Numbers don’t work with current lithium prices.
Not much lithium is mined in the US. Almost all battery grade lithium is imported from China.
You have to wonder how tariffs will affect lithium and battery prices in the US. Will they make lithium mining and processing more attractive in the US?
Dear Paul,
The Chinese EV companies do not need the Li? Probably.
But do we get facts out of China?
Solid state batteries are coming.
intercst
CNN article has paywall. Please summarize.
Sodium battery is the most likely alternative to lithium. Both articles require lithium and will require imports from China and payment of tariffs.
Here ya go…
China’s electric vehicle industry is preparing to take on the world. Is America ready?
https://archive.is/20250504033323/https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/02/cars/china-ev-industry-success-shanghai-show-intl-hnk-dst
DB2
That $300,000 Xpeng Flying Car with the included Cybertruck-sized transport carrier is something
intercst
Yes! Provided America does not kill off Tesla. 
Reminds me of the birth of the America’s Cup. The schooner America sailed to England and challenged the Brits who would not go so low as to compete with colonials. The Brits could not evade the ultimate challenge, the America vs. the Royal Yacht Squadron. The race was around the Isle of Wight. Lore has it that …
In 1851, Queen Victoria was watching a sailing race from the Royal Yacht when a schooner named ‘America’ suddenly broke through the mist, and sailing swiftly past the onlookers, saluted by dipping its ensign three times. The Queen then asked one of her attendants, who was following in second place? “Your Majesty, there is no second,” was the reply.
America's Cup - There is no second | Monterey Boats.
The Captain
With three or four fully paid for manufacturing plants its hard to imagine Tesla going a way. Sales may flatten, even decline, but going away is not likely.