A new hybrid vehicle from Chinese automaker BYD is outpacing American models with its combination of range and affordability, but it is unlikely to reach U.S. consumers anytime soon. This latest vehicle from the Beijing-backed company can reportedly travel over 1,300 miles without stopping. Priced at just $13,775, the vehicle is nearly three times cheaper with the ability to travel more than twice as far when compared to industry averages in the U.S.
The hybrid also boasts a fuel efficiency of about 80 miles per gallon, which translates to some substantial savings for drivers. BYD estimates that owners could save around $1,336 annually on fuel costs. Over a decade, these savings could offset the car’s purchase price, effectively reducing its net cost to zero.
However, American consumers are unlikely to see these BYD hybrids in U.S. showrooms. The Biden administration has implemented a 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles, aiming to protect domestic automakers from foreign competition.
This policy is part of broader efforts to maintain the competitiveness of American car manufacturers. The U.S. government also reportedly pressured Mexican authorities to withdraw tax incentives for Chinese EV-makers looking to build factories south of the border, which had been viewed as a potential loophole for companies like BYD to enter the American market.