Nobel laureate and economist Paul Krugman described on Tuesday how President Donald Trump's move to pursue the Iran war at the expense of Americans who now face rising oil prices has made China the real winner.

Krugman wrote in his Substack that Trump's decision could put potential oil and gas shortages on the horizon that ultimately benefit Chinese electrotech.

"Donald Trump wants to stop the renewable energy revolution. But he can’t — it will continue to advance around the world because the economics and the science are compelling," Krugman wrote. "Trump can, however, ensure that the revolution passes us by. And the big geopolitical winner from Trump’s hostility to the energy revolution will be China, which dominates the production of renewable-energy infrastructure."
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Some state lawmakers who formerly supported legislation to help Tesla bring in direct sales of its electrical vehicles have soured on the company, thanks to Elon Musk's divisive political activities.

Politico reported Thursday, "In the past, blue state Democrats and environmental groups pushed for allowing Tesla and other electric vehicle makers to set up shop rather than requiring customers to buy online. They saw it as a no-cost measure to support higher EV sales and slash transportation emissions."

Attitudes have changed, however, in statehouses across the country with lawmakers who are vehemently opposed to Musk's growing influence over the Trump administration....

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In the latest sign that corporate behemoths are getting behind the shift to electric vehicles, Walmart announced on Thursday that it would install fast-charging stations at thousands of locations around the country. The rollout would quadruple the company’s network of charging stations, currently available at more than 280 Walmart and Sam’s Club stores.

Walmart’s move could help allay a common concern about buying an electric car — range anxiety, the fear of getting stranded with a dead battery and no chargers in sight. ...

By Paul Nieuwenhuis, Cardiff University