[nyokodo]

The post they were responding to said “not relying on another country” so pointing out Tesla’s reliance on China is a contrary argument. In fact the supply chain for EVs is even more complex than that. China has a huge hyper-financed chokehold on many processing steps but the raw materials come from across the globe. On the other hand, ICE vehicles have a relatively simple supply chain so it’s a big weakness that EVs currently have and well worth pointing out.

[ggm]

> On the other hand, ICE vehicles have a relatively simple supply chain

Relatively simple == simpler, but I would point out it's brittle because just-in-time hyperoptimisations sucked it dry of spare capacity. Stocks of EMS microchips held up production.

Most of a car outside of ICE/EV differences are the same inputs, same supply chain. Tesla's stamped bodyparts require metal billets the same way normal auto car body panel stampers do.

Inside of ICE/EV differences Tesla runs flow processes to make batteries close to site. The input supply chain for batteries is pretty simple. I am not sure I would say the supply chain behind a fuel injection system is as simple, it has mechanical and electromechanical and electronic parts in profusion. Lots of points of brittleness.

[nyokodo]

> Most of a car outside of ICE/EV differences are the same inputs, same supply chain.

It is an obvious statement that where they’re the same they have the same supply chain.

> The input supply chain for batteries is pretty simple

EV battery supply chains are the most complex out of all inputs for both classes of car other than microchips. There are many countries including highly geopolitically complicated ones like the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Russia that provide vital material inputs.

> it has mechanical and electromechanical and electronic parts in profusion

Fuel injectors are older and simpler tech and have nowhere near as complicated a supply chain as EV batteries.