KeenGuy

Hey there, are you interested in electric vehicles? Well, you're in luck! The U.S. Department of the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have just updated the EV tax credit rules, making more electric cars eligible for the credit. The reform, launched in 2023, removed the limit of 200,000 vehicles per manufacturer and added eligibility criteria for EV buyers and EV MSRPs to limit tax breaks for expensive vehicles. The Biden administration introduced new protectionist initiatives, requiring vehicles to be assembled in North America and gradually higher percentages of battery materials and components to be produced in North America or in countries with free trade agreements with the US. The treasury department and IRS have decided to relax some of those rules, especially regarding the sourcing of graphite, electrolyte salts, binders, and additives, until 2027, enabling more electric vehicles to keep access to the tax credit. With these changes, more electric vehicles are expected to become eligible as automakers adapt to the new rules. Stay tuned for more updates on the evolving landscape of electric vehicle tax credits!

Cadillac's EV Plans Cadillac, the luxury brand under GM, has been making headlines with its evolving electric vehicle (EV) strategy. Let's take a closer look at the latest developments. Cadillac's global vice president, John Roth, recently shared that the company plans for its EV and combustion powertrains to "coexist for a number of years." This indicates a potential shift in the brand's initial commitment to becoming 100% electric by 2030. Despite the potential shift, Cadillac has several new EVs in its development pipeline, including the smaller and more affordable OPTIQ, an all-electric version of the Escalade called the IQ, a three-row SUV called the VISTIQ, and the ultra-luxe hand-built CELESTIQ. Roth emphasized that Cadillac will be offering an all-electric portfolio by the end of the decade, guided by customer preferences. However, the transition from combustion vehicles may now be slower than initially targeted. As the automotive industry continues to navigate the transition to EVs, Cadillac's evolving strategy raises questions about the future of luxury vehicle offerings. Stay tuned for more updates on Cadillac's electrification

Tesla's next-gen Dojo AI training tile is in production, marking a significant milestone in the company's AI computing efforts. Tesla has been heavily investing in AI training compute power, both through purchasing NVIDIA hardware and developing its own under its Dojo program. The new Dojo training tile is a remarkable feat, with 25 chips the size of a dinner plate and supplying 15 kilowatts of power to it. TSMC has confirmed that Tesla’s next-generation Dojo chip has entered production and they are working on tech that could deliver much greater power to Dojo in 2027. In 2027, TSMC plans to offer technology for more complex wafer-scale systems than Tesla’s that could deliver 40 times as much computing power as today’s systems. This new tile is likely going to be used for Tesla’s new planned $500 million Dojo cluster in New York, showcasing the company's commitment to advancing AI technology.

Hey there, it's time for an update on Tesla. The company has just announced another round of layoffs, marking the third wave in as many weeks. Over the last three weeks, Tesla has been making significant cuts to its workforce, with the latest round affecting employees in various departments, including software, service, and engineering. CEO Elon Musk has been a driving force behind these layoffs, even going as far as firing an entire team to set an example for other executives. Initially, Musk cited the need to restructure for future growth and address hiring inefficiencies. However, the layoffs also come after a period of financial underperformance due to lower-than-expected vehicle deliveries. The situation at Tesla is undoubtedly stressful for employees, and many are hoping for a swift resolution. Stay tuned for more updates.

Elon Musk's No. 2 Returns to China Tom Zhu, the no.2 at Tesla, is returning to his role as VP of China as Elon Musk isolates himself at the top. Zhu has been a key figure in Tesla's operations in China and led the successful Gigafactory Shanghai effort. Leadership Changes at Tesla Zhu was previously in charge of all Gigafactories and even took on the role of head of Tesla's automotive business, second only to Musk. However, recent reports indicate that Zhu is stepping down from his responsibilities in North America and returning to lead Tesla's operations in China. This move suggests that Musk is consolidating his position within the company. Speculation and Future Scenarios Speculation is rife about the implications of these changes, with some suggesting that Musk is consolidating his power and eliminating potential replacements. The situation at Tesla is evolving, and the impact of these changes remains to be seen.

