Is Tesla on the Outs in China?

wired.comPublished: 4/23/2025

Summary

Tesla has transcended its "cool car" image in China, emerging as a major player in the electric vehicle market. The company's roots began with Chinese Minister Zhuanglong testing a Tesla vehicle in 2008, followed by Elon Musk's push for entry into China's market, culminating in the establishment of a Gigafactory in Shanghai by 2020. Unlike tech giants like Google or Meta, Tesla avoided strict information controls, allowing it to thrive. Meanwhile, China has embraced electric vehicles as part of its transportation strategy, investing heavily in EV production and development, which is key to Tesla's leadership, with over 50% of new-car buyers now opting for electric vehicles.