“This is a factory built by humans but run by robots,” Burtynsky said in a recent Zoom call. “I think it’s a foreshadowing of where our future is.”

This high-tech, highly automated facility belongs to BYD, China’s leading EV manufacturer and Tesla’s fiercest global rival. In 2024 alone, BYD delivered 4.27 million vehicles—including 1.76 million electric and around 2.5 million hybrid cars—outpacing Tesla in total output.

A Factory With No Faces

Burtynsky, known for his haunting images of labor and industry, was granted access to BYD’s Changzhou plant through a personal connection with British architect Sir Norman Foster. Foster was guest-editing Domus magazine and wanted a compelling image to represent the future of transportation.

What Burtynsky found was a factory unlike those he had photographed in China during the 2000s—images that showed endless rows of workers building the country’s economic rise. This time, the workers were gone. Or nearly so.

“The humans are really just there to maintain the robots and keep the programs running clean,” he explained. In some corners of the facility, the level of automation is so complete, the factory could run without lights—a so-called “dark factory.”

It’s a stark contrast to the past, but also a reflection of BYD’s edge: automation drives down production costs, allowing it to offer EVs like the Seagull at just $10,000—a third of what Tesla charges for its base Model 3 in China.

A Powerful Image of Change

The standout image from his visit—titled “BYD Manufacturing Facility #1”—is visually hypnotic. It shows an unfinished vehicle on a production line, surrounded by towering steel beams that vanish into the distance, creating an almost spiritual symmetry.

“It had a cathedral-esque quality,” Burtynsky recalled.

But he also sees the image as part of a much larger narrative—one that stretches far beyond China’s borders.

From China to Africa: The New Face of Globalization

The photo is part of a larger series Burtynsky calls “China in Africa,” now on view at Hong Kong’s Flowers Gallery. The project explores what he sees as the next phase of globalization. Alongside ultra-modern factories in China, he juxtaposes Chinese-owned infrastructure in African nations—rail crossings, warehouses, and textile factories in places like Ethiopia.

The takeaway? While China’s factories have become more automated, the human labor hasn’t disappeared—it’s moved.

“They have literally secured their complete supply chain,” he said, pointing to BYD’s reported investments in lithium mines and mineral rights in countries like Brazil. It’s what Burtynsky describes as “complete vertical integration,” from raw materials to finished products.

A Complex Portrait of Progress

Burtynsky’s work often balances on the edge of awe and unease. Known for large-scale, aerial shots of landscapes transformed by human industry—like copper mines and salt flats—he doesn’t claim to take sides.

“I do it in a sort of deadpan aesthetic,” he said. “I’m not trying to manipulate you.”

His images aren’t designed to be moral judgments, but they do raise big questions. Take automation: is it dystopian, or simply efficient? Electric vehicles may be resource-intensive to build, but they also represent a step toward reducing fossil fuel dependence.

And as Burtynsky points out, not all jobs lost to automation are worth mourning. Before becoming a full-time photographer, he worked in car factories himself.

“You feel like you’re part of the machine,” he recalled. “You’re just being used for your human energy because they haven’t yet found a machine that can do what you’re doing.”

Finding Humanity in Machines

While the BYD plant might lack human workers, it’s not entirely devoid of human touch. In his photos, Burtynsky encourages viewers to look closer—at a grease stain on the factory floor, or a splash of oil on a pristine wall. These tiny imperfections, he says, are what ground the scene in reality.

“I’m always trying to point my camera into worlds we’re not all that familiar with,” he said. “And invite the kind of scrutiny that only a large format print can offer.”

In a world increasingly shaped by automation, Burtynsky’s lens doesn’t just document what’s changing—it asks us to consider what we’re leaving behind.

Source: CNN – Photographer finds surreal beauty — and few humans — inside a Chinese EV factory

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Tesla is seeing a significant drop in sales across Europe, even as the demand for electric vehicles (EVs) continues to rise. Sales figures for April paint a concerning picture for the electric car giant, with major markets like the UK, Netherlands, Denmark, Portugal, Sweden, and France all reporting sharp declines.

Sales Plunge Across Key European Markets

In the UK, one of Tesla’s previously strongholds, sales plummeted by 62% in April, according to the UK’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). This comes despite a broader 8% increase in overall EV sales in the country. Tesla’s struggles in Europe are not isolated to the UK. The company also saw a staggering 67% drop in sales in Denmark, a 74% fall in the Netherlands, and a 33% decline in Portugal, based on trade group data from these countries. Sweden and France weren’t spared either, with sales down 81% and 59% respectively.

Elon Musk’s Controversial Politics and Impact on Sales

While Tesla hasn’t provided official comments on these drops, some analysts point to Elon Musk’s controversial political stances as a contributing factor. Musk has openly supported far-right political candidates in Germany and the UK, which has sparked protests and backlash across Europe. Additionally, the threat of steep tariffs on European imports, particularly due to Musk’s ties to the Trump administration, could be turning off some European buyers.

