KeenGuy

California Exceeds 100% of Energy Demand with Renewables California's wind, solar, and hydro sources have exceeded 100% of the state's energy demand for 69 out of the past 75 days, marking a significant clean energy milestone. This achievement is not an anomaly but a new reality, with renewables consistently exceeding demand for 0.25-6 hours per day, a feat never achieved before. Experts predict that California will achieve 100% net zero electricity by 2045, with the possibility of reaching this goal a decade earlier. To make your home more resilient and contribute to the clean energy movement, consider going solar with a battery storage system. Visit EnergySage to find trusted solar installers and receive personalized quotes. Join the movement towards a sustainable future with renewable energy.

Hey there, Tesla fans! Today, we're diving into the latest buzz around Tesla's upcoming 'Robotaxi' and a potential sneak peek at its interior. Tesla recently released a video showcasing a never-before-seen vehicle interior, sparking speculation about whether it's a glimpse of the highly anticipated Robotaxi. Elon Musk has been vocal about Tesla's commitment to self-driving technology, with the Robotaxi designed from the ground up to be fully autonomous, lacking a steering wheel and pedals. The intriguing image reveals a two-seater vehicle with a unique interior resembling public transit seating, along with a center display similar to current Tesla models. What do you think? Could this be an early concept of the Tesla Robotaxi's interior? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Stay tuned as Tesla gears up to unveil the 'Robotaxi' on August 8th, with plans to bring it to market as soon as next year. Exciting times ahead for the world of autonomous vehicles!

Toyota is set to launch a new all-electric crossover, the bZ3C, designed as a fun, spacious EV with a focus on creating a fun personal space for younger Gen Z buyers. The bZ3C will be launched in China as a new rival to BYD. The concept's interior is based on a mobile "Cozy Home" and will feature Toyota's latest driver-assist systems and smart cockpits. Toyota is targeting younger buyers to compete in the Chinese market after losing market share to other EV makers. The company is also preparing another large electric SUV for the US market, in addition to the already announced three-row EV. This move comes as part of Toyota's recent $1.4 billion investment in its Princeton, Kentucky plant. The company is also considering electric Tacoma and Tundra models for the US market. Toyota's new bZ3C electric SUV is designed for the Chinese market, but the company is also planning to introduce new electric SUV models in the US. Stay tuned for more updates on Toyota's electric vehicle lineup.

GM's CEO Mary Barra says that the company's EV hurdles are a thing of the past as new models like the Chevy Equinox, Blazer, and Silverado EVs hit the market. GM aims to build 200,000 to 300,000 EVs this year, about 20 times more than in 2024, but still short of its previous 400K EV sales target through mid-2024. CEO Mary Barra and CFO Paul Jacobson believe that the challenges in scaling up EV production are behind them. GM has several important all-electric models rolling out this year, including the Chevy Equinox EV and significantly lower-priced Blazer EV models. The new entry-level Blazer EV will compete against Tesla’s best-selling Model Y, while the Equinox EV is being marketed as the "most affordable EV" in its class. GM's new electric models are set to make a significant impact in the EV market, providing more options for consumers and potentially reducing reliance on Tesla.

Toyota is preparing to produce its first electric pickup, the Hilux BEV, in Thailand by the end of next year. The Hilux, already sold in 180 countries, is the perfect model to go all-electric. Toyota has been teasing an all-electric version for some time, and the company has confirmed that the Hilux EV will roll out by the end of 2025. Meanwhile, Chinese automaker BYD has launched its first pickup, the Shark PHEV, with a 100 km all-electric range. The Shark's fuel consumption is 40% lower than that of a full gas-powered engine truck. BYD plans to take the pickup globally, and it's expected to be a direct rival to Toyota's top-selling Hilux pickup. Japanese automakers like Toyota are facing strong competition from Chinese automakers like BYD, MG, and GWM in Thailand's rapidly evolving auto market. BYD was Thailand’s best-selling EV brand last year, and Toyota will need to hurry to keep up with the changing landscape.

