Yesterday saw two interesting developments that could shape the world of electric vehicles from here on out. An adroit Tesla could use these developments to achieve a breakthrough in its quest for a million units per year by the end of the decade. If Tesla misses the chance, it will be disrupted by the legacy automakers it seeks to disrupt. As of yesterday, the legacy makers had a few legs up.
Yesterday, Reuters reported that Volkswagen signed a preliminary deal to establish a joint venture with China’s Anhui Jianghuai Automobile (JAC) to make electric vehicles. Also yesterday, Reuters said that Daimler planned to sell Mercedes-Benz-branded electric cars in China. These developments carry great significance, indicating a sweeping change in the attitude of the Chinese government vis-à-vis foreign-branded electric vehicles, and possibly a long-sought opening of the world’s largest EV market to foreign auto brands.
Via Roman Meliška.