China files lawsuit with World Trade Organization against US, citing ‘discriminatory policies’ for EVs in the IRA
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 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.
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InMotion, a well-known brand in the world of personal electric mobility, has officially launched its latest electric unicycle, the InMotion V9. Combining advanced technology and new safety features, the V9’s design positions this electric unicycle as a key option for urban commuters and adventure seekers alike who want good performance without spending a fortune.
Believe it or not, the electric unicycle market is quite broad. There are dozens of interesting models, offering everything from slow, beginner-friendly wheels to massively powerful and scary fast off-road electric unicycles (EUCs).
The new InMotion V9 launches as something of an in-between wheel, providing enough power and speed to keep it fun and interesting, yet without going so over-the-top that it becomes unaffordable or unapproachable by newer riders.
Priced at $1,299, the InMotion V9 is powered by a 1,000W motor that can reach peak outputs of 2,000W. This setup delivers a top speed of around 28 mph (45 km/h), positioning it well for urban streets and bike lanes, two of the most common stomping grounds for EUCs.
Range anxiety isn’t just a concern for cars; it can also affect micromobility riders. For its part, InMotion gave the V9 a fairly hefty 84V and 750Wh battery. This capacity allows the V9 to achieve up to 37 miles (60 km) per charge under optimal conditions. The UL-listed battery charges fairly quickly, reaching full capacity in approximately five hours.
One key feature of the V9 not found on most beginner-friendly wheels is its Nimbus Air suspension system, which provides 60 mm of travel to enhance rider comfort and reduce fatigue on uneven surfaces.
The included suspension is even more notable considering the V9 is currently InMotion’s lightest suspension-equipped electric unicycle, weighing around 48.5 lbs (22 kg). And speaking of weight, the EUC can support riders weighing up to 265 lbs (120 kg).
The InMotion V9 doesn’t skimp on smart features, either. Its integrated GPS tracking enables owners to remotely locate and monitor their unicycle via InMotion’s mobile app, even when powered off. Remote locking functionality further enhances security, ensuring peace of mind for riders frequently leaving their wheel unattended.
Additional smart integrations include customizable RGB side accent lights and built-in Bluetooth speakers, allowing riders to personalize their ride and stay entertained while commuting – or just keep cars and other road users more aware of their presence. The V9 also includes USB-A and USB-C ports with 20W output to ensure riders can conveniently charge their mobile devices while on the go.
Safety is always paramount in electric transportation devices, especially those that come with their own unique concerns like electric unicycles. The V9 has TÜV Rheinland UL2272 certification and “advanced fire-resistant technology” to mitigate risks further.
The InMotion V9 is now available for purchase through local InMotion dealers and via the official InMotion online store.
I don’t cover electric unicycles as often as e-bikes, scooters, and other micromobility devices, but not because they are less deserving. They’re certainly more niche, but I know that the EUC community is adamant about their advantages. And listen, I get it. They’re small and convenient to park or store inside, they don’t require much maintenance at all, and they’re pretty fun after you get the hang of them. An EUC can be intimidating at first, but once it clicks in your brain after a few learning sessions, riding one is a blast!
With the electric unicycle market continuing to gain traction, InMotion still faces competition from other premium brands. However, the V9’s comprehensive package of comfort, safety, and advanced smart features, combined with its competitive price point, should place it pretty well in the crowded landscape of personal electric transportation.
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Fremont, California-based Delta Electronics just rolled out a sleek new 50kW DC Wallbox charger that’s designed for tight spaces at ACT Expo 2025.
This charger packs a punch in a surprisingly slim, 10-inch-thick, and lightweight (just 225 pounds!) casing that can be wall-mounted or set up on a pedestal. It’s specifically designed for tight spaces like urban parking lots, busy corporate campuses, or crowded fleet operation hubs.
Delta plans to manufacture these 50kW DC Wallbox chargers in Plano, Texas, keeping it local and supporting the rapid EV infrastructure growth across North America.
A 50 kW charger is at the low end of Level 3 fast charging speed, because you don’t always need to charge your car in 25 minutes. It’s the ideal charging speed for shopping, lunch, or seeing a film. Eng Taing, Delta’s senior VP and GM of energy & telecom Infrastructure, says, “Our focus is on seamlessly integrating high efficiency charging into the diverse scenarios of everyday life, including commercial operations, not just maximizing power output.”
With a 97% efficiency rate, the Wallbox can juice up two EVs simultaneously using either CCS1 or NACS connectors. Plus, the 23-foot cable makes it easy to accommodate nearly any parking layout, eliminating headaches during installation.
Delta’s vertical integration approach means it handles everything from design to manufacturing. But it doesn’t stop at hardware; the charger also connects to Delta’s IoT platform, offering remote diagnostics, predictive maintenance, and over-the-air updates. That hopefully means fewer disruptions and smoother operations for fleet managers and EV users.
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More car buyers are hunting for used EVs – CarMax says searches filtered by “electric vehicle” have nearly doubled since January 2022.
CarMax saw EV searches surge in March 2022 and again in June 2024. The first spike lined up with the gas price shock after Russia invaded Ukraine, and the second came right as the Biden administration rolled out its $4,000 federal tax credit for used EVs.
The online used car marketplace’s Spring 2025 Electric Vehicle Consumer Report shows just how far used EV prices have tumbled, down over 40% between January 2022 and February 2025. By comparison, prices for gas cars, hybrids, and plug-in hybrids only slipped about 12% over the same period.
The top 10 most popular used EVs
For the third year running, the Tesla Model 3 and the Model Y were in the No. 1 and No. 2 slots, respectively, from September 1, 2024, to February 28, 2025. The Chevy Bolt jumped into third place from its previous spot at No. 7 in 2024 and 2023. The Ford F-150 Lightning (7) and the Rivian R1T (10) made the top 10 for the first time, while the Tesla Model S and the Audi e-tron dropped out. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Nissan Leaf were at Nos. 5 and 6, and the Volkswagen ID.4 (4), Nissan LEAF (6), and the Ford Mustang Mach-E (9) made the list for the third year in a row.
What people are trading in
For the first time ever, more people are ditching sedans and coupes for EVs than SUVs. CarMax says sedans and coupes made up 44% of all EV trade-ins, up from 36% in 2024 and just 29% the year before. It’s a clear sign that the EV switch is picking up speed across more than just SUV drivers.
When customers traded in sedans for EVs during this report’s measurement period, the most common EVs they purchased were the Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model Y, and Chevy Bolt EUV.
The top traded-in model for an EV at CarMax was the Tesla Model 3, and those who traded in a Model 3 usually went for a Model Y. The rest of the top five include the Honda Civic and Accord, the Nissan LEAF, and the Toyota Prius. The Ford F-150 truck, the top trade-in alongside the Accord in the 2024 report, dropped off the list.
Where used EVs are most popular
Since this is CarMax’s report, it’s of course based on data sourced from its 250 stores across the US. In 2025, Oregon beat California to become the state with the highest percentage of EV sales compared to each state’s total sales at CarMax. California has previously held the top ranking since 2023.
The West Coast continued to dominate when it came to used EV sales. California and Washington were in second and third place, respectively. Nevada and Arizona were fourth and sixth, while Utah and New Mexico (new to the top 10 list this year) held spots five and seven. On the East Coast, New York (10) appeared on the list for a second time, dropping two spots from No. 8 in 2024.
The newcomers include Minnesota, which jumped 24 spots in a year to No. 8, and New Jersey, which moved up six slots to No. 9.
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