# Should we Import Chinese Electric Vehicles? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [October 9, 2024, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-import-chinese-electric-vehicles/1008622 "2024-10-09T23:56:51Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![DeadTreasSecretaries](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/deadtreassecretaries/32/4817_2.png) [@DeadTreasSecretaries](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DeadTreasSecretaries)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2024, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-import-chinese-electric-vehicles/1008622/81 "2024-10-10T22:53:18Z")
I mean if this is really true, then no need for any kind of restriction on cheap chinese EVs because no one in the US will buy them anyway. The cheapest EVs you can get new in the US market are a little under 30k. Even given the tax rebates you can get a new gas car for 5k cheaper. This may very well still be more expensive over the life of the vehicle (although that involves a ton of unknown for the consumer) but either way it’s a completely different equation than being able to buy an EV for under 20k. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Strangelove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.strangelove/32/6613_2.png) [@Dr.Strangelove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Strangelove)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2024, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-import-chinese-electric-vehicles/1008622/82 "2024-10-10T23:19:49Z")
> [@DeadTreasSecretaries](#): > > I mean if this is really true, then no need for any kind of restriction on cheap chinese EVs because no one in the US will buy them anyway. China has plenty of nice, long-range EVs. I agree that the tiny ones are probably not a threat–and in any case, the really tiny ones wouldn’t even be legal to sell here. But US automakers perceive a threat from their higher-end models as well and are likely to lobby against them. I don’t think anyone, China or otherwise, is yet building 300 mile, $20k EVs. Hopefully soon–batteries continue to come down in price. But it’s not quite there yet. ---
**Author:** ![DeadTreasSecretaries](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/deadtreassecretaries/32/4817_2.png) [@DeadTreasSecretaries](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DeadTreasSecretaries)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2024, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-import-chinese-electric-vehicles/1008622/83 "2024-10-10T23:27:05Z")
> [@Dr.Strangelove](#): > > I don’t think anyone, China or otherwise, is yet building 300 mile, $20k EVs. Hopefully soon–batteries continue to come down in price. But it’s not quite there yet. I agree but if Chinese companies can sell lower range EVs at sub 20k I think a lot of consumers are going to jump at that and it’s not really comparable to the current offerings from companies that are selling in the US now, that are near 30k and middling it with around 200 or fewer miles of range. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2024, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-import-chinese-electric-vehicles/1008622/84 "2024-10-10T23:30:02Z")
Actually, I don’t think _anyone_ is selling ICE or electric cars in the US for less than $20,000. ---
**Author:** ![snowthx](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowthx/32/10660_2.png) [@snowthx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowthx)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2024, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-import-chinese-electric-vehicles/1008622/85 "2024-10-10T23:30:10Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > You don’t think that the Chinese manufacturers will move on to designing and selling large vehicles for the US market just as the Japanese and Korean manufacturers did? Sure, but when that happens you add tariffs to those vehicles. ---
**Author:** ![DeadTreasSecretaries](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/deadtreassecretaries/32/4817_2.png) [@DeadTreasSecretaries](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DeadTreasSecretaries)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2024, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-import-chinese-electric-vehicles/1008622/86 "2024-10-10T23:31:30Z")
[Looks like a few are around 19k](https://www.cars.com/articles/here-are-the-10-cheapest-new-cars-you-can-buy-right-now-421309/) ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Strangelove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.strangelove/32/6613_2.png) [@Dr.Strangelove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Strangelove)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2024, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-import-chinese-electric-vehicles/1008622/87 "2024-10-10T23:34:15Z")
Well, two. One if you include the destination charge. And you’ll probably never find them on a dealer lot anywhere since they’re the ultra base models. If $20k is the bottom of the barrel, obviously the vast majority of people are paying much more. The median new car price is \>$45k. But probably 95% of people are paying \>$25k at least. ---
