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Expensive only in EU and US. In China, VW has to sell cars for 16K, which are sold in EU/US for 35K - 45K. Legacy carmakers don't know how to make electric cars

Expensive only in EU and US. In China, VW has to sell cars for 16K, which are sold in EU/US for 35K - 45K. Legacy carmakers don't know how to make electric cars, rely on regulatory capture to keep prices high. VW cut prices of ID.3 down to $16,500 in China, while in Europe the same vehicle starts at nearly $43,000: https://www.arenaev.com/volkswagen_cuts_id3_price_in_china__now_starts_from_16500-news-2075.php https://www.arenaev.com/volkswagen_cuts_id3_price_in_china__... China reveals just how bad things are for Toyota, GM and VW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WBV9FQvuss https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WBV9FQvuss In US, there are good deals to be found. I have a Nissan Leaf on a 2 year lease at $99/month. In the past decade, there were so many who took advantage of $69 - $89/month lease + additional cash back from state/utility/air quality rebates. Folks could buy them from 6K - 10K at the end of the lease. These deals may not be around anymore, but there are leases always available under 300. I see 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 for $229 and several others under $300: https://insideevs.com/features/410039/best-electric-car-deals-this-month/ https://insideevs.com/features/410039/best-electric-car-deal...

Nextgrid 3y ago
Is there a reason nobody is taking on this arbitrage opportunity? Such a huge price difference should cover the cost of transporting the physical car and leave still plenty of margin for everyone (including the buyer) to get a good deal.
- tetromino_ 3y ago
  The arbitraged car would not be certified to comply with US/EU automotive standards, and therefore would be illegal to drive on a public road. You could only drive it on private land or put it up for display in a museum.
  - multjoy 3y ago
    Most EU countries have 'single type approvals' - in the UK that gets you a vehicle with a 'Q' vehicle registration mark. More difficult to sell, harder to insure but in theory an EU spec vehicle sold without the CE paperwork should fly through the inspection.
- HDThoreaun 3y ago
  There isnt an arbitrage opportunity. the US and EU have missive tariffs on chinese cars which makes this not worth it.

Nextgrid 3y ago

Is there a reason nobody is taking on this arbitrage opportunity? Such a huge price difference should cover the cost of transporting the physical car and leave still plenty of margin for everyone (including the buyer) to get a good deal.

tetromino_ 3y ago
The arbitraged car would not be certified to comply with US/EU automotive standards, and therefore would be illegal to drive on a public road. You could only drive it on private land or put it up for display in a museum.
- multjoy 3y ago
  Most EU countries have 'single type approvals' - in the UK that gets you a vehicle with a 'Q' vehicle registration mark. More difficult to sell, harder to insure but in theory an EU spec vehicle sold without the CE paperwork should fly through the inspection.
HDThoreaun 3y ago
There isnt an arbitrage opportunity. the US and EU have missive tariffs on chinese cars which makes this not worth it.