Connect with us

Published

1 year ago

on

China US EVs

China has filed a formal complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) against the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), claiming its subsidy policies discriminate against foreign automakers and disrupt the global goal of expediting EV adoption while distorting fair competition. A spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Commerce spoke to reporters and shared the details behind the filing.

Suppose you’ve read any of our stories covering the EV sector in China; it’s hard to argue that the country is hands down the global leader in technology and adoption. Having dove head first into developing and implementing New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) well before more legacy automakers in the US and Europe, China has been able to deliver EVs across all segments that are now highly affordable.

Much of that success came from subsidies from the Chinese government for automakers developing the technology and local consumers adopting it, which has worked quite well. Having a lead on the rest of the global market, we’ve seen Chinese automakers expand the reach of their portfolios to new markets across Asia, Europe, and South America.

The response has been a mixed bag so far. Brand recognition and trust remain a massive hurdle for Chinese brands, especially in Europe, where companies like Volkswagen AG and Mercedes still have a significant foothold. However, it’s hard not to be enticed by the range, performance, and, in many cases, luxury of EVs making their way overseas from automakers like NIO, XPeng, and BYD. Still, some governments in the EU are weary of Chinese EVs entering local markets and are trying to slow things down with tariffs.

One market these Chinese brands have yet to touch is the US, whose own local automakers (aside from trailblazers like Tesla, Rivian, and Lucid), are backtracking on EV commitments, leaving a huge gap for EVs made in China to fill. However, the Inflation Reduction Act signed by the Biden Administration promotes local manufacturing – great for the US economy long-term as automakers set up production facilities in North America , but frustrating to some right now if you already have quality products on sale.

Whether US customers opt for EVs made in China is tough to say, but the country believes its products can help expedite adoption and tackle climate change more quickly… as long as the US government shares some of those subsidies that currently only apply to a mere handful of vehicles.

China US EVs
BYD EVs – a popular Chinese brand that could one day find success in the US / Source: BYD

China calls US EV subsidies unfair to fight climate change

China has officially filed a complaint to the World Trade Organization targeting the US’ Inflation Reduction Act, and a spokesperson for the country’s Ministry of Commerce spoke to reporters about the lawsuit and why it feels it was necessary at this point.

China filed a dispute settlement mechanism with the WTO on March 26, 2024, specifically targeting EV vehicle subsidies and other measures enacted into law in the US under the Inflation Reduction Act. Here’s the official statement:

In the name of ‘coping with climate change’ and ‘low-carbon environmental protection,’ the United States introduced the ‘Inflation Reduction Act’ and its implementation details, using products from specific regions such as the United States as a prerequisite for subsidies, and formulated discriminatory subsidy policies for new energy vehicles, etc., and included China. The exclusion of products from other WTO members has distorted fair competition, seriously disrupted the global new energy vehicle industry chain and supply chain, and violated WTO rules such as national treatment and most-favored-nation treatment. China firmly opposes this.

Furthermore, the spokesperson explained that as part of the filing with the WTO, China is imploring the US to play fair and follow the organization’s trade rules, citing the need for more EVs more quickly to battle the ever-looming issue of climate change. Per the report:

China firmly defends the rules-based multilateral trading system and respects the legitimate rights of WTO members to implement industrial subsidies within the framework of rules and promote their own economic and social development. We urge the United States to abide by WTO rules, respect the development trend of the global new energy vehicle industry, promptly correct discriminatory industrial policies, and maintain the stability of the global new energy vehicle industry chain and supply chain.

What do we think? Should EVs made in China be allowed in the US without hefty tariffs? What if those brands build them in North America?

Electrek’s take

Chinese EVs are a very polarizing topic in the global industry. I cover the beat closely, from new models launching seemingly every day overseas, to the expansions to new markets by some of the more prominent brands looking to become global household names, alongside the likes of Tesla and BMW.

