US President Donald Trump is set to push for a ban on Chinese-made electric vehicles in the UK as part of ongoing trade negotiations between the countries, according to a well-placed White House source.
The potential demand comes amid national security concerns that Chinese EVs could spy on drivers or locations and be remotely manipulated from Beijing to create chaos on roads.
The source told The i Paper that such a demand could "potentially come up in follow-up discussions" around the recently agreed UK trade deal with America.
If implemented, the ban would mirror similar restrictions already in place in the United States, where Chinese-made electric vehicles are prohibited over security fears.
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Some experts fear a ban on Chinese electric cars could have a massive impact on EV uptake across the UK
PA
The trade deal, which lowered US tariffs on Britain, included strict security requirements surrounding UK supply chains.
When asked about Trump's plans, the White House source pointed to Section Four of the trade deal, which refers to "strengthening alignment and collaboration on economic security".
The text states that "both countries intend to strengthen cooperation on economic security, including by coordinating to address non-market policies of third countries" and that they "intend to cooperate" on "investment security measures" and "export controls".
The Prime Minister's office said the Government wouldn't comment "on speculation around talks expanding the trade deal".
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Latest figures show that there were 28,883 Chinese EVs sold in the UK in March, accounting for 7.5 per cent of the EV market, with their popularity expected to surge due to affordability, longer range and standard technology features.
Of the 66 EV car brands available in Britain, 13 are from Chinese manufacturers, including BYD, Geely, MG, Ora, Polestar, Volvo and XPENG.
After just two years in the UK market, BYD holds the same 1.8 per cent sales share as Elon Musk's Tesla, which has been operating here for 12 years.
If implemented, the embargo could see the price of EVs soar in Britain as Chinese electric cars are up to 34 per cent cheaper than other models.
Vicky Edmonds, chief executive of Electric Vehicle Association England, warned that any ban would limit choice and increase prices for consumers switching to electric.
She said: "We've seen from the latest car sales statistics that Chinese EVs like BYD are a popular and growing choice for UK drivers, contributing to what is becoming a thriving market that offers a more competitive and affordable range of EVs for consumers.
"Taking these models out of the UK market will take away that choice, at a time when we want to see more products being offered, at increasingly competitive prices."
Critics of such a ban claim it would damage the UK's ambitions to shift car buyers into EVs by 2030 and hinder its aim to reach net zero emissions by 2050.
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BYD is the best-selling Chinese automotive manufacturer in the UK
BYDAdrian Ramsay MP, co-leader of the Green Party, said: "The UK Government needs to make its own decisions on trade and not be bullied by the US into blocking measures that will deliver on net zero commitments."
Former Conservative Party leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith praised former President Joe Biden for banning Chinese electric vehicles, adding that it was "critical" for national security concerns.
A spokesman for the Department for Business and Trade said: "This Government signed a deal with the US in the national interest to secure thousands of jobs across key sectors including the auto industry, protect British businesses and lay the groundwork for greater trade in the future."
"In line with our long-term, consistent approach, trade and investment with China remain important to the UK. We are continuing to engage pragmatically in areas that are rooted in UK and global interests and co-operate where we can, compete where we need to, and challenge where we must."
