Sales of sub-€25,000 electric car models set to rise sevenfold

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Affordable electric cars under €25,000 are starting to appear in greater numbers, but many argue this price point is still out of reach for most buyers, pushing them toward used EVs or older combustion cars. Commenters highlight how Chinese manufacturers are driving prices down globally—though tariffs and transport costs keep European prices far above Chinese levels—and note that cheaper city-focused models often come with limited range or safety trade-offs. Broader concerns include uneven charging infrastructure, looming shifts in how governments will tax EV use, and whether current incentives fairly support lower-income drivers during the transition away from internal combustion vehicles.

Affordability and Price Levels

  • Many see €25k as still too expensive, especially for low-mileage drivers; several cite satisfaction with used EVs in the €9k range or even cheaper Nissan Leafs.
  • Others argue that, via financing or leasing, monthly payments can undercut rail passes or other transport costs, though critics note this means paying much more over time.
  • Some commenters think sub-€10k new EVs are unrealistic today, while others point to very cheap Chinese models in China and ask why similar pricing isn’t possible in Europe.

Used vs New Market Dynamics

  • Strong support for buying used: new EVs feeding into the second-hand market after leases are seen as key to broader affordability.
  • Concern that initially there’s a lag before cheap used EVs exist, creating a temporary bottleneck.
  • Rising new-car prices are noted as pushing up used prices too, so even second-hand buyers care about new-EV pricing.

Small / Two-Seater and City EVs

  • Repeated desire for small, cheap two-seater EVs; people lament discontinued models and the prevalence of larger “bloated” cars and crossovers.
  • Some micro-EVs and quadricycles (Topolino, Ami, Twizy, etc.) exist but are often speed-limited, cramped, or expensive for what they offer.
  • Commenters observe that when tiny two-seaters appear, they’re often priced close to larger four-seat EVs, making them a poor value proposition.

Range, Charging, and Use Patterns

  • Several note that modest ranges (~300 km WLTP or less) are fine for typical European commuting and errands; others find winter range and charging frequency unacceptable at this price.
  • Home charging is considered highly convenient; public charging is described as generally dense in much of Europe but uneven in reliability and user experience.
  • For many outside dense urban cores, a car remains a practical necessity; public transport and cycling often aren’t competitive in time or flexibility.

Policy, Tariffs, and Taxes

  • Discussion of large price gaps for the same Chinese EV across countries: some attribute it to tariffs, shipping, VAT, and “anti-dumping” measures; others argue Chinese state support enables underpriced exports.
  • Some see EU protectionism as forcing consumers to subsidize legacy manufacturers; others stress that without tariffs, domestic industry couldn’t compete.
  • Anticipation that governments will eventually replace lost fuel-tax revenue via per‑mile road pricing or EV-specific taxes; UK plans are cited.
  • Mixed views on fairness: some favor targeted subsidies or social leasing for low-income drivers; others worry about regressive outcomes where poorer drivers remain in ICE vehicles as taxes rise.

Environmental Transition and Equity

  • Commenters highlight that EVs are reaching profit parity with ICEs at some manufacturers, especially smaller models, suggesting long-term viability.
  • There’s recognition that fleet turnover is slow; even with 100% EV sales, ICE vehicles would persist for decades.
  • Concerns are raised that policy may push fast EV adoption for the wealthy while penalizing poorer ICE owners, unless subsidies or structured leasing for low-income groups are expanded.