BP tells property owners left in the dark by Elon Musk firing Tesla charging team to call them
Hey there, are you a property owner left in the dark by Elon Musk's recent firing of Tesla's charging team?
Well, BP has a message for you.
BP pulse, the fossil fuel giant’s EV charging division,
is asking property owners left in the dark by Elon Musk firing Tesla’s charging team to give them a call
as it plans to scoop up some of the sites.
Last week, Elon Musk fired Tesla’s entire charging team,
resulting in Tesla backing out of leases on planned Supercharger stations
and causing confusion amongst its partners in ongoing projects.
This presents an opportunity for other companies, like BP, to step in and continue the work.
Sujay Sharma, chief executive officer of bp pulse Americas, said,
"If there are stranded real estate partners who are looking for someone to call, they should feel free to pick up the phone and call me or look me up on LinkedIn."
So, if you're a property owner affected by this, don't hesitate to reach out to BP pulse.
They're ready to help.
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Tesla loses a top AI lead
Tesla Loses Top AI Lead
Tesla has lost a top AI engineer, Paril Jain, who played a crucial role in the company's autonomous driving effort.
Jain was the tech lead for the "Planning, Imitation Learning & RL team for Tesla AI."
He has now announced his departure to co-found 'The Bot Company', a startup to build robots.
Jain's departure is part of a broader talent exodus at Tesla,
with several major waves of layoffs and employees leaving due to low morale.
This exodus is raising concerns about the eroding capacity of Tesla to attract and retain talent,
especially in its autonomous driving team.
Electrek highlights that Tesla's biggest strength has always been its ability to attract and retain talent,
and the recent talent exodus is a cause for concern.
The hope is that Tesla can turn this situation around.
Despite the departure of top AI talent, the future of Tesla's autonomous driving team remains a topic of interest and concern.
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Biden quadruples tariffs on Chinese EVs, up from 25% to 100%
The US government has announced wider tariffs on several categories of Chinese goods, including various green products like solar panels and batteries, medical goods, and in particular an increase of tariffs on Chinese EVs from 25% to 100%.
This large tariff has had the effect of excluding most Chinese autos from the US market, as it’s easier to export to countries with lower tariffs first.
However, given Chinese EVs are incredibly affordable, even a 25% tariff might have resulted in competitive prices.
Volvo and Polestar, both owned by Geely, are evaluating the announcement of tariff increases from the Biden Administration.
They are considering diversifying their manufacturing footprint and supporting job creation and economic growth in the region.
Reaction to the move was positive from domestic manufacturing trade associations and labor groups, but negative from economists, consumer advocates, and foreign/global manufacturers.
The move is expected to increase the price of goods for Americans, impacting the EV market and potentially slowing down EV adoption.
Despite the potential negative impact, the decision is seen as a strategic move in the context of an important election just months away.
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Volvo EX60 set to arrive as new Tesla Model Y, Porsche Macan luxury electric SUV rival
Get ready for the arrival of the Volvo EX60, the new luxury electric SUV set to compete with the Tesla Model Y and Porsche Macan.
Volvo is making a significant impact in the electric vehicle market, with its EX30 already boosting sales and accounting for over 40% of sales in 19 markets.
The new EX60 is expected to debut as an all-electric replacement to the hybrid XC60 Recharge,
competing against premium SUVs like the Tesla Model Y, Porsche Macan EV, and Mercedes-Benz EQC.
The EX60 is anticipated to feature up to 400 miles WLTP range and a new "structural" battery pack, similar to BYD and Tesla,
leading to improved energy density and great driveability.
Stay tuned for the unveiling of the Volvo EX60 by the end of the year, with prices and specs arriving at a later date.
Keep an eye out for more details soon.
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Tesla is being probed by DOJ ‘securities or wire fraud’ over self-driving claims
Tesla is being probed by the Department of Justice over its self-driving claims.
The DOJ is examining whether Tesla committed securities or wire fraud by misleading investors and consumers about its electric vehicles’ self-driving capabilities.
U.S. prosecutors are examining whether Tesla committed securities or wire fraud by misleading investors and consumers about its electric vehicles’ self-driving capabilities.
The government is specifically looking at statements by Tesla and its CEO Elon Musk.
Investigators are exploring whether Tesla committed wire fraud by misleading consumers about its driver-assistance systems.
They are also examining whether Tesla committed securities fraud by deceiving investors.
Many are questioning Elon Musk's statements about self-driving capabilities and the timeline for Full Self-Driving.