Volkswagen to go solo on affordable EVs after ending talks with Renault Volkswagen has decided to go solo on affordable electric vehicles after ending talks with Renault, according to sources. The decision comes after talks between the two automakers to build a low-cost electric version of the Twingo fell through. Volkswagen is now focused on developing its own affordable electric car, with the VW ID 2all expected to start under $27,000 (€25,000) and offer up to 279 miles (450 km) range. As European automakers aim to fend off competition from Chinese rivals like BYD, it's clear that affordable EVs are still a priority. Volkswagen and Renault may be going their separate ways, but the race for affordable electric vehicles is far from over. Stay tuned for more updates.

Hey there, Tesla enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into the recent news about Tesla dropping Steam gaming support in its vehicles. However, new Model S and Model X buyers have been informed that they won’t have access to Steam gaming inside their electric vehicles. Tesla officially launched its Steam Beta native app in new Model S and Model X vehicles in late 2022, but the automaker has now updated the gaming computer in these vehicles, rendering them incapable of playing Steam games. It seems that Tesla saw limited usage of Steam inside its vehicles made the decision to drop the feature. Some users, like Blake, have found this decision "riveting." Others have pointed out that Tesla has a history of dropping existing apps in new vehicles while keeping them in vehicles already delivered. Electrek has expressed that while the idea was interesting, gaming inside a Tesla may be better suited for a mobile gaming device due to the vehicle's limited gaming capabilities.

Rehired Tesla Supercharger Manager Explains Return George Bahadue, Sr. Manager of Site Acquisition and Business Development for Tesla’s Commercial Charging, beautifully explains why he returned to Tesla after being rehired. He quoted the former head of charging, Rebecca Tinucci, to express his reasoning for coming back. Bahadue acknowledges that charging infrastructure is still a barrier to EV adoption and believes he can make a significant impact by returning to Tesla. He emphasizes the importance of solving the challenges in EV charging and expresses excitement about working with site hosts to address these issues. Tesla has been a major part of the solution for EV infrastructure in North America, installing the vast majority of fast-charging stations in the market. However, the rash decision to fire the entire charging team is expected to cause a slowdown in deployment, potentially impacting the EV charging infrastructure significantly. Bahadue's decision to return to Tesla and his acknowledgment of the importance of the charging mission is commendable. It's a positive step towards addressing the challenges in EV charging and continuing the mission of sustainable energy.

Exciting News from Aptera Motors! Aptera's Next Phase Solar EV startup Aptera Motors is closing its crowdfunding program after three years and turning to private funding with the help of US Capital to finally bring its solar EVs into scaled production. Aptera's Co-Founder Speaks Co-founder and co-CEO Chris Anthony expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from over 17,000 investors and announced the company's partnership with US Capital to secure funding for the production of its Launch Edition vehicles. Future of Transportation Aptera aims to bring its innovative vehicles to market at scale in 2025, with the support of US Capital, delivering solar electric vehicles that redefine the future of transportation. Don't miss out! The deadline to invest in Aptera via crowdfunding is June 30, 2024, at 11:59

VinFast (VFS) Secures Nearly 30K Pre-Orders for New $10,000 VF 3 VinFast's new low-cost electric SUV, the VF 3, has already made a significant impact, with close to 30,000 pre-orders secured in just 66 hours after its launch. The VF 3, priced under $10,000, is designed to unbound the imagination of urban mobility, offering sustainability and accessibility for everyone. The special introductory price of $9,248 (235 million VND) has made the VF 3 a social media phenomenon in Vietnam, topping trend rankings ahead of its global debut. At 125.6" long, the VF 3 is even smaller than Volvo's new EX30, and it's equipped with a 10" infotainment system, offering up to 550 liters of cargo space. VinFast's stock is up 8% on Thursday and 44% over the past month, indicating a positive market response to the VF 3. The VF 3's pre-orders in Vietnam are a strong indicator of the demand for low-cost EVs. Stay tuned to see its impact in global markets. Would you buy the VF 3 for $20,000? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Ford is making a big push to cut costs for its electric vehicles (EVs) and stay competitive in the market. The company is asking its suppliers for ideas to reduce EV costs, as it continues to face significant losses in its Model e unit. Ford has introduced significant price reductions to keep up with Tesla's price cuts, resulting in increased demand but also significant costs. For example, after dropping Mustang Mach-E prices by 17%, volume shot up by 141%. Despite the increased demand, Ford's Model e EV business lost another $1.3 billion in the first quarter of this year, with projected losses of $5.5 billion for the year. The company is working to substantially reduce battery costs and optimize profitability. Ford is seeking investment ideas from its suppliers to support profitability, asking for "incremental cost-reduction proposals" for current and next-gen EVs. The company is emphasizing the importance of achieving further levels of material cost efficiency. Ford's collaboration with suppliers to cut EV costs is a crucial step in its efforts to turn around its EV business and achieve profitability. This approach reflects the company's determination to address the challenges it faces in the EV market.

