The chapter discusses the trend of carmakers producing bigger and more luxurious electric vehicles (EVs) due to higher profit margins and consumer demand, with SUVs dominating the EV market. The sustainability of this trend, both economically and environmentally, is questioned.
Owing to a host of deep-rooted economic and political challenges, it could be the only G7 economy to contract this year. How might it turn the tide? More people want flashy, bigger electric vehicles, but are the added environmental costs counterproductive (10:00)? And examining the decline in Mandarin learning (18:18).
For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, try a free 30-day digital subscription by going to www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer