Ultra-cheap Chinese electric cars priced around $10,000 are not expected to reach the United States, even though they’re common on China’s home turf. Analysts point to several reasons why that price simply doesn’t translate to the U.S. market.The biggest lever is government support. Chinese automaker BYD has received more than $3.7 billion in subsidies, which helps keep models like the Seagull sharply priced. The U.S. offers no comparable support for these imports, and existing trade measures only widen the gap: Chinese EVs face a 100% import duty, effectively doubling their price before they even leave the port.Safety requirements add another layer. Engineers at Caresoft Global estimate the Seagull would need upgrades to meet U.S. standards, tacking on about $2,000 to the cost.Then come the practicalities: shipping, establishing a dealer network, and marketing all push expenses higher. Even after those adjustments, small cars with modest range are a tough pitch in a market where shoppers gravitate to crossovers and pickups. It’s hard to imagine buyers rushing to trade space and versatility for a discount alone.Against that backdrop, the most affordable models from domestic brands remain the more pragmatic choice for American buyers.