Rising Competition in the EV Market

Tesla’s sales dip also comes as competition in the European EV market intensifies. Chinese automaker BYD is rapidly gaining ground and is expected to surpass Tesla as the world’s largest EV maker this year. With new and competitive electric vehicles entering the market, Tesla is finding it harder to maintain its once-dominant position.

A Bleak Forecast for Tesla in 2025?

Analysts are already forecasting a challenging year ahead for Tesla. Despite no official guidance on 2025 sales, the company’s recent performance has many predicting a continued slide. Gordon Johnson, an analyst with GLJ Research, who has been bearish on Tesla’s prospects, expressed concern over the company’s future. “The second quarter of 2025 is shaping up to be another disaster, following the first quarter’s poor performance,” Johnson warned.

A 36% Sales Drop Across Europe

Tesla’s struggles are reflected in broader market trends. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), Tesla’s sales in Europe dropped by 36% in the first quarter of 2025. This comes despite a 24% increase in overall EV sales across the continent. The data paints a stark contrast to the growth seen in the broader electric vehicle market, highlighting Tesla’s struggles to maintain its leadership.

Tesla’s Biggest Sales Decline in History

These challenges come on the heels of Tesla’s first drop in annual sales for 2024, as well as the largest quarterly global sales decline in the company’s history. In the first quarter of 2025, Tesla’s net income fell by a staggering 71%, with the company relying on the sale of regulatory credits to legacy automakers just to report any profit.

As competition heats up and consumer confidence wanes in Europe, Tesla’s future in the global electric vehicle market is uncertain. The road ahead could be difficult, and how the company responds to these mounting challenges will shape its future prospects.

Source: CNN – Tesla sales plunge across Europe

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From electric batteries that charge in just five minutes, to futuristic flying cars and highly advanced assisted driving technology, the event was a high-energy spectacle that captivated both crowds and live-streaming audiences. But this year, unlike previous shows dominated by legacy brands like GM, Volkswagen, and BMW, the spotlight belonged to China’s EV innovators.

One of the most talked-about moments at the show was the unveiling of the Denza Z, an electric sports car from BYD, China’s largest carmaker. Known for its “extreme performance” and “pure emotional design,” the Denza Z drew applause from the crowd, a testament to how far Chinese automakers have come. The excitement was palpable, with attendees cheering and shouting “We love you” in support of the cutting-edge EV.

Meanwhile, in another part of the exhibition, tech giant Xiaomi, traditionally known for smartphones and electronics, showcased its EV offerings. Nio, another Chinese powerhouse, revealed its luxurious ET9 sedan, which rivals top-tier European models like the BMW 7-Series and Porsche Panamera.

These reveals underscore a shift in the global automotive landscape. China, once seen as a producer of low-cost knock-offs, is now at the forefront of the rapidly expanding global EV market. And the world is taking notice.

The rise of China’s EV industry is especially significant given the ongoing U.S.-China trade war. President Trump’s tariffs on imported vehicles have created uncertainty for American automakers. However, Chinese EV makers are relatively insulated from this because they have already shifted their focus to international markets beyond the U.S. After all, China controls more than 60% of the global EV market, according to energy analytics firm Rho Motion.

While the U.S. pushes for a revival of its auto industry, China’s EV sector is gaining a significant competitive edge. With foreign automakers like Tesla, General Motors, and Volkswagen grappling with tariffs and trade restrictions, China’s electric carmakers are positioning themselves as global players.

The competition among Chinese EV makers is intense, driving rapid innovation. Just last month, BYD released a battery that could charge its cars in five minutes, providing 250 miles of range. But the company was quickly upstaged by Chinese battery giant CATL, which revealed a new battery capable of delivering 320 miles in the same time.

Tech firms like Huawei and Momenta are also pushing forward with advancements in intelligent driving technology, while BYD is adding more features to its cars, including its “God’s Eye” driver-assistance system at no extra charge. The speed at which China is innovating has taken even foreign companies by surprise.

As one industry veteran remarked, “We came back after the country reopened, and we immediately realized: Wow, China has changed so much.” This rapid pace of development is transforming the automotive landscape, with Chinese automakers now leading the charge in both technology and value for money.

Chinese consumers have become increasingly discerning, seeking out vehicles that offer not only cutting-edge technology but also affordability. The Shanghai Auto Show demonstrated this perfectly. Carmakers showcased cars equipped with luxurious features like heated seats, massage functions, and advanced entertainment systems—at a fraction of the cost of their foreign counterparts.

One American businessman attending the show was shocked to find a car with a moonroof, voice control, and ample legroom for just $20,000. “We were expecting a much higher price,” he said, highlighting the value Chinese automakers offer compared to their Western counterparts.