**Author:** ![penultima\_thule](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/penultima_thule/32/3833_2.png) [@penultima\_thule](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/penultima_thule)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2024, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-import-chinese-electric-vehicles/1008622/88 "2024-10-11T00:13:02Z")
> [@snowthx](#): > > Sure, but when that happens you add tariffs to those vehicles. Remind me, how did that work out for the US when the Japanese and Korean manufacturers started designing and selling large vehicles for the US market? ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2024, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-import-chinese-electric-vehicles/1008622/89 "2024-10-11T00:21:51Z")
Pretty good. List of Foreign auto manufacturing locations in the US: This list is 7 years old: **Toyota (Japanese)** - Georgetown, KY - Camry, Avalon, Lexus ES350 - San Antonio, TX - Tacoma, Tundra - Blue Springs, MS - Corolla - Princeton, IN - Sienna, Highlander, Sequoia **Nissan (Japanese)** - Canton, MS - Altima, Titan, Frontier, Murano, NV - Smyrna, TN - Altima, Maxima, Rogue, Leaf, Pathfinder, Infiniti QX60 **Honda (Japanese)** - Greensburg, IN - CR-V, Civic - East Liberty, OH - CR-V, Acura MDX, Acura RDX - Marysville, OH - Accord, Acura TLX, Acura NSX, Acura ILX - Lincoln, AL - Pilot, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura MDX **Subaru (Japanese)** - Lafayette, IN - Legacy, Outback, Impreza **Volkswagen (German)** - Chattanooga, TN - Passat, Atlas **BMW (German)** - Greer, SC - X3, X4, X5, X6 **Daimler (German)** - Vance, AL - Mercedes-Benz M/GLE, Mercedes-Benz GLS, Mercedes-Benz C - Ladson, SC - Mercedes-Benz Metris, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter **Hyundai (South Korean)** - Montgomery, AL - Sonata, Santa Fe, Elantra **Kia (South Korean)** - West Point, GA - Optima, Sorento **Fiat Chrysler (Italian)** - Belvidere, IL - Jeep Cherokee - Detroit, MI - Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Durango - Toledo, OH - Jeep Wrangler - Warren, MI - Ram 1500 ---
**Author:** ![Capn\_Carl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/838e76/32.png) [@Capn\_Carl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capn_Carl)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2024, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-import-chinese-electric-vehicles/1008622/90 "2024-10-11T00:46:22Z")
Couldn’t you just have a single 120v outlet at each parking spot, connected to its own breaker? That would add about 15 miles of range to a typical EV, Overnight. No coordination needed. Also, apartment parking need not supply 100% of every tenant’s driving electricity. They typically supply 0% of tenant’s gasoline. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2024, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-import-chinese-electric-vehicles/1008622/91 "2024-10-11T00:58:45Z")
The building would need to be wired for and supplied with enough power to handle all those outlets in use all at once at 15A each all night every night. That’s the obstacle. Who pays for the electricity is immaterial to the process. That much spare capacity is simply not installed in ordinary buildings. And so would need to be retrofitted. That’s a large capital cost. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2024, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-import-chinese-electric-vehicles/1008622/92 "2024-10-11T01:09:04Z")
> [@Capn\_Carl](#): > > Couldn’t you just have a single 120v outlet at each parking spot, connected to its own breaker? That would add about 15 miles of range to a typical EV, Overnight. No coordination needed. OK, who pays for the installation? Installing those at 20 parking spots is going to require either overhead wires or tearing up/re-doing the parking lot - who pays for that? The maintenance? Repairs for any damages? How is the power metered? If the parking is assigned and the tenant has an account for that outlet how do you keep other people from making you pay for their charge? Or do you have to swipe a debit/credit card? If so, what’s the security on that? How do you prevent the installation of skimmers? Because these things would be out in the open at my location, vulnerable to vandalism and scams. > [@Capn\_Carl](#): > > Also, apartment parking need not supply 100% of every tenant’s driving electricity. They typically supply 0% of tenant’s gasoline. The difference is that there is a gas station a half a block away from where I park at night where I can top off my fuel in under 10 minutes, my car doesn’t have to be connected to a pump for 8 hours to refuel. Also, if my car is somehow completely out of gas I can get my 5 gallon gas can out of the trunk of my car, _walk_ to the service station, fill up the can, walk back to the car, and fuel it. I can’t pour an electrical charge into a can and transport it on foot. Electrical service requires infrastructure that someone has to pay for, one way or another. It is completely cost-prohibitive for someone at my income level to pay for the installation. The landlord has no motivation to pay for it, either. > [@LSLGuy](#): > > The building would need to be wired for and supplied with enough power to handle all those outlets in use all at once at 15A each all night every night. That’s the obstacle. Who pays for the electricity is immaterial to the process. > > That much spare capacity is simply not installed in ordinary buildings. And so would need to be retrofitted. That’s a large capital cost. ^ This. Frankly, although my building has some robust circuit breakers (yes, I’ve looked at the electrical for my unit) and modern code outlets, including GFCI’s, it is not wired for 21st Century gadget/gizmo quantities Which is why I can’t run my microwave oven and my electric kettle at the same