Gail has a bachelor of art in film/radio/tv and a bachelor of science in nursing
She has worked for years caring for all ages of people with many diagnoses in over 5 hospitals and schools around the texas hill country
Originally from north dakota, she is now based in austin and writes about sustainable energy for the website she created ‘What’s up Tesla’ and 'What's up Twitter' and maintains her nursing practice
Welcome to my 50th podcast! This is a drive through Eagle Pass, Texas, and we are excited to share that it is flawless. Despite Eagle Pass being a place where there are likely not many people driving Teslas, the Tesla AI FSD beta software acts as if it has spent its entire life on these complicated streets. From making a seamless right-hand turn yield, to gently pausing before a train track to assess if it will have enough room to stop due to a red light ahead, the safety of the software is grade A. You will really enjoy this episode. Episode 50!
FSD Beta gets A+ score in Eagle Pass, Texas!
This is my 50th Tesla podcast to share with you! I hope you enjoy this flawless drive on FSD Beta in Eagle Pass, Texas.
Watch Part 1 of Eagle Pass and read about the border.
In Part 1, I shared about the crisis at the Southern border at Eagle Pass. If you would like to read my full article on X, it is available here. Enjoy! As of this date, the article has had over 10 Million impressions on X.
I spent the weekend down at Eagle Pass, here is my experience.
TL;DR continue reading for my full experience at the US-Mexico border.
I witnessed the immigration crisis firsthand while dealing with my own predicament: a suspended RN license due to having surgery and a late… pic.twitter.com/ClisJAash6
Gail Alfar, author. Exclusive to Gail Alfar. All Rights Reserved. My goal as an author and podcaster is to support Tesla (the most American vehicle manufacturer) and Elon Musk in both making life better on Earth for humans and becoming a space-fairing civilization.
FOR MEDIA USE ONLY News media is welcome to use my material in connection with a story or article. By downloading any content I create, you understand and hereby agree and represent that: (1) you are a member of the news media; (2) use of the content is in connection with a story or an article appearing in newspapers, periodicals, digital publications or television; (3) all images and rights thereto remain the property Gail Alfar.; and (4) use of the image is not for publication covers, advertising, promotion or otherwise for commercial purposes. Furthermore, use of any and all images and content appearing on this page must each include the notice “Courtesy of Gail Alfar” Use of materials copied from this website is at your own risk. You must obtain prior written consent from Gail Alfar for uses that exceed the above parameters.
Austin, Texas. My belief is that part of the reason people do not want to have kids is the built-in expectation that they are expensive. Kids are expensive if they are placed into organized sports, various lessons, and tutoring. This creates unrealistic expectations for parents and pushes them into deciding to have “only one or two” children because, admittedly, it is quite time-consuming as well as costly to fill a child’s schedule with everything from soccer games to math tutoring to chess lessons. Do we need to do this? I argue we do not. I did not overschedule with my five children.
We Do Not Need to Provide Kids With Multiple Activities
Elon wasn’t taken from lessons to tutoring to sports teams as a child. This we can gather from what he has said about growing up and from Walter Isaacson’s and Lynne Vance’s biographies, as well as Maye Musk’s book, “A Woman with a Plan.” In fact, it appears he had a lot of self-directed time as a child and he chose to use it both wisely and creatively. His mother trusted him. This is a key, I think. It is good advice for parents to trust their kids. Sure, kids can be clever, and certainly Elon Musk was one of the most clever kids, and his mother believed in him.
These Early Years Of Elon Musk’s Life May Have Helped Shaped Him Into The Man He Is Today
Elon Musk Was Not an Overscheduled Child, He Had Lots of Self-Directed Time
Elon Musk’s upbringing was far from today’s typical overscheduled child who is shuttled from one activity to another. Instead, his childhood was marked by adventure and self-discovery. This environment allowed him to cultivate his curiosity and imagination, laying the foundation for his future. Kids need this.
So how, then, did Elon Musk thrive without tutoring and lessons?
