Tag: Tesla

Jul 21

Tesla’s “25 Guns” Instrumental To Gigafactory Berlin Success: Elon Musk

It looks like Tesla is still hiring engineers to be a part of this elite taskforce.

The secret sauce behind getting the Tesla Gigafactory Berlin-Brandenberg up and running was a team of 25 highly skilled engineers, as per CEO Elon Musk’s recent Tweet. The team is the Delta Force of Tesla, said a Twitter user, referring to the US military’s tier-one special operations unit tasked with the most complex missions.

We already reported about this elite group back in 2020, when construction of the brand’s factory in Germany was still in its nascent stages, and when the automaker initially began putting together this special unit. But now the head honcho has confirmed that the highly skilled team has delivered on what was hired for.

The 25 Guns task force engineer is an official job posting on Tesla’s career website. And qualities team members must have include a “can-do attitude and maniacal sense of urgency.”

They are required to have mastery in manufacturing engineering, ramp-up, production uptime, and cost optimization. Most importantly, they have to be excellent problem solvers and great communicators.

A now-deleted LinkedIn hiring post by a Tesla executive stated that members of the 25-person engineering task force would be deployed wherever the toughest problems exist, and report directly to Musk.

The ‘only’ requirements were: to have exceptional engineering talent, an unconventional approach to problem-solving, and make amazing things happen.

But why the number 25? There’s no definitive answer to that. A research paper published by the International Journal of Advanced Computer Science and Applications suggests that a team size exceeding 25 can create communication issues, are unlikely to follow agile development, and it’s not possible to keep everyone on the same page.

Moreover, people can be more reluctant in taking up responsibilities, assuming that someone else will. Although, the size can vary depending on the scale of operations. But for Tesla, 25 seems to be the magic number.

Tesla wants to make the Berlin factory the continent’s biggest EV manufacturing hub, with an annual target of over one million EVs, and 100 gigawatt-hours of battery capacity, as per Reuters. It’s not surprising that Tesla needs engineering wizards to lead this ambitious operation.

As of March 2023, the factory had an output of 5,000 units per week and is awaiting regulatory approvals for expansion.

The Tesla Model Y is manufactured at the facility – the electric crossover was Europe’s best-selling car of any category in the first half of 2023, outselling popular ICE models like the Dacia Sandero and Volkswagen T-Roc.

Jul 21

Tesla Announces Limited-Time Opportunity to Transfer Full Self-Driving Beta to New Vehicles

A Unique Chance for Tesla Owners

In a recent development from Tesla’s Q2 2023 earnings call, the company unveiled an unprecedented opportunity for its Full Self-Driving (FSD) Beta owners. Between July 20 and September 30, 2023, Tesla owners can transfer their FSD Beta to a new Tesla if they trade in their current vehicle. This one-time offer allows owners to upgrade without having to repurchase the costly FSD package, typically priced at $15,000 or available through a monthly subscription.

Transfer Conditions and Requirements

To take advantage of this offer, owners must adhere to specific conditions. The FSD Beta must be removed from the old vehicle and can only be transferred once to a new Tesla. The process involves forfeiting the FSD Beta from the current vehicle, which Tesla will handle up to a week before the new vehicle’s delivery. It’s important to note that this transfer is irreversible and cannot be combined with other promotions or applied retroactively. For a seamless experience, ensure to review all terms and conditions carefully to make the most of this limited-time offer.

Jul 21

Tesla Cybertruck Debuts and Ford F-150 Lightning Price Drop: Weekly EV Update

InsideEVs Podcast Episode 172: What’s New in EVs?

InsideEVs is excited to share the 172nd episode of our weekly podcast, bringing you the latest and most compelling stories from the world of electric vehicles. Tune in on our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts to catch up on all the current happenings. Our show provides expert analysis and engaging discussions, streaming live every Friday at 9:30 AM EST across Facebook, Twitch, Twitter, and YouTube.

Meet Our Hosts and Guests

This episode is hosted by Domenick Yoney, editor at InsideEVs and moderator of the InsideEVs Forum. Joining him are Martyn Lee from the EV News Daily podcast, Kyle Conner of Out Of Spec Studios, and Tom Moloughney, senior editor at InsideEVs and host of the State Of Charge YouTube channel. Together, they offer a deep dive into the latest developments, including the debut of the Tesla Cybertruck and the recent price adjustments for the Ford F-150 Lightning.

Jul 21

Tesla’s Market Share In US/Canada Is Approximately 4%: Q2 2023

Tesla’s market share growth was recently the fastest in Europe.

In Q2, Tesla noted another positive quarter in terms of increasing its market share in the three largest markets, reaching new record levels.

According to the industry data (trailing by twelve months), Tesla’s market share in the United States/Canada (counted together) is now around four percent, compared to over 3 percent a year ago.

As we can see on the chart below, the rate of expansion was pretty consistent in the past few quarters and Tesla is expected to continue to increase its market share in North America also in the near future. Let’s not forget that the company is increasing its sales in the US by about 50 percent year-over-year, which far outpaces the general market.

