Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers strengthened their presence in the Middle East at the start of 2025, firmly dominating Israel’s electric car market in January and extending their lead across the broader automotive sector, according to newly released industry data.
Data published by the Israel Vehicle Importers Association shows that Chinese automakers accounted for the vast majority of electric vehicles sold in Israel during the month, highlighting a major shift in consumer preferences and the competitive landscape of the country’s auto market.
Deepal Tops EV Sales in Its First Full Month
Leading the rankings was Deepal Automobile Technology, the electric vehicle arm of Changan Automobile. In its first full month of operations in Israel, Deepal sold 636 electric vehicles, making it the country’s best-selling EV brand in January.
Deepal officially entered the Israeli market in December 2024, and January marked the first complete month of sales. Demand was driven primarily by the S05 and S07 compact crossover models, which target urban drivers seeking a balance of range, technology, and price competitiveness. The strong debut suggests that Israeli consumers are increasingly open to newer Chinese EV brands, not just established global players.
BYD and XPeng Maintain Strong Momentum
Closely following Deepal was BYD Auto, one of China’s most internationally recognized EV brands. BYD sold 563 electric vehicles in Israel during January, spanning eight different EV models. Its broad product portfolio, ranging from compact cars to SUVs, has helped the company maintain steady growth and appeal to a wide range of buyers.
Third place went to XPeng, which sold 506 vehicles across three models. Known for its focus on smart driving systems and in-car technology, XPeng continues to attract tech-oriented consumers, reinforcing the perception of Chinese EVs as not only affordable but also innovation-driven.
Chinese Brands Control 85% of Israel’s EV Market
In total, 3,972 electric vehicles were sold in Israel in January. Of these, 3,394 units — roughly 85% — were manufactured by Chinese automakers. This overwhelming share underscores the dominant role Chinese companies now play in Israel’s EV ecosystem.
Several factors are contributing to this trend:
- Competitive pricing compared with European, Japanese, and South Korean alternatives
- Rapid product rollout, with frequent model updates and new launches
- Advanced battery technology and improving driving range
- Strong local partnerships with Israeli importers and distributors
Together, these advantages have allowed Chinese brands to gain market share at a pace unmatched by other global competitors.
Leadership Extends Beyond Electric Vehicles
Chinese automakers also led Israel’s overall auto market, which includes gasoline-powered and hybrid vehicles. In January, Chinese brands sold 15,438 vehicles in total, significantly outperforming rivals.
By comparison, South Korean automakers sold 8,521 vehicles, while Japanese brands recorded 4,675 sales during the same period. The figures highlight a broader shift in Israel’s automotive market, where Chinese manufacturers are no longer confined to the EV niche but are becoming dominant players across multiple vehicle segments.
A Signal of China’s Growing Global EV Influence
The January sales results in Israel reflect a wider global trend: Chinese automakers are rapidly expanding their footprint in overseas markets. Israel’s high EV adoption rate, supportive infrastructure, and openness to new brands make it a strategic entry point for Chinese manufacturers targeting international growth.
As competition intensifies and more models enter the market in 2025, industry observers expect Chinese EV brands to further consolidate their position in Israel — and potentially use this success as a springboard for expansion across other Middle Eastern and European markets.
Overall, January’s data confirms that Chinese electric vehicles are no longer emerging contenders, but established leaders in one of the region’s most dynamic auto markets.
