Chinese EVs hit with EU probe after massive surge of cheap electric vehicle imports
The European Union launched an investigation over Chinese EV subsidies as the global markets are “now flooded with cheaper electric cars.” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen revealed the probe Wednesday, claiming Chinese EV makers benefit from state subsidies.
The EU probe could lead to potential tariffs, which would likely have significant impacts on the market and Chinese EV makers.
“Global markets are now flooded with cheaper electric cars.” the EU Commission chief said in her annual speech to the European Parliament. “And their price is kept artificially low by huge state subsidies.”
The move comes as electric vehicle imports from China continue gaining momentum in the region.
China’s largest EV makers, like BYD, NIO, and XPeng, are launching models designed for the European market. And so far, it’s working.
New Energy Vehicle (NEV) exports from China rose 63.6% through the first seven months of the year, according to data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM).
The European expansion was evident at the IAA Mobility show in Munich, with Chinese EV makers doubling their presence compared to 2021. EV leaders, including BYD and SAIC’s MG, unveiled impressive all-electric models aimed at the EU market.
BYD showcased six EVs, including the SEAL electric sedan and SEAL U, designed for European customers. The BYD Seal starts at 45,000 euros (about $48,000) with up to 570 km (354 mi) range.
NIO also launched its ET5 Touring this summer, its first electric station wagon, designed to rival German automakers including Porsche and BMW.
EU probes Chinese EVs over state subsidies
With new models like the SEAL and ET5 Touring rolling out with competitive pricing and often better technology, mass-market automakers like Volkswagen and Stellantis are feeling the pressure.
According to Jato Dynamics (via Reuters), the average retail price of Chinese EVs in Germany was 29% lower than non-Chinese models, excluding incentives and discounts.
The EU is already moving toward a clear future. As part of its Green Deal, the EU approved a law banning the sale of new ICE passenger cars from 2035. The move has accelerated EV sales in the region, but there are concerns over China’s economic practices.
The probe comes as the EU looks to avoid repeating what happened with the solar industry when cheaper Chinese imports squeezed many manufacturers out of the market.
If the EU decides to slap tariffs on Chinese EVs, it would have broader impacts, including brands that build cars in China, such as Tesla, Volvo, Polestar, Renault, and BMW.
The Commission will have up to 13 months to decide to implement tariffs above the 10% standard rate.
Shares of Chinese EV makers, including NIO, Xpeng, and BYD, were down in Wednesday’s trading session following the news.
Electrek’s Take
Although the EU is looking to protect its auto industry from being overtaken by cheaper Chinese EVs, a tariff may have significant impacts on the market.
For one, automakers in Germany rely heavily on China to drive sales revenue. Volkswagen has generated nearly half of its revenue from China, but the automaker is losing out to domestic EV makers as the EV transition heats up.
BYD surpassed VW as China’s top-selling car brand for the first time earlier this year. Meanwhile, Volkswagen has already slashed prices in the region in a bid to even the playing field, but how long can this go on?
Europe’s largest automaker also recently made several partnerships in the region to advance its position, including a $700 million investment into XPeng.
The biggest issue facing the EU is that many of these Chinese EVs are built better with superior technology and designs. While many European automakers delayed the transition to electric, EV makers like BYD and NIO took advantage of it, accelerating development and production.
NIO’s CEO William Li warned about the possibility of “protectionist policies” in April due to their cost advantages.
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Japanese equipment giant Komatsu dropped its new, 320-ton Power Agnostic 930E mining truck at MinsExpo trade show in Las Vegas, calling it a future-ready solution that can run on diesel, hydrogen, or pure electric power.
Komatsu continues to develop alternative engine technology with the release of its first commercial rigid-frame dump truck with a “power agnostic” platform for running on diesel, hydrogen, or even battery electric power.
That’s because the platform is designed around the concept of a modular powertrain. The design not only gives the Komatsu assembly line an easy way to build diesel, BEV, and hydrogen fuel cell rigid haulers on the same line, but also enables customers to upgrade from diesel to battery electric or hydrogen down the road, if and when whatever logistical obstacles that are preventing them from running an electric or hydrogen solution today are overcome.