Read the wild email Tesla is sending to suppliers amid Supercharger chaos. Tesla's abrupt firing of its entire Supercharging team has led to a chaotic email sent to suppliers. The email reveals a lack of structure and consideration in the decision to fire the entire team. It also indicates a potential disruption in payment obligations. The email raises concerns about Tesla's ability to continue Supercharger projects and fulfill payment obligations. Other charging providers are already considering taking advantage of the situation, potentially impacting Tesla's competitive edge. Industry observers and commentators are critical of the decision, citing the importance of the Supercharger network and the potential negative impact on the EV industry as a whole. The chaotic email and the decision to fire the Supercharger team highlight concerns about Tesla's management and its impact on the industry's progress.

Summer is coming in hot, and the impending heat is set to once again break the prior year’s record-breaking temperatures. Electric motorcycles are clearly the future, producing zero direct emissions and being more energy-efficient than gas bikes. This is especially helpful for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions in urban areas that already struggle with air quality. Gas bikes are scorching hot space heaters on two wheels in the summer, making them uncomfortable to ride in traffic. Electric motorcycles, on the other hand, are ready for people who want a motorcycle to commute on. Electric motorcycles are tailor-made for urban riders today, offering a cool and comfortable riding experience whether cruising open roads or stuck in traffic. Whether you’re shopping for your first motorcycle or considering upgrading to a new motorbike, don’t make a purchase without considering electric options like Harley-Davidson’s LiveWire or competitors such as Zero, Energica, and Lightning.

Toyota Goes Large on Hydrogen with New US Headquarters Toyota has announced the transformation of its R&D office in Los Angeles into its new North American hydrogen headquarters, known as "H2HQ." This headquarters will drive the company's North American-led hydrogen initiatives and localize global hydrogen-related technologies and products. Additionally, Toyota is building a microgrid at H2HQ, incorporating solar, a stationary proton exchange membrane fuel cell generator, solid oxide fuel cell, and a battery storage system. While Toyota's focus on heavy-duty fuel cell applications and microgrid R&D is intriguing, there are concerns about the practicality of hydrogen light-duty vehicles due to the limited availability of hydrogen stations and the source of hydrogen production. Despite the skepticism, the industry is curious to see what innovations will emerge from H2HQ and will continue to monitor its projects.

California's EV Fast Charging Stations vs. Gas Stations California now has 1 EV fast charging station for every 5 gas stations. The state has over 105,000 public or shared private EV chargers, including more than 10,000 fast chargers. This extensive network aims to address range anxiety and make EV charging more accessible for drivers. More than 1.84 million EVs have been sold in California to date, with the state ranking fourth in EV sales globally. To further support the growing EV market, California has approved a $1.9 billion plan to deploy 40,000 more public EV chargers statewide. The expansion of California's EV charging infrastructure, including the opening of Tesla Superchargers to non-Tesla vehicles, signals a significant step towards promoting electric vehicle adoption. With ongoing investments and advancements, the state is committed to making EV charging convenient and widespread. Join the movement towards sustainable transportation with California's expanding EV charging network. Embrace the future of electric vehicles.

Ford Opens Orders for Enhanced-Range E-Transit Ford Pro is now taking orders for the newest version of its commercial EV, the E-Transit, with up to 32% more range and faster charge times. The 2024 E-transit‘s larger 89 kWh battery provides an estimated range of up to 159 miles, making it capable of new use cases such as refrigerated delivery. The enhanced E-Transit also features dual onboard chargers that deliver a 22% faster charge time using Ford Pro’s 80A Series 2 charger and Ford Pro charging software. The E-Transit also has improved DC charging, with 176 kW charging capability, up from 115kW. Ford offers the E-transit in two lengths, three roof heights, three body styles, and up to 487 cubic feet of cargo volume. The latest iteration of the US’s best-selling commercial EV costs $51,095 before destination fees, but qualifies for the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, bringing its price down to $43,595. Ford E-Transit orders can be placed through a Ford dealer. To learn more about the enhanced E-Transit and place your order, visit a Ford dealer today.

