The case for regarding hybrids as an essential part in any evolution of a lower-emission auto sector has again been reinforced.
Bloomberg (May 28):
BYD Co. unveiled a new hybrid powertrain capable of traveling more than 2,000 kilometers (1,250 miles) without recharging or refueling, intensifying the EV transition competition with the likes of Toyota Motor Corp. and Volkswagen AG.
The upgraded tech, which aims to put more distance between BYD and its rivals, will be launched in two sedans immediately that cost under 100,000 yuan ($13,800), the automaker said at an event live-streamed Tuesday evening from China.
BYD is the leading Chinese EV manufacturer.
Chinese pricing, of course, is helped by the enormous state support the NEV (new energy vehicles, which includes hybrids) sector has received there. There are also good strategic reasons why the U.S. should do nothing, directly or indirectly, to help China develop its auto industry, let alone develop any dependency upon it.
At the same time, there is something deeply disturbing about the idea of forcing Americans toward EVs of any type while imposing high tariffs on much cheaper imported Chinese EVs. If high tariffs are to stay, which seems will be the case whoever wins the elections, the flip side should be that the EV mandates, which were a profound mistake (for many reasons) in the first place, are scrapped.
That the Europeans will be banning hybrids from 2035 is a reminder that they have sunk far deeper into climate fundamentalism than the U.S. And that they are currently deeply divided over how much to penalize the Chinese for Beijing’s auto mercantilism is evidence of the danger of having developed too deep a trading relationship with China. There’s a lesson there.