Please create an account to participate in the Slashdot moderation system

 



Forgot your password?
typodupeerror

Comment Re:What is "oversupply"? (Score 1) 149

What exactly does it mean to "oversupply" something? The only way I can interpret that is they make so many cars and batteries that inventory hangs out in warehouses, unable to be sold at any price. How exactly is that bad for consumers?

That is the argument Milton Friedman made.

"But, but, but, monopolies!" I hear people sputter. Yes, companies trying to compete with them now may fail.

Sounds like you know what the problem is. Think of it like the DeBeers diamond cartel on steroids.

When the subsidies stop, I'm confident new companies will pop up to fill the void.

Then the subsidies will start again until those new companies disappear.

Comment Re: Trying to corner the market (Score 1, Interesting) 149

China has been manipulating the lithium market the same way they've been manipulating the rare earths market (ie, poor environmental standards and anti-competitive practices by trying to build a monopoly). No other car company can acquire batteries at the same low cost as Chinese car producers. As soon as the supply chains are fixed (for both lithium and rare earths) this won't be a problem anymore.

China's dumping practices are well documented in the car industry. They overproduced and are now selling below cost.

Slashdot Top Deals

Aren't you glad you're not getting all the government you pay for now?

Working...