If you’ve been eagerly anticipating the arrival of the all-electric Chevy Equinox, your wait may be over. Chevy has officially commenced deliveries of the Equinox EV, marking the arrival of the "most affordable EV" in its class with over 300 miles of range. The new electric SUV is already making its way to customers, with the entry-level Equinox 1LT FWD starting at $34,995 and the 2LT version, currently being delivered, having an MSRP of $43,295. The Equinox EV also boasts impressive performance, with the FWD model offering up to 319 miles EPA-estimated range and the AWD model up to 285 miles on a full charge. Additionally, the Equinox qualifies for the full $7,500 EV tax credit, potentially bringing prices as low as $27,495. Looking ahead, GM has confirmed that the lower-priced $35,000 version of the Equinox EV will be available to order later this year. Stay tuned for more updates as our colleague tests the new Equinox EV firsthand. If you're ready to experience Chevy's new EVs, we can help you get started. Use our links to find deals on the new Chevy electric models at a dealer near you.

Honda's $65 billion investment in seven new electric vehicles (EVs) is a bold move to regain market share and stay competitive in the EV market. Honda is doubling its investment in EVs to $65 billion through 2030, aiming to launch seven new electric models and achieve a 5% return on sales for its EV business by 2030. CEO Toshihiro Mibe outlined Honda's new strategy, expressing confidence in the company's ability to compete in the small electric vehicle and motorbike segment. Honda plans to introduce new EVs globally, from small to large, with a focus on the second half of the 2020s for the period of EV popularization. To support its EV expansion, Honda will strengthen partnerships for lithium-ion batteries and establish a vertically-integrated supply chain for battery production. Honda's ambitious investment and strategic plans signal a strong commitment to the future of EVs, aiming to turn the tide and increase its EV sales share globally.

Kia's Electric Pickup Testing in the US Kia is making waves with its latest electric pickup, spotted testing in the US. The vehicle bears a striking resemblance to the Ford F-150 Lightning, sparking excitement and speculation among automotive enthusiasts. The prototype showcases a bold, rugged design, drawing inspiration from Kia's EV9 and featuring a distinctive "Digital Tiger Face" grille. Kia's entry into the US electric pickup market, alongside competitors like the Tesla Cybertruck and Ford F-150 Lightning, is poised to make a significant impact. With plans to produce electric versions of popular SUVs and pickups locally from 2024, Kia is gearing up for a major EV offensive. While specific details are yet to be confirmed, the electric pickup is anticipated to leverage Hyundai's advanced EV platform, promising enhanced range and cost-efficiency.

Elon Musk claims that Tesla’s next “Supervised Full Self-Driving” (FSD) software update will result in a “5 to 10x improvement in miles per intervention.” This update is highly anticipated due to retrained neural nets and the system being neural nets end-to-end. The first of these updates, v12.4, is expected to be released soon. Musk also mentioned that v12.5 is expected to bring a major improvement in miles per intervention and will be released in late June. If true, this improvement would be a significant breakthrough in the development of Tesla’s self-driving system. However, some skepticism remains about the accuracy of Musk's claims, especially given the wide range of improvement and the shifting details about the software updates. Despite this, the potential for such a significant advancement is generating excitement within the Tesla community.

