China just won the EV race due to Trump – it’s now negotiating closer trade with EU
China announced that it has resumed talks with the European Union to lower trade barriers and increase economic cooperation, with specific focus on electric vehicles, in response to US tariffs – showing another way that Trump’s actions will bring ruin to American manufacturing.
Tariffs don’t work. We said it before when Biden implemented auto tariffs and when Europe did too, and we’ll say it again until we don’t have to say it anymore.
There are some potential benefits or situations that they can be used in, but when they are decided on haphazardly, not targeted towards any particular industry or country, not accompanied by onshoring incentives, and not done in concert with allies to produce a desired effect, they tend to just be bad for the country imposing them. And we’ve already seen how the last round of tariffs on China didn’t work, instead resulting in job losses and inflation for Americans.
They work especially poorly when implemented by someone who routinely shows, with every public action and statement that he makes, that he understands nothing about the world or even about his own policies. When tariffs are implemented by fiat, under a false emergency, by an entity that doesn’t have the Constitutional authority to do so, and are changed every day, they will tend to work even worse at producing any sort of desirable effect for the country implementing them, or at allowing businesses to plan around them.
As you likely already know, this latter tactic has been the one chosen by convicted felon Donald Trump, who recently wandered back into the Oval Office (despite that there exists a clear legal remedy for insurrectionists) and has apparently dedicated himself to tanking the US economy as much as possible and in the stupidest possible ways.
Recently, he announced huge tariffs on every country, claiming them as “reciprocal” tariffs for PR purposes, even against countries that do not levy tariffs against the US. It turns out, the numbers behind these tariffs are based on a dumb formula that didn’t even use the right numbers, ignored entire economic sectors (like services, which US is a net exporter of), and included uninhabited islands like Heard & McDonald islands near Antarctica, suggesting they were not generated intentionally by a thinking human but rather auto-generated based on a list of countries.
This chaos has resulted in significant International response, with just about everyone pointing out what a poor idea all of this is. For an encapsulation of much of what’s wrong with these tactics, listen to this speech by the Prime Minister of Singapore:
And Europe has responded by imposing retaliatory tariffs on the US.
China and the EU are not the only countries that the US has pushed away with these tariff discussions. Our closest neighbor, Canada, is increasingly seeking cooperation from elsewhere after being unreasonably targeted with tariffs by the US, and polling for the upcoming Canadian election swung by about 25 percentage points as Canadians have gained a new sense of national unity in the face of trade attacks from the US. The close ties between the US & Canadian economies can be seen in job losses in both countries as a result of the tariffs, mere days after they were implemented.
And today, we’re seeing one specific example of how these tariffs will benefit the main country they’re targeted at harming, China, as the country has announced that its seeking closer trade cooperation with the European Union.
China announces US tariffs are pushing China & EU closer
China’s commerce minister announced today that China had talks with EU earlier this week via a video call. The announcement is light on details, but states that further talks will begin soon with an emphasis on deepening trade, investment and industrial cooperation between Europe and China.
Specifically, China said that there would be discussion of minimum price commitments for electric vehicles (which, to be clear, are also anticompetitive, just slightly less so). It also said that the motivating factor behind these talks is the tariff chaos happening in the US right now.
In October, Europe enacted a tariff on Chinese EVs up to 35.3%. Europe claimed that this was due to unfair subsidy practices by China, despite that Europe also subsidizes its own EV industry (and rightly so). China responded by levying its own tariffs on European products like brandy.
So today’s announcement suggests that there may be some reversal of those tariffs, as long as China promises not to import EVs at a price that European manufacturers can’t match. And resumption in these talks will mean that China gains more prominence on the international stage as an exporter, while the US fades away in the same realm.
Tariff chaos is handing world leadership to China
Similar talks occurred between the US and Japan in the early 1980s, including minimum prices and import quotas, after it became apparent that Japanese automakers had far exceeded the Americans in efficiency. While this did offer a lifeline to the US auto industry, Japan rode that high to five decades of export dominance, being the largest auto exporter in the world from then until now – where it was only recently eclipsed… by, you guessed it: China.
China already has a dominant position in the global EV industry. The country has put significant effort into developing its industrial base towards electrification and as a provider of cleantech and its components, something that the US was late on the train to do (and which Trump and republicans are trying to reverse). It’s able to produce high-quality vehicles at lower prices, and with its own technology like LFP batteries, which are cheaper and more durable (though less energy dense).
The US could compete with this by incentivizing local manufacturing (as it did under Biden) and leveraging the soft power it has always held on the international stage to keep trade barriers low and cooperation high between it and some of the world’s largest consumer blocs – or it could do the wrong thing and push all other countries away, letting China swoop in and gain power as the US abandons the world.
