SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY


China’s EV Takeover Threatens Entire U.S. Auto Industry


Beijing’s battery dominance puts jobs, security, and manufacturing at risk. :: BY LAUREN FIX


C


hina already dominates huge portions of the electric vehicle ecosystem. Its goal is to control it completely.


Western automakers, Wall Street, and dealers understand the stakes. Yet consumers are still being sold simplistic narratives about the EV transition. The uncomfortable reality is that


many legacy automakers doubt they can compete globally in EVs without Chinese involvement. EV sales growth has slowed sharply in the United States, but China continues pushing the technology. It controls much of the mining and processing of critical battery materials, giving it enormous influence over production. That should terrify the United Auto


Workers — and every American. The automobile industry supports a vast portion of the economy. For decades, unions fought the


outsourcing of production to Mexico and other lower-cost countries. Government- driven electrification has created a diff erent threat. EVs require fewer engine parts, transmissions, suppliers, and workers than traditional vehicles.


Combine that with Chinese dominance


in batteries, electronics, and software, and the long-term impact could devastate the


82 NEWSMAX MAXLIFE | OCTOBER 2026


often means fewer jobs. Modern vehicles are rolling computers


industrial Midwest. America’s automotive economy extends


far beyond assembly plants. It includes steel suppliers, logistics companies, plastics manufacturers, tool-and-die operations, engineering centers, repair facilities, railroads, dealerships, and thousands of small businesses. When supply chains leave, entire communities suff er. Stellantis, a collection of vehicle brands that include Chrysler, Jeep, and Fiat, is already signaling, where the industry may be heading. Its global strategy emphasizes shared platforms, reusable components, software integration, and international manufacturing partnerships. By decade’s end, Stellantis wants half its global volume produced on three platforms. Its new STLA One architecture is


expected to support more than 30 models while incorporating advanced software, steer-by-wire technology, artificial intelligence, and connected cockpit systems. Suppliers and partners include Qualcomm, Wayve, Nvidia, CATL, and Mistral AI. Meanwhile, Stellantis plans to eliminate


more than 800,000 units of European manufacturing capacity while restructuring production around ef iciency and lower costs. Investors may applaud, but workers should recognize that greater ef iciency


connected to cellular networks, cloud systems, cameras, microphones, GPS, and artificial intelligence software. They collect tremendous amounts of information, including locations, driving habits, communications, and biometric data. That is why national security concerns


now collide with automotive policy. The Biden administration imposed 100% tariff s on Chinese EV imports and proposed restrictions on Chinese-connected vehicle technology. President Donald Trump has also repeatedly warned against allowing Chinese vehicles to gain a foothold in America. If America loses control of automotive


batteries, semiconductors, software platforms, artificial intelligence, and electronics manufacturing, the consequences will spread throughout the economy. The automotive war is no longer about horsepower or styling. It is about who controls the batteries, software, semiconductors, data, and supply chains — and whether America intends to build its own vehicles. Judging by the backlash building in


Washington, Detroit, and the industrial Midwest, that fight is only beginning.


Follow Lauren Fix’s Car Coach columns on Newsmax.com.


©STELLANTIS


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