Ready to score some incredible deals on new electric vehicles? Costco Auto is offering exclusive discounts on EVs from top brands like Volvo, Chevy, Polestar, and more. For a limited time, Costco members can take advantage of amazing deals on several all-electric models from renowned automotive brands. This is the first time Costco Auto has offered deals from four separate automakers at once, so there’s a lot of potential savings at your disposal—as long as you’re a member of the Costco clan, of course. Let's break down the exclusive member-only incentives for each brand: - Cadillac: $1,000 member-only incentive on select models - Chevrolet: $1,000 member-only incentive on select models - Polestar: $2,000 member-only incentive on a new Polestar 2 - Volvo: $1,000 member-only incentive on select models These limited-time EV specials are available to Costco members today

Neoen has selected Tesla Megapack to power a massive new record-breaking 1.3 GWh battery system in Australia. This project is the second stage of the Collie Battery project, located in Western Australia. The second stage will consist of 348 Tesla Megapack 2 XL units, with a capacity of 1,363 MWh. It is expected to become the largest battery system in Australia and one of the biggest in the world. The project is set to provide significant grid services to the South-West Interconnected System (SWIS), with the ability to charge and discharge 20% of the average demand of the network. Despite increased competition, Tesla's Megapack continues to see strong demand. The 1.3 GWh project represents more than a quarter of Tesla’s new record-breaking quarterly Megapack deployment capacity. Tesla expects its energy storage business to continue growing significantly and is delivering on this expectation with new deployments and increased production capacity.

Hey there, Tesla fans! Let's talk about the recent developments with Tesla's Supercharger plans. Tesla is already pulling back Supercharger plans after Elon Musk came in like a wrecking ball and fired the whole charging team. In an email announcing the move, the CEO said that Tesla would continue building Supercharger stations that are currently under construction without further commenting on how the lack of charging team will impact Tesla’s plan to grow the critical EV charging network. Sources familiar with the matter told Electrek that Tesla backed out of four leases for upcoming Supercharger locations in New York: one in Maspeth, South Bronx, two in Queens, and one in Gateway Center, Brooklyn. These were new stations recently announced to address concerns with overcrowded Supercharger stations in New York. When contacted, Revel, which operates its own fleet of electric taxis and charging stations in New York, expressed interest in these sites because of their location and capacity for high-volume fast charging stations. The decision to slow down Supercharger installations has sparked concern among Tesla enthusiasts. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.

Tesla has unveiled a new software update for the Cybertruck, bringing exciting off-roading features and more. The update includes Off-Road Mode, Overland Mode, and Baja Mode, each designed for different terrains. Additionally, locking differentials have been added for better off-roading capability, and the Cyberbeast version is getting a front locking differential. The update also introduces Trail Assist, which functions like cruise control for off-roading, and a new "slippery surface" feature for better traction control on icy or slick roads. Tesla is also improving ride and handling with a more accurate payload estimation and automatic damping adjustment. One of the most anticipated features is the "CyberTent Mode," which levels the suspension to keep the surface flat for the CyberTent and keeps the tonneau cover open to accommodate the tent. Lights, AC, and outlets will stay on as well if enabled. Tesla has not provided a specific release date for the update, but it is expected to be available "soon."

Xiaomi Rolls 10,000 Units of SU7 off Assembly Line Xiaomi, the smartphone developer, has achieved a remarkable feat by rolling 10,000 units of its flagship SU7 off the assembly line in just 32 days. This impressive production milestone showcases the company's rapid entry and success in the electric vehicle (EV) market. The substantial production output aligns with the encouraging orders received for the SU7, indicating a strong start for Xiaomi in the competitive vehicle manufacturing segment. The company's ability to swiftly meet the demand reflects its promising position in the EV industry. With over 75,000 orders for the SU7 within the first 28 days, Xiaomi is now focused on ramping up production to fulfill the growing order book. The company aims to deliver 100,000 SU7 EVs this year, demonstrating its commitment to meeting the high demand for its innovative electric vehicles. Xiaomi's ambitious plans for expansion into new markets and its vision of global presence make it an automaker to watch. The SU7's successful launch and rapid production signify an impressive start for Xiaomi in the EV arena.

