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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.

Tesla Plans to Ramp Up Tesla Semi Deliveries to PepsiCo Tesla is gearing up to increase the delivery of its electric semi-trucks to PepsiCo, its main customer, as it prepares for volume production. The Tesla Semi program has faced significant delays, with production starting in late 2022 instead of the initially planned 2019. While initially limited to internal and Pepsico use, the electric truck has been spotted with other customers, including Martin Brower, Sysco, Walmart, and Costco. Dan Priestley, head of the Tesla Semi program, addressed the challenges and advantages of electric heavy trucking, emphasizing Tesla's commitment to the industry. Despite recent changes in the charging team, Tesla remains committed to deploying Megachargers for trucking and investing in expanding the supercharger network. Tesla plans to deliver an additional 50 Tesla Semi trucks to Pepsico ahead of the production ramp, with wider customer deliveries expected in 2026. Stay tuned for more updates on Tesla's efforts to revolutionize heavy-duty trucking with its electric Semi.

Are you considering purchasing an electric vehicle and wondering about federal tax credits in 2024? Let's break down the key details you need to know. The federal tax credit for electric vehicles can be up to $7,500, but the actual amount depends on your income tax and the specifications of the vehicle you purchase. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 extended the terms for the tax credit for vehicles purchased between 2023 to 2032, with some changes in requirements. To qualify for the full tax credit, the electric vehicle must meet specific criteria, including battery size, gross vehicle weight rating, and assembly location. The IRS has shared the latest rules and a list of qualifying electric vehicles, including models from Acura, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Nissan, Rivian, and Tesla. Understanding the federal tax credits for electric vehicles can help you make an informed decision when considering purchasing an electric vehicle in 2024.

Ford trims EV battery orders as losses swell to over $100,000 per electric car in Q1 With losses piling up, Ford is cutting back on EV battery orders, citing slower-than-expected market demand. After cutting F-150 Lightning production and the workforce at its Rouge EV plant, Ford revealed plans to delay around $12 billion in EV spending last year. Now, it looks like Ford is throttling back on more EV plans, shifting to smaller, more profitable EVs and delaying its three-row electric SUV in the US. Ford is accelerating the development of smaller electric vehicles, with the first models expected to be a smaller electric truck and SUV with a starting price of around $25,000, debuting in 2026. Despite challenges, Ford is maintaining partnerships with its battery suppliers and is following Toyota and other legacy automakers with plans to introduce more hybrids as a bridge to its next-gen EVs.

Elon Musk's Demand Elon Musk has made a bold demand, stating that he needs 25% of Tesla or he won't develop AI and robotic products at the company. He has emphasized that Tesla's value is heavily reliant on these technologies. Tesla's Focus on AI and Robotics Musk has consistently highlighted Tesla as an AI and robotics company, stressing that the company's worth is closely tied to its self-driving technology. CEO's Control Over Tesla Musk currently owns about 13% of Tesla's shares, and with his 2018 compensation package, he could potentially have up to 18% ownership. However, he is pushing for even greater control over the company. Repercussions of the Ultimatum This ultimatum has raised concerns, with some expressing disbelief at the CEO's public threat to withhold critical products from Tesla unless his demands are met. The Future of Tesla Musk's conditions for maintaining AI and robotics products within Tesla include obtaining 25% voting power, reincorporating Tesla in Texas, and reapproving his 2018 compensation package. This situation has sparked controversy and uncertainty about the company's future.

Hey Tesla fans, exciting news! Tesla has just released its new Full Self-Driving (FSD) v12.4 update, and it's a game-changer. Elon Musk confirmed that v12.4 removes the "steering wheel nag" - those pesky alerts reminding drivers to apply pressure on the steering wheel. The update also enhances camera-based driver monitoring, shutting down the sunglasses loophole and improving attentiveness detection. Musk claims v12.4 should result in a 5 to 10x improvement in miles per intervention, a significant leap forward. So, get ready for a smoother, more attentive driving experience with Tesla's latest update. Stay tuned for more exciting developments from Tesla

Introducing the BYD Sea Lion 07 Electric SUV BYD has officially launched the Sea Lion 07, a sleek mid-size electric SUV designed to rival Tesla's Model Y. Starting at just $26,250, this new EV boasts a range of up to 379 miles and features the world's first full scenario intelligent pulse self-heating technology. With a 12-in-1 smart e-drive system and the world's highest-speed production motor, the Sea Lion 07 is a game-changer in the electric vehicle market. Available in four variants, the Sea Lion 07 offers a range of options to suit different preferences and needs. From the 550 Standard to the 610 Long Range and Smart variants, there's a Sea Lion 07 for everyone. Priced at $26,250, the Sea Lion 07 undercuts Tesla's Model Y, making it a compelling option for electric SUV enthusiasts. With its impressive features and competitive pricing, the Sea Lion 07 is set to make waves in the EV market. What are your thoughts on BYD's new electric SUV? Can it compete with Tesla's Model Y? Let us know in the comments below.

Chevy's top-of-the-line 2024 Silverado EV First-Edition RST pickup is now in production, with an impressive 440 miles of range. This luxury electric pickup truck boasts GM-estimated 754 horsepower and 785 lb-ft of torque, capable of zero to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. Equipped with a Multi-Flex Midgate and Tailgate, it offers increased storage capacity and up to 10,000 lbs. of towing capability. The Silverado EV First-Edition RST also features a 17-inch diagonal LCD display screen, 11-inch diagonal reconfigurable driver information display, and a 14-inch diagonal field of view Head Up Display with Google built-in technology. Priced at $94,500 plus $1,995 DFC, this electric pickup is set to begin customer deliveries by mid-2024. Are you impressed by these specs? Let us know in the comments below.

