I. Insights into the Electric Cars Market in the U.S.

Tesla Dominates Car Sales

• According to a Clean Technica report, 78% of electric car sales in the U.S. in 2019 were Tesla cars, i.e., 154,836 Tesla Model 3 cars, 18,500 Tesla Model X cars, and 13,300 Tesla Model S cars. Other brands held a relatively smaller share of the market, as illustrated below.
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• In 2019, Tesla Model 3 held 65% of electric vehicle sales in the United States. Moreover, it accounted for 81% of all U.S. electric vehicle sales in December. Nationally, the Tesla Model 3 was the 9th best-selling car in 2019.
• Some reasons for the dominance of Tesla cars in the U.S. electric car sales include the fact that they can drive far compared to other brands. Moreover, they are superfast and easy, and it is convenient to charge them in the U.S. and Canada.

Independent Charging Stations on the Rise

• While Tesla's massive supercharger system has dominated the U.S. electric vehicle (EV) market for many years, independent charging stations are gradually starting to catch up and possibly dominate the market.
• According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) data, the number of EV charging stations in the U.S. public has increased from 506 in 2010 to over 20,000 as of May 2019. Tesla's network has a total of 1,636 charging stations.
• Brands such as Electrify America, EV Connect, EVgo, and Greenlots are developing thousands of new charging stations nationally. Some brands are also partnering with leading auto brands like Ford to increase investments into the EV charging market.
• In 2019, Electrify America partnered with numerous real estate investment trusts (REITs) like Federal Realty Investment Trust, Fulcrum Property, Pan-Cal Corporation, ShopCore Properties, The Macerich Company, ValueRock Realty Partners, and Washington Prime Group to host more than 30 Ultra-Fast EV charging stations.

Consumers Prefer More EV Range

• Research shows that many individuals are comfortable with 300 miles of electric range, according to Mark Reuss, the GM President.
•  90% of the most EVs sold had the highest electric range from 238 miles, and include the "Tesla’s, Chevrolet Bolt EV, Hyundai Kona, and Kia Niro."
• According to the Department of Energy (DoE) estimates, the EV range has climbed by approximately 20% per annum since 2011. The current median EV range is over 125 miles while the top EV range is 335 miles.
• Research findings indicate that in the future, the EV range will likely increase as more manufacturers enter mass production.

II. Overview of Zotye E200 and Zotye E30

Zotye E200

• The Zotye E200 is an electric car manufactured in China with a range of 301 km and a battery pack capacity of 31.9 kWh. The battery and charging system includes a maximum charging power of 5 kW for alternating current (AC) and 60kW for direct current (DC).
• The car has a top speed of 65 mph (105 km/h) powered by an 80 hp (60 kW) engine that produces a torque of 180 Nm (lb-ft). The car has an estimated efficiency of 11 kWh/100 km.
• Zotye E200 includes both a driver side and passenger airbag; however, it does not have a front head airbag and a front side airbag. Its exterior configuration includes electric outside rearview mirrors and steel wheels, while the interior has numerous on-board computer displays, radio+MP3 interface, manual AC, central door lock, remote control key, etc.
• The estimated price for the 2018 Zotye E200 model is about ¥181,800, equivalent to about $25,633. There have not been any launches in the U.S. for this car, and research shows that Zotye, despite recruiting 19 dealerships in the U.S. to start selling the brand by late 2020, it has no plans to sell EV in the market.

Zotye E30

• The Zotye E30 is a three-door and two-seat electric car manufactured in China by Zotye International Automobile Trading CO., LTD. A 17.6 kWh battery pack powers it, while the 2019 model of the Zotye E30 has a top speed of 100 km/h and a range of 330 km / 206 miles.
• Its drivetrain produces 30 kW or 40 hp (horsepower) and a torque of 83 N.m / 60 lb.ft. According to reviews, the pricing of the 2019 model in China starts at "¥129,800 ($18,301) before incentives, and ¥58,800 ($8,290) after incentives."
• Data available in public indicates that the Zotye E30 does not have airbags, just like the Zotye E20. U.S. sales are expected in late 2020 following an agreement with 19 U.S. dealerships.
• An article by Equal Ocean, an investment research firm states that Zotye has no plans to sell EV in the U.S., according to the chief executive officer of HAAH — Duke Hale; however, that position can change with time.

III. Possibility of Shipping Zotye E200 and E30 to California

• Zotye's first car sales in the U.S. are expected to begin in 2021 and will be the T600 crossover, which was launched at Auto Shanghai in April 2019.
• Unfortunately, the company has stated that it has no plans to sell its EV models in the U.S.; therefore, Americans can import a Zotye E200 or E30 from China to the U.S. via sea since they are available for sale online.
• According to CFR Rinkens, a worldwide leader in "freight forwarding & car shipping," importing a compact car from China to the U.S. Port of Los Angeles costs from approximately $2,000 with a turnaround time of around 20 – 40 days.
• The core requirement when importing a car to the U.S. is to determine whether it is eligible for shipping to the U.S., or it can be modified to match the U.S. requirements.
• Next, is to understand the costs associated with shipping to the U.S., including freight and insurance, storage, duties, taxes, cleaning undercarriage soils, registration relevant to the U.S., customs brokers, etc.
• Other requirements include selecting an international car shipping company, shipping method, departure and destination ports, and vehicle registration with the buyer's state DMV.

Research Methodology