Hey there, are Baidu and Tesla getting closer to a major partnership in China? Let's find out. Baidu is considering using Tesla’s upcoming Robotaxi in China. Following Elon Musk’s recent visit to China, Tesla seems to have made progress toward bringing its ‘Supervised Full Self-Driving’ to the country. The automaker has reportedly secured conditional approval to deploy the system in the market. Now, a report from Shanghai Securities News states that a Baidu executive said that the company is looking to use Tesla’s upcoming Robotaxi. It would be interesting to see Baidu partner with Tesla on self-driving. Tesla has often said that it would be willing to supply and license its self-driving technology to other companies, and recently said that it is in discussion with a major OEM. The real question is: does Tesla want to partner with Baidu on this, or is it being asked to as part of the approval process? China is notoriously protectionistic when it comes to foreign companies operating in its market. Stay tuned for more updates on this potential collaboration.

Toyota Ranked as Worst Automaker on Climate Lobbying Toyota has the worst climate lobbying score of any automaker, according to InfluenceMap’s annual report on climate lobbying. This ranking doesn’t just show Toyota's EV plans, but also reveals how much the company is doing to try to stop governments from protecting the populace from pollution. InfluenceMap routinely ranks automakers based on how much they lobby to stop climate policy goals. These rankings consider automakers' EV plans and how much they are doing to prevent governments from protecting the environment. Tesla led the list, but only received a “B” score because of its low engagement intensity. While Tesla supports positive climate policy, it doesn’t lobby as much as other organizations do. The Japanese EV industry has been slow to electrify, putting an important national industry at risk. On production plans, most automakers score poorly, with only 3 of the 15 automakers analyzed having commitments compatible with the International Energy Agency’s target of 66% EVs by 2030. Toyota continues to hold the crown for worst automaker on climate, continuing the several years it has worn it. For more detail into the rankings, read the full InfluenceMap

Introducing the NIO Onvo L60 NIO has launched the first EV under its new mass-market Onvo brand, the Onvo L60 electric SUV, which will rival Tesla’s best-selling Model Y at a cheaper starting price of just $30,500 (219,900 yuan). Competitive Features and Pricing The Onvo L60 has a pre-sale price of $30,500 (219,900 yuan) and offers better energy consumption compared to the Tesla Model Y under the same CLTC conditions. It also comes with three battery pack options, offering up to 1,000 km (621 mi) CLTC range. NIO Onvo L60 vs Tesla Model Y The Onvo L60 directly rivals the Model Y in terms of size and range, while undercutting the Model Y's starting price in China. NIO's New Mass-Market Electric SUV NIO's new mass-market electric SUV, equipped with NIO’s in-house 900V platform, is expected to feature ultra-fast charging capabilities and will provide access to NIO’s expanding battery swap and public fast charging network. Stay tuned for more updates as NIO’s new mass-market Onvo brand hits the market. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Tesla ends hiring freeze, but only for one department Over the past month, Elon Musk initiated significant layoffs across Tesla’s entire organization, estimating about 15% of the company being laid off. At the same time, Tesla implemented a hiring freeze. Now, Tesla appears to have ended its hiring freeze as it has started to list many new positions on its career website, all in the ‘Autopilot & Robotics’ category, related to Tesla’s self-driving effort and humanoid robot program. One of the main takeaways from Elon’s recent actions at Tesla is that the CEO is positioning Tesla less as an automaker and more as an AI company, shifting resources to the Robotaxi and emphasizing the need to solve self-driving for this vehicle program to be worth anything. Tesla's strategic shift is evident as it restarts its hiring effort with a focus on AI and self-driving technology.

Tesla Breaks Ground at Megafactory in China Tesla has officially broken ground on its new Megafactory project in China to build Megapacks for energy storage. This new facility will replicate the success of the Megafactory in Lathrop, California, which has already helped Tesla break new records of energy storage deployment almost every quarter. Originally aiming for production to start in Q2 2024, the project has faced some delays. The new timeline announced at the signing ceremony states that construction will start soon for a production start toward the end of 2024. Tesla officials have updated the timeline again, now aiming for production to start in the first quarter of 2025. Once operational, the Megafactory in Shanghai is expected to produce about 10,000 Megapacks per year, equivalent to about 40 GWh of energy storage capacity. This new production hub will also help Tesla reduce logistical costs by shipping Megapack projects in Asia-Pacific from there rather than the US. Stay tuned for more updates on Tesla's Megafactory project in China!

