Shoppers in Europe and Canada may save money on Chinese electric vehicles by importing lightly used models directly from China rather than buying new imports at higher prices.
In creator molesrcool's (@molesrcool) telling, that can mean listings around $10,000 and major discounts on EVs with very modest mileage.
Here's what to know
The creator pointed to CEVM, or China EV Marketplace, as one place to browse listings. In a TikTok video, molesrcool said new Chinese EVs sold in Europe and Canada are still "subject to tariffs" that raise prices, while lightly used vehicles imported directly from China can be much cheaper.
@molesrcool Chinese car companies have found a back door into the Weast - sell them lightly used for absurdly cheap prices. #electricvehicle #chinesecars ♬ chill jazz beats - MrE4zyChill
The creator summed up the pitch this way: "What people are finding is if you buy them used directly from China, you don't have to pay those tariffs and you can get up to 40% off of an already incredibly low base."
Commenters quickly raised practical concerns, especially about bringing them to the United States.
One wrote: "Yeah, but you can't drive them because YOU CANT REGISTER THEM! It's illegal."
TCD Picks » Quince Spotlight
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
Molesrcool also claimed that one marketplace had moved roughly 8,000 EVs into the European Union in 2026, about 280% more than in 2025.
More background
In the video, some cars are described as having only about 3,700 miles (6,000 kilometers) on the odometer, putting them much closer to nearly new cars than to typical high-mileage used vehicles.
For buyers focused mainly on monthly costs, that kind of price gap could be hard to ignore. The creator also framed the trend as a threat to established automakers. Whether the opportunity exists may depend heavily on where a buyer lives.
"Chinese vehicles are not permitted on US roads as they have not gone through any of our crash, test, ratings or certifications or even meet any regulatory standards to be sold and operated here in the states," a TikTok commenter wrote.
That being said, programs like this do exist where vehicles are legal, as a commenter noted of a Volvo initiative.
"You can go over, pick out your car, drive it around during your vacation, then import it as 'used,'" they wrote.
What can be done?
In markets where these imports are allowed, buyers can compare lightly used Chinese EVs on sites such as CEVM/China EV Marketplace instead of looking only at new imports sold through local channels.
Servicing and fixing the car was another logistical concern.
As one commenter asked: "Only question is how do you get maintenance done?"
Buyers would certainly have to do their homework in their area to make sure that wouldn't be an unsolvable problem down the road.
The creator's bottom line was simple, though, for areas where these hurdles are addressed.
"This is gonna be a big problem for western car makers because if you can go on this website and buy a basically new Chinese EV," molesrcool declared. "For 10-20 grand, why would you buy a new VW or a new Tesla for like twice as much money?"
Where can I learn more?
Cheap imported EVs are part of a broader shift in electric-car pricing.
• Across the market, used EV prices are falling fast, opening a rare window for budget buyers.
• For shoppers watching monthly costs, 2026 may look like the clearest used-EV buy window.
• In the U.S., demand for affordable EVs could force the market open to Chinese brands.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
