For reference, Chinese labor costs are 1/3 American, so that provides a ~ $2000 ... | Hacker News

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		bryanlarsen on March 30, 2025 \| parent \| context \| favorite \| on: It's the hottest car company. You can't buy one in... For reference, Chinese labor costs are 1/3 American, so that provides a ~ $2000 advantage. Europe's analysis of their subsidies pegs it at 17%. That's pretty small compared to the price advantage they have. It helps, but it's quite clear they are doing a lot more than taking advantage of these differences .

lotsofpulp on March 30, 2025 [–]

I assume producing the batteries is cheaper due to more lax environmental / labor laws.

bryanlarsen on March 30, 2025 | [–]

AFAICT its mostly the refining that's nasty. American batteries generally use lithium refined in China, so everybody gets that advantage.

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