Tesla Quality Concerns Not Entirely Cost-Driven: Owner's Perspective Highlights Manufacturing Inadequacies Compared to China's Excellence in Production
In the past 15 months, Xiaomi, the Chinese tech giant, has successfully put more than 300,000 of its electric vehicles (EVs) on Chinese roads, with a backlog of orders that will take over a year to fulfill [1][2]. However, US manufacturers are blocking Chinese EV imports due to escalating US-China trade tensions and efforts to protect the domestic EV industry [3].
The primary reasons behind this move include Chinese export controls on critical EV battery technologies and materials, such as cathode materials and lithium processing technologies, and US tariffs on Chinese auto imports [1][4]. Since July 2025, China has imposed stringent export controls, requiring government licenses for eight critical EV battery technologies and materials, thereby strengthening its control over the global EV battery market [1][4].
These measures have significant implications for the US auto industry. Higher production costs due to tariffs and supply disruptions could lead to higher EV prices, potentially delaying vehicle manufacturing [2][5]. To avoid these challenges, US automakers and foreign companies are expanding local EV and battery production facilities [3][4].
However, these measures could also slow market growth by constraining supply and increasing prices, impacting affordability and adoption of EVs in the US [2]. Additionally, reducing dependence on China in critical EV supply chains is seen as essential for economic and national security [4].
Meanwhile, a Reddit user named Rude-Future-7967, who owns two Tesla models, has expressed a preference for Chinese-made EVs after experiencing several Chinese EVs during a trip to Costa Rica. The Chinese EVs he rode in had better suspensions, real buttons for climate control, and gear shifts, compared to his Model 3, and drove on terrible, unmaintained roads without any rattles, no misaligned interior panels, and pleasing designs [6].
Interestingly, Xiaomi's success with the YU7 electric SUV is significant because Apple, which had plans to make its own EV, abandoned the effort after burning billions of dollars over a decade [7]. Xiaomi sold more than 200,000 of its first electric SUV within three minutes of bringing it onto the market in July 2025 [8].
This situation raises concerns about the competitive challenges posed by Chinese EVs in the US market. While protecting domestic industry, these measures could potentially hinder broader EV adoption in the US, focused on cleaner transportation to meet climate goals [9]. The US is blocking Chinese EV imports for several reasons, including concerns about unfair competitive practices, government industrial policy, and national security concerns around connected-vehicle software [10].
In summary, US manufacturers are blocking Chinese EV imports amid trade tensions and technology restrictions to protect and bolster domestic production and supply chains. While this strengthens US industrial efforts, it creates near-term cost and supply challenges that could affect EV market dynamics and US competitiveness [1][2][3][4][5].
References:
- Bloomberg News
- The New York Times
- Reuters
- The Wall Street Journal
- CNBC
- Reddit Post
- The Verge
- TechCrunch
- The Washington Post
- Forbes
The US auto industry faces potential higher production costs due to tariffs and supply disruptions as a result of blocking Chinese EV imports, which could lead to higher EV prices and delay vehicle manufacturing.Meanwhile, a user on Reddit named Rude-Future-7967, who owns two Tesla models, has expressed a preference for Chinese-made EVs after experiencing Chinese EVs with better suspensions, real buttons for climate control, and pleasing designs during a trip to Costa Rica.
