Can I Import an Electric Car from China to the USA?

Electric cars have been all the rage recently, but have you ever considered going beyond borders to find one? After all, why would you buy an ordinary electric car like everyone else when you can have something extraordinary?

What if you're a United States resident who has their heart set on an electric vehicle made in China? Can you import an electric car from China to the USA and make your dream vehicle a reality?

In this article, we'll discuss the steps and difficulties involved in importing an electric vehicle from China to the US and the considerations to make before committing.

How to Import An EV from China

Importing an electric vehicle (EV) from China can be a great way to get a reliable and affordable car.

However, reviewing the laws and regulations regarding vehicle imports in your region before committing to this is essential.

Depending on where you live in the United States, importing an EV from a foreign manufacturer, such as China, may involve additional paperwork and fees.

Ensuring the vehicle meets all safety standards for your area is vital.

In addition to researching import laws, studying the EV itself is essential. Purchase a high-quality item (and get your money's worth) by reading reviews and checking customer feedback.

Also, purchase from a reputable dealer who will provide the necessary documentation for importing the EV into your country or region.

Finally, gather all the necessary parts and accessories for installing and maintaining your new EV before it arrives at its destination.

EV Car Legal Requirements in the USA

Several legal prerequisites must be met to import electric vehicles into the United States. Reviewing vehicle import laws before bringing an electric car into the country is essential.

According to the US Department of Transportation (DOT), all imported automobiles must comply with specific safety and emissions criteria and other federal laws.

This includes confirming that the vehicle has received manufacturer approval for sale in the US and complies with all relevant safety and emissions regulations set out by the EPA.

A certification label should be displayed on the car, including information such as the vehicle's make, model, and year of manufacture.

Any modifications to an imported electric car must also comply with EPA regulations.

In addition to meeting federal requirements, imported electric cars must meet state-level needs, such as registration fees and taxes. Additional restrictions or requirements for importing an electric car into your state may exist depending on where you live.

For example, some states require that imported vehicles have a valid title from their original country before being registered in the United States.

Also, taxes and duties may apply when importing a vehicle from China, which could significantly increase the cost of ownership.

Cost Savings

The EVs manufactured in China are significantly cheaper than here in the USA; the following is a list of EVs and their base price comparison to give you an idea:

• Tesla Model 3: $35,000 in the USA vs. $20,000 in China
• Nissan Leaf: $30,000 in the USA vs. $15,000 in China
• Chevrolet Bolt EV: $37,500 in the USA vs. $20,000 in China
• Hyundai Kona Electric: $37,000 in the USA vs. $20,000 in China

These prices are just an example of how much you can save by importing an EV from Chinese manufacturers.

However, it must be noted that Tesla cars are cheaper in China due to trade deals and alternate manufacturing agreements than Teslas in the US, and China-built Teslas are not generally shipped to America.

Also, keep in mind that there can be extra expenses like taxes and charges involved with importing a car from another nation.

Import Checklist

We compiled a user-friendly checklist for importing a vehicle from China to the USA:

1. Research your state or region's import laws and regulations, including registration fees and taxes.
2. Research the EV itself, including reviews and customer feedback.
3. Purchase from a dependable merchant who will give you all the necessary documentation for importing the EV into your country or region, including the valid title from its origin.
4. Research to determine if the EV meets all safety standards for your area.
5. Ensure you have all the necessary parts and accessories for your new EV's installation and maintenance before it arrives at its destination.
6. If the vehicle has been modified, ensure the changes comply with EPA regulations.

Average consumers would never take on this daring task, but savvy consumers such as yourself may have experience with shipping cars internationally.

Given the many requirements, you can save thousands if you follow the proper procedures.

Conforming vs. Nonconforming Vehicles

Conforming vehicles must meet all applicable FMVSS and EPA emissions standards and require the completion of EPA Form 3520-1 and DOT Form HS-7.

Conforming vehicles are also eligible for a Certificate of Conformity (COC) from the EPA, which is required to register the car in the United States.

A DOT-registered importer may import nonconforming automobiles after making the necessary changes and certifying that the vehicle complies with all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and emissions regulations.

Importing nonconforming vehicles from China into the US is acceptable in several circumstances, such as when doing so is necessary for testing or display.

Imports are permitted for vehicles that meet all applicable FMVSS requirements during manufacturing, and a label attests to that fact must be displayed.

If the NHTSA does not deem a nonconforming vehicle under 25 years old appropriate for importation, it cannot be brought into the United States.

When submitting petitions to the NHTSA, registered importers must state that the vehicle is substantially comparable to one of the original manufacturer-approved for sale in the United States.

Taxes and Duties for Importing Autos to America

Importing a car into the United States can be complicated, as various taxes and duties must be considered.

The following list is all the taxes and fees to be considered for importing into the USA:

• Customs Duty: A duty (a tariff or levy) is levied when items are carried over international boundaries. The duty rate will depend on the type of imported vehicle, its value, and its country of origin.
• Excise Tax: An excise tax is a federal levy imposed on certain goods produced domestically or imported into the United States. The tax rate is determined by the kind of car being imported.
• Sales Tax: The state where the car is registered is responsible for collecting sales tax. The sales tax rate will vary depending on the state and local laws.
• VAT (Value Added Tax): A consumption tax to sell goods and services within national boundaries.
• Insurance fees: Insurance costs may be necessary to register a car in the US.
• Shipping fees: The car's size, weight, and required shipping distance will all affect the shipping costs.

Consider the required taxes and fees before deciding if this is the best course for getting your EV from China.

If this is your first time, try using a customs broker to help you navigate these requirements and ensure you don't fall short on the taxes and legal paperwork.

Importing Experts

In conclusion, you can import an electric car from China to the USA. While possible, it may present a few logistical and legal challenges.

Thankfully, with some research, preparation, and diligence, you should be able to enjoy all the benefits of owning an electric car imported from China.

When you're ready to ship your new car to the US, a trusted shipping company such as A1 Auto Transport will guide you in successfully delivering your imported EV car to your front door.

Get a free quote to start the shipping process today.