Some believe there should be legal consequences for these overstatements.
This investigation is not the first time the government has looked into Tesla over these issues.
The public is divided on the matter, with some expressing skepticism about the potential outcome.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comment section below.
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Elon Musk outlines upcoming Tesla Full Self-Driving updates
Elon Musk's Update Elon Musk has provided an update on Tesla’s upcoming Full Self-Driving (FSD) software updates.
With FSD v12 and the upcoming launch of Tesla’s dedicated Robotaxi,
there’s a lot of excitement around Tesla’s self-driving effort.
Musk is predicting that the automaker is close to releasing a true self-driving system,
but the path to get there is still far from clear.
FSD Release Schedule Musk shared that FSD version 12.4 has almost completely retrained models,
with the final touches focusing on comfort.
The .4 update is expected to be a bigger step change, as Tesla has "completely retrained" the models.
Additionally, versions 12.5 and 12.6 are in various stages of testing,
with a focus on handling rare, complex situations.
Impressions and Testing Electrek has been impressed with the previous versions and is looking forward to testing the upcoming updates.
However, it's important to remember that the keyword in ‘Supervised Full Self-Driving’ is ‘Supervised,’
and drivers need to remain attentive at all times and ready to take control.
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Daimler Truck just debuted an autonomous electric semi-truck
Introducing the Daimler Truck's Autonomous Electric Semi-Truck
Daimler Truck North America has just debuted a demonstrator electric semi-truck with autonomous driving technology.
The electric autonomous Freightliner eCascadia technology demonstrator is based on a production electric Freightliner eCascadia.
It’s equipped with Torc Robotics‘ autonomous driving software and the latest Level 4 sensor and compute technology that will eventually enable Level 4 autonomous driving.
Daimler’s goal is to develop this research and engineering project into a modular, scalable platform for different trucking applications to offer bespoke solutions for customers.
Daimler says the autonomous eCascadia could be used on shorter, repeatable routes,
and it’s currently testing the autonomous electric semi-truck demonstrator between freight centers along US highway corridors.
Daimler Truck has been developing and testing autonomous truck technology since 2015,
and it aims to enter the market with production SAE Level 4 autonomous trucks in the US by 2027.
Daimler Truck is making significant strides in the development of autonomous electric semi-trucks,
aiming to revolutionize the trucking industry with cutting-edge technology.
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Amazon puts first electric semi trucks into ocean freight operation
Amazon's First Electric Semi Trucks
Amazon has made a groundbreaking move by introducing its first electric semi trucks into ocean freight operations.
The company has added fifty Class 8 electric Volvo semi trucks to its commercial fleet in Southern California.
These trucks will not only haul heavy cargo containers and customer package loads
but will also significantly reduce harmful carbon and diesel particulate emissions.
California's aggressive mandates have played a crucial role in driving this shift towards sustainable transportation.
With this significant step, Amazon is setting a new standard for sustainability in the trucking industry,
and California continues to lead the way in setting world-leading climate goals.
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EV-maker Eli launches its $11,900 electric micro ‘car’ in the US
Introducing the Eli ZERO: a game-changing electric micro 'car' now available in the US for just $11,900.
This two-seater vehicle boasts a 90-mile range, a 3.2 kW on-board charger, and a 160L trunk for storage,
all while featuring car-level amenities like heat and A/C, keyless entry, and an optional Sony infotainment center.
The Eli ZERO aims to transform urban travel, reduce congestion, and improve the quality of life in cities,
according to the company's founder and CEO, Marcus Li.
According to Electrek, the Eli ZERO is the perfect solution for city dwellers and retirees,
offering a convenient and affordable alternative to traditional vehicles.
Join the mobility revolution and reserve your Eli ZERO today with a $200 refundable deposit.
Don't miss out on this innovative and affordable urban travel solution.
Tesla is finally going to release everything we want to know about AutopilotFSD as NHTSA forces it
Tesla to Release Autopilot/FSD Information as NHTSA Investigates
Last month, NHTSA announced a new investigation into Autopilot/FSD
due to concerns about the effectiveness of the previous recall and an increase in reported crashes.
The agency is now demanding extensive information from Tesla,
including all data and documents related to these systems.
Tesla has been notoriously reluctant to release data about Autopilot and its Full Self-Driving program,
raising concerns about transparency and trust.
While most other companies working on self-driving programs have consistently released data to track progress,
Tesla has resisted doing so.
