{"id":20738,"date":"2026-09-22T20:00:56","date_gmt":"2026-09-23T00:00:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.autonocion.com\/us\/?p=20738"},"modified":"2026-09-22T06:25:42","modified_gmt":"2026-09-22T10:25:42","slug":"chinese-ev-equivolents-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.autonocion.com\/us\/chinese-ev-equivolents-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"You Can’t Get These Chinese EVs in the U.S., But Here are the EV Equivalents You Can Get Instead"},"content":{"rendered":"

I don’t think we will be getting Chinese EVs any time soon. I think we’ve all accepted this fate.<\/p>\n

It’s been tough watching the rest of the world have fun with their shiny, cheap Chinese EVs while we deal with massively overpriced and oversized electric SUVs. But the Trump Administration has been pushing quite hard to keep Chinese EVs out at all costs, with stricter rules coming left and right. Now, even companies with Chinese ties are being booted from the U.S., so we can’t even get Polestar’s cool new vehicles<\/a>.<\/p>\n

That’s how desperate it’s getting, folks. “Cool” and “Polestar” in the same sentence.<\/p>\n

Alright, so Chinese EVs are off limits. But we have “cool Chinese EVs” right at home! Of course, they are nowhere near as cheap. But I have put together a collection of EVs allowed in the U.S. that could possibly fill that void for you.<\/p>\n

BYD Seal Performance: Tesla Model 3 Performance<\/h2>\n
\"Tesla
Tesla<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The BYD Seal is actually a direct competitor to the Tesla Model 3, so this one is a bit of a no-brainer. BYD Seal is a sporty sedan that can hit 60 miles per hour in 3.8 seconds, thanks to its 390 kW battery producing 523 horsepower and its dual-motor all-wheel-drive drivetrain. And it does all this for just $15,000 in China and $45,000 in other countries. The Performance is $62,000, but it is available in even fewer countries.<\/p>\n

The Tesla Model 3 Performance is $55,000, so it’s not as cheap as the BYD Seal, depending on the trim and region. But you’re gonna get a very similar performance. In fact, it actually beats the BYD Seal. It reaches 60 mph in 3.3 seconds, although I doubt you’ll feel the difference between the two. It also has a similar range, getting 303 miles while the BYD Seal gets 323 miles.<\/p>\n

When it comes to the interior, the BYD Seal offers a more plush interior, while the Tesla Model 3 comes with more advanced technology. I mean, if you trust things like Full Self-Driving mode.<\/p>\n

It’s really all nitpicky, but that’s the point. The two are very similar, so get a Tesla Model 3 Performance if you don’t want to feel you’re missing out.<\/p>\n

BYD Atto Evo 3: Chevrolet Equinox EV<\/h2>\n
\"2026
Image Credit: Chevrolet<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

If you want to go a bit smaller, the BYD Atto 3 is a compact SUV focused on families. The 2026 model has a longer range and a surprising amount of room, making it great for commuting and weekend getaways alike. Thanks to its improved 74.8 kWh battery, you’re looking at 317 miles. The charging speeds are also improved, so you won’t be sitting around forever.<\/p>\n

But alright, enough about this thing. It’s not like we can have it anyway. The Chevrolet Equinox EV is one of the cheaper EVs you’ll find in the U.S., with a starting price of $36,795. For that price, you still get 319 miles of range for the front-wheel-drive option and a roomy interior. There’s a large 17.7-inch touchscreen, and you can upgrade to higher trims for heated seats, a sunroof, and dual-zone climate control.<\/p>\n

Nobody is gonna be stopping to stare at your Equinox EV, but if you just want practicality in a smaller SUV, here ya go.<\/p>\n

Xiaomi YU7: Tesla Model Y<\/h2>\n
\"Tesla
Credit: Tesla<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Yep, a Tesla again. You’re probably surprised, since I usually bash Tesla so much<\/a>. But the Xiaomi YU7 was made as a direct rival once more. It’s even being dubbed the “Tesla Killer.”<\/p>\n

The standard Xiaomi YU7 reaches 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, while the standard Tesla Model Y takes 5.9 seconds. The YU7 has a top speed of 150 miles per hour, and the Tesla Model Y has a top speed of 125 mph. The YU7 has a battery capacity of 6.3 kWh and about 520 miles of range. The Tesla Model Y has a battery capacity of 62.5 kWh and a range of 368 miles.<\/p>\n

I include all of this because I’d say the “Tesla Killer” moniker is earned. But the Tesla Model Y has a very similar look and will still get you a pretty similar driving experience. There’s a reason Tesla is in trouble in China. But over in the United States, I guess we’re stuck with the things.<\/p>\n

Geely EX2: Chevy Bolt<\/h2>\n
\"2027
Image Credit: Chevrolet<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Geely EX2 is making waves for its insanely low price, starting at $10,000 in China. Although its pricing is higher in other regions, it still undercuts competitors easily in Asia, Europe, and Latin America. The reality is, no EV available in the U.S. will be that cheap. Not even close. The Smart Fortwo was probably the closest bet, starting at $12,000 when new. But it was nowhere near the performance of the Geely EX2.<\/p>\n

Alright, we got that sad reality out of the way. But the closest in terms of size, performance, and functionality is the Chevy Bolt. This starts at a bit over $40,000, which is a lot more than the Geely EX2, but cheaper than a lot of other EVs in the U.S.<\/p>\n

The Geely EX2 has a 40 kWh battery that gets about 190 miles of range, while the Chevy Bolt has a 65 kWh battery pack and 262 miles of EPA-rated range. The Geely EX2 gets 114 horsepower and has a top speed of 85 mph while the Chevy Bolt has 210 hp and gets up to 95 mph. The Geely EX2 is also a bit smaller, though it has clever ways to increase its storage capacity, such as a 70-liter frunk. The Chevy Bolt has more cargo capacity and more legroom.<\/p>\n

The Chevy Bolt is honestly better, but it’s also a bit pricier. Still, it gets you the small yet still family-friendly EV you wanted.<\/p>\n

<\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

I don’t think we will be getting Chinese EVs any time soon. I think we’ve all accepted this fate. It’s … <\/p>\n

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