A supportive family: Elon’s mother, Maye Musk, played a crucial role in nurturing his curiosity and encouraging his interests. Despite the challenges she faced, she provided a loving and supportive environment for Elon and his siblings.
Early exposure to technology: Elon’s father is well known to have been (and still is) an abusive, bad person. He was also an engineer, and he introduced Elon to computers at a young age. This early exposure to technology may have sparked Elon’s passion for programming and laid some of the groundwork for his future endeavors. Today, all kids are exposed to technology. When Elon was growing up, it was rare to be exposed. He loved it so much that he wrote a video game called Blastar.
Self-directed learning: Elon was a voracious reader and self-taught learner. He would spend hours devouring books on various subjects, from science fiction to the entire encyclopedia. This self-directed learning style allowed him to develop a broad knowledge base and a unique perspective on the world.
Resilience and determination: Elon’s childhood was not without its challenges. He faced bullying and adversity. He has Asperger’s Syndrome. But these experiences only served to strengthen his resolve. Elon’s resilience and determination helped him overcome obstacles and pursue his dreams. Remember, kids can learn their own way and Elon did just that! Many kids do not conform to traditional school learning methods. Many kids have a form of Autism. Two of my own kids have been diagnosed with mild Autism, and they are doing very well but regular classroom programming does not and never has worked well for them.
A sense of adventure: Elon’s childhood in South Africa was filled with adventure and exploration. He would often venture into the wilderness, exploring caves and learning about the natural world. This sense of adventure and curiosity would later fuel his passion for space exploration and his desire to push the boundaries of human achievement.
Conclusion
Elon Musk’s childhood experiences played a role in shaping him into the visionary entrepreneur he is today but they were not based on a “formula,” and they did not cost a lot of money.
By examining his early years, we can better understand the factors that contributed to his success and learn valuable lessons about the importance of curiosity, resilience, and self-directed learning.
Elon Musk’s story serves as a powerful reminder to people thinking of becoming new parents, that unconventional paths can often lead to extraordinary outcomes.
Gail Alfar, author. Exclusive to Gail Alfar. All Rights Reserved. My goal as an author and podcaster is to support Tesla (the most American vehicle manufacturer) and Elon Musk in both making life better on Earth for humans and becoming a space-fairing civilization.
FOR MEDIA USE ONLY News media is welcome to use my material in connection with a story or article. By downloading any content I create, you understand and hereby agree and represent that: (1) you are a member of the news media; (2) use of the content is in connection with a story or an article appearing in newspapers, periodicals, digital publications or television; (3) all images and rights thereto remain the property Gail Alfar.; and (4) use of the image is not for publication covers, advertising, promotion or otherwise for commercial purposes. Furthermore, use of any and all images and content appearing on this page must each include the notice “Courtesy of Gail Alfar” Use of materials copied from this website is at your own risk. You must obtain prior written consent from Gail Alfar for uses that exceed the above parameters.
I spent the weekend down at Eagle Pass, Texas. I recorded a wonderful Tesla FSD beta video there and I also experienced an eye-opening situation at the US – Mexico border. Here is my video for you to enjoy, and my accurate account of what is happening today at the border. Anyone can go to Eagle Pass to see this for themselves.
FSD beta is so good it aces this drive around Eagle Pass, Texas
01:20 U-turn USA- Mexico border 03:59 turned away at Shelby Park 07:46 which beta version?
I witnessed the immigration crisis firsthand while dealing with my own predicament: a suspended RN license due to having surgery and a late payment. With newfound freedom, I sought to share the border situation with others, inspired by Elon Musk’s live stream in September 2023. What follows is all true, and I have never experienced anything like this before in my lifetime.
Real-Life Encounters: Machete Menace
I stumbled on a flea market on the road to Eagle Pass and met a rancher and his wife selling tools and antique jewelry. He warned me of the dangers posed by illegal Venezuelan aliens, who would “Axe you to death with a machete.”
Intrigued, I grabbed his $10 sledgehammer and playfully swung it, prompting him to clarify that the “sweet ones” cross at the border bridge where they are welcomed, while the dangerous ones sneak through his ranch, cutting fences, leaving trash. The rancher was serious when he told me, “soon you’ll have to open your home to the illegal aliens.”
