Chinese electric cars should not be slapped with extra tariffs and made “more expensive”, according to a leading expert.
Thom Groot, CEO of The Electric Car Scheme stressed it was vital politicians “embraced” new technology which could help consumers save costs.
Many Chinese EVs are a lot cheaper than Western alternatives making it a genuine option for cash-strapped Britons desperate to switch.
However, there are fears that the threat of extra tariffs on Chinese cars due to possible security concerns could “punish” those less well-off.
Thom stressed officials should be “trying to reduce” the barrier to EV transition to get more people on side.
He said: “The latest report from the International Energy Agency makes it plain that we cannot hit our EV targets without the help of Chinese manufacturers.
“Fifty-seven percent of all new Battery Electric Vehicle registrations came from China, and yet there is significant pushback to allowing these vehicles into UK and European markets.
“If we are serious about hitting our 100 percent goal by 2035 and overall Net Zero ambitions, we should be embracing this technology input, not shying away from it.
“While there have been discussions around national security and cyber attacks involving Chinese EVs, tariffs, which punish less well-off consumers most, are patently not the answer.
“Our research shows that for 68 percent of people cost is the biggest barrier to getting an electric car, we should be trying to reduce the size of this barrier not maintain it.”
A new report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) has revealed the importance of Chinese models to the European EV market.
China exported over four million cars in 2023 meaning it became the largest auto exporter in the world.
It is understood that a staggering 1.2 million of these vehicles were classified as electric vehicles.
Car exports were almost 65 percent higher than in 2022 with electric car exports up by 80 percent.
According to the IEA, electric car prices are expected to come down across Europe and the USA due to falling battery prices, efficient manufacturing, and competition.
Thom added: “If there are legitimate concerns with cyber security, the answer is not to make the Chinese EVs more expensive but to find an effective resolution using technology and strict cyber security regulations, if there are none, we should be welcoming more affordable EVs.”
