest in Chinese electric vehicles.
Other platforms, including China EV Marketplace, already allow customers to purchase road-approved electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles directly from China while handling transportation, customs procedures and delivery.
Smaller import specialists have also entered the market as demand for Chinese EVs continues to increase.
Challenges Remain
Despite growing availability, imported vehicles face several challenges.
Most models are built to Chinese specifications and use the GB/T charging standard rather than the CCS connector widely used across Europe.
While charging adapters can provide compatibility with European charging stations, charging performance may not always match vehicles designed specifically for the CCS standard.
Pricing is another factor.
Although Chinese domestic vehicle prices are often significantly lower than comparable European models, transportation costs, import duties and EU homologation requirements can substantially increase final retail prices.
Expanding Presence of Chinese Brands
The planned imports highlight the increasing influence of Chinese automakers in international markets.
Brands such as Xiaomi, Zeekr and Avatr have attracted attention for their advanced technology, competitive pricing and high-performance electric vehicles.
As European demand for electric mobility continues to grow, independent importers are moving to bridge the gap between Chinese product launches and official market entries, offering customers earlier access to some of the industry’s newest EV models.
