They’re called Utility Transport Vehicles and they’re priced in the $15k to $30k range. China subsidizes a lot of the manufacturing of electric vehicles and PV panels and still has a large advantage in labor costs over North American manufacturing of the same. There’s no realistic way to complete with those advantages. So the question becomes, should NAFTA members subsidize the same or should the North American population be given the benefit of Chinese subsidies in the form of cheap utility vehicles or do they protect the North American manufacturing industry by keeping high tarrifs in place?
Interesting. This one came up with that search, which even then seems a little too deluxe compared to what I had in mind, but it’s not too far off. The price on those are insane, all the things considered, especially since the actually good batteries cost an extra 5k over the base price.
I think part of the high cost may be due to these manufacturers targeting companies, not private individuals, but I can see how it would be difficult to compete with subsidies and slave wages regardless.
Personally I’d support subsidizing it, but I doubt that’ll happen.
Personally I’d support subsidizing it, but I doubt that’ll happen.
A lot of us in this community probably thinking the same thing. Unfortunately the subsidies in place are written for the benefit of the large manufacturers to sell SUV and Pickup EVs only.
The one you linked was started by a subsidiary of GM (hence the name GEM), but it has since been sold off.
