Latest news with #FMVSS
Miami Herald
16-07-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Why Cheap Chinese EVs Aren't Invading the U.S. Market in 2025
Scroll through TikTok or auto forums, and you'll hear a common refrain: a flood of Chinese EVs is coming to undercut U.S. automakers. The numbers sound scary - hundreds of thousands of cars exported by China as "used" despite never being driven. But for some reality, almost none of them are reaching the U.S., and they're not going to anytime soon. China exported over 400,000 "zero-mileage" used vehicles in 2024, mostly EVs. But those went to Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe. U.S. Customs data and direct reporting confirm that fewer than 50 Chinese passenger EVs have cleared legal hurdles to drive on American roads, and those were niche low-speed vehicles like the Wuling Macaron. "Zero-mileage used" is simply not a loophole you can scale. It's a stunt - and not a very effective one. Take the BYD Seagull. It's one of the most talked-about electric hatchbacks coming out of China. It uses a 38 or 44 kWh battery pack, delivers around 190–250 miles of range, and does 0–60 in about 7.9 seconds (source: BYD Global specs). The car weighs under 2,600 pounds, which is lean by EV standards. The catch? It's built to Chinese domestic specs. Steering calibration is ultra-light, chassis tuning is floaty, and NVH isolation isn't up to par with a Bolt EUV or Hyundai Kona Electric. The Seagull isn't tuned for interstate travel at 75 mph. It was designed for congested cities at 30–50 mph - and that shows in ride feedback and powertrain tuning. Let's say you find a used Chinese EV brought over the border from Mexico with 310 miles on the odometer. Legally, that qualifies as "used" under tariff law. But here's what stops it from being registered in the U.S.: It lacks FMVSS safety certification (no crash test compliance, no U.S. airbag standards).It lacks EPA certification, even for EVs, which still need emissions and onboard diagnostics likely contains banned connected components (GPS, camera modules, telematics systems) blocked under the 2025 federal rule targeting China-origin software and hardware. That's three federal violations before you even try to get plates on it. If you do manage to get one across the border, and are seen on US roads, expect instant vehicle seizure, registration fraud charges, and fines. The panic around a wave of sub-$25K Chinese EVs undercutting the U.S. market is misplaced. The loophole exists on paper. It doesn't work in practice. You can't flood a market when the door is bolted shut. So far, Chinese EVs remain boxed out by tariffs, tech bans, and a mountain of red tape. They're gaining ground globally - just not here. The idea of walking into a used lot in Texas or Florida and grabbing a zero-mile BYD Dolphin for $18K? Fiction. For now, anyway. If you want a cheap EV in America, your options are still coming from Detroit, Seoul, or Tokyo - not Shenzhen. If you want a Chinese EV drive now, head down to Cancun for the weekend. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Business Wire
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Business Wire
Cenntro Develops Second-Generation Hydrogen Fuel Cell Class 8 Semi-Tractor and Receives EPA Certification
FREEHOLD, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Cenntro Inc. (NASDAQ: CENN) ('Cenntro' or the 'Company'), a pioneering electric commercial vehicle company with advanced, market-validated, and purpose-built vehicles, today announced the development of its second-generation hydrogen fuel cell Class 8 semi-tractor, the 'BM860H'. The vehicle has received certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ('EPA'). Developed by Cenntro's wholly owned subsidiary, Bison Motors Inc., the BM860H builds on the foundation of its predecessor with key performance enhancements. The vehicle is powered by a 210kW hydrogen fuel cell system and provides an estimated driving range of up to 528 miles with a full payload. The vehicle features rapid refueling capabilities while producing zero emissions. The BM860H meets all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards ('FMVSS') and has obtained EPA certification while certification from the California Air Resources Board ('CARB') is currently under review. Cenntro plans for key components for the BM860H to be sourced primarily from U.S. based manufacturers, with final assembly taking place at Cenntro's production facility in Southern California. 'This achievement marks an important milestone for our team and for hydrogen vehicle technology in the commercial sector,' said Peter Wang, Chairman and CEO of Cenntro. 'I commend our team for their hard work and dedication in bringing this next-generation vehicle to completion.' About Cenntro Cenntro (NASDAQ: CENN) is a pioneering maker and provider of electric commercial vehicles ('ECVs'). Cenntro's purpose-built ECVs are designed to serve a variety of commercial applications inclusive of its line of class 1 to class 4 trucks. Cenntro is building a globalized supply-chain, as well as the manufacturing, distribution, and service capabilities for its innovative and reliable products. Cenntro continues to evolve its products capabilities through advanced battery, powertrain, and smart driving technologies. For more information, please visit Cenntro's website at: Forward-Looking Statements This communication contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not historical facts. Such statements may be, but need not be, identified by words such as "may," "believe," "anticipate," "could," "should," "intend," "plan," "will," "aim(s)," "can," "would," "expect(s)," "estimate(s)," "project(s)," "forecast(s)," "positioned," "approximately," "potential," "goal," "strategy," "outlook" and similar expressions. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements regarding assembly and distribution capabilities, decentralized production, and fully digitalized autonomous driving solutions. All such forward-looking statements are based on management's current beliefs, expectations and assumptions, and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied in this communication. For additional risks and uncertainties that could impact Cenntro's forward-looking statements, please see disclosures contained in Cenntro's public filings with the SEC, including the "Risk Factors" in Cenntro's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 1, 2025 and which may be viewed at
Car and Driver
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
Dodge Charger EVs Aren't Loud Enough to Alert Pedestrians: Recall