But America seems determined to make its own lot worse, despite ample warnings that all of this would happen.
Charge your electric vehicle at home using rooftop solar panels. Find a reliable and competitively priced solar installer near you on EnergySage, for free. They have pre-vetted installers competing for your business, ensuring high-quality solutions and 20-30% savings. It’s free, with no sales calls until you choose an installer. Compare personalized solar quotes online and receive guidance from unbiased Energy Advisers. Get started here. – ad*
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Aventon has officially announced its latest electric bicycle, the Pace 4, adding advanced smart bike technology and enhanced rider comfort to its popular line of urban-friendly e-bikes. The Pace 4 builds upon Aventon’s successful formula of accessibility and ease of use, now augmented with new connectivity and security features that make it harder to steal and easier to get back.
At the heart of the Pace 4 is Aventon’s latest innovation: the Aventon Control Unit (ACU). The ACU significantly upgrades the bike’s intelligence and security capabilities, bringing GPS tracking, geofencing, and remote locking to the Pace 4.
With the addition of the ACU, riders gain the ability to monitor their bike’s location in real-time, set virtual boundaries that trigger alerts if the bike leaves a specified area, and remotely lock the rear wheel, helping to improve security and peace of mind. A startup passcode can also be enabled to further improve theft deterrence, ensuring the bike can only be activated by authorized users.
The remote locking and passcode can help deter some theft, but the GPS tracking makes it easier to get the bike back if it ever does find itself in the wrong hands. The GPS feature and the 4G data communication both require a 4G data subscription, which is provided complimentary for one year at the time of purchase.
Of course, there’s no such thing as a theft-proof bicycle, but these types of smart features help riders get closer to that goal. Plus, as bike thieves become more aware of which e-bikes include built-in GPS or other theft deterrence features, hopefully those models will become less attractive targets.
The Pace 4 doesn’t only upgrade its intelligence. Its performance and comfort have also received their own improvements.
Powered by a 500W rear hub motor rated for a peak output of 864 watts and 60 Nm of torque, the Pace 4 provides decent power for smooth urban commuting and enjoyable leisure rides. According to Aventon, riders can expect consistent and reliable performance across various terrains and riding conditions.
It may not match the 750W continuous-rated motors we often see in the North American market, which usually output peak power in the low four figures of watts, but it should still provide good power and climbing performance on moderate hills.
The Pace 4 features a 36V 20Ah battery, which Aventon states can deliver a range of up to 70 miles (112 km) when ridden in ECO mode. Of course, few people actually ride solely in the lowest power mode, and so the real-world range is likely to be somewhat lower – especially for riders who make ample use of the throttle. But with just over 720 Wh of battery capacity, the Pace 4 is likely still ideal for extended city commutes, recreational rides, and weekend exploring. And with the included torque sensor, the pedal assist is more responsive, giving riders more reason to let go of the throttle and enjoy the pedal assist performance.
The 27.5×2.1″ urban tires will be most at home on pavement but can likely still handle fairly smooth trails. Whether for daily commuting or leisurely outings, the bike seems outfitted for a variety of use cases.
The Pace 4 lacks traditional suspension but the bike does include a suspension seat post offering 2 inches (50mm) of travel. This feature absorbs shocks and vibrations from rough roads, preventing them from traveling up through the saddle and into the rider’s rear, enhancing the riding experience. Complementing this is an ergonomic handlebar design aimed at promoting a relaxed, upright riding posture, reducing rider fatigue on longer trips and increasing overall comfort.
Neither of these can replace true front or rear suspension, but they go a decent way toward adding more comfort to the ride.
Aventon has also emphasized accessibility with the Pace 4. It features a step-through frame design that makes getting on and off the bike much easier than swinging a leg over the rear, helping the bike cater to riders of all ages and abilities. Available in two frame sizes and three colors of Flint, Mica, and Blue Steel (grey, black, and light blue), the Pace 4 also offers a bit of variation to help riders dial in the size and style closer to their tastes.
Priced at $1,799, the Pace 4 is entering the market at a time when new tariffs are hammering e-bike prices. The model is now available for purchase through Aventon’s official website and Aveneton’s wide network of authorized dealers.
Electrek’s Take
The new Aventon Pace 4 sticks with the company’s recent drive to push the boundaries of e-bike technology, combining smart connectivity, enhanced security features, modest performance, and some nods toward comfort. I’d imagine the bike would appeal to a broad range of riders if it wasn’t for the price, which feels fairly high to me. Plus, the base model doesn’t include a rack, fenders, or other commuter staples that will only elevate the price further. That being said, the Pace 4 launches at a time when e-bike prices are expected to arrive across the board, either slightly for models built in various Asian countries or significantly for models built in China.
