Buyers in Germany and Canada Warm to Chinese EVs
Consumers in several markets now say they are more likely to buy Chinese-made EVs and solar panels than a year ago.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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A Chatham House survey conducted with GlobeScan across 33 countries found consumers are more likely to buy Chinese-made electric vehicles and solar panels than a year earlier in several markets, including Germany, Canada and the Netherlands. Fewer consumers in most surveyed countries now cite cost as a barrier to solar and EVs.
Why it matters
For households weighing an EV or rooftop solar, the survey signals that Chinese-made options are gaining acceptance among buyers in major markets, which may widen the choice of products and price points. The survey points to an energy price shock tied to the US-Israel war on Iran and to China's reputation for high-quality, low-cost technology as possible reasons for the shift.
Germany saw the largest European rise in likelihood to buy a Chinese EV, up 13 percentage points year over year, while Canadian likelihood to buy Chinese-made EVs rose 12 points and Chinese-made solar panels rose 8 points. Saudi Arabia recorded a 7-point drop in Chinese EV purchase likelihood.
The players
Chatham House
A London-based policy institute whose research covers international affairs and energy transition topics.
GlobeScan
A global research firm that conducted the online consumer surveys for the Chatham House study.
The details
The study drew on representative online samples of about 1,000 adults in each of 33 countries, weighted to match general population census data. Researchers compared 2026 responses with 2025 results to track year-over-year changes in consumer purchase likelihood for Chinese clean technology. Results were published by Chatham House on November 6, 2026, and show a mix of rising interest in some markets and declining interest in others.
Timeline
Online surveying for the study was conducted in July and August 2026.
Chatham House published the survey results on November 6, 2026.
The Home Front
This shift in purchase intent sits against the 2025-to-2026 Chatham House tracking series, which now shows divergent moves across markets rather than a uniform trend. The reported energy price shock linked to the war on Iran is one of the factors the study cites as possibly driving renewed interest in EVs and rooftop solar.
If you are considering an EV or solar installation, compare Chinese-made options alongside established brands and check each product's warranty and service coverage. Solar installations should be scoped and wired by a licensed professional, and vehicle purchase or financing decisions should be reviewed with a licensed lender or advisor.
The takeaway
Stated interest in Chinese EVs and solar is rising in several markets, but cost and product trust still shape what buyers actually purchase. Keep the survey's year-over-year figures in mind when comparing options in your region.
Further reading
For context on how buyers are weighing options in this market, see Electric Vehicles coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Chatham House - International Affairs Think Tank.
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