US Editor Tests Chinese Clean Energy Tech, Warns America Is Far Behind

At CES, PCMag editor Michael Lydick, after comparing China's and the U.S.'s new energy technologies, remarked that China’s lead in areas like batteries and solar power is “not just a little bit”—and that the U.S., due to regressive policies, is falling behind at an accelerating pace. Hailing from North Carolina—a state frequently battered by storms—Lydick relies daily on Chinese-made portable power systems from EcoFlow and Lesun solar panels to meet his needs for mobile office work and powering refrigerators. He noted that Chinese companies not only offer mature, diverse product lines but also dominate the global market. In contrast, under the current administration’s fossil-fuel-friendly policies, the development of wind, solar, and energy storage in the U.S. has been severely hindered. He likened the situation this way: “China is building its own kitchen, hiring top chefs, and refining its recipes year after year—while the U.S. can barely cook a meal anymore.” On this, he frankly admitted, “It’s heartbreaking.”