Rick Lazio: We’ve lost an auto race before, China’s EV climb should worry us
New tech won't help if U.S. factories can't produce it efficiently. Automakers and suppliers need incentives to invest in robotics and advanced equipment.
Rick Lazio warns that China's rapid rise in electric vehicle (EV) technology poses a threat to American innovation. Tesla's latest Roadster demonstrates American engineering prowess, but questions remain about commercializing the vehicle. Chinese automakers, with their state-supported supply chains and generous R&D incentives, are already gaining ground in markets like Britain.
The American challenge is in converting innovative technology into affordable products at scale, an area where China has become remarkably effective. While U.S. tariffs on Chinese EVs aim to protect domestic production, they do little to address the underlying cost gap. The United States needs a stronger push for innovation and a manufacturing ecosystem that supports both large and smaller companies taking risks.
Policymakers should recognize that taxes can stifle investment in research and development, and encourage tax policies that reward innovation.
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