With a newfound sense of caution and a touch of dark humor, I continued my journey to the southern border.
Texas Born: Gas Station Encounter
At a La Pryor gas station, bold letters proclaimed “TXB: WE ARE TEXAS BORN.” While there, I spotted a van full of illegal migrants, with the driver inside buying snacks.
Many Latino business owners proudly emphasize their Texas roots.
Chilly Sunday at the Secure Camino Real International Bridge, Eagle Pass
Sunday morning was a brisk 42-degrees. I arrived early at the same bridge Elon Musk once streamed from. Things were well-staffed for a Sunday morning.
A formidable force of US Border Patrol, Texas National Guard, and Texas Dept. of Public Safety personnel was hard at work.
Truckloads of supplies (food, water, Pampers) and portable facilities were present, with Texas BBQ smoker grills standing nearby.
Secure Location but not for legal citizens; I was kicked out.
As I explored the area, armored personnel directed me to leave and suggested the media area or the nearby golf course. “Get back in your Tesla, and leave!” I drove my Tesla to the media area. I admit I was impressed by their awareness of the Tesla brand.
The irony of the situation was not lost on me: the area was secured only for illegal aliens.
At 9:30 am, I witnessed US Border Patrol welcoming two illegal aliens, who were driven off in a van. Stray dogs roamed between the aliens and me, initially growling at me but eventually quieting down.
Later, I met a Fox News crew at the media area. The livestream operator pointed out a group of illegal aliens approaching US Border Patrol. The crew advised me to return to my hotel and come back later, as it was too cold for many aliens to cross.
Bathrooms for the Illegal but not for the Legal
Despite the unwelcoming atmosphere, I remained in the Media Area until 11:30 am. At 11:40 am, I was informed that I couldn’t use the porta potties because they were reserved for the migrants. Again, irony. If I needed to take a sh*t, it would have to be in the bushes.
Millions Blown on Illegal Immigrant Welcome Party!
Eagle Pass felt like a waste of our tax dollars, our hard-earned resources. A fully staffed “welcome party” was just there for one purpose, the welcoming of illegal aliens.
11:42 am – A jumbo bus and two smaller vans rolled up, ready to shuttle illegal aliens away. From the golf course, I caught the scene on video, thinking, “Okay, that’s a ton of cash to be throwing around!”
2:15 pm – I bid adieu to the Fox team and the massive crew of US Border Patrol, Texas National Guard, and Texas Dept. of Public Safety personnel. They were still there, probably wondering how the heck they got stuck with this gig.
3:28 pm – I returned to the Media View area to record a video, thinking, “Hey, come on down to Eagle Pass, where the party never stops… for illegal aliens!”
3:35 pm – At the Texas Border wall, I noticed it was wide open, like a revolving door. I strolled through a well-worn path under the train tracks, where I found discarded shoes, coins, and clothing from migrants who had just crossed the Rio Grande. It’s like a fashion show down there!
A Group of Illegals is Welcomed Miles from the Int’l Bridge
3:44 pm – 4:00 pm at Eidson Road: A Group of Illegals is Welcomed Miles from the Int’l Bridge
At an area several miles South of the bridge, US Border Patrol was checking out a group of about 10 young men for weapons and injuries. After a quick 15-minute inspection, they were whisked away in a van. No ID checks, no questions asked. Just another day in the life of the Biden administration’s immigration industrial complex.
Cross Rio Grande. Meet US Border Patrol. Get in a “Van,” and be taken into the USA.
As a US Army veteran, I know the importance of public service. But the federal, state, and local employees have their hands tied by an administration that encourages illegal immigration.
I’ve been called a racist against people with brown skin and even threatened. What a load of bull! We need people to come here legally, like Nurses, Engineers, and Scientists. But nooo, honest paperwork gets no love, while the illegal invasion gets the red carpet treatment. What a world we live in, am I right?
