China’s dominant role in electric vehicle manufacturing and sales has yet to be curtailed by the trade war launched by President Donald Trump. The lack of impact can be demonstrated by Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s trip to Shanghai this week to sign a factory deal. Nissan and its best-selling global EV, the Nissan Leaf, also see the critical role China is playing in the future of auto sales. China continues to hold the lead in global auto sales, along with the top ranking in “new energy” EVs and their lithium-ion battery packs. Nissan has been stung by losing a deal with a Chinese company over its li-ion battery manufacturing unit. Tesla announced plans on Tuesday to establish its long-expected China factory in Shanghai that could build as many as 500,000 EVs per year within the next five years — or sooner. Musk signed a contract with the Chinese government […]