cross-posted from: https://news.abolish.capital/post/49178
I took my first ride in a Chinese car recently. Not in the U.S., of course, since sky-high tariffs have made them almost impossible to import. I was visiting family in the U.K., and we rented a BYD Sealion SUV. And let me tell you: I saw immediately why American car companies are desperate to have these things kept out of this country. It was elegantly designed, incredibly comfortable, and a smooth ride.
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I had a look at the original report by BYD as the site linked by the other commenter didn't include the information and seemed AI generated (some numbers were actually a bit of, though not by much). According to it the 1.86$ billion are the only directly paid subsidies BYD received in 2025. All other subsidies were loans with favorable conditions, which aren't directly relevant (The report is 300+ pages long I may have missed something) Source. Currently Germany supports all EV purchase, so the 2.4$ billion should not be counted, but according to the BAFA this is planned/considered to be made exclusive to EU made cars. Source (German). The 6.4$ billion should IMO be counted against the 1.86$ billion as they are both direct founding, and apparently the only direct. While a bit lower this still places VW in the about a billion dollar (925$ million). Additionally, even though the subsidies are universal the EU has placed a tariff on Chinese EVs since 2024 that ranges from 27%-47% depeding on the manufacturer. Source. The working conditions and wages at BYD are of course lower than at VW, even if this is partially countered by the lower standard of living in China, however we don't no how much of the final car the companies actually produce (how much of it is done by them and not just bought premade, likely in China).
Anyway I don't think this comparison could ever be 100% fair as China and Germany have different economic models, Germany already established its car industry while Chinas is still relatively up and coming etc. I do however think that it is not accurate to say "they are cheaper because government subsidies" as there are many more factors.