Does the US Import Electric Vehicles?

What's in this article?

Importing Electric Cars to the USA Don't Get Shocked
Can You Import Electric Cars?
What Is the 25-Year Import Law?
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
Importing EV Charging Stations
What Are the Best Markets for EV Charger Imports?
Importing EV Components
Motors
Batteries
Wrapping Up

The demand for EVs has now become more widespread. More people have asked where these EVs come from. Are all made here, or are any imported from other nations?

This question becomes ever more pressing given US policies aimed at encouraging the adoption of these ecologically friendly cars to decrease fossil fuel dependency.

Yes, the United States imports electric vehicles. A significant proportion of EVs sold here come from abroad and must be imported.

At first glance, electric vehicle sales may appear simple enough. Importation counts show significant sales of imported EVs into America. Yet many remain unsaid about their origin and how this might impact the future development of this industry in this nation.

Let's delve deeper to uncover there is such a demand for EVs. This article examines where electric vehicles originate, how many are imported, and their future prospects in America.

Importing Electric Cars to the USA: Don't Get Shocked

Since 2012, the electric car industry has experienced incredible growth. Domestic manufacturers continue to dominate the electric vehicle market share for electric vehicle production.

At present, it's estimated that 7.1% of registered vehicles in the US are fully electric or hybrid electric vehicles.

This surge indicates the opportunity for imports of electric vehicles (EVs). At present, only some minor car makers offer them for sale if imported legally into America.

However, nearly every major auto manufacturer currently makes one that could be available if imported properly into the country.

Potential investors could seize upon this trend and benefit immensely by being early adopters. They research thoroughly before entering this emerging market.

Can You Import Electric Cars?

Electric car imports sales in the US have seen impressive gains recently, though domestic automakers remain dominant players. However, that could change soon. Foreign automakers are already offering affordable electric vehicle models that may not yet be offered domestically.

These electric vehicles may legally enter the US market if they meetFederal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), including being manufactured according to American driving specifications.

The Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) oversees certifications required to import electric vehicles into America, such as pure or fully electric motor vehicles that may include street-legal passenger cars or motorcycles, for entry.

Furthermore, an Environmental Protection Agency certification must also be in place to enter America legally.

What Is the 25-Year Import Law?

The 25-Year Import Law, an amendment of the 1988 Imported Vehicle Safety Compliance Act, permits non-compliant cars over 25 years old that do not comply with US safety standards to be imported without incurring costly modification costs.

Car enthusiasts now have an easy and inexpensive way of importing a wide range of classic and other foreign models without incurring costly modification costs for them before importation into America.

However, this law won't do you much good if you want one of Japan's or Europe's latest electric vehicles.

Modern practical EVs were first produced commercially around 2010, so you may need to wait at least 25 years until legally importing those models into Canada.

An older EV that wouldn't require much modification is the British-made Enfield 8000 from 1973—a potentially ideal vehicle. Even at over 25 years old, this electric vehicle needs no modifications for performance or cost compared to comparable new EVs today.

Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards

In 1966, the FMVSS were established to set a minimum production standard for cars in the US market. The Department of Transportation, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, then oversees these standards.

These regulations aim to lower the risk and injuries caused by motor vehicle collisions.

FMVSS standards encompass three primary areas. They are:

Crash avoidance involving antilock brake systems such as ABS
Occupant protection using passive measures like airbags and restraints
Vehicle integrity requirements intended to help maintain vehicle stability during collisions

FMVSS gives manufacturers with clear guidelines when manufacturing new vehicles or electric vehicle models for export.

Adherence to specific protocols within each category helps protect consumers while giving sellers peace of mind that the products being sold meet industry regulations.

Over the years, FMVSS has undergone multiple revisions that have strengthened its foundation, leading to safer roads across America.

Importing EV Charging Stations

As the electric vehicle industry expands,charging stations become ever more crucial to maintaining this market.

Although most car companies do not currently manufacture charging stations themselves, they can still play an instrumental role by exploring options for importing chargers and components into their offerings.

This could make EVs much more accessible. Currently, the ratio between public charging stations and private EV owners stands at 18:1. But many EV owners prefer charging at home rather than traveling out of their way for public charging stations.

Chargepoint availability from domestic manufacturers or imports becomes even more crucial in meeting consumer needs.

At an average ratio of 2,514:1 between vehicles and gas stations, the importation of charge points would prove invaluable in driving growth in electric vehicle usage as a convenient transportation solution.

Importers in this field offer opportunities that benefit both businesses and consumer demand, creating custom components from scratch or importing quality imported materials that benefit both sides.

What Are the Best Markets for EV Charger Imports?

When selecting the optimal markets for EV charger imports, various factors need to be taken into account. The crucial decision rests in identifying who the intended user(s) are. Is it for private households? Or is it for businesses or local government entities?

Knowing this will help you choose an EV charger unit that best meets the customer base's specific requirements. Different classes of chargers have been specifically developed to address specific customer requirements.

For example, if the target is residential households, the focus should be given to small-scale units capable of charging one or two electric vehicles daily with minimal energy use.

Import-targeting businesses might also look towards high-powered chargers capable of rapidly charging multiple electric vehicles within an economic time frame.

Meanwhile, local governments could require medium-sized units in densely populated areas where public transport services are essential for access and support services for its citizens.

These considerations will ensure the appropriate product for the correct target market. It also allows for identifying which markets would make ideal locations for the import of electric vehicle chargers.

Importing EV Components

EV technology is a boon to our planet's ecology. Various companies and individuals are contributing to the creation of "green" vehicles.

Once someone has purchased and installed their EV, many often neglect one important step: the importation of components that keep their vehicle running optimally.

Motors

In recent years, motor development for electric and hybrid-powered vehicles has seen substantial changes.

Businesses continue to innovate on three main motor types (induction motor, permanent magnet synchronous motor, and switched reluctance). It means importing actual motors may no longer be an economical solution.

Automakers recognize this and purchase all required components directly from suppliers to assemble an integrated motor unit. Importers can work closely with supply chain managers to ensure they obtain what they require without an intricate sourcing process for individual pieces.

Batteries

Battery technology is of utmost importance in the electric vehicle industry. Finding reliable yet efficient batteries is imperative to their success.

Battery technology typically accounts for roughly 25 to 30% of an electric car's overall value. Creating more durable batteries that last further distances has long been seen as crucial in encouraging more widespread adoption of EVs.

Rechargeable battery materials that the EPA approves include lithium ion. Importing it into the USA will guarantee American drivers have access to advanced battery electric technology.

Wrapping Up

America is still in its early days of electric vehicle adoption. But rest assured, its market is rapidly expanding.

As demand for cleaner and more sustainable transportation increases, more electric vehicles may enter our nation's borders. Whether you're an avid EV fan or just looking for a greener personal transport solution, it's an exciting time to be part of this revolution.

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