Imported Chinese electric cars will remain “cheaper” than European models despite the surcharge, according to Ffauve

Chinese electric cars imported into Europe will remain “cheaper” that European models despite the European surcharge assures Pascal Hureau, president of the French Federation of Electric Vehicle User Associations (Ffauve), guest of franceinfo Saturday October 5. He questions the effectiveness of this “half measure” of the European Union not enough “aggressive”, according to him, to defend the European automobile industry and its 14 million jobs, against the Chinese competitor boosted by massive public subsidies.

The Chinese models are “currently 20 to 40% cheaper than European models”explains Pascal Hureau, who emphasizes that the European surcharge will not reach 35% for all Chinese vehicles. Only “7.8% for Tesla, 17% for BYD, 18.8% for Geely”lists the president of the Ffauve who regrets the lack of ambition compared to the 100% tax imposed by countries like the United States and India.

This surcharge imposed on Chinese electric cars imported into the EU, voted on Friday by the EU, must come into force at the end of October. Despite more expensive Chinese cars, Pascal Hureau “don’t think” that this will slow down the shift towards electric. The objective of selling 100% new electric cars in 2035 is tenable, according to him, “because the EU is holding on, because manufacturers have made so many investments that they will not go back.” But to achieve this objective, Pascal Hureau calls on manufacturers to work on “smaller, cheaper models” and bring out “the second-hand market”.