At the Beijing Auto Show in China, an American YouTuber is giving foreign visitors a rare look at electric vehicles that many Americans can only see online.
The event has drawn attention for its futuristic cars, low prices, and fast-growing technology that is reshaping the global auto industry.
Ethan Robertson, a 34-year-old from North Carolina and co-founder of the YouTube channel Wheelsboy, led a group of visitors from Australia, New Zealand, the United Arab Emirates, and other countries through the large exhibition halls.
The tour highlighted electric SUVs, pickup trucks, and concept cars from dozens of Chinese brands.
Robertson explained that one of the biggest surprises for visitors is the price. According to Rappler, he pointed to a luxury electric SUV from Leapmotor, backed by Stellantis, which includes large digital screens and even a small fridge in the back seat.
"You're looking at a car that's maybe $30,000 and that car is fully equipped," Robertson said. "Whereas $30,000 barely gets you into any electric vehicle or hybrid" in the United States.
American YouTuber guides foreigners around Chinese cars U.S. buyers can't get https://t.co/UrkcHjNeVP https://t.co/UrkcHjNeVP
— Reuters (@Reuters) April 26, 2026
China EV Price Gap Stuns Foreign Tourists
That price gap has sparked strong reactions from his viewers and tour participants. Many express shock that vehicles with advanced features are not widely available in the U.S.
"Our comment section is full of people saying things like, 'I can't believe the government won't allow them to sell this car in my country,'" Robertson told Reuters.
For some visitors, the experience is personal. John Cordell, a 77-year-old retiree from New Zealand, said he was impressed by a Deepal S07 crossover SUV during the tour.
He said the bright design caught his eye first, but the interior technology impressed him even more.
"First of all, I was attracted to the color," Cordell said, adding that the screens, camera systems, and display features stood out.
He already owns a Chinese electric vehicle, a BYD Atto 3, and said the technology continues to improve.
Other visitors also noted how modern the cars felt inside. Andrew Pertsoulis, a retired performance coach from Sydney, said the interiors felt like a leap into the future.
He described the experience as stepping into "a new generation of vehicle."
Robertson said the perception of Chinese cars has changed over time. While they were once seen as low-quality copies, many now view them as leaders in battery technology, software, and charging speed.
Originally published on vcpost.com
