Can the US close the EV affordability gap before China takes the lead
America’s EV transition faces an affordability squeeze even as Slate Auto launches a $24,950, stripped-down pickup to compete; US new-vehicle prices jumped by about $11,000 to an average of $48,402, with under-$25k cars making up fewer than 5% of last year’s sales. Meanwhile, China is pushing cheap EVs in formats US buyers can’t access, and BYD is delivering affordable, long-range models abroad. Experts warn the US risks ceding EV leadership to Beijing unless prices come down, though there is cautious optimism that cheaper, accessible models could rekindle US adoption.