I can understand why people, especially governments, might oppose the competition, but it’s hard to justify depriving consumers of Chinese EVs when other automakers aren’t delivering. Even worse, many are backtracking on their plans to deliver “x” amount of EVs by the end of the decade.

I genuinely support the IRA and want to see more local EV builds from all automakers, limit supply chains, create more jobs, and relinquish dependency on other countries for materials and other components. The IRA should do that, but it will take time as all these foreign automakers scramble to move EV and battery production to the continent to become compliant.

At the same time, the main goal is not to sell more cool cars to people but to reduce the number of combustion vehicles on roads around the globe as quickly as possible. To do that, EVs made in China are an incredible option that deserves consideration, whether in the US, Europe, or elsewhere.

China is currently selling compact EVs that cost the equivalent of $14,000. I implore you to find a brand new BEV in the US for under $30,000, even $40,000. Why not at least try to work together to bring affordable EVs to the masses? Even if it merely fills the market gap for the next 5-6 years while the rest of the industry catches up, consumers, and more importantly, mother nature, could benefit.

Don’t get it twisted; I’m not pro-China. I want to see US consumers buying EVs from all automakers that give back to the US economy. Still, it’s hard to argue that the US needs to block out quality EVs made in China that are available to drive today when its local automakers are giving us far too few products to consider, especially those not in the price range for many consumers.

From the perspective of mere technology and scaled production enabling affordability, China is hands down the global leader, and it would be nice if US consumers could be able to take advantage of at least some of those products because many of them are simply better than what legacy automakers are putting out today. After all, China had a head start.

I know global trade is a lot more complicated than what I’m suggesting, and it can’t all be singing “kumbaya” around the fire. Still, I can daydream about a future in which trade talks focus on the environment and EV adoption, where there’s a way brands in China can sell their EVs in the US while stimulating both economies. That’s more realistically more of a pipe dream, though.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Environment

Jackery cuts Explorer 5000 Plus offers to new lows from $2,483, Lectric XP 3.0 e-bike bundles up to $365 off, Anker SOLIX C1000, more

Published

11 mins ago

on

April 24, 2025

By

Jackery cuts Explorer 5000 Plus offers to new lows from ,483, Lectric XP 3.0 e-bike bundles up to 5 off, Anker SOLIX C1000, more

Today’s Green Deals are being led by a surprise Earth Day Sale changeup from Jackery, with the brand increasing savings on its latest Explorer 5000 Plus offers that are seeing a bunch of new low prices starting from $2,483, but they’ll be ending tomorrow night. We also have new Lectric deals taking up to $365 off XP 3.0 e-bike bundles starting from $999, as well as Anker’s SOLIX C1000 Portable Power Station down at $449 with some additional bundle options. Lastly, we spotted the latest generation of Greenworks’ Pro 3,000 PSI Electric Pressure Washer hitting a new $349 low, but only through the rest of the day. Plus, all the other hangover Green Deals are in the links at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s new Heybike Hauler e-bike low, the multi-day EcoFlow flash offers, and more.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

Jackery increases savings on its modular Explorer 5000 Plus offers at new lows starting from $2,483

Looking back in on Jackery’s ongoing Earth Day sale through April 25, we spotted notable price cuts across the brand’s Explorer 5000 Plus offers, starting with the power station on its own for $2,483.10 shipped, after using the promo code EARTH10 at checkout for an additional 10% off. Normally going for $3,499 at full outside of discounts, we saw it spend most of the sale’s length at the former $2,849 low with the additional 5% savings from before. Now, you’re looking at savings increasing to 29% off, giving you $1,016 in total savings at a new all-time low. Head below to learn more about this model and check out the other low prices on its bundle options. It’s also beating out its Amazon pricing, where it’s still sitting at $2,999.

