Uncanny Valley | WIRED Is Telsa on the Outs in China?
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Apr 22, 2025 Zeyi Yang, a senior writer at WIRED who focuses on technology and society in China, joins to discuss Tesla's precarious position in the Chinese electric vehicle market. Amid rising U.S. tariffs and stiff competition from local brands like BYD, Tesla's future looks uncertain. The conversation highlights the intertwined relationship between Elon Musk and Chinese politics, revealing how public perceptions are shifting. Humor emerges as they recount the amusing failures of robots in a half-marathon, contrasting technology's potential with its limitations.
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Tesla's China Relationship Weakens
- Tesla has a historically strong relationship with China, contributing greatly to its EV market success.
- Elon Musk and Tesla remain crucial, but the brand's halo is fading as competition rises.
China's EV Market Booms
- China has heavily invested in EVs to reduce dependence on foreign oil, improving energy security.
- Over 50% of consumers now prefer electric cars over gas when buying new vehicles.
China's Tech Industry Dynamics
- Chinese government supports homegrown tech companies but also cracks down on them.
- The relationship between government and tech firms is complex, mixing support and regulation.