Hey there, Tesla fans! Get ready to hear about a one-of-a-kind secret Tesla Roadster R&D prototype that's up for sale. This prototype, a Tesla Roadster Sport with VIN #1124, was originally bought from Tesla in 2012 and was part of a performance package that never made it to the public. It boasts exclusive features like Italian performance brakes, a custom limited slip differential, and hand-laid raw carbon bodywork. The proposed $30,000 performance package, including several upgrades, was never released due to changes in leadership, making this the only prototype of its kind. This unique Roadster is currently for sale and comes with internal documentation about the project for the buyer. For more details, visit the car's website or see it displayed at The Shop in Seattle. Don't miss this rare opportunity!

Hey there, Tesla fans! Exciting news for anyone eyeing the Model Y. Tesla has just launched a limited-time offer of 0.99% financing on the Model Y, aiming to boost orders and make the vehicle even more accessible. For a limited time, you can take advantage of this heavily discounted financing, with the 0.99% APR available until May 31. This offer starts at less than $32,000 after the federal tax credit and estimated gas savings. With a $4,250 down payment and a 72-month loan, the monthly payments for the new Model Y Long Range RWD come down to $603 before incentives. And if you're eligible for the Federal Tax Credit, your monthly payment could be as low as $499. This move by Tesla is a game-changer, as it offers an attractive financing option for the best-selling electric vehicle in the world. It's a win-win for potential buyers and for Tesla. So, if you've been considering the Model Y, now might be the perfect time to make your move. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity!

Hey there, it's time for the Tesla Prices Report: April Overview. In April, Tesla saw a month-over-month ATP increase of 5.7%, according to Kelley Blue Book. However, despite this increase, Tesla's prices were actually lower year-over-year by 3.3%. Tesla's pricing dynamics have been a significant factor in the luxury and EV markets due to its high sales volume in both segments. The average transaction price for an EV was down 8.5% year-over-year, influenced by factors such as slowing sales, healthy inventory, and increased competition. Some popular EVs, including the Ford F-150 Lightning and the Tesla Model Y, saw significant year-over-year price reductions in April. For more insights and updates on Tesla prices and the EV market, stay tuned for our next report.

Tesla Spotted Testing Prototype with New Camera Setup Tesla has been spotted testing a Model 3 prototype with a new camera setup, sparking speculation about the company's plans for autonomous driving technology. While most companies use a variety of sensors for autonomous driving, Tesla has focused on achieving self-driving capabilities using only cameras. The prototype was seen in Palo Alto, featuring a new camera array including rear window, trunk, and side repeater cameras. Experts and enthusiasts are speculating whether Tesla is rethinking its camera setup to achieve full autonomy or preparing for new versions of existing vehicles. Stay tuned for updates on Tesla's innovative developments in autonomous driving technology.

Tesla's Data Center for Self-Driving in China According to a new report from Reuters, Tesla is in the early stages of planning to build a data center in China to train its self-driving AI. Following Elon Musk’s recent visit to China, Tesla seems to have made progress toward bringing its ‘Supervised Full Self-Driving’ to the country. Tesla has reportedly secured conditional approval to deploy the system in the market, partly due to a deal to handle self-driving data in China. Top comment by Aroma Man suggests that it would make sense for Tesla to have a major local data center in the works to appease the government with its data management. Tesla is expected to train its neural nets with videos from its cars in China to adapt its Full Self-Driving neural nets to Chinese roads. This move is crucial for Tesla's expansion in the Chinese market.

EnviroSpark Secures $50M Investment to Hire Tesla Supercharger Team Talent Thanks to a new $50 million investment, Atlanta-based EV charging company EnviroSpark is ready to rapidly grow its owned and operated network across the US. The investment will also allow the company to innovate technologies and make its EV infrastructure more accessible and sustainable. EnviroSpark aims to hire laid-off talent from Tesla, specifically the Supercharger team, which was laid off just over a week ago. Aaron Luque, cofounder and CEO of EnviroSpark, expressed, "This is the single greatest talent acquisition opportunity since I founded EnviroSpark." EnviroSpark has made a name for itself in the EV charging market, with more than 8,200 charging plugs all over North America. The company has forged strategic partnerships with RaceTrac, Waffle House, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Ford Dealerships, complementing longstanding relationships with Tesla, Volkswagen, Volta, and Starwood Capital Group. EnviroSpark's recent investment and ambitious growth objectives position the company to accelerate EV adoption and make a significant impact in the EV charging market.

Despite the recent chaos caused by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, the auto industry should not give up on Tesla's NACS plug. Here's why. The NACS plug is a better standard overall, with easier usability, better support for commercial installations, and more interoperability with international receptacles. It's also now a real standard that Tesla no longer has control over, as SAE certification for NACS is already finished. The industry has already decided to convert to NACS, putting to bed the format war between Superchargers and CCS. Adapters are available, and there will be a transition period where both CCS and NACS chargers remain available. Manufacturers should continue forward in transitioning to NACS ports, third parties should focus on installing NACS chargers, and Tesla should rehire a division to ensure a smooth transition. The industry should not reverse its NACS transition plans and should focus on the better standard.