1. The 25-year rule rarely helps with electric cars
U.S. rules generally allow a non-compliant foreign car to be imported only if it is at least 25 years old (for safety rules) and, for emissions rules, usually at least 21 years old. Almost no electric cars are that old, so a modern used EV normally has to meet U.S. standards another way.
2. Cars not built for the U.S. face extra steps
A car that was not originally built and certified for the U.S. generally needs to go through a registered importer, and not every model or year is eligible. The cost and the time can be high, and some cars cannot be brought in at all. Check the official eligibility lists of the safety and environmental agencies first.
3. State rules and tariffs can add more
Some states have stricter emissions and registration rules, and import taxes and tariffs can change. Confirm the current figures with U.S. Customs and the relevant agencies.
4. When buying locally is the better choice
If you live in the U.S., it is usually simpler and cheaper to buy an electric or hybrid car from a local dealer than to import one. Where we can help is with buyers in the countries we ship to, using cars sourced from markets such as the U.S., Europe and Asia.
5. If you still want to import
Talk to a licensed customs broker and a registered importer before you pay for any car. Ask them for the exact model and year you want, not a general answer.
Common questions
Can I import a used electric car into the USA?
Only in limited cases. A car built for the U.S. market that returns, or a car that a registered importer can bring into compliance, may be possible. Most modern foreign-market electric cars are not simple to import.
Do you ship cars to the USA?
Our shipping focus is the destinations listed on our countries page. For the U.S., we recommend you check eligibility with a registered importer first.
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Useful links: Countries we ship to · How it works · Cars available now