Sooren Moosavy, a 28-year-old from Baltimore, wants to buy an affordable electric vehicle (EV) in the US. His interest stems from environmental concerns and a preference for the smoother driving experience EVs offer. However, his search has led him to three models that are essentially unavailable in the US because they are manufactured by Chinese automakers, according to Reuters.

"I would love the opportunity to own or test drive one", Moosavy said, explaining that he narrowed his wishlist to three models from BYD, Geely, and Zeekr due to their compact size, luxurious interiors, and, most importantly, their price.

Moosavy is not alone. As the average price of a new car in the US approaches 50,000 USD, more car buyers are willing to consider cheaper Chinese vehicles. This trend persists despite opposition from the automotive industry and both major US political parties. While Chinese automobiles are common on highways in Europe, Latin America, and even Canada, the US government has restricted their import with tariffs exceeding 100%, citing concerns about data security and protecting American jobs.

The BYD Atto 3, available in the UK from Q1 this year. *Autocar*

In markets like Europe, some Chinese electric vehicle models sell for under 30,000 USD. These vehicles often include amenities such as advanced driver assistance software, integrated mini-refrigerators, and even karaoke options.

"The technology they offer at that lower price point is incredible", said Clint Simone, a senior editor at the car sales website Edmunds, who test drove several Chinese vehicles at the CES trade show earlier this year.

China has surpassed Japan in recent years to become the world's leading automobile exporter. Canada is the latest country to open its market to Chinese automobiles, agreeing to reduce tariffs to 6,1% for an initial quota of 49,000 electric vehicles per year. Automobiles are also being exported in large numbers to Mexico, where Chinese automakers are scouting locations to build factories.

US President Donald Trump reiterated in a january appearance in Detroit that he is willing to allow Chinese automakers to open factories in the US, provided they use American labor.

However, earlier this month, major automotive trade groups sent letters urging the US government to prevent Chinese automakers from entering the US market, citing competitiveness concerns. Republican Senator Bernie Moreno of Ohio stated in january at an event at a Ford Motor factory that "as long as I breathe, no Chinese cars will be sold in the US".

Nevertheless, consumers still have some concerns about allowing Chinese automobile imports, including issues of data privacy and protecting US businesses, according to survey results from Harris Poll and Cox.

Rhett Ricart, an automobile dealer in Ohio who sells multiple brands including Ford, Chevrolet, and Hyundai, expressed no doubt that customers would immediately buy Chinese models if they were available for sale.

He and other dealers do not wish for this to happen, according to a recent Cox Automotive survey. The survey found that only 15% of dealers support Chinese automobile brands entering the US market, and only 26% believe they would comply with US safety standards.

Failure to meet US safety standards is one reason why Chinese electric vehicles cannot be permanently owned in the US.

But these obstacles do not dampen enthusiasm. The Cox survey polled 802 US consumers planning to buy an automobile in the next two years. Nearly half – 49% – rated Chinese automobiles as very good or excellent value, and 40% said they support the idea of Chinese automobile brands in the US market.

Rich Benoit, a car enthusiast whose YouTube videos reviewing Chinese models attract millions of views, said the most appealing aspect is the price. "That's what many people are looking for: fuel efficiency, smooth operation, and a low price. They want to get to work – not everyone is a car enthusiast", he said.

He is considering buying a BYD in Mexico and driving it across the border.

"That's the only way to get one. They've been selling in Mexico for years. I want to own a Chinese electric vehicle in the US", Benoit stated.

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