269: Mutually Assured Destruction

Between Jaecoo, BYD, Yangwang, and Geely, Chinese automakers are most definitely coming. In fact, in Europe, they’re already there, and selling well. Is what’s keeping them from the U.S. fear on America’s side, or is there a legitimate reason to keep these vehicles from our shores? We look at some recent news and chew on what it all means. Also, Rivian ups production capacity, the Tesla Semi gets a slow charger, and more! Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Spotify, PocketCasts, iHeartRadio, Podbean, and more! Or heck, use your favorite podcast application. Perhaps you prefer to watch as well as listen. If so, we’ve got you covered. SHOW NOTES “Temu Range Rover” Jaecoo J7 tops UK sales charts in March: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/may/01/jaecoo-7-china-electric-car-chery-price-temu-range-rover BYD moving into top spot for EV sales in multiple markets: https://electrek.co/2026/05/05/byd-overtakes-tesla-kia-best-selling-ev-brand-key-overseas-markets/ Yangwang U9 Extreme price announced: https://carnewschina.com/2026/04/30/byd-u9-xtreme-sold-at-2760000-becomes-most-expensive-byd-ever/ CNBC says Geely is best positioned for entry in U.S. market: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNPzWaafsCA Rivian expands plans for Georgia plant: https://www.electrive.com/2026/05/04/rivian-plans-georgia-plant-50-larger/ Tesla announces “Basecharger” slow-charging for big rigs: https://evchargingstations.com/chargingnews/tesla-semi-charging-business/ AAA studies effects of high/low temperatures on EVs, hybrids: https://newsroom.aaa.com/2026/05/aaa-study-reveals-temperature-impacts-on-ev-and-hybrid-performance-efficiency-and-costs/ This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. Sanchez Episode art courtesy BYD Music courtesy Twisterium at Pixabay Website: https://www.thewattcar.com Buy merch: https://www.thewattcar.com/store YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar