this post was submitted on 19 Sep 2024
54 points (82.1% liked)

Technology

34819 readers
150 users here now

This is the official technology community of Lemmy.ml for all news related to creation and use of technology, and to facilitate civil, meaningful discussion around it.


Ask in DM before posting product reviews or ads. All such posts otherwise are subject to removal.


Rules:

1: All Lemmy rules apply

2: Do not post low effort posts

3: NEVER post naziped*gore stuff

4: Always post article URLs or their archived version URLs as sources, NOT screenshots. Help the blind users.

5: personal rants of Big Tech CEOs like Elon Musk are unwelcome (does not include posts about their companies affecting wide range of people)

6: no advertisement posts unless verified as legitimate and non-exploitative/non-consumerist

7: crypto related posts, unless essential, are disallowed

founded 5 years ago
MODERATORS
you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 month ago (1 children)

The problem with Chinese EVs is that they show it’s possible to innovate, keep prices down, and mass produce.

It's not only possible, it's easy: you just need terrible labor and environmental standards, poor welfare, cheap access to raw materials, and tons of state subsidies :)

It's interesting to note that "we" knew all along it would end like this but just couldn't resist moving/outsourcing production to China nor investing in China's fast-growing economy.

"We" were chasing short-term profits and China was playing the long game. Apparently, both parties won, each at their own game.

Stop making $70K SUVs and start making $20K Taurus and Escort EVs. You did it once. You can do it again.

The cost of batteries is (relatively) higher for cheap vehicles, so that's the segment where it makes the most difference.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 month ago

Western companies outsource much of their production to countries with cheaper labor, so the really important things here are cheap raw materials and state subsidies. Since the Chinese state owns many of the large companies there, they can reduce profits throughout the supply chain or move them to other companies in the form of these subsidies. As well as use that money to build transport and green energy infrastructure, further lowering manufacturing costs.

Investors always seek short-term profit, so playing the long game is something you need aggressive policies for.