“This platform enables mining companies to start with conventional diesel engines and gradually transition to cleaner energy sources as needed, including utilization of trolley assist for diesel or as one of the future dynamic charging solutions for battery trucks to reduce fuel consumption and emissions,” reads Komatsu’s press material. “Whether adopting battery technology, hydrogen fuel cell technology or a combination of energy systems, the Power Agnostic 930E provides the infrastructure and adaptability necessary to meet evolving sustainability goals.”
Potential customers got a sneak peek at the concept truck, which they were apparently allowed to test at Komatsu’s Arizona proving grounds ahead of MineExpo (I wasn’t invited). The first pre-production Power Agnostic 930E prototype will make its way to Sweden in the coming months, where it will be put to work alongside other electric Komatsu machines in Boliden’s Aitik copper mine, one of the largest such operations on the European continent.
Electrek’s Take
Converting gas and diesel-fueled cars to electric at scale is a concept that’s fraught with problems. Far too many to list here, in fact. But heavy equipment?
Everything from excavators to loaders to heavy trucks are already built to be powertrain agnostic, and manufacturers will often offer the same basic vehicle with Cummins, Detroit Diesel, or Volvo Pentapower, so there’s a degree of openness baked into those systems already. Komatsu is just taking that to the next level by adding a modularity of energy storage (fuel tanks, hydrogen cells, or battery packs) to the mix. And, if the project is successful, it could be the first of many.
SOURCE | IMAGES: Komatsu; Equipment World.
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isinwheel’s terrific personal EVs “bring all the things you want closer to you.” Whether it’s an electric scooter, an e-bike, or an e-skateboard, the three things you’re guaranteed to get no matter which you choose are fun, safety, and affordability.
We’re taking a closer look below at six of isinwheel’s personal EVs – could one of these be your next electric ride?
Table of contents
isinwheel S9Pro commuting electric scooter
Meet the isinwheel S9Pro, the best value-for-money electric scooter that zips you through your day at speeds up to 19 mph with a range of 19 miles – perfect for your daily commute.
The S9Pro‘s powerful 350W motor delivers a smooth, efficient ride without breaking the bank. With a lightweight, foldable aluminum frame, it’s easy to carry, store, and even pop into your car trunk or onto public transport. Plus, the quick one-step folding mechanism makes it the ultimate on-the-go companion.
You can find the S9Pro on Amazon here.
isinwheel S10Max long-range electric scooter
The isinwheel S10Max is your ultimate high-performance ride, powered by a beastly 1000W motor that conquers any terrain with ease. With an impressive range of up to 37 miles, you can enjoy long-distance adventures without worrying about recharging.
The S10Max‘s all-terrain 10-inch off-road tires, paired with dual shock absorption, provide unbeatable grip and stability whether you’re cruising through city streets, on country paths, or on muddy trails.
You can find the S10Max on Amazon here.
isinwheel GT2 off-road electric scooter
Unleash your adventurous side with the isinwheel GT2. With a powerful 1000W motor, it rockets up to 28 mph, effortlessly conquering steep hills and challenging landscapes for a thrilling ride every time.
Its 11-inch off-road tires are built for all terrains, whether you’re cruising through the city or tackling rugged countryside paths. Plus, with four advanced shock absorbers, every ride is smooth and stable, no matter where your journey takes you. Get ready to ride the GT2 and experience performance like never before!
You can find the GT2 on Amazon here.
isinwheel M10 electric commuter bike
The isinwheel M10 electric commuter bike blends style with power. Crafted from lightweight, rust-resistant aluminum alloy, this sleek ride weighs just 47 pounds, making it easy to carry and tough enough to last.
With a professional 35-speed transmission, the M10 adapts to your every need, whether you’re accelerating, cruising downhill, or conquering steep inclines. With a 500W motor capacity, a top speed of 20 mph, 374 Wh battery capacity, and four hours of charging time, it’s the perfect blend of performance and convenience for your daily commute!