Dodge is recalling 8390 Charger Daytona EVs because some are not emitting a legally required exterior sound. The recall affects 2024–2025 Charger Daytona coupes, which can be fixed with a dealer-installed software update. While Dodge dealers have already been notified, owners are expected to be contacted by July 10. The electric Dodge Charger Daytona's big party trick is its Fratzonic "exhaust" system, which is essentially an external noisemaker. It's designed to trigger the same auditory sensations as a gas-powered muscle car, but the success of that effect is debatable. Either way, 8390 copies of the two-door Charger EVs that are roaming the streets are being recalled because some of them might not meet the legal threshold for how loud an EV must be. This is important to help alert pedestrians and even other drivers. The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) requires that hybrids and electric vehicles meet a certain sound level and have sound characteristics. View Interior Photos James Lipman | Car and Driver According to a recall report that was submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on June 12, 2025, the amplifiers that make the exterior sound may have incomplete software, which is the reason for the recall. This affects certain 2024 to 2025 Charger Daytona coupes, as they don't meet the FVSS's required "2-band alert" and "relative volume change." As part of the voluntary recall, the automaker says it will inspect all affected models and update the amplifier software, if necessary. Dodge dealers have already been notified, and owners should be contacted by July 10. Eric Stafford Managing Editor, News Eric Stafford's automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a journalism degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual '97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a '90 Honda CRX Si. Read full bio
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Honda Recalls 259,000 Acuras Over Loose Brake Pedals
Honda (NYSE:HMC) is recalling 259,033 SUVs and sedans over a loose brake-pedal pivot pin that can let the pedal shift out of position and reduce braking effectiveness. The recall affects certain 20212025 Acura TLX sedans, 20232025 Acura MDX crossovers and 20232025 Honda Pilot SUVs. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the brake-pedal pivot pin wasn't secured properly at the factory, so the pedal can move unexpectedly and violate FMVSS 108 (lighting) and 135 (brakes) safety standards. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 4 Warning Sign with HMC. A misaligned brake pedal could delay or prevent full brake application, raising the risk of a crash. Owners may not notice the issue until it's too lateespecially in emergency stops. Dealers will inspect and replace the pivot-pin assembly at no cost. Honda will notify owners by mail starting in July; affected drivers can also check recall status at or by calling Honda customer service. This article first appeared on GuruFocus.
Auto Blog
18-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Driverless Cars Just Got a Boost
The NHTSA cuts autonomous carmakers some slack The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced that it is making significant changes to the approval process for vehicles without human controls. The overhaul, primarily aimed toward assisting carmakers and tech companies deploying self-driving vehicles without traditional controls like steering wheels or pedals, will include streamlined reviews of requests for exemptions from safety rules requiring these parts. Cars built without a steering wheel or brake pedals automatically require an NHTSA exemption, and previously, an application could take years. According to The Verge, the NHTSA has even spent years reviewing some manufacturers' applications without taking action, such as General Motors' now-defunct Cruise robotaxi. NHTSA exemptions will now be capped at 2,500 per automaker, and the approval process is expected to take months. Companies will apply for exemptions through the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), part of the NHTSA, and can produce vehicles over two or three years. Nuro, an American robotics company, is the only organization that the FMVSS has granted an exemption to so far, since its low-speed delivery robots can't accommodate humans. Tesla Cybercab — Source: Tesla How the NHTSA is improving its exemption process NHTSA officials stated in a release that they anticipate 'publishing the enhanced instructions shortly and will begin implementing the modified approach to evaluating exemption requests immediately.' These instructions will help manufacturers better understand application requirements and give companies more insight into the information most helpful to the NHTSA during their review. The NHTSA noted that its altered approach aims to help automated driving systems (ADS) reach their full potential in advancing road safety. Companies gain exemptions through the NHTSA's Part 555 process, but the NHTSA's recent release says this process's current state was designed for traditional vehicles and doesn't apply to ADS-equipped cars like robotaxis. Changes to modernize the Part 555 process include focusing on sections of exemption reviews that took extensive time, such as prolonged applicant follow-ups. How Tesla benefits from the NHTSA's recent changes While several companies benefit from the NHTSA's recent changes, the shift in practices is a significant development for Tesla, which is manufacturing its Cybercab, an autonomous, purpose-built vehicle without a steering wheel or pedals. Tesla CEO Elon Musk explained during the company's Q1 investor call that a Robotaxi could be any Tesla operating completely autonomously, which he claims most of the company's fleet is capable of. In contrast, the Cybercab refers to a specific upcoming model. Vice President of Vehicle Engineering at Tesla, Lars Moravy, said during the Q1 call that the Robotaxi is in sample B validation, meaning Tesla is validating a nearly finalized design and will begin its first big builds for the model at the end of Q2, with full-scale production launching next year. Tesla's robotaxi service launching next week with a limited fleet won't include Cybercabs. Instead, the autonomous rideshare service will consist entirely of Tesla's Model Y SUV. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Tesla Cybercab — Source: Tesla Final thoughts The NHTSA's new approach to granting companies exemptions on vehicles without human controls means applicants receive an answer in months instead of years, or not at all, and have more insight into the necessary information for proper submission. In turn, we should start seeing more autonomous vehicles on the road without steering wheels or pedals within the next couple of years, and Tesla is more likely to meet its Cybercab release timeline. About the Author Cody Carlson View Profile
