Ford Stock: At a recent talk during the Aspen Ideas Festival, Ford CEO Jim Farley shared something pretty surprising. He said watching how quickly China has moved ahead in the electric vehicle world has been the “most humbling experience” of his career.
“Their cost, their quality of their vehicles is far superior to what I see in the west,” Farley explained.
It’s not often you hear a top U.S. auto executive speak that bluntly, but what’s happening right now in China’s EV market is big and it’s starting to affect buyers here in the U.S. too.
What’s So Different About Chinese EVs?
Chinese companies like BYD are not only making more EVs, they’re making them cheaper and faster. They’ve built up solid supply chains, run efficient factories, and get a lot of support from their government.
Just take a look at the BYD Seagull an electric car that costs less than $10,000. In comparison, many EVs in the U.S. start at four to five times that price. That price difference isn’t just about saving money. As Farley said:
“We are in a global competition with China, and it’s not just EVs. And if we lose this, we do not have a future Ford.”
Why Ford Stock Matter to You
Even if you’re not a car person, this shift affects you as a consumer. If Chinese EVs enter markets like the U.S. and Europe without any restrictions or tariffs, they could easily undercut local models by tens of thousands of dollars.
That could mean better deals for buyers but also trouble for U.S. jobs tied to auto manufacturing. To slow that down, the U.S. has already placed heavy tariffs on EVs coming from China. This gives domestic automakers time to catch up, but it also keeps EV prices high for now.
Meanwhile, gas prices keep rising, and more Americans are considering switching to electric. But with most EVs still starting around $40,000 to $60,000, many people just can’t afford to make the switch yet.
Can U.S.A. Catch Up?
One big issue is that China controls a lot of the world’s battery supply and batteries are the most expensive part of an electric car. On top of that, Chinese companies can develop and launch new vehicles much faster than American ones.
Ford says it’s working on a more affordable EV platform, but it probably won’t be ready until 2027. Tesla is also talking about a $25,000 model, sometimes called the “Model 2,” but there’s still no solid date for when it’ll arrive.
That leaves a big price gap for now and it’s keeping budget-conscious buyers out of the EV market.
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Tech in Chinese Cars Is on a Different Level
Farley also talked about how Chinese carmakers are ahead when it comes to tech inside the car.
“They have far superior in-vehicle technology. Huawei and Xiaomi are in every car.”
In many Chinese EVs, your phone doesn’t need to be paired manually. As soon as you get in, everything your apps, music, contacts just appears on the screen. It’s a smooth, built-in experience that American cars are still working toward.
Even tech giants like Apple and Google, who once had big plans for the car world, have stepped back from actually building vehicles. That’s left a technology gap that Chinese automakers are filling fast.
What Can You Do as a Buyer?
You may not be able to walk into a dealership and buy a $10,000 EV tomorrow, but there are a few ways you can stay ahead of the curve:
1. Look Out for Tax Credits
The U.S. government offers EV tax credits on certain models, which could take a chunk off the final price.
2. Consider Used Models
As more people buy new EVs, older ones are popping up in the used market. These can be a good way to get an EV for less, just make sure you check the battery warranty.
3. Wait for the Price War
With companies like Ford and Tesla planning to launch budget-friendly EVs in the next few years, prices may start coming down. If you don’t need a new car right away, waiting might save you a lot.
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End Of The Article
Ford sees what’s happening, and they’re taking it seriously. China’s EV industry is setting new standards in price, speed, and technology.
For American drivers, this could mean cheaper, smarter electric cars in the future. But for now, there’s a long road ahead.
Farley’s message is clear: If the U.S. wants to stay in the race, it has to move faster and build better, more affordable EVs.