But ignoring the price (as hard as that may be), I do like what I see here. It’s hard to compare to Class 3 e-bikes with more powerful 48V systems, but this isn’t designed to compete with those models. It’s a more modest, easier-going model. But for its intended audience, it comes with some nice features that we don’t often see elsewhere.
I really hope features like built-in tracking become more common across the board, as they’re hugely valuable for riders.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
British Columbia got its first 400 kW DC fast charger last week at Canadian C-store chain On The Run, but that’s not the good part. As part of a limited time offer, these chargers are FREE!
The Canadian convenience store chain just took the wraps off its new, ABB-developed, 400 kW chargers earlier this month, but they’re already planning to bring the ultra-fast 400 kW dispensers to at least four more locations in BC this spring, and have them online just in time for the summer road trip season – something On The Run hopes its customers will appreciate.
“The A400 charger delivers an enhanced customer experience, with reliability and performance from a 32-inch screen to higher power charging sessions and power sharing,” reads the company’s official announcement, via LinkedIn. “Download the Journie Rewards app to start the charge – free for a limited time.”
On The Run’s new 400 kW ABB DC fast chargers are compatible with CCS and CHAdeMO plugs, and can accommodate Tesla and other NACS-equipped vehicles with an adapter. That said, the company seems to imply that Tesla drivers in particular will have a maximum charging speed of “just” 50 kW, which feel hilarious (given the current state of affairs between Tesla and the Canadian government), but probably isn’t.
In addition to the ABB A400 400 kW units shown here, On The Run locations also employ the ABB Terra 184 dispensers rated at 180 kW. On The Run plans similar deployments at the four BC locations mentioned above, as well as two more each in Quebec and Ontario slated to go live towards the end of this year.
Electrek’s Take
Tesla’s controversial CEO Elon Musk once mocked 350 kW charging speed as being “for a child’s toy,” despite the fact that, nearly nine years later, his own cars and Superchargers can barely make it to 325 kW while others have sailed right on past. I made fun of that fact on the Quick Charge episode shown, above – and, while I do think it’s funny and relevant, the much more relevant piece of news here is that companies like BP Pulse, Revel, and Wallbox are actively deploying 400 kW solutions, today (while others hit the same mark as far back as 2017).
It’s just a fact: Tesla has fallen way behind.
SOURCE | IMAGES: On The Run, via Electric Autonomy.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Terawatt Infrastructure‘s first medium- and heavy-duty electric charging truck stop in California is now online, in Rancho Dominguez.
Located 12 miles north of the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, the private Rancho Dominguez site, which is shared among multiple fleets, will support electric trucking fleet operations in and out of the largest container ports in the US.
First customers include Dreaded Trucking, Hight Logistics, PepsiCo, Quick Container Drayage, Southern Counties Express, Tradelink Transport, and WestCoast Trucking & Warehousing.
Terawatt’s electric charging truck stop features 20 pull-through and bobtail DC fast charging stalls with a capacity of 7 megawatts (MW), enabling charging for up to 125 trucks per day using a simple reservations system. Terawatt’s site features a proprietary charge management system, in-house technicians, 24/7 customer service, and onsite parts management.
“This launch underscores growing collaboration between enterprises, shippers, carriers, and charging infrastructure providers to advance sustainable technologies across logistics and transportation operations, especially in the medium and heavy-duty sectors,” said Neha Palmer, CEO and cofounder of Terawatt. Palmer added that the company will bring another charging site online in Rialto, California, in June.
Terawatt joined some of the world’s largest shippers and carriers in September 2024 to launch the I-10 Consortium heavy-duty EV operations pilot, the “first-ever US over-the-road electrified corridor.” Terawatt is providing charging infrastructure, including software, operations, and maintenance support at six of its owned charging hubs along the I-10 corridor.
If you live in an area that has frequent natural disaster events, and are interested in making your home more resilient to power outages, consider going solar and adding a battery storage system. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. They have hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisers to help you every step of the way. Get started here. –trusted affiliate link*
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
-
Sports2 years ago‘Storybook stuff’: Inside the night Bryce Harper sent the Phillies to the World Series
-
Sports1 year agoStory injured on diving stop, exits Red Sox game
-
Sports1 year agoGame 1 of WS least-watched in recorded history
-
Sports2 years agoMLB Rank 2023: Ranking baseball’s top 100 players
-
Sports4 years ago
Team Europe easily wins 4th straight Laver Cup
-
Environment2 years agoJapan and South Korea have a lot at stake in a free and open South China Sea
-
Environment2 years agoGame-changing Lectric XPedition launched as affordable electric cargo bike
-
Business3 years agoBank of England’s extraordinary response to government policy is almost unthinkable | Ed Conway