In September 2025, Tesla released Master Plan Part 4 as a short, hopeful document (available at tesla.com and as PDF). It updates Tesla’s mission from “sustainable energy” to “accelerating the world’s transition to sustainable abundance.” The plan rests on five clear guiding principles, quoted directly from the official PDF:
“Growth is infinite” – progress does not require trade-offs.
“Innovation removes constraints” – every big leap in history broke a supposed limit.
“Technology solves tangible problems” – in energy (solar + batteries + AI), mobility (autonomous EVs), and labor (Optimus robots).
“Autonomy benefits all humanity” – safety and universal access come first.
“Greater access drives greater growth” – the cheaper and wider the technology spreads, the better life gets for everyone.
The heart of the plan is simple: combine Tesla’s cars, solar roofs, batteries, self-driving software, and Optimus humanoid robots so that energy, transport, and work become effectively unlimited and almost free. When boring or dangerous jobs are done by friendly robots and cars drive themselves safely, people are freed to create, learn, and enjoy life.Elon Musk has said the same in his own words:
“The ultimate master plan of Tesla is to create sustainable abundance for all.” (X, March 21, 2025)
“There will be universal high income… Sustainable abundance.” (X, August 24, 2025)
“Working on the Tesla Master Plan 4. It will be epic.” (X, June 17, 2024)
The super short document ends gently: “The tools we are going to develop will help us build the kind of world that we’ve always dreamed of — a world of sustainable abundance.” That is the whole plan: five principles, three real-world solutions, and one kind promise — abundance for everyone, built step by step with Tesla’s products.
Master Plan Part IV: Tesla is accelerating the world’s transition to sustainable abundance.
Tesla’s image depicts a shared home with a solar roof, home powerwalls, electric cars and a helpful bot watering plants.
Master Plan Part IV: Tesla is accelerating the world’s transition to sustainable abundance.
Tesla’s image depicts Optimus bots working. The setting could be industrial or food service or other.
This table summarizes Master Plan Part 4 factually from Tesla’s official website. All details and quotes are verified against the page content and Musk’s X posts.
Master Plan Part IV: Tesla is accelerating the world’s transition to sustainable abundance.
Tesla’s image depicts Bots helping with shopping bags, and helping people exit a transport van.
Tesla’s image depicts Supercharging, with electric cars other than Teslas, and it also shows a Bot helping a family by pushing a stroller.
Tesla’s image depicts industrial batteries and AI Compute
Tesla’s image depicts Semi and manufacturing at scale.
“Optimus will eliminate poverty and provide universal high income for all.” Elon Musk
Austin, Texas – I’ve listened to Elon Musk talk about the future more times than I can count, but something hit different in the last couple of weeks.
First on November 19 in Washington DC with Jensen Huang, then again on November 30 with Nikhil Kamath, he kept circling back to the same quiet, almost casual prediction: once we have truly useful humanoid robots, material poverty simply ceases to exist. Not “gets better.” Not “shrinks.” It ends.
He told Jensen that the moment these bots cost less than a decent used car and can do any physical job faster and better than any human, and every household will likely own several. The math is brutal and beautiful: one $20–30k Optimus, working 24 hours a day for decades, will create orders of magnitude more value than it costs. It is easy to understand how goods and services will collapse toward the price of electricity and raw materials.
And then he said the line that made me tear up thinking of my friend with her garden greenhouse:
“People will still grow vegetables… but only because they enjoy it.” Elon Musk
Instantly I thought of my friend Johnna Crider in Louisiana. She already spends half her weekends elbow-deep in raised beds, in her greenhouse, harvesting peppers and tomatoes not because she has to, but because the smell of the soil and the taste of a home grown and ground spice mix in her mouth is pure joy. One day soon, that choice will be universal. No one will ever again plant a garden out of necessity.
Same with me standing at the sink after a rough day, my favorite cotton lined gloves up to my elbows, washing dishes in lemon scented bubbly water while enjoying my fav podcast. I do it to unwind, to feel something simple and physical. Elon says that will become optional too. So will me grinding beans from my favorite little Austin roaster every morning just because the smell makes the whole house feel like home.
Work itself? Optional. Money as we know it? Eventually meaningless.
He told Nikhil that Optimus may start shipping to homes in real numbers in 10-15 years. When that happens, he said softly, “poverty simply won’t be able to survive in that world.”
I believe Elon.
For the first time in human history, we’re not talking about lifting people out of poverty. We’re talking about a world so abundant that poverty can’t even take root.
And honestly? I’m going to miss the excuse to wear my deluxe gloves and grind my own Texas coffee at 6 a.m. But I’ll take the trade. Maybe we will choose to spend more time on our gardens and serving up our own coffee for our family and friends.
