To play devil’s advocate, it’s not the slightest bit hard to see why. I’d almost be curious to see it happen.

The concerns of data collection and privacy are 110% valid, but it’s not like domestic cars are any better. It’s a Facebook/TikTok situation, do you want American companies doing super shady shit with your data, or do you want Chinese companies doing super shady shit with your data?

Do you want GM doing shady shit with your data or do you want BYD doing shady shit with your data? Either way, one data leak is all it takes for everyone to have access to your data.

The difference between the two scenarios is that you don’t need to use social media. Many Americans need a car due to our garbage public transport and non-walkable cities.

If actual competition is what it takes to make the American auto industry give a shit, then fuck it, let’s see what happens. If they can’t compete on price, then compete on privacy. Sell a dumb EV with physical dials and switches. I’d buy the more expensive car that doesn’t track everything I do.

Is this an irresponsible take that ignores long term consequences? Probably, but that’s the strategy for most companies nowadays and we need more EVs on the road ASAP (among a million other things to slow climate change).