NHTSA has warned Tesla of potential fines of up to $135 million if it fails to comply with the information request.
This development highlights the significance of regulatory involvement in obtaining crucial data on autonomous driving systems.
The investigation's outcome could provide the public with access to actual data, rather than anecdotal experiences,
shedding light on the safety and effectiveness of Tesla's Autopilot and Full Self-Driving systems.
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There are over 140 ‘used’ Tesla Cybertrucks for sale
Over 140 'Used' Tesla Cybertrucks for Sale
There are over 140 Tesla Cybertrucks for sale on the “used” market, and the prices are fluctuating.
Despite Tesla's efforts to discourage reselling, the number of available Cybertrucks has increased significantly.
Some early Cybertrucks were sold for twice their MSRP, but the days of making substantial profits are gone.
With more vehicles available, prices are decreasing.
Most listings are for low mileage vehicles, but there are also options with higher mileage.
The prices have dropped, with several Cybertrucks listed around $120,000, still $20,000 over the MSRP.
Some owners are aiming for $200,000, but recent auctions have seen the trucks go for about $150,000.
The uniqueness factor of the Cybertruck is diminishing as more vehicles are delivered.
The program may need cheaper trims to gain momentum in the market.
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Tesla’s head of Cybertruck manufacturing is out
Hey there, it's been reported that Tesla's head of Cybertruck manufacturing has left the company.
This comes amidst a series of major layoffs and organizational changes at Tesla.
Renjie Zhu, the director of manufacturing in charge of Cybertruck production, announced his departure on LinkedIn.
He played a key role in the successful launch of the Cybertruck program and ramping up production.
With the departure of key executives like Renjie Zhu,
questions arise about Tesla's ability to attract and retain talent.
The departure of top talent like Zhu raises concerns about the company's ability to replace experienced individuals.
Zhu's departure raises questions about the impact on Cybertruck production.
Despite achieving a production rate of 1,000 units per week,
the departure of key personnel may affect the production ramp-up.
As Tesla continues to undergo significant changes,
the departure of key executives like Renjie Zhu raises questions about the company's future direction and its ability to maintain talent.
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Elon Musk says Tesla is spending $500 million on Superchargers this year after firing entire team
Elon Musk's $500 Million Investment
Elon Musk has announced that Tesla will be spending over $500 million on expanding the Supercharger network this year.
This comes after the firing of the entire charging team at Tesla,
which has led to speculation about the reasons behind the move.
Implications of the Investment
The investment will result in the creation of thousands of new chargers this year,
with a focus on adding chargers to existing stations.
This significant financial commitment is a clear indication of Tesla's dedication to the expansion of its charging infrastructure.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the substantial investment, there are concerns about the potential slowdown in Supercharger deployment in the coming months.
The recent restructuring and layoffs at Tesla have raised questions about the impact on ongoing projects and the recruitment of new talent for the charging team.
Conclusion
Elon Musk's decision to invest $500 million in the Supercharger network demonstrates Tesla's ongoing commitment to electric vehicle infrastructure.
However, the recent organizational changes and challenges highlight the complexities involved in scaling up charging infrastructure.
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Tesla Semi is getting into the hands of two more big customers
Tesla Semi is getting into the hands of two more big customers.
The Tesla Semi program has seen some fairly serious delays,
but now, the electric vehicle has been spotted being used by a few other customers.
Walmart holds one of the biggest reservations for Tesla Semi with 130 units pre-ordered,
and a Tesla Semi was also spotted pulling a Costco trailer this week.
Top comment by Markus Scarth Tønseth: "Bravo! It's late - very late, indeed - but better late than never. Hopefully this is only the beginning of a long overdue transition into sustainable transportation of goods."
Tesla recently said that it now plans for the electric truck to enter volume production late next year
and start wider customer deliveries in 2026.
The Tesla Semi is capable of traveling 500 miles on a single charge with a full load, according to Tesla.
The Tesla Semi is making strides, and with more big customers on board,
the future of sustainable transportation is looking promising.
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Trump reportedly told oil execs he’ll end electric car incentives for $1 billion in donations
Hey there, it's important to cover the views and policies on electric vehicles.
Donald Trump has reportedly told oil executives that he will end electric car incentives if they contribute $1 billion to his election campaign.
He has been all over the place with his comments on electric vehicles, ridiculing them in his rallies and trying to slow down electric car adoption.
This move could have a significant impact on the environment and the US auto industry.
