> Problem is, electric cars don’t require the same workforce to build. As Reuters writes, ‘electric cars provide less assembly work than combustion engine vehicles.’<p>This may be the most interesting factor of all, but the article doesn't cite much in the way of support.<p>AFAICT, the electrical system on a Tesla is an entirely new level of complexity, but the rest of the hardware is vastly simplified. No engine. No fuel system. No emissions system or multi-state/country-specific modifications. The battery placement gives the car a low center of gravity, which simplifies safety engineering.<p>If so, then it's far from clear how German car makers survive this. They'll need to not only retool factories built a great cost (often, for diesel, which is now almost certainly dead), but will need workers with some very different skillsets.<p>This seems more like a problem for any country with an established auto industry. It's a great opportunity for countries without one.