Toyota is gearing up to introduce a new fully electric large SUV to the US market. This comes as part of a significant $1.4 billion investment in its Indiana operations. The investment will create over 300 new jobs and includes the addition of a battery pack assembly line for lithium-ion batteries. While there is speculation about whether this new electric SUV is the much-anticipated Toyota Highlander EV, a spokesperson has clarified that it will be a separate, larger model. However, David Christ, the GM of Toyota’s US division, has hinted at the possibility of a fully electric Toyota Highlander three-row EV in the future. Toyota's commitment to electric vehicles extends beyond this new SUV, with plans to roll out ten new EVs globally. This includes considerations for electric versions of popular models like the Tacoma and Tundra. The company is closely monitoring the demand for electric trucks in the market.

Are you a Tesla Cybertruck owner interested in Powershare installation? Here's what you need to know. A Tesla Cybertruck owner was quoted over $30,000 for a Powershare installation to enable the electric pickup truck to power his house. The feature allows Cybertruck owners to use the battery pack in trucks for more than just driving the vehicle. They can power virtually anything from the outlets in the bed of the vehicle, even another electric vehicle. Tesla Cybertruck owners can also power their homes in case of an outage through Tesla’s new Powershare product. The high cost of installation has raised concerns among owners, with one owner expressing surprise at the quote due to previous electrical upgrades for a home solar panel installation. Consider getting multiple quotes and stay informed about the evolving Powershare installation process.

Are you curious about the recent layoffs at Tesla and Elon Musk's involvement? Let's dive in. Elon Musk's recent increased presence at Tesla has been felt throughout the company, with sources describing it as a significant change. The ongoing layoffs at Tesla, including the recent gutting of the cathode material manufacturing team in Texas, have led to feelings of uncertainty and frustration among employees. There are questions about the logic behind some of the layoffs and their efficacy, with sources suggesting that Musk's actions may be more about asserting his leadership position at Tesla. The layoffs and restructuring raise concerns about the impact on Tesla, especially regarding the Supercharger network and the potential loss of dedicated and talented employees. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing situation.

Hyundai's Response to Rising Demand is adapting to the surge in hybrid demand by adding hybrid production lines at its dedicated EV plant in Georgia. This decision comes after hybrids accounted for a larger share of sales in the first quarter, prompting the need to cope with the increasing hybrid demand. Rising Hybrid Demand In the first three months of 2024, hybrids accounted for a larger portion of sales in major markets, including Korea, the US, and Europe. Meanwhile, Hyundai's EV sales share fell in these markets compared to the previous year. Future Plans Hyundai's Metaplant in Georgia is expected to begin production in Q4 and will have the capacity to build 300,000 EVs annually, expandable to 500,000 if needed. The automaker also plans to introduce its first three-row electric SUV, the IONIQ 9, later this year. Closing Note With Hyundai's commitment to meeting the growing demand for hybrids and EVs, now may be the best time to explore the deals on Hyundai EVs at a dealer near you.

Honda has made historic $11 billion investment to build four EV plants in Canada, marking its entry into the EV race. This investment will enable the production of 240,000 Honda EVs annually for the US and Canada. The investment will be used to build Canada’s first EV supply chain, including new Honda EV plant and stand-alone EV battery factory in Alliston, Ontario. Once fully operational, the EV facility will be capable of producing 240,000 EVs a year, with battery plant having capacity of 36 GWh per year. Production is expected to begin in 2028. According to a press release from prime minister’s office, Honda's investment is "game changer for manufacturing in Canada." With a full supply chain, Honda expects to cut costs by over 20%. Honda aims for EVs and FCEVs to account for 100% of vehicle sales by 2040. The company has invested $700 million to retool three Ohio plants to serve as its hub for future EV and EV battery production. Honda's first electric SUV, Prologue has gone on sale, offering up to 296 miles of range and starting at $47,400. With the $7,500 federal tax credit, the Prologue’s starting price can fall to as low as $39,900.