The latest release from Jackery, the Explorer 5000 Plus is the brand’s largest modular backup power solution, starting with a 5,040Wh LiFePO4 capacity that can be expanded up as high as 60,000Wh. Through its 12 output ports, it can deliver up to 7,200W of power that can double to 14,400W when connected to a second power station unit – plus, it comes rated for 4,000 life cycles, meaning you can completely discharge and “recharge it every day for nearly 11 years.”

Advertisement – scroll for more content

Jackery’s Explorer 5000 Plus comes ready to cover load demands of 120V and 240V devices alike (while also extending this versatility to solar charging for better compatibility with panels that use a MC4 connector), including the batteries in your RV and EV too, making it quite the option for folks who want a plug-and-play option that they can rely on at home while also taking it out of the house on trips. Along with the ChargeShield 2.0 protections, it also comes fireproof, shockproof, and is rated with an IPX4 water-resistant rating. You can get the full rundown on its many other capabilities in our original launch coverage here.

***Note: The extra 10% off discount has not been factored into the prices below – be sure to use the code EARTH10 at checkout for the maximum savings!

Jackery’s Earth Day Explorer 5000 plus deals:

Be sure to check out the full lineup of Jackery’s Earth Day Sale while the savings last through April 25, complete with bonus savings.

Lectric XP 3.0 e-bike

Lectric Lightning Deals hit XP 3.0 e-bikes with up to $365 in free gear for outdoor ventures starting from $999

Lectric has continued many of its Earth Day e-bike bundle prices while switching things up with Lightning Deals on its XP 3.0 e-bikes that are getting increased bundles with up to $365 in free gear. You’ll find the Standard models now getting $310 bundles at $999 shipped alongside the Long-Range models getting $365 bundles at $1,199 shipped. These packages would normally cost you $1,309 and $1,564, respectively. These may not be the largest bundles we’ve seen before, but they are continuing the recent trend of gearing you up with cargo-capable add-ons for greater versatility during your outdoor ventures through spring and summer. Head below to learn more about these e-bikes and the included bundles you’ll be getting when purchasing them while these deals remain.

The best-selling e-bikes in America, Lectric’s XP 3.0 e-bikes offer durability and reliability while keeping down at extremely affordable rates. The frame provides folding capabilities for easier storage and transport when not in use, with a 500W hub motor that peaks at 1,000W and can top out at either 20 or 28 MPH speeds, depending on your state’s laws. Your decision on which to buy will largely fall on how far you want it to carry you, as the Standard models provide up to 45 miles of travel with PAS activated, while the Long-Range models take things further for up to 65 miles.

There are throttles on all the models for when you want to cruise off pure electric power, though this will decrease your travel range. They also come stocked with an integrated rear cargo rack (which the basket attaches to), puncture-resistant tires, 180mm hydraulic disc brakes, and an LCD display. Of course, don’t forget about the free gear you’ll be getting, with the Standard models coming with steel-encased front and rear cargo baskets, rear-view mirrors, a phone mount, an accordion-style bike lock, and a bottle holder. The Long-Range models are getting the same cargo package, a wide comfort saddle, a phone mount, a 35L water-resistant soft cooler, and a water-resistant pannier bag.

The e-bike pricing on the brand’s other e-bike bundles have remained the same, which you can browse in full in our original sale coverage here.

Anker SOLIX C1000 Portable Power Station

Score Anker’s SOLIX C1000 1,056Wh LiFePO4 power station with $550 in savings at $449

By way of its official Amazon storefront, Anker is offering its SOLIX C1000 Portable Power Station at $449 shipped, with the price undercutting its direct flash sale pricing by $100. This model normally sits at a full $999 price tag, though we’ve been more recently seeing it start at Amazon from $799. While we have seen it go $20 low before – last time being at the top of February – it’s been spending the last two months mostly dropping to either $499 or this same rate we’re seeing today. You’ll be scoring a 55% markdown off its MSRP while this deal lasts, giving you $550 in savings at the second-lowest price we have tracked.

