1273: Is the US backing out of the electric vehicle market? episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 7, 2026 · 14 MIN

1273: Is the US backing out of the electric vehicle market?

from Science Friday · host Science Friday

Last year, Chinese carmaker BYD sold millions of electric vehicles, overtaking Tesla to become the world’s biggest seller of EV cars. And BYD cars weren’t just for the Chinese market. They went to Europe, Asia, and Mexico, and may soon be available in Canada. But thanks to tariffs and regulations, BYDs are not available to U.S. buyers.China policy expert Kyle Chan joins Host Ira Flatow for a look at the growing EV market worldwide, and how the U.S. seems to be putting the brakes on battery-powered cars.Guest: Kyle Chan is an expert on Chinese technology and industrial policy.Transcripts for each episode are available within 1-3 days at sciencefriday.com.Subscribe to this podcast. Plus, to stay updated on all things science, sign up for Science Friday's newsletters.

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Apr 7, 2026

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With super-fast charging times and low prices, Chinese-made cars are a driving force in the global EV market. Is the U.S. getting left behind?

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1273: Is the US backing out of the electric vehicle market?

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