Gail Alfar, author. Exclusive to Gail Alfar. All Rights Reserved. My goal as an author and podcaster is to support Tesla (the most American vehicle manufacturer) and Elon Musk in both making life better on Earth for humans and becoming a space-fairing civilization.
FOR MEDIA USE ONLY News media is welcome to use my material in connection with a story or article. By downloading any content I create, you understand and hereby agree and represent that: (1) you are a member of the news media; (2) use of the content is in connection with a story or an article appearing in newspapers, periodicals, digital publications or television; (3) all images and rights thereto remain the property Gail Alfar.; and (4) use of the image is not for publication covers, advertising, promotion or otherwise for commercial purposes. Furthermore, use of any and all images and content appearing on this page must each include the notice “Courtesy of Gail Alfar” Use of materials copied from this website is at your own risk. You must obtain prior written consent from Gail Alfar for uses that exceed the above parameters.
Join Gail on a perfect drive on FSD beta V 2023.44.30.5.1 from the Museum to the UT Longhorns baseball field. The drive is so spectacular and flawless that it feels close to Robotaxi level.
Ovzon 3 Launch
SpaceX had a second launch of 2024 and it was the Ovzon 3 launch. Every SpaceX launch today is efficient and utilizes a reusable rocket booster – the famous Falcon 9!
FSD beta is so good, I can feel that Robotaxi vibe on this drive. 00:33 SpaceX chat 03:04 which beta version? Enjoy 𝕏 podcast 48 pic.twitter.com/s0CvivLy4U
Gail Alfar, author. Exclusive to Gail Alfar, 2024 – All Rights Reserved. My goal as an author and podcaster is to support Tesla (the most American vehicle manufacturer) and Elon Musk in both making life better on Earth for humans and becoming a space-fairing civilization.
FOR MEDIA USE ONLY News media is welcome to use my material in connection with a story or article. By downloading any content I create, you understand and hereby agree and represent that: (1) you are a member of the news media; (2) use of the content is in connection with a story or an article appearing in newspapers, periodicals, digital publications or television; (3) all images and rights thereto remain the property Gail Alfar.; and (4) use of the image is not for publication covers, advertising, promotion or otherwise for commercial purposes. Furthermore, use of any and all images and content appearing on this page must each include the notice “Courtesy of Gail Alfar” Use of materials copied from this website is at your own risk. You must obtain prior written consent from Gail Alfar for uses that exceed the above parameters.
Join Gail for an amazing zero-disengagement drive in the morning traffic. Imagine feeling relaxed in traffic? FSD beta is getting good enough to feel that way!
Goals for 2024
I’d like to share my plans for these podcasts in 2024. I plan to create shorter podcasts, but at a higher volume.
Expect to hear a little about SpaceX launches in the podcasts too. For example, in this podcast, we’ll look briefly at the first SpaceX launch of 2024. On January 2, SpaceX launched the first 6 satellites with Direct to Cell capability. This will further global connectivity and help to eliminate dead zones in some of the most extreme rural areas of the world.
Saving Lives
As you’ll see in the podcast, Elon Musk explains how lives will be saved because of the availability of this new Direct to Cell capability. Enjoy the podcast!
Another zero disengagement drive and this one is in morning traffic — FSD beta is getting unbelievably good! 00:20 talk about SpaceX 2024 01:46 which beta version? 📌note: this is my 47th podcast and for 2024, I’ll be doing much shorter ones, and higher volume. pic.twitter.com/ZJaHXUSPpD
Gail Alfar, author. Exclusive to Gail Alfar, 2024 – All Rights Reserved. My goal as an author and podcaster is to support Tesla (the most American vehicle manufacturer) and Elon Musk in both making life better on Earth for humans and becoming a space-fairing civilization.
FOR MEDIA USE ONLY News media is welcome to use my material in connection with a story or article. By downloading any content I create, you understand and hereby agree and represent that: (1) you are a member of the news media; (2) use of the content is in connection with a story or an article appearing in newspapers, periodicals, digital publications or television; (3) all images and rights thereto remain the property Gail Alfar.; and (4) use of the image is not for publication covers, advertising, promotion or otherwise for commercial purposes. Furthermore, use of any and all images and content appearing on this page must each include the notice “Courtesy of Gail Alfar” Use of materials copied from this website is at your own risk. You must obtain prior written consent from Gail Alfar for uses that exceed the above parameters.
