> 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.’

This may be the most interesting factor of all, but the article doesn't cite much in the way of support.

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.

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.

This seems more like a problem for any country with an established auto industry. It's a great opportunity for countries without one.