From: Joyce Segal <joyceck10@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, Jun 13, 2024 at 7:20 AM
Subject: it's not easy being green!
To: Kim Cooper <kimc0240@gmail.com>
If the government doesn't spend money to make EV's cheaper, what will they spend that money on? War?
A trade war's a-brewin', and the EU just sailed right into its path. The bloc announced plans yesterday to impose tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles in a gambit that could upend a global automotive market increasingly reliant on China.
The tariffs, which will range from 17.4%–38.1% on top of an existing 10% duty, are a push by politicians to prevent ultra-cheap and popular Chinese EVs from flooding the market, echoing a move made by the US last month. Last year, an EU investigation found Chinese EV-makers benefited unfairly from government subsidies allowing them to sell cars for cheap, pricing out European-made EVs.
Unlike their US brethren, European carmakers didn't want this. Despite what may seem like relief from competition, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, Volkswagen, and others oppose the tariffs because they need China more than they fear it. Many European auto companies either rely on the Chinese market for gas car sales or have crucial production plants in China, which would be threatened if the Chinese government follows through on its vow to retaliate.
The only thing green may be Europe's envy…critics of the tariffs have questioned the EU's decision considering its commitment to a carbon emissions-free future that necessitates a move away from gas-fueled cars.—CC
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment