When the European Union last year imposed steep tariffs on electric cars made in China, it looked like a serious setback for BYD and other Chinese automakers.

But the Chinese companies were not so easily discouraged. They pivoted to hybrids or gasoline-powered cars that were exempt from tariffs. They began importing less-expensive models. And they concentrated on countries like Italy and Spain, where German and French carmakers are less entrenched than in Northern Europe.

Despite the tariffs, which are as high as 35 percent for certain companies, Chinese brands doubled their share of the European car market in April from a year earlier, according to registration data compiled by JATO Dynamics, a research firm. It was a potent demonstration of the flexibility and manufacturing prowess of BYD, Geely, Chery, SAIC and other Chinese manufacturers.

“These big, huge companies in China, they have the possibility of doing whatever they want,” said Pier Giacomo Cappella, managing director of a chain of dealerships in Italy that sells DR brand cars manufactured by Chery.

Some Chinese automakers design and produce new models in just six months, said Mr. Cappella, who also sells German brands including Porsche and Audi. “The Germans, they take at least two years.”

The DR models at one of his showrooms in Rome include a diesel off-road vehicle called the ICH-X K2. It strongly resembles a four-door Jeep Wrangler but, at 51,500 euros, or about $60,000, costs $10,000 less.