Stellantis CEO says electric driving tariff is needed in China to avoid ‘social unrest’

Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares has had a lot to say lately. For example, during the Paris motor show, he announced that Alfa Romeo profitable enough to fund its own future, he then suggested remove new emissions regulations to allow automakers to focus on electric vehicles. Now, he is calling for temporary tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles to avoid “social unrest”.

Obviously, he’s concerned that the necessary infrastructure won’t be available and electric cars won’t be cheap enough by the time the ban on gasoline-powered cars goes into effect. Talking to Top gear, Tavares said, “Freedom of movement is going backwards because people can’t afford electric cars. There is a possibility of social unrest.”

Based on Top gear, he also believes that Chinese carmakers can sell their electric vehicles below cost, which allows them to cost much less than their European rivals. Once Europe only allows electric vehicles, that could theoretically bankrupt EU carmakers that are no longer able to compete.

“The Chinese industry may be making cars at a loss. And then they will raise prices after the European carmakers go out of business,” Tavares said Top gear.

His solution to China bankrupting European carmakers before raising their prices? Tariffs. Those who are “