Zac Quinn 
Pricing is a huge factor for almost anything, especially EVs, which are not exactly known for being affordable options. Not to mention the lack of a reliable charging infrastructure in the United States. However, it’s entirely possible that EVs could see a surge in sales in the near future as China aims to expand its offerings internationally. If pricing is lower than what American manufacturers are offering, well, it looks like Americans have a serious interest in purchasing a Chinese EV over one made in America.
According to a survey conducted by AlixPartners, 73% of Americans who participated said they would consider purchasing a Chinese BEV if the vehicle is priced 20% lower than a similar BEV from non-China manufacturers. That 20% difference is often the case in China right now, which makes sense. No one wants to pay excess when they can get something that does pretty much the same thing for cheaper, especially with the current state of things in the U.S.
The question probably didn’t ask people if they were concerned with the ethics of why some Chinese-built electric vehicles can be so easy on the wallet. These concerns include forced labor, exploitation of impoverished regions, and worker abuse.
By leveraging these *ahem* low-cost business practices, Chinese EV manufacturers are laying the groundwork for international expansion to markets including Germany, the U.S., and Japan. Among those surveyed, between 47% and 71% said they are aware of at least one Chinese brand, BYD leading the way. But even with the possibility of China offering cheaper BEV options within the United States, there will continue to be concerns about battery range and charging infrastructure which will be a limitation to people’s interest towards this alternative to gasoline.
All that said, both the Biden and Trump administrations have worked to keep Chinese automakers away from the United States market, which include new trade agreements like the USMCA, the Infrastructure Investment Jobs Act, CHIPS and Science Act, and Inflation Reduction Act. But the Chinese auto industry is smart, and has already found certain loopholes in some of these laws, with a “near-shoring” of manufacturing beginning to take place in Mexico.
