As part of the seventh inter-governmental consultation between China and Germany, Chinese Premier Li Qiang has been meeting with his German peers in Berlin.

‌While Germany's coalition government views Beijing with more caution than its predecessor under Angela Merkel did, the two countries are forging ahead economically, particularly in the area of electric vehicle development.

‌China is the largest single market for Germany's well established automotive sector, providing reputable names like BMW with huge opportunities for growth.

The German automotive powerhouse says sales of its EV models within China are more than tripling year-on-year. It recently announced that production of its new model EV cars called Neue Klasse will begin in Shanyang in 2026.

‌At the same time, Europe is becoming a hugely attractive market for Chinese EV manufacturers as it grows into the world's second-largest and fastest-growing EV market after China.

‌Chinese brands such as BYD, NIO and Great Wall Motors have all opened offices in Europe to better service the market.

‌Last year, Chinese battery-powered EVs made up less than 10 percent of all EVs sold in Europe – but studies suggest that is expected to rise to 15 percent in just two years.

‌Affordability, range of models and supply are attributed as reasons for this rise.

‌"When we compare to what we would see as our closest competitor, they are usually about 10 percent more expensive," says Alex Klose, Vice President for Overseas at Ai-ways, a Chinese EV manufacturer with offices in Munich Germany.

‌He says the availability of Chinese brands in the European market has helped boost demand.

‌"The Chinese cars have helped because they have filled some of the gaps in the markets and have been able to deliver some vehicles that weren't there in the European market so far," said Klose.

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‌At a recent trade show in Munich, Gresgying, one of China's top producers of public fast charging stations, showcased its latest models adapted for the European market.

‌"The European market doesn't have so many users yet; electric cars, electric buses, trucks, construction machinery," points out Sissi Gas, Gresgying Sales Director.

‌"We have all this data from the Chinese market, which makes us more experienced in this public charging sector. So for Gresgying, it's our mission to provide a competitive product with high quality to the European market to speed up their e-mobility development."

‌The European Union's decision to ban the sale of new fossil-fuel cars from 2035 is expected to drive up EV demand sharply in the coming years and China is ready to help support this fast-moving growth.

‌Klose says the experience the Chinese have in the field already, coupled with strict EU regulations, will help advance the industry.

‌"These are fully engineered cars and very well-built cars," says Klose, pointing to Ai-ways' newly released U6. "There are regulations in Europe which you have to fulfil and the German market is actually a very, very demanding market.

"Just like German manufacturers have been able to enter into the Chinese market, you'll have the same thing likewise happen over here to actually improve the total situation of battery electric vehicles around the world."

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