WSJ Tech News Briefing
Trump’s Trade War With China Highlights Tech Vulnerabilities on Both Sides
May 7, 2025
A startup is shaking up the auto industry by creating electric motors without rare-earth metals, aiming to reduce dependence on China. Meanwhile, the trade war exposes vulnerabilities in both the U.S. and Chinese tech sectors, revealing how Chinese automakers rely on American semiconductors. The podcast dives into innovative designs for electric vehicles, discussing the push for domestic production and the challenges of semiconductor manufacturing amidst geopolitical tensions.
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Quick takeaways
- Conifer's innovative electric motors, which exclude rare earth metals, could revolutionize automobile manufacturing and reduce reliance on imports.
- The trade war has revealed how both American and Chinese automakers depend on each other's technology, highlighting vulnerabilities in their supply chains.
Deep dives
Rethinking Electric Motors
A startup named Conifer is working on developing electric motors that do not rely on rare earth metals, which could significantly transform the manufacturing landscape for automobiles. By utilizing materials like oxidized iron, Conifer aims to provide an affordable solution to traditional motor design, particularly for applications like scooters and potentially electric vehicles. This innovation holds promise for creating local supply chains in motor production, bypassing the need for imports of rare earth materials. With discussions already taking place with electric vehicle manufacturers, Conifer's motors could realistically be integrated into vehicles within a few years, although challenges related to power and efficiency persist.
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