Will the new Trump tariffs on China increase electric bike prices?
With the flick of a Sharpie marker, new tariffs on goods imported from Canada, Mexico, and China were imposed this morning and will take effect next week on February 4, 2025. According to President Trump, the tariffs are intended “to protect Americans”, though nearly all economists agree that they will result in higher prices for consumer goods and increased inflation, devaluing the US dollar.
The Trump Administration’s new 25% tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico are larger than the 10% additional tariffs on Chinese goods, but the latter will have the biggest impact on the electric bicycle industry in the US.
Electric bicycles have grown in popularity among Americans over the last decade, offering an accessible and affordable alternative to cars and public transportation. They’ve also proven popular among recreational riders and those seeking the fun of fitness on an e-bike, which can be more enjoyable and last longer than leg-powered rides alone.
But now the US electric bike industry is bracing for potential price increases following President Trump’s new executive order imposing a 10% tariff on US imports from China. With the majority of electric bicycles and their components manufactured in China, the tariff is expected to impact both retailers and consumers, adding further strain to an industry still facing the cascading challenges of supply chain frustrations followed by overstock issues.
China dominates global e-bike production, supplying a significant portion of the US market with both complete electric bicycles and key components like motors, batteries, and controllers.
Industry estimates suggest that over 90% of e-bikes sold in the US are either fully assembled in China or contain Chinese-made parts, making them particularly vulnerable to new trade restrictions.
With an additional 10% import tariff coming into effect soon, US e-bike brands will either need to absorb the extra cost or pass it on to consumers, potentially leading to price increases across many popular models.
Make no mistake – these tariffs are not paid by Chinese exporters of electric bikes, but rather by the American companies that import them. That directly increases the cost of goods for US e-bike retailers, which usually results in increased prices.
Tariffs placed on Chinese goods, including electric bikes, are not a new phenomenon. The US e-bike industry has been navigating these tariffs since Trump’s first presidency, with those tariffs largely continuining throughout the Biden Administration from 2021 to 2025 as well, despite periods of tariff exemptions coming and going.
In the past few years, we’ve seen cases of the additional cost being passed on to consumers, but on rare occasions, we’ve also seen e-bike companies opt to absorb the increased cost and avoid raising prices.
With so much experience navigating the choppy waters of China tariffs over the last few years, many US e-bike companies have taken steps to mitigate the impact of new rounds of tariffs like these. Several major brands have been working to diversify their supply chains, moving production to other countries such as Taiwan, Cambodia, Vietnam, and other areas with favorable economic conditions or incentives.
However, shifting away from China is neither quick nor easy, as the country remains a dominant producer with established manufacturing infrastructure. E-bike importers will likely also consider applying for tariff exemptions, as was the case under previous trade restrictions. However, this is a complex and uncertain process, with no guarantees of whether or how long such exemptions could be granted.
The US has seen rapid growth in e-bike adoption, with many cities and states launching incentive programs to encourage e-bike use as a sustainable transportation alternative. Price increases caused by tariffs could slow adoption, particularly among budget-conscious consumers who rely on e-bikes as an affordable commuting solution.
As the new tariffs take effect, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers will surely be watching closely to see how the industry responds. Some companies may adjust pricing strategies, shift production, or lobby for relief, while consumers may face difficult choices between absorbing higher costs or delaying purchases.
The long-term impact of these tariffs remains uncertain, but for now, one thing is clear: some e-bikes in the US are about to get more expensive.
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Tesla is going to build a new Megafactory in Texas near Houston, according to a tax abatement agreement with Waller County.
At the time of writing, Tesla had yet to comment on the new project, but the Waller County Commissioners Court confirmed the project on Wednesday when they approved a tax abatement deal with the company:
Under the proposed agreement, Tesla will receive tax abatements from Waller County based on property improvements. The deal includes $44 million in facility improvements and $150 million in Tesla manufacturing equipment that Tesla will install. The next phase involves a new $31 million distribution facility with about $2 million in Tesla distribution equipment and building upgrades.