Johnna’s aloe vera garden and coffee brewed by hand.
Recently, a mysterious study from Guardian Service Company in Raleigh, North Carolina, claimed to uncover shocking truths about Tesla ownership—including an outrageous claim of a 44% vandalism rate.Guardian Service Company published a study on April 21, 2025, claiming to have asked 508 Tesla owners about vandalism, surveillance, and ownership sentiments.
44% Vandalism? Pure Fiction
The claim—that two out of five, or a full 44%, of Tesla owners have experienced intentional damage like keying or tire slashing—is outrageous. Vandalism against Teslas is real, with incidents like arson and graffiti tied to political controversies, but these are sporadic, not epidemic. A 44% rate is absurd without verified insurance data, and Guardian’s failure to share the exact question asked (was it “any damage” or “confirmed vandalism”?) makes this a manipulative scare tactic, likely to push insurance sales.
Sentry Mode
Guardian’s study claims 54% of Tesla owners “enabled video surveillance specifically due to fears of vandalism,” while 25% said no, leaving 21% unaccounted for. This is utterly ridiculous when you consider Tesla vehicles come with Sentry Mode, a built-in surveillance system that records threats automatically. Owners don’t install cameras; they toggle a pre-installed feature. Framing this as owners adding surveillance due to “vandalism anxiety” is a gross misrepresentation, exploiting Tesla’s standard technology to inflate fear. If 25% said no, were they even Tesla owners, or did Guardian botch the question? This sloppy data screams non-scientific nonsense.
Guardian’s Motive: Insurance Sales, Not Truth
Guardian Service Company isn’t a research firm—it’s an insurance agency in Raleigh, NC, where Tesla Insurance isn’t available, forcing owners to use third-party providers like them. A study hyping vandalism fears could drive customers to their auto insurance quotes, but fabricating data to scare Tesla owners is shameful. The lack of transparency—no sample details, no peer review—confirms this isn’t a valid study but a marketing stunt at best, or outright misinformation at worst.
Kelley Blue Book’s Blunder
Guardian’s most egregious claims are that 34% (one in three) Tesla owners plan to sell or trade in their vehicle within a year, one in five (19%) regret their purchase, and 30% wouldn’t choose Tesla again. They frame this as owners second-guessing their purchase, but it’s a blatant distortion. Tesla routinely asks owners about trade-ins to encourage upgrades to newer models, like the refreshed Model 3 or Cybertruck. I experienced this myself during a recent test drive, where Tesla reps asked if I’d consider trading in my car—not because I regret it, but because it’s standard practice. A 19% regret rate and 30% non-repeat purchase claim are dubious without reasons (cost? politics?) and clash with Tesla’s 97% customer satisfaction (Consumer Reports, 2023).It’s not uncommon for a company like Guardian to produce a blog post to promote their business, but the fact that Kelley Blue Book published a full article on these bogus claims is a disgrace. KBB, a once-trusted name in car pricing, should’ve sniffed out the study’s flaws—no primary source, no methodology, and claims that don’t pass the smell test. Scientific studies require random sampling and clear questions, but Guardian provides no evidence of either, rendering their claims unreliable.By amplifying this unverified nonsense, KBB risks its reputation, fueling anti-Tesla narratives at a time when vandalism stories are already exaggerated. KBB must retract this article or issue a correction to restore its credibility as a once-trusted name.
This Guardian study is a textbook case of misinformation, with outrageous claims that crumble under scrutiny. Tesla owners in Texas, where I live, can use Tesla Insurance to counter vandalism fears, but in North Carolina, where Guardian operates, owners deserve better than fearmongering. We should disregard this study and call out KBB for lending it credence.
What will it take for trusted sources to stop amplifying fake studies and start verifying facts?
Gail Alfar, dedicated Tesla advocate and writer since 2020, continues to champion the resilience and innovation of Tesla owners.
Addendum (April 28, 2025): After publishing this critique of Guardian Service Company’s mysterious study—claiming 44% of Tesla owners faced vandalism, 19% regretted their purchase, and 30% wouldn’t buy a Tesla again—I’ve taken action to uncover the truth. I reached out to Guardian Service at info@guardianservice.com and (844) 448-2734, demanding the full study, its methodology, and data verification. Given the study’s absence from their website and its reliance on unverified X posts, I’m not optimistic about a response, but I’ll keep you updated if they reply. Stay tuned as we continue to call out these bogus claims and demand better from trusted sources!
Kerri Gray and I continue our discussion on Elon Musk, Tesla, SpaceX, 𝕏, and Turner’s syndrome in Part Two of our conversation.
