Two out of three users reject the European Union’s (EU) decision to increase tariffs on battery electric vehicles (BEVs) from China, according to a survey conducted by the mobility marketplace Coches.net, published this Wednesday.
The study reveals that half of the respondents (50%) consider the measure “very negative,” while 16% deem it “negative.”
The survey, which aims to understand whether the tariffs on Chinese electric cars influence users’ purchasing decisions in Spain, shows that only 14.6% view the European Commission’s measure as positive, and 13.5% consider it very positive.
In other words, roughly three out of ten respondents have a favourable perception of this EU policy.
The survey also highlights that there is a high level of awareness about the new regulation, as seven out of ten respondents report knowing about the recently approved and implemented EU decision to increase tariffs on vehicles from China.
In fact, only 4.4% admit to being unaware of it.
7 out of 10 believe the policy will affect electric mobility
The study reveals that 68.6% of respondents believe this European policy will negatively impact interest in electric mobility in Spain.
In contrast, only 19.8% think it will have no effect.
“These findings highlight the doubts raised by new economic barriers for imported electric vehicles and how they might disrupt the dynamics of a sector crucial to the energy transition and combating climate change,” the study states.
44% not considering buying a chinese EV for now
The survey also indicates that when users were asked whether they had considered purchasing a Chinese electric car due to its affordability, 44% admitted they had not, as they are not currently considering buying an electric car of any kind.
On the other hand, 11% responded that they had considered buying a Chinese electric car, citing price as the main factor.
Meanwhile, 30% also said yes but clarified that price is not the only determining factor.
In contrast, only 15% stated that they would not purchase a Chinese brand even if it were more affordable, as they prefer other brands.
Chinese EV tariffs could increase by up to 35%
The regulation governing European tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles came into effect on 30 October.
Under this rule, the EU can increase tariffs on Chinese EVs by up to 35% as a response to the subsidies the Chinese automotive industry receives from its government.
The European Commission considers this government support unfair.
The measure aims to protect the European automotive industry from the influx of Asian electric vehicles, which are on average 20% cheaper than their European counterparts.
According to data from the European Commission cited by Coches.net, the market share of Chinese battery-powered vehicles in the EU could reach 15% by 2025, compared to less than 1% in 2019.
