I drove three Chinese cars - here's why they would clean up in the US

"It only took a brief drive in a Zeekr 7X to convince me: Chinese cars are now competitive and could be sold in the US tomorrow. The compact battery-electric crossover, a bestseller in Europe, is aimed directly at the Tesla Model Y with its five seats, two rows, impressive road grip, energetic performance, and smooth ride. Its price in China is around $32,000 - about $7,000 cheaper than Elon Musk's crossover."

"If you've followed automotive news recently, you might come away thinking Chinese cars are destined for the US, with Geely among the best positioned to break through first. That's certainly a possibility - especially after President Donald Trump seemingly threw open the doors to Chinese automakers in a recent speech. The quid pro quo: They must be built in the US. Geely recently confirmed it was "actively evaluating" a possible entry into the world's second-largest auto market and would have a decision within three years."

"If Geely does attempt to enter the US market under its own brands, it likely won't happen before 2029. Still, climbing out of the Zeekr 7X, I wondered - even if it were built in the US - whether it could legally be sold here. Will restrictions on automotive software that originates in China keep it out indefinitely? Or will Geely find a way to convince the US government that its technology poses no threat to US national security?"

A brief drive in a Zeekr 7X shows Chinese electric vehicles deliver competitive performance, comfort, and handling while undercutting Tesla Model Y pricing in China by about $7,000. Geely is positioned to enter the US, bolstered by a South Carolina plant that has built Volvo and Polestar vehicles since 2018, but any consumer-brand entry likely would not occur before 2029. Political signals suggest Chinese automakers must build in the US to gain access, and unresolved questions about software origins and national security could affect approvals. Geely Holding sold over 4.1 million cars last year across multiple brands.

Read at The Verge