Recently, the BBC, Bloomberg, CNBC, Fortune, and many others published articles falsely claiming that Tesla is not the world’s largest EV maker. The problem is, they counted in Hybrids by BYD which is misleading. I’ll explain why.
Facts in the Numbers
Tesla produced 1,845,985 EVs in 2023.
BYD produced 1,598,571 EVs in 2023.
Because BYD produced 1,444,091 Hybrid cars, the media ridiculously claimed Elon Musk was “losing his crown.”
First, there is no race against other EV makers, and second, Tesla’s competition is composed of gasoline cars.
To set the record straight I wanted to write to correct the misleading headlines. In this article, we’ll look at why hybrids are not EVs, and should not be counted as so.
1. Power Source
Hybrid vehicles use both a gasoline engine and an electric motor, while EVs run solely on electricity. You’ll never have to stop at a gas station again when you drive an EV. I power my Tesla Model Y with electricity at my home charger, at Superchargers, and destination chargers on trips. In contrast, if you buy a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, you will be required to fill up at a gas station.
2. Fuel Efficiency. Huge Difference.
EVs have far greater fuel-efficiency than hybrids, as they don’t use any gasoline. Last Sept, I wrote about MPGe in another article, “What is MPGe? Everything You Need to Know.” MPGe is short for “Miles Per Gallon of Gasoline Equivalent” or “Miles Per Gallon Equivalent,” and it is used to compare the energy consumption of an electric vehicle to a traditional combustion engine car. The MPGe tells you the distance an EV can travel on the energy equivalent of one gallon of gasoline.
A Tesla Model 3 has an EPA-estimated MPGe of 140 city and 124 highway. In contrast, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid achieves 41 city and 38 highway MPG according to EPA estimates.
3. Emissions
EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, helping make cities, suburban areas, and the roads connecting them have cleaner air. Hybrids, unfortunately, produce emissions due to their gasoline engines. Tesla released their 2022 Impact Report, in April 2023 and it states “We make products that displace fossil fuel alternatives. In 2022, our customers avoided releasing about 13.4 million metric tons of CO2e into our atmosphere.”
Hybrids cannot claim this.
4. Charging
Image Superchargers Courtesy Tesla, Inc.
EVs have access to charging infrastructure, while most hybrids are never plugged in, unless its to a gas pump! There is an extensive charging network available to owners of EVs. If your EV choice is not a Tesla, you can still use the Tesla Supercharging Network if needed with a simple adapter. The North American Charging Standard (NACS) is for everybody.
5. Maintenance
EVs have fewer moving parts and require less maintenance than hybrids, which still have the maintenance requirements of a traditional gasoline engine. My main concerns about maintenance are filling the reservoir with wiper fluid and keeping the tires in good shape. This is a welcome relief after years of owning combustion engine cars with many more complications.
With Hybrids, you have to maintain them as you would a gas car, with the addition of a small, inefficient, electric motor. Not optimal.
6. Performance
EVs have instant torque and smooth acceleration, while hybrids have more traditional performance characteristics due to their gasoline engines.
Image Courtesy Tesla, Inc.
7. Noise
EVs are generally quieter than hybrids, as they do not have a gasoline engine running.
8. Joy Factor
One of the most significant differences between hybrid and electric vehicles is the joy they bring to their owners. Electric vehicles, like my beloved Tesla Model 3, offer a pleasurable driving experience that is smooth, silent, and exhilarating.
The instant torque, rapid acceleration, and seamless performance of EVs make every drive feel special, while the reduced environmental impact and lower operating costs can provide a sense of satisfaction and pride in the vehicle. In short, electric vehicles have a certain “joy factor” that can make driving an absolute pleasure.
