Survey Finds Rising Interest in Chinese EVs
A Chatham House survey across 33 countries found growing consumer willingness to buy Chinese-made electric vehicles and solar panels in several markets.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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Would you consider buying a Chinese-made electric vehicle or solar panels?
A Chatham House study conducted by GlobeScan found consumer likelihood to buy Chinese-made solar panels and electric vehicles rose in parts of Europe and Canada. Results were published November 6, 2026, based on online surveys of about 1,000 adults in each of 33 countries.
Why it matters
The shift suggests changing perceptions of China as a supplier of high-quality, low-cost clean technology, even as sentiment fell in some markets such as Saudi Arabia and Thailand. The energy shock linked to the US-Israel war on Iran and disruptions at global chokepoints may also be contributing factors.
The survey covered 32,106 respondents across 33 countries, with Germany showing a 13-point rise and Canada a 12-point rise in likelihood to buy Chinese EVs. Saudi Arabia recorded a 7-point decline in the same category over the past year.
The players
Chatham House
Chatham House is a London-based policy institute that commissioned the survey on consumer attitudes toward Chinese clean technology.
GlobeScan
GlobeScan is a global research firm that conducted the online surveys across the 33 countries included in the study.
The details
Chatham House commissioned the survey and GlobeScan conducted it in July and August 2026, with samples weighted to reflect general population census data. Results showed Canadian likelihood to buy Chinese solar panels rose 8 points, while Thailand's fell 7 points.
Timeline
July and August 2026: Online surveying conducted for the study.
November 6, 2026: Chatham House publishes the survey results.
2025 to 2026: Period over which year-over-year changes in purchase likelihood were measured.
Roadmap
The 2026 findings extend the year-over-year series from Chatham House's 2025 survey of consumer attitudes toward Chinese clean technology. They show that purchase sentiment for Chinese EVs is moving unevenly across markets, rising in Europe and Canada while declining in parts of the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
Consumers in the surveyed countries are weighing Chinese-made EVs and solar panels differently, and fewer respondents in most markets now cite cost as a barrier. Buyers considering these products may find that price and availability are becoming more relevant factors in their decisions.
The takeaway
Consumer views on Chinese clean technology are shifting unevenly, so prospective buyers in different countries may face different levels of acceptance and cost considerations. Tracking how these attitudes change over time can help readers understand broader market trends.
Further reading
For broader context on how these vehicles are reshaping the market, see Electric Vehicles.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Chatham House - International Affairs Think Tank.
Live Poll
Would you consider buying a Chinese-made electric vehicle or solar panels?
