The Chinese EV Sales Backfire That Was Too Obvious - CleanTechnica

The article discusses the unintended consequences of the European Union’s (EU) decision in June 2024 to impose high tariffs on fully electric vehicles (BEVs) produced in China, aiming to protect European automakers from competition. While the tariffs targeted Chinese BEVs, they did not apply to plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). This selective tariff approach has backfired, as Chinese automakers have significantly increased their overall EV sales in Europe, with a 93% rise reported within a year despite the tariffs. Chinese brands, such as BYD, have gained substantial market share, nearly matching Tesla’s presence in the European EV market. The article highlights that Chinese PHEVs, which were initially an afterthought for Chinese manufacturers focusing on BEVs, have become a competitive advantage due to the absence of tariffs on these vehicles. Chinese PHEVs outperform European counterparts in terms of price and specifications, driving rapid sales growth. The EU’s oversight in not imposing tariffs on PHEVs may