My thoughts
My opinion is that hybrids are just gasoline cars with fancy hybrid logos. They may have small electric motors inside, and sadly those motors offer little incentive for their owners to use them. Point 8 — Joy Factor — is, for me, something I experience every day. I truly love all aspects of my Model 3. I did not include in this list how incredible the autonomous software is as that is a topic that deserves another full article. Tesla FSD beta has been a true thrill, and no hybrid has that!
Gail Alfar, author. Exclusive to Gail Alfar, 2024 – All Rights Reserved. My goal as an author and podcaster is to support Tesla (the most American vehicle manufacturer) and Elon Musk in both making life better on Earth for humans and becoming a space-fairing civilization.
FOR MEDIA USE ONLY News media is welcome to use my material in connection with a story or article. By downloading any content I create, you understand and hereby agree and represent that: (1) you are a member of the news media; (2) use of the content is in connection with a story or an article appearing in newspapers, periodicals, digital publications or television; (3) all images and rights thereto remain the property Gail Alfar.; and (4) use of the image is not for publication covers, advertising, promotion or otherwise for commercial purposes. Furthermore, use of any and all images and content appearing on this page must each include the notice “Courtesy of Gail Alfar” Use of materials copied from this website is at your own risk. You must obtain prior written consent from Gail Alfar for uses that exceed the above parameters.
There is so much to celebrate as we head into 2024. This is my last podcast of 2023 and it is a great drive on Tesla FSD beta that proceeds with zero disengagement from Cesar Chavez in Austin, to Congress Street. The Tesla Holiday Update featured many nice changes to make driving easier and entertainment more fun in the Tesla.
One Press Stalk
Now when you engage Autopilot, you only have to press down one time on the stalk. Tesla is always making life easier. This is a great update!
Happy New Year! I hope your 2024 is Amazing 🤩 Last podcast of the year here to celebrate with you! #HappyNewYear 💓
Gail Alfar, author. Exclusive to Gail Alfar, 2024 – All Rights Reserved. My goal as an author and podcaster is to support Tesla (the most American vehicle manufacturer) and Elon Musk in both making life better on Earth for humans and becoming a space-fairing civilization.
FOR MEDIA USE ONLY News media is welcome to use my material in connection with a story or article. By downloading any content I create, you understand and hereby agree and represent that: (1) you are a member of the news media; (2) use of the content is in connection with a story or an article appearing in newspapers, periodicals, digital publications or television; (3) all images and rights thereto remain the property Gail Alfar.; and (4) use of the image is not for publication covers, advertising, promotion or otherwise for commercial purposes. Furthermore, use of any and all images and content appearing on this page must each include the notice “Courtesy of Gail Alfar” Use of materials copied from this website is at your own risk. You must obtain prior written consent from Gail Alfar for uses that exceed the above parameters.
Have you ever been to Austin? Almost all of my podcast videos that feature Tesla FSD beta take place in Austin, Texas. There is a festive feeling around the city at Christmastime. The Texas State Senate puts up a tree and each Senator is invited to bring an ornament that represents the district they represent. The Capital has trees in the House Chambers and a tree outside by Congress Street.
Tesla Ho Ho Ho or “Santa Mode”
In this video, you’ll enjoy Austin during the holidays by night while we run Tesla “Santa” mode on FSD beta in the Model Y. You can activate this any time of year by just pressing your car’s voice control on the steering wheel and saying out loud, “Start ho ho ho mode!”
We’ll start in the Northern part of the city, allowing FSD beta to flawlessly bring us downtown and to the outdoor capital complex at night. We’ll then supervise the vehicle as it traverses Congress Street, heading from South to North to get another great view of the Christmas Tree outside of the Texas Capital at night. Come along and enjoy!
I’m thrilled to share with you my 45th podcast episode. FSD beta in ATX for the lighted holidays.
𝕏 timestamps 𝕏 00:00 opening on ho ho ho mode 00:08 freeway fsd beta 01:03 fsd slows for maniac car 01:45 narrow road construction 02:35 downtown construction 03:11 x mas tree… pic.twitter.com/9P1S77VoOS
I’m thrilled to share with you my 45th podcast episode. FSD beta in ATX for the lighted holidays.