time without tripping a breaker. There is not enough capacity from the grid to this building to do what is proposed without completely re-wiring everything. Again - the tenants don’t have the money. Even if they did, many have no intention of being here long term and thus have zero incentive to make capital improvements. That leaves the landlord/owner - for whom this is an irrelevant issue and for whom there is no incentive to sink that much money into this property. If for some reason they did in order to recoup the cost they’d have to substantially raise the rent… which would price most of us out of this building. So… great, you’ve rewired the building for EV’s but now 50 people can’t afford to live there and are now homeless. Which means they really have no place to charge an EV. I don’t really have an answer for this. I don’t think anyone does. If you do please share it with the rest of the world. ---
**Author:** ![mixdenny](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mixdenny/32/2962_2.png) [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2024, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-import-chinese-electric-vehicles/1008622/93 "2024-10-11T01:16:07Z")
> [@snowthx](#): > > I guess what I am asking is how serious we are about global manmade climate change Seriously? When a huge percentage of vehicles on the road are large SUVs and pickup trucks? We are not in the slightest bit serious. ---
**Author:** ![DeadTreasSecretaries](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/deadtreassecretaries/32/4817_2.png) [@DeadTreasSecretaries](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DeadTreasSecretaries)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2024, 2:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-import-chinese-electric-vehicles/1008622/94 "2024-10-11T02:01:21Z")
We would obviously need the entire grid to be massively scaled up, but private actors aren’t going to build the infrastructure if the demand for it isn’t there and people aren’t going to buy EVs where there isn’t enough infrastructure for them. At the current rate there is a gradual adoption and maybe we just wake up in 20 years and there are EVs and chargers everywhere. Alternatively there could be more overt government action to take on essentially all the costs of these upgrades. ---
**Author:** ![snowthx](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowthx/32/10660_2.png) [@snowthx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowthx)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2024, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-import-chinese-electric-vehicles/1008622/95 "2024-10-11T03:05:44Z")
Here’s a question: if the US is worried about Chinese-installed malware on Chinese-made EVs, why are we not also worried about this with Chinese-made smart phones? ---
**Author:** ![Great\_Antibob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47c2d/32.png) [@Great\_Antibob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Great_Antibob)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2024, 3:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-import-chinese-electric-vehicles/1008622/96 "2024-10-11T03:27:18Z")
To a fair extent, some are concerned about smartphones as well, but there’s not much market penetration on those and there are functional alternatives from more mainstream manufacturers at similar prices. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2024, 5:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-import-chinese-electric-vehicles/1008622/97 "2024-10-11T05:36:33Z")
The smartphones are Chinese _made_ but designed by American companies using American chips. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Strangelove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.strangelove/32/6613_2.png) [@Dr.Strangelove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Strangelove)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2024, 5:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-import-chinese-electric-vehicles/1008622/98 "2024-10-11T05:38:26Z")
With Israeli explosives! ---
**Author:** ![DPRK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4491bb/32.png) [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2024, 10:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-import-chinese-electric-vehicles/1008622/99 "2024-10-11T10:37:07Z")
> [@mixdenny](#): > > > [@snowthx](#): > > > > I guess what I am asking is how serious we are about global manmade climate change > > Seriously? When a huge percentage of vehicles on the road are large SUVs and pickup trucks? We are not in the slightest bit serious. Others have already made this point, but if they were even semi-serious they would make it prohibitive for people to drive private vehicles at all; definitely not get more/cheaper cars and enable people to plug them in. ---
**Author:** ![CaveMike](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cavemike/32/16379_2.png) [@CaveMike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CaveMike)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2024, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-import-chinese-electric-vehicles/1008622/100 "2024-10-11T14:52:25Z")
> [@snowthx](#): > > why are we not also worried about this with Chinese-made smart phones? We are – Huawei and ZTE are banned from US markets for security reasons. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-import-chinese-electric-vehicles/1008622.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-import-chinese-electric-vehicles/1008622.md?page=6)