Some US car buyers are jealous of the thing they can’t have – cheap Chinese EVs

Motivated by environmental concerns and preference for the smooth ride of an EV, Suren Mousavi wants to buy an affordable electric car in the US. But the 28-year-old Baltimore resident’s search brought him to three vehicles that are essentially unavailable — because they’re from Chinese automakers.

“I would love the opportunity to be able to buy or even test-drive one,” said Mousavi, who has narrowed his wish list down to three models from BYD, Geely and Zeekar, attracted by their compactness, plush interior and, above all, price.

Mousavi is not alone. As the average price of a new car in the US approaches US$50,000, the majority of the car-buying public is willing to buy cheaper Chinese cars, despite opposition from the industry and both major US political parties.

While Chinese autos run on the highways of Europe, Latin America and even Canada, the US government has effectively banned the cars with tariffs of more than 100 percent due to concerns over data security and the protection of American jobs.

In places like Europe, many Chinese EVs sell for less than US$30,000. Some of those cars include features like advanced driving assistance software, a built-in mini fridge and the option to sing karaoke with your fellow passengers.

“The amount of technology they offer for the low price tag was surprising,” said Clint Simon, senior features editor at car-shopping website Edmunds, who drove several Chinese vehicles at the CES trade show earlier this year.

Boom in China’s exports

China has overtaken Japan in recent years to become the world’s top vehicle exporter.

Canada has become the latest country to open its doors to cars, agreeing to cut tariffs by 6.1 per cent. Initial allowance of 49,000 Chinese EV annual.

The cars are already being exported extensively to Mexico, where Chinese automakers are eyeing factory space.

US President Donald Trump reiterated during an appearance in Detroit in January that he is receptive to Chinese automakers as long as they employ American workers. But earlier this month, major auto trade groups submitted a letter urging the U.S. government to keep Chinese carmakers out of the country, citing competition concerns.

Republican Senator Bernie Moreno of Ohio said at an event at a Ford motor plant in January that “as long as there is air in my body, there will be no Chinese vehicles sold in the United States.”

China’s Embassy in Washington has rejected criticism of automakers, saying Chinese-made cars are popular because of their quality and technological innovation.

The curious American consumer

According to survey results from The Harris Poll and Cox Show, consumers have some concerns about allowing Chinese car imports, including data security and the protection of American businesses.

Ohio car dealer Rhett Rickart, who sells brands including Ford, Chevrolet and Hyundai, said he has no doubt that customers will buy Chinese models when they become available.

He and other dealers don’t want that to happen, according to a recent Cox Automotive survey, which found that only 15 percent of dealers supported the entry of Chinese auto brands into the U.S., and only 26 percent were confident they would comply with U.S. safety standards.

Not meeting US safety standards is one reason why Chinese EVs still can’t be permanently owned in the US

But those obstacles haven’t quieted the discussion. The Cox survey surveyed 802 American consumers who expect to buy a car in the next two years. Nearly half – 49 percent – ​​rated Chinese cars as very good or excellent value, and 40 percent say they support the idea of ​​Chinese auto brands in the U.S. market.

Rich Benoit, a car enthusiast whose YouTube videos reviewing Chinese models receive millions of views, said the most attractive feature is the price. “That’s what a lot of people are looking for: efficient, quiet and low cost,” he said. “They want to go to work – not everyone is a car fan.”

He is considering buying a BYD model in Mexico and driving it across the border.

“That’s the only way to get one,” Benoit said. “They’ve been selling in Mexico for years… I want to own a Chinese EV in the US.”