Encouraging the purchase of electric vehicles over ICE vehicles makes sense from a health and economic perspective.
A strong market for electric vehicles helps a strong industry and keeps the US from falling behind in the global shift to electrification.
Stay informed and keep supporting the transition to electric vehicles.
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Biden rumored to announce quadrupling of tariffs on Chinese EVs, up to 100%
Are Chinese EVs about to become a lot more expensive in the US?
Rumors suggest that the US government is planning to quadruple tariffs on Chinese EVs from 25% to 100%.
This move is part of a wider plan to extend and expand tariffs on various Chinese goods.
The significant tariff increase could effectively double the price of Chinese EVs in the US,
making them less competitive in the market.
This comes as Chinese EVs have been rapidly gaining popularity, with a market share of 37% in China.
This isn't the first time the US has taken steps to limit the Chinese auto industry's presence.
The Inflation Reduction Act included measures to restrict Chinese-sourced EVs from benefiting from US tax credits.
Stay tuned for the official announcement on Tuesday to see how this could impact the future of Chinese EVs in the US market.
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Tariffs on China aren’t the way to win the EV arms race – getting serious on EVs is
Hey there, are tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles really the way to go? Let's take a closer look.
The global auto industry is rapidly changing, with electric vehicles set to dominate the market in the coming years.
In the 1970s, the US auto industry faced similar challenges with Japanese competition,
and tariffs didn't stop the advancement of the technologically-superior Japanese steel industry.
China has become a major player in electric vehicle manufacturing,
with a significant market share and rapid growth in exports.
Imposing tariffs on Chinese EVs may not benefit US jobs overall
and could lead to increased prices for consumers.
Instead of tariffs, the focus should be on making affordable and competitive electric vehicles domestically.
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Despite Elon’s foolishness, auto industry shouldn’t give up on Tesla’s NACS
Despite Elon's Foolishness, Auto Industry Shouldn't Give Up on Tesla's NACS
Tesla CEO Elon Musk's recent decision to fire the entire charging team has caused chaos in the EV industry,
leading to a pullback in Supercharger installation plans and
raising questions about the future of NACS.
Despite the turmoil, NACS remains a superior standard,
with easier usability,
better support for commercial installations, and
more interoperability with international receptacles.
The SAE certification for NACS is already finished, making it a real standard that Tesla no longer has control over.
The industry's commitment to NACS also puts to rest any format war concerns.
Manufacturers should continue transitioning to NACS,
third parties should focus on installing NACS chargers, and
Tesla should reconsider its decision to ensure a smooth transition.
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Tesla axes cheapest Model Y – but now there’s a longer range one for $2k more
Tesla has introduced a new variant of the Model Y – the Long Range Rear-wheel drive – and axed the previous RWD model, which had previously been the cheapest Model Y ever in the US.
The LR RWD model started shipping early last month in Europe, and now it's available in the US.
This new model comes with a larger battery, offering a significant increase in range from 260 miles to 320 miles, all for just $2,000 more.
The new Long Range RWD Model Y starts at a base price of $44,990, but it qualifies for the US EV tax credit, bringing the price down to $37,500 for eligible buyers.
In addition to the new model, Tesla has also added the new Quicksilver paint option for $2,000, available on Long Range AWD and Performance models.
Tesla plans to offer software unlocks for owners who bought the 260-mile SR RWD, allowing them to add an additional 40-60 miles of range for an additional $1,500-2,000, pending regulatory approval.
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Republicans introduce bill that would hand EV lead to China
Republicans Introduce Bill to Hand EV Lead to China The Inflation Reduction Act included hundreds of billions of dollars of climate spending, much of which was allocated to EV tax credits, both for personal and commercial vehicles.
These credits were an extension and expansion of the $7,500 EV tax credit first introduced in 2008.
The new act, fittingly called the “ELITE” Vehicles Act, aims to eliminate the clean vehicle credit for new, used, and commercial electric vehicles.
It was introduced by John Barrasso, a republican senator from Wyoming who has received $526,425 from the oil & gas industry in this senate election cycle.
In short, John Barrasso, author of the act, is lying to protect the industry that bribes him.
If somehow passed, it would almost certainly be vetoed by President Biden, so it is not likely to make it into law under the current government.
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Lucid (LCID) shares Q1 2024 numbers Deliveries and revenue are up year-over-year
Lucid Motors Q1 2024 Financial Results Lucid Motors has reported its Q1 2024 financial results, showing an increase in deliveries and revenue compared to the previous year.