Anker’s SOLIX C1000 power station makes a great camping companion for those who want a little more battery size from the camping-oriented C800 models, especially considering it’s beating those smaller models’ pricing, which starts from $499. It provides you with a 1,056Wh LiFePO4 capacity (with a bundle option below that will double that amount) alongside up to 1,800W of steady power output through its 11 port options that can surge to 2,400W for larger appliance needs. You can refill the battery to 80% in just 43 minutes when plugged into a wall outlet, though this does only account for the station alone and not any expanded setup. There’s also a 600W maximum solar input that you can take advantage of to refill the entire battery in 1.8 hours with ideal sunny conditions.

We’re seeing two discounted bundle options right now from Amazon that you can take advantage of, with the first giving you the power station and a 200W solar panel for $699 shipped, down from $1,299. As mentioned before, you could also score the station with an expansion battery to reach a 2,112Wh capacity for $869 shipped, bringing the costs significantly far from its $1,798 MSRP.

Greenworks Pro 3,000 PSI Electric Pressure Washer

Greenworks’ latest pro-tier 3,000 PSI electric pressure washer at new $349 low (Today only)

As part of its Deals of the Day, Best Buy is offering the best price yet on the newest generation of Greenworks’ Pro 3,000 PSI Electric Pressure Washer for $349 shipped. Carrying a $450 price tag outside of discounts, we’ve seen three previous drops to $360 over at Amazon, which is currently out of stock. For the rest of the day, though, you can get a better-than-ever $101 markdown that drops costs to the lowest price we have tracked. This deal is also beating out the direct Greenworks website, where stock has also run out, making this the best place to score it to cover your outdoor cleaning needs through the months ahead.

Housed within a heavy-duty steel frame, this generation’s pro-tier model adds a foldable design over its predecessor for easier storage and transport when not in use. The 14A TruBrushless motor maxes out at 3,000 PSI for your cleaning needs, with a 1.1 to 2.0 GPM flow rate as it goes. Like its previous model, you’ll also find an onboard one-gallon detergent tank here, as well as a bunch of included accessories for wider versatility, including five nozzles, 25 feet of kink-resistant hose, and a durable quick-connect metal wand/gun.

Best Spring EV deals!

Best new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

You won’t believe the repair cost of this Tesla Cybertruck after a crash with a compact sedan

Published

55 mins ago

on

April 24, 2025

By

You won't believe the repair cost of this Tesla Cybertruck after a crash with a compact sedan

Tesla Cybertruck damage

A compact car crashed into a parked Tesla Cybertruck, messing with the electric truck’s rear suspension. The experience of trying to repair the truck was so complicated and costly that it ended up as a salvage.

The Cybertruck introduces several innovations, including its partially 48-volt electronic architecture, drive-by-wire steering, and stainless steel exterior.

However, innovations in the auto industry often come with higher or unpredictable repair costs.

Edmunds found out the hard way.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

The publication bought a Cybertruck last year for long-term testing, but they disclosed this week that the truck was involved in an accident in December.

A “compact sedan” crashed into the rear wheel and bumper area on the driver’s side of the Cybertruck while it was parked. As you can see from the picture above, the damage didn’t look too bad, as you would expect for a 6,000-lb truck after an impact from a much smaller sedan.

However, before they knew it, the Cybertruck was totaled.

First off, Edmunds had to go to a Tesla Collision Center that can work on the Cybertruck and there are only two around Los Angeles, where they are based.

The first one said that it would take a month before they could estimate the repair, and another 6 months to start the repairs.

The second center, located in Ontario, California, also stated that there is a one-month wait to receive an estimate, but repairs can begin immediately after that.

Edmunds decided to go with the Tesla Collision Center in Ontario, but the repair never happened since the total cost was estimated at over $57,000.

