Fuel economy of Chinese cars: how much is really spent on petrol stations?

Fuel efficiency in Chinese cars is becoming an important criterion for Russian drivers in 2025, especially given rising petrol and diesel prices. Brands such as Chery, Geely and BYD promise impressive fuel consumption figures, but real-world data often differs from that stated by manufacturers. In this article, we will analyse how fuel-efficient Chinese cars are in practice, what factors influence consumption, and how much you will have to spend on fuel in different operating conditions.

How is fuel economy measured in Chinese cars?

Fuel economy in Chinese cars is usually stated by manufacturers in litres per 100 kilometres (l/100 km) under combined driving conditions. For example, the Geely Coolray with a 1.5L engine claims consumption of 6.9 l/100 km, while the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro with a 1.6L engine claims around 7.2 l/100 km. These figures are based on ideal conditions — smooth roads and moderate temperatures.

However, the real consumption depends on driving style, road conditions and climate. In Russia, where winters are harsh and roads are often worn, the fuel efficiency of Chinese cars may be lower than the stated values. Moreover, electric vehicles, such as the BYD Han, are measured in kilowatt-hours per 100 km, which adds complexity when comparing.

Factors affecting fuel consumption in Chinese-made cars

Several factors affect the fuel economy of Chinese cars. Firstly, driving style plays a key role. Aggressive acceleration and frequent braking increase consumption. For example, a Geely Atlas with an automatic gearbox can consume up to 10 L/100 km in the city when driven dynamically, although the stated figure is 7.5 L/100 km.

Secondly, climatic conditions significantly alter the picture. In winter, the engine works harder to heat the interior, which increases consumption by 1–2 L/100 km. For example, owners of Chery Tiggo 8 Pro in Siberia note that at -20°C, consumption increases to 9 L/100 km. Furthermore, road quality and traffic jams in cities like Moscow also increase fuel costs.

Real Fuel Consumption of Popular Models

Fuel efficiency among Chinese cars varies depending on the model and engine. The Geely Coolray, with its 1.5L turbo engine, shows a real-world consumption of 7.5–8.5 L/100 km in the city and 6.5 L/100 km on the open road. The Chery Tiggo 7 Pro, with its 1.6L engine, consumes 7.8–9 L/100 km in traffic and 6.8 L/100 km on the motorway.

Electric vehicles, such as the BYD Han, claim a consumption of 18 kWh/100 km, which, at an electricity price of £0.05 per kWh, will cost approximately £0.90 per 100 km. However, in winter this figure can increase to 25 kWh/100 km due to battery heating. This data shows that the fuel efficiency of Chinese cars depends on operating conditions.

Fuel costs: calculations for different models

To calculate refuelling costs, it's important to consider the price of fuel. In 2025, the average price of AI-95 petrol in Russia is £0.60 per litre. For a Geely Coolray with a consumption of 8 L/100 km, refuelling for 100 km will cost £4.80. With a monthly mileage of 1000 km, this is approximately £48.00.

The Chery Tiggo 7 Pro, consuming 9 l/100km, will require £5.40 per 100km or £54.00 a month for the same mileage. The BYD Han electric vehicle, consuming 25 kWh/100km in winter, will cost around £1.25 per 100km, or £12.50 per month. Thus, the fuel efficiency of Chinese cars can be advantageous, especially for electric vehicles.

Comparison with competitors

When comparing the fuel efficiency of Chinese cars with Japanese or European models, the difference is noticeable. The Toyota Corolla with a 1.6L engine delivers 6.5–7.5 L/100 km, which is slightly better than the Geely Coolray (7.5–8.5 L/100 km). The Hyundai Tucson with a 2.0L engine consumes 8–9 L/100 km, which is comparable to the Chery Tiggo 7.

However, Chinese cars win on price. A Geely Atlas for 2.5 million roubles with a consumption of 7.5 l/100 km is cheaper than a Volkswagen Tiguan for 3.5 million with similar consumption. This makes the fuel efficiency of Chinese cars attractive to budget buyers.

The Impact of Winter and Traffic Jams on Fuel Consumption

Winter operation of Chinese cars significantly increases fuel consumption. For example, a Geely Monjaro with all-wheel drive can consume up to 10L/100km at -20°C due to the operation of heaters and increased resistance. Owners note that pre-start heating helps to reduce consumption by 0.5–1L/100km.

City traffic congestion also impacts the fuel efficiency of Chinese cars. In Moscow, a Chery Tiggo 8 Pro can consume up to 11 L/100 km during rush hour, which is almost 2–3 L more than the claimed figure. These factors are important to consider when planning a refuelling budget.

Electric Vehicles and their Fuel Efficiency

Electric vehicles, such as the BYD Han and BYD Song Plus, offer the unique fuel efficiency of Chinese cars. The stated consumption of 18 kWh/100 km in summer can increase to 25 kWh/100 km in winter, which is due to the use of energy for heating. At a price of £0.05 per kWh, this increases the cost from £0.90 to £1.25 per 100 km.

However, access to charging stations remains a problem. In regions such as Siberia, the lack of infrastructure forces BYD Han owners to use petrol generators, which reduces fuel efficiency. Consequently, the fuel efficiency of Chinese cars is region-dependent.

Owner Reviews and Real-World Experiences

Owner reviews confirm that the fuel efficiency of Chinese cars varies. A Geely Coolray owner in St Petersburg noted consumption of 8 L/100 km in the city and 6.5 L/100 km on the motorway, which is close to the official figures. Another Chery Tiggo 7 Pro driver in Yekaterinburg reported consumption of 9.5 L/100 km in winter, which is higher than normal due to heating.

Electric cars also receive mixed reviews. A BYD Han owner in Moscow praises the savings of 1,000 rubles a month compared to petrol cars but complains about losing charge in freezing temperatures. These examples show that real-world consumption depends on the conditions.

How to reduce fuel costs?

To improve the fuel economy of Chinese cars, follow these tips:

• Use a smooth driving style, avoiding sharp accelerations.
• Maintain tyre pressures at the recommended level.
• Install winter tyres to reduce resistance.
• For electric vehicles, plan routes with accessible charging stations.
• Regularly service the engine and filters.

For example, for the Geely Atlas, setting the tyre pressure to 2.5 bar can reduce consumption by 0.5 l/100 km.

Prospects and Development

By 2030, the fuel economy of Chinese cars may improve thanks to hybrid and electric technologies. BYD plans to increase the share of electric vehicles to 50% of its production, which will reduce dependence on petrol. Geely is also working on hybrid systems, promising consumption below 5 l/100 km.

In Russia, the growth in charging infrastructure and subsidies for electric vehicles could make the fuel efficiency of Chinese cars even more attractive. This is especially true for cities where traffic congestions increase fuel costs.

Outcomes: How much is really spent on fuel?

The fuel efficiency of Chinese cars ranges from 6.5 to 11 L/100 km for petrol models and 18–25 kWh/100 km for electric vehicles, depending on the conditions. Refuelling costs amount to 4,800–5,400 roubles a month for the Geely Coolray and Chery Tiggo 7, and around 1,250 roubles for the BYD Han, assuming charging stations are available.

These cars offer a balance of price and economy, especially compared to competitors. However, in winter and traffic jams, costs rise, which requires planning. If you opt for a Chinese car, consider the region and driving style to minimise fuel costs.