Today, no one in America can buy an electric vehicle made by a Chinese company. It’s unclear when these electric vehicles (EVs) will make their way to the US. However, the thought of affordable Chinese EVs is already causing worry in Detroit. The main concern comes from vehicles like the BYD Co.’s Seagull hatchback. This car stands out with its sharp design, a dashboard that mimics a seagull’s wing, and it comes equipped with six airbags. It also boasts a 10-inch touchscreen that rotates within its infotainment system. The slogan of BYD, “Build Your Dreams,” proudly adorns the back of the car.
The most striking feature of the car, however, is its price tag of $9,698. This price is significantly lower than the average American EV by over $50,000, costing only slightly more than a premium Vespa scooter. BYD’s competitive pricing strategy, which helped it overtake Tesla Inc. in late 2023 as the top electric vehicle producer worldwide, signals a potential shift. Chinese automakers might push US companies to start focusing on producing more affordable EVs for the average person, moving away from the trend of making expensive secondary vehicles for the wealthy.