Motoring experts urge UK not to follow ‘disappointing’ EU ruling on Chinese EVs
The EU has decided to introduce hefty tariffs on electric car owners with specialists calling for the UK to not follow suit.
Experts have demanded the UK does not follow the European Union’s decision to slap hefty tariffs on Chinese electric cars which would have a major impact on buyers.
Ian Plummer, commercial director at AutoTrader, the leading marketplace for new and used cars, admitted it was “disappointing” the EU had decided to slap tariffs on vehicles produced in China after weeks of threats.
However, he admits a similar rule in the UK will “limit options for consumers” and keep prices high.
He claims that “open competition” among firms would help remove the “green premium” and encourage drivers to take up electric models.
The UK has yet to decide whether it will issue tariffs on Chinese vehicles which are expected to massively undercut EVs on sale from traditional manufacturers.
Ian explained: “The European Union’s decision to impose tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles is disappointing, and we hope the UK isn’t tempted to take similar action.
"UK drivers already face a lack of affordable choices when it comes to electric cars, so it doesn’t make sense for us to limit those options even further for consumers.
“We need to bring more buyers into the market by cutting down the 'green premium' which means EVs are usually 35 percent more expensive than diesel or petrol cars.
“We'll only do that with open competition to foster innovation, not by reducing choice for consumers.”
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The EU has confirmed Chinese manufacturers will have to pay tariffs of almost 50 percent when selling vehicles in member states.
The European Commission said it will provisionally apply extra duties of between 17 and 38 percent on imported cars from next month.
This is on top of the existing 10 percent tariffs already in place for firms to contend with.
The EU claimed that the EV supply chain was “heavily subsidised in China” which could be a threat to the industry.
Some models from Chinese brands such as BYD are set to hit the market for under £10,000 making them more affordable than traditional European manufacturers.
New affordable electric cars are often between £25,000 and £30,000 meaning Chinese brands will offer major discounts.
Ian added: “Chinese entrants are already partnering with UK retailers to deliver a quality, affordable product and they will have an important role to play in the UK’s ongoing transition to electric vehicles.”