Welcome to the world's first hydrogen station for big trucks! FirstElement Fuels has opened the world’s first large-scale hydrogen fueling station for heavy-duty commercial trucks just outside the Port of Oakland. The company claims its hydrogen pumps can “fill” a truck’s hydrogen tanks in as little as ten minutes, which works out to as many as 200 trucks per day. The US federal government is handing out $8 billion to jump-start what it calls the “hydrogen economy,” and expects sufficient funding to build up to 60 more hydrogen truck stations like this one in California. Despite the challenges, Shane Stephens, one of FirstElement’s founders and its chief development officer, remains undeterred, stating, “We see the regulations on the horizon, the OEMs and fleet owners are going to have to respond to that, especially when it comes to goods movement, and hydrogen and fuel cells are the best – if not only – solution that will work for many of those use cases.” What do you think about the future of hydrogen as a fuel for big trucks? Let us know in the comments!

Tesla (TSLA) Surges on Elon Musk Trying to Ride AI Wave Tesla’s stock (TSLA) surged 12% today, despite a miss on revenue and earnings expectations in Q1 2024. What gave investors more confidence in Tesla? Tesla’s automotive gross margins virtually stayed the same despite further price costs, the Cybertruck ramp, and the Model 3 Highland ramp in Fremont. The company confirmed that if you remove those, margins did improve in Q1. Additionally, Tesla announced a change in plans to bring cheaper vehicles to market, which was a big positive for investors. The third factor contributing to Tesla’s stock surge is the AI wave. Elon Musk is virtually putting Tesla all-in on Robotaxi and is positioning the company to ride the AI wave that is currently taking over the tech industry. Tesla is gaining credibility regarding AI and its self-driving effort, which is contributing to the stock surge. Tesla now has the AI training capacity to compete with AI players and it is growing fast. Investors are reacting positively to the news that Tesla is going to use spare capacity to quickly bring new lower-cost models to market. With v12 Tesla deserves a meaningful credibility bump in the self-driving space.

Hey there, Tesla fans! Let's talk about the latest buzz surrounding the Tesla Model 3 Performance. Just three days after its release, Tesla has already increased the price of the Model 3 Performance by $1,000. This decision comes after the car's impressive updates, including enhanced bodywork, seats, steering, brakes, and more, making it a powerhouse with 510hp and a 0-60 time of 2.9 seconds. Despite the price hike, the Model 3 Performance still qualifies for the US Federal EV Tax credit, making it cheaper than the lower-spec Long Range Model 3. The vehicle has received rave reviews for its impressive specs and value proposition compared to other cars in its class. To balance the price increase, Tesla has reduced the cost of certain paint and interior options, making the Model 3 Performance an even more enticing choice for car enthusiasts. So, if you're in the market for a high-performance electric vehicle, the Tesla Model 3 Performance might just be the perfect fit for you!

Get ready to meet the latest competitor in the electric car market - the Genesis G80 EV Magma Concept. This new sporty electric car is set to rival Tesla's Model S Plaid, and it's making a big statement. Genesis is quickly establishing itself as a force to be reckoned with in the electric car era. With the unveiling of the G80 EV Magma Concept at the Beijing Auto Show, the luxury automaker is proving its commitment to high-performance electric vehicles. The G80 EV Magma Concept is the brand's second all-electric vehicle in its high-performance unit. With a sporty design, lower center of gravity, and enhanced performance, it's clear that Genesis is serious about competing in the electric car market. Featuring a redesigned front grille, wider fenders, and a new bumper inspired by iconic race cars, the G80 EV Magma Concept is designed for both style and performance. Advanced suspension, high-performance wheels, and added ventilation further elevate the vehicle's capabilities. With the G80 EV Magma Concept leading the charge, Genesis is making a bold statement in the world of electric vehicles. Stay tuned for more exciting developments from this luxury automaker.

Hey there, Tesla fans! Today, we've got some exciting news about Tesla's Full Self-Driving package. Tesla's stock is surging on reports that China is set to approve the deployment of Tesla's Full Self-Driving package in the country. This package promises self-driving capabilities through future software updates and includes additional ADAS features. During his visit to China, Tesla CEO Elon Musk secured a deal for approval under certain conditions, including reaching a mapping and navigation deal with Chinese tech giant Baidu Inc. and addressing data-security and privacy issues. This news is causing Tesla's stock to surge, as the company has more vehicles in China than anywhere else, potentially leading to more FSD customers and increased revenue. Exciting times ahead for Tesla as it paves the way for Full Self-Driving deployment in China! Stay tuned for more updates.