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Cheap EVs flood Paris Motor Show. Will Americans ever see them?

bharathbujji

Updated: 05-11-2024, 02.14 PM

Citroën ë-C3

Citroën

The big question is whether this collaboration will bring these models to the U.S. market. Stellantis is under pressure to revive its sales globally, especially after a rough financial year, but its American portfolio hasn’t seen much focus on low-cost EVs just yet.

Will Americans ever see these models?

For now, there’s no clear timeline for when — if ever — these budget EVs might hit U.S. dealerships. American buyers typically lean toward larger vehicles, like SUVs and trucks, which means these smaller European models might not be the right fit. Plus, U.S. government incentives for EVs aren’t as strong as those offered in some European countries, which could make launching these budget options less appealing to automakers.

A spokesperson for Volkswagen reiterated that the German automaker has no plans to bring the ID.2all to the United States. Stellantis echoed the same message. While the company’s French brand, Citroën, isn’t sold in the United States, manufacturers will often rebadge a car to sell under an American car brand in the U.S. But, a spokesperson from Stellantis said that the company has no plans to do so.

Still, as Chinese brands like BYD make a play for the European market with even cheaper models, European automakers may be forced to look for new customers in the U.S. Will the promise of low-cost EVs eventually reach Americans? It’s possible—but don’t hold your breath.

Final thoughts

As affordable EVs steal the spotlight in Paris, U.S. buyers are left waiting. Renault, Stellantis, and VW are trying to crack the budget EV market, but it’s unclear if these models will ever make it across the Atlantic.

One certainty is that Americans won’t be seeing affordable Chinese EVs anytime soon, thanks to 100% tariffs introduced by the Biden Administration earlier this year. In the meantime, Americans will continue to see more expensive options dominate local lots while European consumers may get the first taste of these low-cost electric rides.