You can find the M10 on Amazon here.
isinwheel U1 folding electric bike
Say hello to the versatile isinwheel U1! With folding handlebars, pedals, and a height-adjustable seat, it’s perfect for easy storage and transport. The U1’s 500W motor comes with a smart chip that instantly adapts to give you that extra boost when you hit an incline, face a headwind, or carry more weight.
The U1 has a top speed of 18 mph, 280 Wh of battery capacity, and three hours of charging time. Whether you’re zipping through city streets or tackling hills, the U1 has you covered with power and portability.
You can find the U1 on Amazon here.
Check out isinwheel’s V8, V6 and V10 electric skateboards
The isinwheel V8 electric skateboard is your ticket to thrilling rides, featuring a top speed of 28 mph and a range of up to 12 miles. Its removable, detachable batteries allow for quick swaps, so you can extend your adventure with ease. Choose from four riding modes and let the gorgeous ambient lights make you stand out, whether you’re cruising in daylight or lighting up the night. With its powerful dual 540W motors and regenerative braking system, the V8 delivers a ride that’s as exhilarating as it is stylish.
The V8 is isinwheel’s first-gen electric skateboard, and we’ve also taken it to the next level. The V6 is perfect for teens and beginners, and the high-performance V10 is for those who crave more power. But we’re not stopping there – this September, we’re launching the V6 PRO, the ultimate cool ride for young skaters and newbies. Stay tuned; it’s going to be epic!
You can find the V8/V6/V10 on Amazon here.
Follow isinwheel on Instagram here, on X here, on YouTube here, and on Facebook here.
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It’s no Ferrari, but owning a sporty little Fiat 500e is about as close to putting a cavallino rampante in the garage as most of us will ever get. And if we act soon, we could do just that for 30% less money than before.
Fiat parent company Stellantis is giving dealers the ability to offer buyers up to $3,000 in coupons and incentives to help move its slow-selling 2024 FIAT 500e coupes. When paired with a $7,500 factory lease credit through Stellantis Financial, those coupons lead CarsDirect analysts to call the 500e one of the most affordable new EVs on the market.
The math maths
Between coupons and Stellantis Financial cash, that’s $10,500 in potential discounts before negotiations even begin. With a base MSRP of $34,095 with destination for a 2024 500e, that’s a JC Penney-style 31% off, with an additional 2% (presumably) within easy reach.
According to CarsDirect, the biggest downside of the coupon program is that it’s still unadvertised, which means there’s no way of telling how much of the allowable discount dealers are actually including in prices. But (as GI Joe taught us) knowing is half the battle, so click here to find deals on a new Fiat 500e near you, and make “are you applying those $3,000 in Stellantis coupons” one of your first questions.
Electrek’s Take
Small cars have never sold well in America. Not even great ones like the OG Honda CRX or Suzuki Swift GTi. Americans tend to buy for low use case scenarios, which is a fancy way of saying that, if an American thinks they’ll need a pickup 2-3 days/year, they’ll convince themselves to drive a pickup for the other 362 days. The British want more taxes than Americans wanted to pay in 1775, and today we have more gun shops than McDonald’s … just in case.
The little Fiat, in other words, was never going to be a volume player in the US. And that’s too bad, because the little 117 hp microcar is, by all accounts, fun to drive, zippy, and unquestionably cool. The media at large, though, has complained about the 37 kWh battery and 149 miles of EPA range – calling both “inadequate,” despite the fact that the first-generation Nissan LEAF had objectively inferior specs and sold 200,000 examples before getting its first significant upgrade in 2016. And, frankly, that Nissan had about as much style as a hospital gown.
So, while it may not offer what most car buyers think they need – as a second car, or a fun, urban runabout for lighthearted singles, the little Fiat is tough to beat (especially in red).
Click here to see what it will cost to put one in your garage.
SOURCE | IMAGES: Stellantis, via CarsDirect.
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