Here’s the breakdown of repairs that the Cybertruck needed:

  • Stripes and moldings: $619
  • Motors and components: $4,191 (including $3,000 for an EV drive unit)
  • Motor mounts: $77
  • Wheels and parts: $1,758
  • Steering: $2,040
  • Rear suspension: $9,149 (including $2,500 for a new suspension crossmember)
  • Cab and components: $3,800 (including $3,240 for a high-strength steel frame)
  • Bed: $8,762.79 (including $1,595 for the outer panel, $4,280 for the aluminum rear section and $1,055 for the bed floor)
  • Tailgate: $2,495
  • Rear bumper: $2,417.73
  • Rear body, lamps and floor plan: $1,668.50 (including $800 for the inner taillamp assembly)
  • Miscellaneous parts: $357.22
  • Other parts: $5
  • Paint and materials: $610
  • Tax on parts and materials: $3,320.65
  • Labor: $16,584
  • Sublet repairs: $25

Needless to say, the truck was declared totaled, and it just fetched $8,000 on a salvage car auction site.

Electrek’s Take

Holy moly! That’s insane. The suspension getting screwed from the vehicle smashing directly into the rear wheel I get. That could have happened with any truck, and sure, you’d be looking at over $10,000 in damages easily.

However, $9,000 to fix the bed, $2,500 to fix the rear bumper, and $2,500 to fix the bumper, and that’s just in parts before the $16,500 of labor overall, is nuts and doesn’t scream “heavy duty” and “apocalypse proof” truck.

The Cybertruck was supposed to be a rugged, stainless steel truck that you wouldn’t mind getting dinged and scratched. I think it will be challenging to justify this with $57,000 in damages for a relatively mild crash.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

Amazon and Nvidia say AI data center demand is not slowing down

Published

1 hour ago

on

April 24, 2025

By

Amazon and Nvidia say AI data center demand is not slowing down

An Amazon Web Services data center in Stone Ridge, Virginia, on July 28, 2024.

Nathan Howard | Bloomberg | Getty Images

OKLAHOMA CITY — Amazon and Nvidia executives said Thursday that the construction of artificial intelligence data centers is not slowing down, as recession fears have some investors questioning whether tech companies will pull back on some of their plans.

“There’s been really no significant change,” Kevin Miller, Amazon’s vice president of global data centers, said at a conference organized by the Hamm Institute for American Energy. “We continue to see very strong demand, and we’re looking both in the next couple years as well as long term and seeing the numbers only going up.”

The comments run contrary to worrying buzz building on Wall Street about tech companies changing data center buildout plans. Wells Fargo analysts said Monday that Amazon Web Services is pausing some leases on data center commitments, citing industry sources. The magnitude of the pause was unclear, the analysts said, but the comments raised fears that Amazon was doing something similar to Microsoft’s recent move to pull back on some early stage projects.

Miller said “there’s been little tea leaf reading and extrapolating to strange results” about Amazon’s plans.

Nvidia is also not seeing signs of a slowdown, said Josh Parker, the chipmaker’s senior director of corporate sustainability.

“We haven’t seen a pullback,” Parker said. China’s artificial intelligence startup DeepSeek sparked a sell-off in power stocks earlier this year as investors worried that its artificial intelligence model is more efficient and data centers might need as much energy as originally anticipated.

But Parker said Nvidia sees compute and energy demand only rising due to AI, describing the reaction to DeepSeek as “kneejerk.” Anthropic co-founder Jack Clark said 50 gigawatts of new power capacity will be needed by 2027 to support AI. That is the equivalent of about 50 new nuclear plants.

“Anthropic and the other AI companies, what we’re seeing is tremendous growth in the need for new baseload power. We’re seeing unprecedented growth,” Clark said.

The executives were speaking at a gathering of tech and energy companies at a conference in Oklahoma City organized by the Hamm Institute to discuss how the U.S. can address the growing energy needs for AI. There is a growing consensus in both industries that natural gas will be needed to meet the power needs.

Don’t miss these insights from CNBC PRO

Continue Reading

Trending