The company delivered a record 1,967 vehicles in the first three months of the year, up 13% from the previous quarter.
Despite a decrease in production of the Air sedan, with only 1,727 BEVs produced in Q1 2024, the company's revenue for the quarter was $172.7 million, up from $149.4 million in Q1 2023.
The CEO and CTO, Peter Rawlinson, expressed confidence in the company's future, highlighting the upcoming launch of the Gravity SUV and the potential of a third model to compete with industry leaders.
With a focus on cost optimization and significant growth, Lucid Motors is poised to make a mark in the EV market.
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Tesla loses another manager to layoffs – but this one quit due to morale
Tesla Loses Another Manager to Layoffs
After 7 years at Tesla, Rich Otto, the Head of Product Launches, has resigned
due to the effect of layoffs on morale.
He expressed his love for the company
but stated, "Great companies are made up of equal parts great people and great products, and the latter are only possible when its people are thriving."
Electrek highlights the negative impact of chaotic layoffs on morale,
with high-ranking employees deciding to leave.
The unstructured nature of the layoffs has led to unnecessary stress and affected overall morale.
One comment reflects the concern over the impact of layoffs on the quality of Tesla's products and the well-being of its employees.
The chaotic layoffs have raised doubts about the company's future.
Volkswagen's approach to layoffs is contrasted,
emphasizing the positive impact of offering contract buyouts to workers.
This method has led to less chaos and better overall morale.
The video concludes by suggesting that Tesla's CEO could learn from a more structured approach to layoffs,
especially when seeking significant investments amidst the chaos.
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Someone tried to smuggle two Tesla Cybertrucks into Russia
Hey there, ever heard of the saying "all that glitters is not gold"?
Well, it seems that someone tried to smuggle two Tesla Cybertrucks into Russia, and it didn't go as planned.
The Lithuanian customs detained two Tesla Cybertrucks suspected to be smuggled into Russia.
These electric pickup trucks, not even available in Europe, were seized at the Salčininku checkpoint going into Belarus.
EU restrictions on Russia include vehicles, and authorities in Europe have been ramping up efforts to enforce these restrictions.
Despite the high demand for the Cybertruck, it's currently production-constrained, making it a sought-after vehicle.
With over 4,000 Cybertrucks on US roads, the attempt to smuggle these vehicles into Russia seems to have hit a snag.
It's clear that the demand for the Cybertruck remains high, even at elevated prices.
Seems like there's a lot of interest in the Cybertruck, even halfway around the world.
But trying to get one into Russia? That's a whole different story.
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Elon Musk reveals Tesla software-locked cheapest Model Y, offers 40-60 more miles of range
Elon Musk's latest announcement has caused a stir in the electric vehicle community.
Tesla has revealed that its cheapest Model Y, the Standard Range RWD, is software-locked and can be upgraded to offer an additional 40 to 60 miles of range for $1,500 to $2,000.
Rather than building new vehicles with smaller battery packs, Tesla has opted to use the same battery packs capable of more range and software-lock the range.
This approach has sparked a debate within the industry.
Tesla owners now have the opportunity to unlock the additional range through a software update, pending regulatory approvals.
This move has raised questions about the efficiency of carrying unused extra heavy batteries in the vehicle.
While some argue that the unused battery capacity should be utilized, Tesla maintains that it is selling vehicles with clear specs for a specific price.
The company's decision has sparked mixed reactions among Model Y SR RWD owners.
The controversy surrounding Tesla's software-locked Model Y upgrade highlights the ongoing debate about the best approach to battery capacity and vehicle specifications.
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Is Tesla’s reputation ruined It depends on who you ask
Is Tesla's Reputation Ruined?
It Depends on Who You Ask According to YouGov, Tesla's reputation saw consistently negative "Buzz" scores among the general public, with an average score of -7.1.
However, the brand's customer base had considerably higher Buzz scores, indicating a more positive perception.
Surprisingly, despite the negative reputation, 70% of current Tesla owners expressed willingness to consider buying a Tesla in the future.
This contrasts with the 7.7% of the general public who would consider a Tesla for their next car purchase.
Some Tesla customers have expressed disappointment and concern due to recent events at Tesla, such as layoffs and decisions affecting the Supercharger network.
This has led to a decline in their enthusiasm for the brand.
Despite the mixed opinions, the loyalty of Tesla's customer base remains a significant factor in the ongoing perception of the brand.
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