Tesla is going to take over a 1-million-sq-ft building that it already held the lease on at the Empire West industrial park near Katy, Texas – just outside of Houston.
Logistics company DB Schenker occupied the space where it handled parts for Tesla, but it will move out and Tesla plans to build Megapack production lines at the site:
Tesla will operate a new Megapack battery storage manufacturing facility at a 1 million-square-foot building, which was initially constructed with no tenant on speculation that it would attract jobs and economic development.
Tesla has previously referred to plants producing Megapacks as “Megafactory”. The company already operates one in Lathrop, California, and one in Shanghai, China, where it just started production.
Those factories are set up for a production capacity of 40 GWh worth of Megapacks per year.
It’s not clear if Tesla plans for a similar capacity at this new factory, but the county announced project should result in creating 1,500 jobs.
In addition to the existing building, the project will include the construction of an additional “600,000-square-foot distribution facility with some manufacturing capabilities.”
Unlike its automotive business, Tesla’s energy business has been growing at an impressive pace – although prices and margins have come down last year.
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![Is Genesis taking notes from Porsche? New GV60 Magma caught with the Taycan [Video]](https://i0.wp.com/electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/03/Genesis-GV60-Magma-Porsche-2.jpeg?resize=1200,628&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1)
Genesis is gearing up to unleash its alter ego with its upcoming Magma lineup, its debut into the world of high-performance luxury vehicles. First up is the Genesis GV60 Magma, due out later this year. As testing wraps up, the GV60 Magma was spotted alongside none other than the Porsche Taycan.
The first dedicated Genesis EV model, the GV60, will kick off another new chapter for the Korean luxury automaker.
Genesis unveiled the GV60 Magma last March, claiming it will kick off “the brand’s expansion into the realm of high-performance vehicles.” The performance EV includes an improved battery, chassis, and motor for added performance.
The Magma model boasts a wider, lower stance for more control. Other key upgrades include a wider front air intake to help cool the batteries, motor, and brakes. It also includes air curtains to maximize efficiency and an added roof fin channels air to the rear wing, generating downward force.
Genesis upgraded the interior to match the GV60 Magma’s luxurious, sporty design. It includes unique sports car-like bucket seats with exclusive “double-diamond stitching” in the Magma orange and titanium coloring.
Genesis GV60 Magma spotted with the Porsche Taycan
With its official debut coming up, the sporty Genesis GV60 Magma was spotted testing alongside a Porsche Taycan and Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6 N models.
Despite the camouflage, the video from CarSpyMedia reveals a few new design elements, like the two-line headlight featured on the updated GV60 model.
Genesis will launch the GV60 Magma later this year in its home market, followed by the US, Europe, and others. Production is scheduled to start in the third quarter of 2025.
Will the Genesis GV60 Magma keep up with the Porsche Taycan or Tesla Model S Plaid? Priced and specs will be revealed closer to launch, but it will sit above the Performance AWD trim, which starts at $69,900 in the US. With up to 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, it can hit 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds.
| Horsepower | 0 to 60 mph (seconds) |
Starting Price | |
| Genesis GV60 Performance | 429 | 3.7 | $69,900 |
| Genesis GV60 Magma | ? | ? | ? |
| Porsche Taycan | 402 | 4.5 | $99,400 |
| Porsche Taycan Turbo GT (with Weissach Package) |
1,092 | 2.1 | $230,000 |
| Tesla Model S Plaid | 1,020 | 1.99 | $89,990 |
In comparison, the Porsche Taycan starts at $99,400 with up to 402 hp and a 0 to 60 mph time in 4.5 seconds. The Taycan Turbo GT, equipped with its Weissach package, packs 1,092 hp for a 0 to 60 mph sprint in just 2.1 seconds, but it costs $230,000.
Tesla’s Model S Plaid starts at $79,990 and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds with 1,020 horsepower. Which performance EV are you choosing?
Source: CarSpyMedia
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