Tesla’s Santa Mode Year Round?
I enjoy Santa mode in the car for the holidays.
A good friend kept Santa Mode on all year. He picked up his Tesla from the Service Center and it was activated for some reason. He drove his Tesla for over a year on Santa Mode and thought it was what all Tesla cars have on all the time.
Be sure to deactive the mode after the holidays!
You can always go back to regular mode by pressing the voice control of your steering wheel and saying, “Stop ho ho ho mode!”
You can also go into “Santa Mode” in the arcade and either start or stop it.
Have a great and lovely 2024.
Gail Alfar, author. Exclusive to What’s Up Tesla – All Rights Reserved. My goal as an author and podcaster is to support Tesla (the most American vehicle manufacturer) and Elon Musk in both making life better on Earth for humans and becoming a space-fairing civilization.
“I think it’s our best product, I think it’s the most unique on the road. And finally, the future will look like the future.” – Elon Musk
Syd Mead, the artistic director behind Blade Runner (1982), watched the Nov 2019 Cybertruck unveiling and commented that Tesla’s new Cybertruck “has completely changed the vocabulary of the personal truck market design.”
Syd Mead passed away in Dec 2019. He was a visual futurist and if he was alive he would have been thrilled to see Cybertruck in production changing how people think of the personal truck market!
I was in the audience at the Cybertruck Delivery event when Elon Musk stood on the bed of the Cybertruck. The lighting, music, and gritty, dark atmosphere made me feel immersed in a Syd Mead-style “Blade Runner” movie set.
Elon Musk stood, surrounded by light and shadow, said,
“Once in a while, a product comes along that is rare, that is, once every 5 to 10 years something really special, an unusual product comes along and we will remember those special moments when some rare, very rare product comes along that is seemingly impossible. That people said was impossible, that experts said was impossible, and this is one of those times. we have a car here that experts said was impossible, that experts said would never be made.” – Elon Musk
THEY SAID IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE!
Chief designer of the Lotus, Ben Payne, said Cybertruck’s unusual design makes it “very hard to mass produce.”
Adrian Clarke, a professional car designer was convinced that “Vehicles always have an amount of curves in them because they have to be able to hold the shape when the part comes out of the press. But if you have a dead flat panel, it doesn’t work. It’s going to vibrate and they’re going to have massive problems stamping those panels and having them keep their shape.”
Raj Rajkumar, professor of electrical and computer engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, said that Cybertruck material does not “provide flexibility, which is critical for vehicles during an accident and will require special welding techniques.”
Thankfully, these experts were wrong. For context, trucks have had the same classic boxy look for close to 100 years. Ever since the Ford Model T Runabout was sold in 1925, the look has been similar. Cybertruck breaks this trend. In 2019, the late Syd Mead called the futuristic-looking Cybertruck design “stylistically breathtaking” and said it went beyond his expectations.
The Delivery Event Surpassed my Expectations too!
Surrounded by the sounds of the gigafactory, enveloped by the industrial feel of machines, robots, and computers, Elon continued,
“So what we’re aiming for here is something that’s more truck than truck. Yes, what we have here is something that is a better truck than a truck, while also being a better sports car than a sports car in the same package. First of all, you know you talk about how trucks are tough? That is one of the characteristics of a truck.”
Marques Brownlee said “It looks surreal, there is not a single curve on this entire truck. There are some surprising things about it, some really cool features, things that I think truck people are going to like!”
Elon explained how Tesla came up with a kind of stainless steel metal alloy that did not even exist before. Tesla had to design a new metal to make this truck. Tesla engineered A LOT of new technology to build this truck!
Although many may be joking about Tesla having the finest in apocalypse technology, it is actually true that the doors are bullet-resistant, the interior has bioweapon defense mode, and when it is wrapped in matte black, it’s going to be very difficult to trace in the dark of night!
