Foreign media: Generation Z Americans are far more receptive to Chinese electric vehicles than expected

[CNMO science and technology news] The possibility of Chinese electric vehicles entering the U.S. market has become a hot topic in the United States. However, there are great differences between what netizens say online, what elected officials say behind the podium, and what people really believe.

AutoPacific, an automobile research company, has shared some enlightening information that may be contrary to Americans' views on Chinese electric vehicles. The organization found that Americans are quite open to Chinese electric vehicles - especially young buyers.

In this survey, AutoPacific asked 800 people aged between 18 and 80. From this survey, the organization learned that about 36% of the interviewed users said that they would "definitely" or "probably" consider Chinese brand electric vehicles. When only looking at the data of buyers under the age of 40, this number soared to an astonishing 76%. Millennials and Gen Z are very open to Chinese brand electric vehicles.

Why? Ed Kim, President and Chief Analyst of AutoPacific, has some ideas. As we all know, the economic situation of Millennials and Generation Z is not as good as that of previous generations. And Chinese cars seem to be able to provide a lot of content for a small amount of money.

"AutoPacific's research shows that the main reason why many Americans hesitate about electric vehicles is the purchase price, while Chinese brand electric vehicles may provide attractive electric vehicle products to stimulate people's interest in electric vehicles at a more affordable price," Kim said. "For young people who are short of funds, the electric vehicle with reasonable price and complete functions is exactly what they want.

Of course, this does not mean that the prospects of Chinese automakers are bright. First of all, people of all ages are quite worried about the data protection and network security risks that China's electric vehicles may bring. Even among those under the age of 40 who are willing to accept Chinese electric vehicles, at least 68% of the respondents worry about network security related problems after these vehicles enter the US market.

But these concerns are secondary. The survey also found that if Chinese cars were made in the United States, people of all ages (including those over 60 years old) would be more willing to consider these cars. Kim also believes that these annoying network security concerns will disappear, because "most of the connected smartphones, smartwatches, laptops and connected home devices we use every day are actually made in China."

However, it will be difficult for Chinese electric vehicles to be sold in the United States, because the United States will impose tariffs of more than 100% on Chinese electric vehicles, which will pose a major obstacle to any brand sold in the United States. For other brands, this shows that they are too far behind to win the hearts of consumers.

In addition, the most striking part of the AutoPacific survey is the understanding of Chinese brand electric vehicles by people of all ages. How on earth do they know these brands? It may be social media.

"I really think that social media has made the world smaller and increased people's awareness of products and technologies in other parts of the world," Kim said. "This has raised people's awareness of interesting and attractive products (not available here), and even generated demand. I think this is absolutely applicable to cars. As far as Chinese cars are concerned, it is not only attractive to car enthusiasts, but also attractive to technology enthusiasts."