In Europe, Tesla’s market share is improving even faster thanks to the local production of the Tesla Model Y in Germany (supplemented by the import of Model 3/Model Y from China). The market share is now very close to three percent, compared to nearly two percent a year ago. Meanwhile, the Model Y has become the best-selling car in Europe in the first half of the year.

In China, Tesla also managed to increase its market share, which is now above two percent. It will be very interesting to see how well the expansion will progress in the future, as the Chinese BEV industry is very strong and appears fully engaged in the price competition.

The positive outcome in all three markets is not a surprise, considering that Tesla is consistently increasing its production and sales volume, reaching a new record of 466,140 units in Q2 2023.

However, the growth might slow down a bit in Q3, according to Tesla, as the company has to upgrade some of its plants.

In 2023, Tesla is expected to produce and sell roughly 1.8 million units, while its long-term target (since early 2021) is to increase electric car sales every year – on average by 50% year-over-year:

“We are planning to grow production as quickly as possible in alignment with the 50% CAGR target we began guiding to in early 2021. In some years we may grow faster and some we may grow slower, depending on a number of factors. For 2023, we expect to remain ahead of the long-term 50% CAGR with around 1.8 million vehicles for the year.”

Since 2008, Tesla cumulatively sold more than 4.5 million electric cars globally, and its 12-month output improved beyond 1.6 million annually (almost 1.8 million annually, considering only H1).

Jul 21

Tesla’s Production Forecast: Anticipated Slowdown in Q3 Due to Factory Upgrades

Tesla’s Production Goals and Upcoming Downtime

During its Q2 2023 earnings call, Tesla reaffirmed its ambitious goal of producing 1.8 million vehicles this year. However, CEO Elon Musk indicated that factory upgrades scheduled for the third quarter could lead to a minor dip in production. The planned summer shutdowns are essential for enhancing production capabilities, potentially impacting output despite Tesla’s robust performance in Q2, where it set new records for production and deliveries.

Focus on New Models and Upgrades

The temporary factory closures are likely linked to major updates and retooling efforts for upcoming models, including the Cybertruck and the redesigned Model 3, known as Project Highland. These enhancements are intended to prepare Tesla’s production lines at the Fremont Factory and Gigafactory Shanghai for the new vehicles. As these updates proceed, Tesla remains committed to minimizing production disruptions while advancing its vehicle offerings.

Jul 20

Tesla’s Progress on Optimus Robots: What We Know So Far

Development Challenges and Achievements

Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently disclosed that the company has produced only a handful of Optimus humanoid robots so far, citing significant hurdles in actuator design. Since the robot’s announcement at Tesla’s AI Day in August 2021, the development has faced delays due to the need for custom-built actuators. Unlike standard components, these actuators are crucial for the robot’s movement, requiring Tesla to innovate from scratch.

Future Prospects and Production Plans

Musk indicated that the first batch of production-ready actuators, essential for scaling up production, should be completed by around November. Despite initial setbacks, Tesla remains optimistic about Optimus, highlighting its potential to revolutionize the company’s future operations. With ambitious forecasts of 10 to 20 billion units, Optimus could significantly surpass Tesla’s current vehicle fleet, potentially reshaping the market with its advanced technology.

Jul 20

Tesla Supercharging Network Growth: 318 New Stations Added in Q2 2023

Accelerating Expansion of Tesla’s Supercharging Network

In the second quarter of 2023, Tesla made notable strides in expanding its Supercharging infrastructure. With 318 new stations added, marking a 29% increase year-over-year, the network now boasts over 5,000 stations and more than 48,000 individual connectors. This expansion reflects Tesla’s commitment to enhancing accessibility for electric vehicle (EV) owners, despite the average number of connectors per station slightly declining.

Key Milestones and Future Projections

Tesla is on track to hit a significant milestone with over 50,000 Supercharging stalls by the end of the quarter. The company’s Supercharger network has seen impressive growth, from 10,000 stalls in June 2018 to 45,000 by April 2023. The future looks promising with the introduction of V4 Superchargers, potentially offering even higher power outputs, and a growing number of non-Tesla EVs gaining access to these stations through the Non-Tesla Supercharger Pilot program.

The Impact of Supercharging and Industry Trends

The continued expansion and enhancement of Tesla’s Supercharging network underscore the company’s pivotal role in the shift toward electric mobility. The introduction of the North American Charging Standard (NACS) and efforts to retrofit existing stations with CCS adapters highlight Tesla’s proactive approach to standardizing and improving EV charging infrastructure. As the network evolves, it not only supports Tesla drivers but also fosters broader adoption of electric vehicles by making charging more accessible for a diverse range of EVs.

