Affordable Chinese EVs draw interest from some U.S. car buyers.

Some U.S. buyers say they want lower-priced electric cars made in China, but high U.S. tariffs and concerns about data security and jobs have kept those models largely unavailable.

Some U.S. car buyers are interested in lower-cost electric vehicles made in China but cannot easily buy them in the United States. A 28-year-old Baltimore resident, Sooren Moosavy, told Reuters he narrowed his wish list to models from BYD, Geely and Zeekr because of their compact size, plush interiors and price. Chinese-made EVs sell in Europe, Latin America, Canada and Mexico, often at prices under $30,000. The U.S. has effectively barred most Chinese cars with tariffs exceeding 100%, citing data security and the need to protect American jobs. Current details: - Sooren Moosavy has a short list of BYD, Geely and Zeekr models and said he would like an opportunity to test-drive them, reported by Reuters. - The average price of a new car in the U.S. is reported as approaching $50,000. - U.S. measures include tariffs above 100% on many Chinese-made cars, and officials have cited data security and protecting American jobs as reasons for restrictions. - China has become the world’s top vehicle exporter, surpassing Japan, and Chinese automakers export to markets including Mexico and Canada. - Canada agreed to cut tariffs to 6.1% on an initial allowance of 49,000 Chinese EVs annually, according to reports. - Major U.S. auto trade groups submitted a letter urging the U.S. government to keep Chinese carmakers out of the country, and some U.S. politicians publicly opposed their entry; China’s embassy in Washington rejected those criticisms, saying Chinese-made cars are popular because of quality and innovation. Summary: Interest in lower-priced Chinese EVs highlights a gap between what some buyers want and current U.S. policy. Trade measures, industry lobbying and political positions will influence whether those vehicles reach U.S. showrooms. Undetermined at this time.