EVgo's Plan for NACS Connectors EVgo, a leading charging provider, is set to deploy North American Charging Standard (NACS) connectors on its DC fast charging network this year. These stations will cater to both CCS and NACS electric vehicles, with a focus on areas with high Tesla driver presence. Maximizing Charger Utilization The primary goal of this deployment is to maximize charger utilization, with overall utilization on the network increasing to approximately 19% in Q1 2024, up from about 9% year-over-year. Unique Features of EVgo's NACS Roll-Out EVgo's NACS roll-out will be unique due to the network's proliferation of high-power 350kW chargers that require liquid-cooled cable technology, with nearly 40% of EVgo's stalls currently powered by a 350kW charger. Autocharge+ Feature for Tesla and Non-Tesla NACS EVs Both Tesla and future non-Tesla NACS EVs can utilize EVgo's plug-and-charge feature, Autocharge+, which is available to over 50 EV models, including all Teslas compatible with the Tesla-made CCS adapter.

Polestar is set to launch a more affordable Polestar 3 electric SUV by the end of the year. The new entry-level model aims to compete with Tesla and Porsche, offering a cheaper option for buyers. The Polestar 3 will come with various trim options, including the Long Range Dual Motor with Pilot Pack and Plus Pack, starting at $78,900. The company also revealed that the Polestar 3 is eligible for a $7,500 Polestar Clean Vehicle Incentive on leases, potentially bringing prices as low as $65,900. The Polestar 3 boasts up to 517 hp and 671 lb-ft of torque for added performance, with a 0 to 60 mph sprint in 4.6 seconds. The company also confirmed that a cheaper Polestar 3 variant will join the lineup by the end of the year as the new base model. The launch of a cheaper electric SUV could help Polestar keep pace with Tesla's best-selling Model Y, which starts at $44,990 with up to 320 miles range. Which one would you buy? The Tesla Model Y or the Polestar 3 (or Porsche Macan EV)? Let us know in the comments below.

Hey there, Tesla fans! Today, we're diving into the long-awaited release of Tesla's Autopilot safety data. After more than a year, Tesla has finally decided to release its Autopilot safety data report. The data shows a significant improvement in safety in Q1 2024, with one crash for every 7.63 million miles driven using Autopilot technology, compared to one crash for every 955,000 miles driven without it. Many are questioning why Tesla didn't release the actual numbers in a transparent way. The delay in releasing the data until it started looking better and the decision to stop releasing the data in Q1 2023 when it looked bad has raised concerns about transparency and confidence in ADAS systems. Despite the limited usefulness of the data, the significant improvement in safety is a positive development. Stay tuned for more updates on Tesla's Autopilot technology.

Hey there, Tesla fans! Ever wondered how many Tesla Full Self-Driving trial users end up buying it? Let's dive into the surprising data. According to credit card data, only about 2% of the Tesla owners who used Full Self-Driving in the free month trial ended up buying it after. That's a conversion rate of just under 2% as of May 5th. This goes against what Elon Musk said. Despite Musk's plan to increase the price of the FSD package as it gets better, Tesla slashed the cost of the package from $12,000 to $8,000 or $99 per month for the subscription model. One user commented, "It’s not something I’d pay $1,200 per year for." Despite the recent price cut, it’s still a very expensive product and the value is not clear to most people. So, despite the new v12 version of the system being a significant step forward, Tesla still has some work to do to prove itself with FSD and increase that take-rate. Stay tuned for more updates on Tesla and its Full Self-Driving technology!

Hey there, it's time to talk about the upcoming Tesla shareholder meeting and the major pension fund's advice against Elon Musk's $55 billion pay package. A large pension fund has recommended that Tesla shareholders vote against the reelection of Kimbal Musk and James Murdoch, and against Elon Musk’s massive stock package. The pension fund argues that the pay package does not serve Tesla shareholders, won't have any incentivizing effect, and is excessive. The letter also highlights concerns about Tesla's corporate governance, particularly after recent executive changes and Musk's focus on other ventures. The success of these votes is crucial, and the pension fund's public stance may reflect widespread sentiment amongst financial institutions. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.