Jul 20

Tesla’s Energy Storage Surge in Q2 2023: What You Need to Know

Tesla’s Energy Storage Achievements

In the second quarter of 2023, Tesla made remarkable strides in its energy storage segment, with a notable 222% increase in battery energy storage system (BESS) deployments. This impressive growth saw Tesla deploy 3,653 megawatt-hours (MWh) of energy storage, a substantial leap from the previous year. The company’s ongoing expansion of its Megapack factory in Lathrop, California, has been a key driver, with the factory expected to reach an annual output of 40 gigawatt-hours (GWh) as production ramps up.

Tesla Energy’s revenue from generation and storage soared by 74% year-over-year, reaching $1.509 billion, reflecting the significant rise in BESS deployment. With a total deployment of 7,542 MWh year-to-date, Tesla has already surpassed its 2022 figures, underscoring its commitment to advancing energy storage technology. The success of the Lathrop Megafactory is pivotal, and plans for additional facilities, including a new plant in Shanghai, signal continued growth in Tesla’s energy storage capacity.

Solar Deployment Challenges

Despite Tesla’s impressive energy storage gains, its solar business faced a setback in Q2 2023. Solar installations, including conventional panels and Solar Roofs, dropped by 38% compared to the previous year, totaling just 66 megawatts (MW). This decline is attributed to a challenging high-interest-rate environment, which has led to delays in solar purchases across the industry.

Tesla’s solar deployment figures reflect a broader trend of sluggish growth in the solar sector, with year-to-date installations down 14% from last year. While the company continues to innovate in energy storage, the solar side of its business will need to address these market challenges to regain momentum. As Tesla focuses on expanding its energy storage capabilities, it remains to be seen how the solar segment will adapt to changing economic conditions.

Jul 20

US Vehicle Satisfaction Declines as Tesla’s Ratings Slip: JD Power 2023 Study

Rising Discontent Among US Vehicle Owners

According to JD Power’s 2023 Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout (APEAL) study, U.S. vehicle owners are increasingly dissatisfied, marking a continued decline over the past few years. This year’s overall satisfaction score stands at 845 out of 1000, slipping by two points from 2022 and three from 2021. The study examines ten aspects of vehicle ownership, with nine showing reduced satisfaction, particularly in exterior design and infotainment systems.

Interestingly, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) have outshone internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in fuel economy, with BEVs scoring 797 compared to ICE vehicles’ 758. Despite the overall drop in satisfaction, BEVs, excluding Tesla, and plug-in hybrids, have shown impressive performance. Models like the Kia EV6 and Nissan Ariya lead in their segments, while Tesla, despite its dominance in the BEV sector, saw a significant drop in satisfaction across all factors, highlighting the need for manufacturers to address these growing concerns.

Insights and Future Outlook

Frank Hanley, senior director at JD Power, emphasized that despite technological advancements, vehicle owners are not fully impressed. Innovations such as charging pads and advanced audio systems have not significantly improved owner satisfaction, suggesting that manufacturers must better align with consumer needs. The study underscores the importance of addressing specific pain points to enhance overall vehicle experience.

In terms of model rankings, Hyundai Motor Group emerged as a leader, with nine models including the Genesis GV60 achieving high satisfaction scores. BMW also performed well with several models, including the BMW iX, while the Porsche 911 was recognized for its exceptional performance, with an electric version reportedly in development.

Jul 20

Tesla Model Y’s Sales Reality: The Corolla Still Reigns Supreme

Misleading Claims and Actual Sales Figures

Despite Elon Musk’s assertion that the Tesla Model Y was the top-selling vehicle globally in the first quarter of the year, the Toyota Corolla remains the undisputed leader in sales. While Tesla boasted impressive sales figures for the Model 3 and Model Y combined, Toyota’s Corolla surpassed them with 740,561 units sold compared to Tesla’s 412,180 units. This discrepancy highlights a significant gap, refuting Musk’s claim and emphasizing the Corolla’s enduring popularity.

Tesla’s Financial Performance and Future Plans

Tesla’s second-quarter results showed robust financial health, with net income rising by 20% to $2.7 billion and revenues surging by 47% to $24.9 billion. Despite this growth, CEO Elon Musk acknowledged potential challenges, including summer shutdowns for factory upgrades that may impact production. Looking ahead, Tesla aims to deliver 1.8 million vehicles globally this year, underscoring its ambitious goals amid an evolving market landscape.

Exciting Developments and Strategic Moves

Among Tesla’s upcoming innovations, the anticipated Robotaxi promises substantial demand due to its data-driven autonomous technology. Musk also highlighted the role of Tesla’s Dojo in enhancing neural network training, aiming for Autopilot to exceed human driving capabilities. Meanwhile, the Cybertruck remains a highly anticipated model, with Musk projecting significant volume sales next year and describing it as a groundbreaking design in the truck segment.

Charging Infrastructure and Licensing

Tesla’s push towards a universal charging standard with its North American Charging Standard (NACS) is gaining traction, with major automakers like Ford and GM showing interest. Additionally, Tesla is exploring licensing its full self-driving technology to other manufacturers, signaling a collaborative approach to advancing autonomous driving. This move aligns with Tesla’s broader strategy to foster industry-wide adoption of EV technologies and charging solutions.