Despite the fierce competition, Chinese EV makers are not deterred. Many are looking to expand into global markets, with Chinese exports growing steadily. In the first quarter of this year, Chinese manufacturers exported 441,000 EVs, including hybrids—up more than 40% from the same period last year.

Foreign automakers, such as Volkswagen, are also recognizing China’s dominance in the EV sector. Volkswagen’s CEO, Ralf Brandstätter, emphasized the company’s “in China, for China” approach, ramping up its EV efforts and forging partnerships with Chinese tech firms to stay competitive in the market.

China’s automotive transformation has been nothing short of remarkable. Just two decades ago, China had little to no car culture. The country was known as the “kingdom of bicycles.” However, with rapid economic growth and the rise of a middle class, China became a key player in the global auto market. Today, half of all cars sold in China are electric or hybrid models, a far cry from just a few years ago.

This shift has been driven by a combination of government support, private investment, and visionary entrepreneurs like Wang Chuanfu, the founder of BYD. Since its early days in the 1990s, BYD has become a global force in the EV market, surpassing Tesla in 2024 to become the world’s largest EV maker in terms of sales.

China’s dominance in the EV sector is reshaping the global automotive industry. For the U.S. and other Western nations, this shift represents both a challenge and an opportunity. As Chinese automakers continue to innovate and expand their reach, foreign brands are scrambling to catch up. Partnerships with Chinese firms are becoming increasingly common, as companies look to tap into China’s growing tech and EV expertise.

But the ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and China could make the future uncertain. As tariffs continue to increase, Chinese automakers may face additional hurdles when trying to enter Western markets. However, their ability to innovate rapidly and deliver high-quality, affordable vehicles positions them to thrive in an increasingly electric world.

The rise of China’s EV industry is not just a passing trend. It’s a seismic shift in the global automotive market, one that promises to reshape the way the world thinks about electric vehicles. With China’s focus on affordability, technological advancements, and global expansion, its EV sector is poised to dominate the future of transportation.

As China continues to lead the charge in the EV revolution, the question remains: Is the rest of the world ready to keep up?

Source: CNN – China’s electric vehicle industry is preparing to take on the world. Is America ready?

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Ford EV owners should follow the link on Ford’s notice to make sure it has the right address on file. If it is, they won’t need to do anything else to get their replacement, but if not, the company says customers need to update their address by October 24th.

Ford will supply a replacement adapter in the coming weeks and provide return instructions to send back your existing adapter – both at no cost. It is imperative that we receive all adapters affected to reduce the risk of potential vehicle damage.

Ford will reportedly start shipping replacement adapters to customers during the week of October 28th. Only “a certain recent batch” of Ford’s North American Charging Standard adapters are impacted, according to InsideEV. Both Rivian and General Motors told the outlet that they have not identified any similar issues with their own adapters.

Source: Ford tells some EV customers to stop using its Tesla Supercharger adapter

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The investigation is looking into four accidents involving vehicles using the FSD feature. In one, a pedestrian was struck in killed, according to the agency. In another, there was an injury.

In each the accidents, the Tesla car using FSD “experienced a crash after entering an area of reduced roadway visibility….from conditions such as sun glare, fog, or airborne dust,” said the agency’s statement about the start of the probe.

FSD is at the center of Tesla’s plans for future growth and profitability. The feature, which is sold as an $8,000 option, requires drivers to stay in the driver’s seat and be ready to take control of the vehicle in order to avoid accidents. But Tesla and CEO Elon Musk insist the feature is already safer than human-controlled driving, and the company has announced plans for true self-driving cars that would come without steering wheels, accelerators or brake pedals.

Musk last week unveiled plans for a fleet of self-driving “robotaxis” and a service that allows Tesla owners to rent out their cars for a ride service in order to make money when they aren’t using their cars. But while Musk has insisted such offerings would enable Tesla to become the most valuable company in the world, investors were mostly unimpressed with the presentation, sending shares of Tesla down nearly 9% the day after the evening presentation.

This is not the first time that the NHTSA has announced it is investigating Tesla’s self-driving features. In February 2023 the agency ordered a recall to change the FSD software on all of the more than 360,000 Teslas then on US roads with the feature. It found FSD “led to an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety based on insufficient adherence to traffic safety laws.” And it warned that FSD could violate traffic laws at some intersections “before some drivers may intervene.”

“The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to a complete stop, or proceeding into an intersection during a steady yellow traffic signal without due caution,” said the recall notice, posted on NHTSA’s website.

In December it ordered another recall of all 2 million Teslas on US roads to make software changes to limit the use of a less robust suite of driver-assist features known as Autopilot, following a two-year probe by the agency of roughly 1,000 crashes in which the feature was engaged.

Source

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