Tesla, Trade Wars, and the Accelerating EV Race in China
Analyzing the First 50 Days of the Trump Administration: Insights and Projections
In a recent webinar, Joe White (High Speed Rodeo Substack) led a discussion with Amira Ali and Tu Le (Sino Auto Insights) offering a deep dive into the evolving automotive landscape. Key topics included BYD's latest technological advancements, Tesla's challenges, and the potential impact of trade policies.
BYD's Game-Changing Tech
Tu Le highlighted BYD's unveiling of their new Han and Tong vehicles, boasting impressive charging capabilities: "They can charge...400 kilometers around 240 miles in 5 minutes." Amira Ali noted the potential implications: "BYD Super E platform can charge as fast as pumping gas in the gas station."
领英推è
Tesla's Tightening Grip in China
The panel discussed Tesla's competitive position, particularly in China. Le pointed out that Tesla's valuation correlated with a pivot towards "an FSD or an AI, or autonomous vehicle company," but faces stiff competition from local brands. Ali added, "We're already seeing a lot of Tesla customers converting out of the brain," raising concerns about brand perception and secondary market values.
Trump's Trade Policy: A Threat to Progress?
The potential impact of Trump's trade policies sparked concerns. Ali emphasized that the supply chain ecosystem is "highly integrated," making rapid pivots difficult. Le added that "there are 7000 trucks going back and forth between Ontario and the United States every day...to tariff Canada makes absolutely no sense." The panel expressed worry that these policies could hinder innovation and competitiveness in North America.
Looking Ahead
White predicted that the next few months will be "very, very rough for all of the North American players." Ali agreed, foreseeing OEMs struggling with sales and demand. Le anticipates surprises at the Shanghai Auto Show, advising to watch Tesla Model Y sales between April and June.
Want more insights like these? Sign up here for the full discussion and to receive future industry content