Swanny, glad you're at the stage of getting serious about an EV purchase but take a moment to reconsider the purchase of a Chinese owned one.
Yes they're cheaper and have heaps of features.
However, this is precisely why the alternative democratic mineral supply chain is being built.
China has been thieving IP and mines (AVZ's Manono for example), propping up its NEV automakers and upstream, all with a big fork you to the environment and other ESG considerations.
They are not wonderful global citizens here to help us all meet climate change transition goals but are out to crush western industry and become the dominant power. Not to mention their country's support for Russia, destabilising the Pacific using the Belt and Road etc etc.
It will be interesting to see what pressure the US applies to its allies around their concerns and potential bans on connected vehicles, port cranes etc.
From a long term perspective, I'd also be hesitant about the service backup of many of their brands (new ones popping up almost every week it seems).
There are fantastic offerings from western automakers - Hyundai, Mercedes (some of the longest range out there), and now GM and Ford are getting their act together (Lyriq, Capri), and new stuff coming like the VW Buzz. Tesla vehicles in Oz, although made in China and indirectly supporting them with wages and experience, would still see profits and IP stay in the west.
As investors with an insight into what is truly shaping the global economy, IMO it's down to us to show some spine and vote with our wallets, particularly in choosing what is the most expensive consumer purchase outside the home we'll make.
A large part of the 'delay' or strategic patience on DC's part may be down to the rambling road required to be a part of the western solution.
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