“It’s insane. It’s a spaceship. Seeing it in real life is so f*cking cool, there’s something about photos — you’re not in context, you’re not physically there where you get to look at it. But when you’re physically there, this thing’s so f*cking cool.”- Joe Rogan
Our future is full of great technology and even better looking vehicles! We are entering an age where humanity returns to dreams of new futuristic imaginings. It takes the development of a futuristic design – CYBERTRUCK – to come to reality and come into production at scale for our present culture’s embers of imagination to spark the motivation to dream bigger.
_________ ׂׂૢ་༘࿐
Images by the author taken at Cybertruck Delivery Event on Nov. 30. Syd Mead futuristic vehicles images Courtesy Syd Mead dot com.
Gail Alfar, author. Exclusive to What’s Up Tesla – All Rights Reserved. My goal as an author and podcaster is to support Tesla (the most American vehicle manufacturer) and Elon Musk in both making life better on Earth for humans and becoming a space-fairing civilization.
The first thing I thought when I saw the Cybertruck at Tesla’s amazing Delivery Event on November 30, was that it looks military tough (as an Army Veteran, I love this!) and also feels like a stunning art piece. I learned from the engineers at the factory event at Giga Texas that the stainless steel exoskeleton is also highly durable. It is a new stainless steel alloy called 30X cold-rolled stainless steel.
This material is extremely strong and provides the vehicle with exceptional resistance to dents and corrosion. The 30X alloy was developed in part by Charles Kuehmann, who has been the VP of Materials Engineering at SpaceX and Tesla since 2015.
The Tesla Armor Glass (ultra-strong glass and polymer-layered composite that absorbs and redirects impact force for improved performance and damage tolerance) and self-leveling suspension make the Cybertruck a formidable force on the road, or even when you plan to adventure off-road!
Safety Features
To get to the event, I let my Model Y take me there using Tesla’s safety first software: FSD beta. The Cybertruck is equipped with the same advanced safety features as my Model Y, like automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning. These features are free and standard for all Tesla vehicles. The Cybertruck also has Enhanced Autopilot, and all FSD beta features, designed to keep you safe. According to a recent study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), vehicles equipped with Tesla’s Autopilot, Enhanced Autopilot, and FSD beta features have shown a significant reduction in crash rates compared to vehicles without them. Sources even suggest that Tesla’s Autopilot and FSD beta features have an 86% lower crash rate than the US average. This is 3.7 times lower than Tesla vehicles without these features. When comparing the Cybertruck to other electric pickup trucks, such as the Ford Lightning, Rivian R1T, and the upcoming GM electric pickup, the Cybertruck stands out with its unique design, impressive towing capacity, extended range, and fast acceleration.
Utility
The Cybertruck boasts an impressive towing capacity and payload of 11,000 lbs., making it a fantastic choice when you need to haul heavy loads. The rear seat storage option and adaptive air suspension ensure improved off-road capability and ride comfort.
Technology
The Cybertruck boasts a range of newly engineered features, such as the highly acclaimed steer-by-wire for all 4 wheels and rear steering for improved handling, and 48 volt architecture that is ground-breaking in the automotive industry. Plus, it has a 15-speaker audio system with two subwoofers for your immersive listening experience.
Tesla’s Cybertruck Delivery Event had limited time. I chose to learn about Tesla’s redesigned steer-by-wire system, so I unfortunately missed the sound system demo.
Production and Manufacturing Challenges
The processes and challenges in engineering and manufacturing the Cybertruck are different than for any other vehicle. Tesla is making a significant investment in the biggest and most precise robots to ensure the successful production of the Cybertruck. I saw some robots that were so massive that I wondered how they existed on this earth!
I learned that to make Cybertrucks at the fastest rate, these robots are required. Here’s a picture of one that moves the Cybertruck body from the top floor where it is made to the lower floor where assembly continues.
My Thoughts
I plan to take delivery of a Cybertruck (when it’s my turn in the long queue). I want to experience the best combination of safety, utility, and technology that Tesla offers.
Disclaimer: I own TSLA shares and this article is adapted from the original I wrote for Xcelerate.
This article was written by Gail Alfar, please credit accordingly. I write to support Elon Musk companies.
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