Experiencing Full Self-Driving in a Tesla as a Passenger
In this episode, Kerri and I explore the world of autonomous vehicles as we discuss her firsthand experience riding in a Tesla with Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities.
We cover her initial impressions, the comfort level as a passenger, and moments when safety was at the forefront of her mind.
Kerri shares what aspects of the technology stood out to her and whether this ride matches up with what one might expect from self-driving cars. We also touch on the broader implications for the future of travel, how this experience reflects on Elon Musk’s vision for Tesla, and whether such experiences could sway public trust towards embracing autonomous vehicles.
Join us in Austin, Texas, for Podcast No. 110, exclusively on 𝕏
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) Every quarter I write about Tesla’s earnings calls, and this time I asked Grok to help come up with a headline. I laugh because in this call Elon Musk talked about the growth of cells into a baby. You’ll never guess the funny headline Grok came up with: “Tesla’s Metamorphosis: Elon Musk’s Plan for a Leaner, Meaner, and More Efficient Future”
This first earnings call of 2024 took place on April 23. I am highlighting some of the best and most interesting parts of the call for you. So take a little breather in your busy day. Let’s hang out for a few.
Tesla’s Roadmap
Elon talked, sharing his opening remarks at the start of the earnings call. He shared an inspiring vision for the future of all-electric and autonomous vehicles on earth. Despite facing various challenges, including global EV adoption pressure and other manufacturers’ shift towards plug-in hybrids, he said Tesla remains committed to its goal of electric vehicles dominating the market. Elon highlighted Tesla’s achievements and future plans, emphasizing rapid progress in AI and the expansion of Tesla’s AI infrastructure.
The Tesla team successfully navigated a tough environment in Q1, with energy storage deployments reaching an all-time high. Elon announced an acceleration in the launch of new models, including more affordable options, that will be produced on the current manufacturing lines. This welcome move is expected to increase vehicle production capacity to over 3 million units.
Regarding Full Self-Driving (FSD) Version 12, Elon expressed confidence in the vision-based approach with end-to-end neural networks as the solution for scalable autonomy. Tesla has reduced the subscription price to $99 per month to encourage more users to experience FSD.
Tesla’s core AI infrastructure is also undergoing significant expansion, with plans to install and commission 85,000 H100 computers by the end of the year. Elon stressed the importance of not only increasing the number of H100s but also ensuring their efficient use for training.
As with many Tesla earnings calls, some of the best information comes after the opening remarks!
Biology Lesson in Tesla Restructuring
You may know that some employees were laid off from Tesla. Nearly 10% of the company. Elon explains the Tesla restructuring using a biology lesson, which most people loved hearing,
“We are not giving up anything that significant that I’m aware of. We’ve had a long period of prosperity from 2019 to now and so if a company sort of organizationally is 5% wrong per year that accumulates to 25% – 30% of inefficiency.
We’ve made some corrections along the way, but it is time to re-organize the company for the next phase of growth. And you really need to re-organize it.
It is just like a human when we start off as one cell and become a zygote, a blastocyst, and you start growing arms and legs and then briefly you have a tail and then you shed the tail and then you’re a baby and you know, you basically have to be different.
The organism of a company is kind of like a creature growing and if you don’t reorganize it for different phases of growth, it will fail and you can’t have the same organizational structure if you’re 10 cells versus 100 versus 1 million versus 1 billion versus 1 trillion.
We humans are around 35 trillion cells, it doesn’t feel like one person but you’re basically a walking cell colony of roughly 35 trillion cells depending on your body mass and about 3 times that number in bacteria.
So, anyway, you’ve got to reorganize the company for a new phase of growth or it will fail to achieve that growth.”
Cybercabs: Ultimate Multitasking Machines – Earn Money While You Sleep and Share Your Ride with a Tap
On the call, Elon explained that in the future, you can add (or remove) your Tesla to the robotaxi network (using Tesla app) when you’re at work and you can choose to share your car with friends or family or 5-star customers only.
The new term “Cybercab” was applied to this vehicle. I think this blends an iconic image (a cab) with the modernistic cyber mystique. This name has a charming vintage feel while also being easy to pronounce. Cybercab rolls off the tongue, while Robotaxi feels more awkward.
Cars will soon work like elevators. You hop in, it takes you where you want, you don’t think twice about it. Tesla will be operating the fleet of Cybercabs and you will be able to decide if you want to have your Tesla inside the fleet for a day or a month or a year.
To help explain the concept, Elon compared it to an AirBNB.
“And something I should clarify is that Tesla will be operating the fleet. So, you can think of like how Tesla, think of it as combination of Airbnb and Uber meaning that there will be some number of cars that Tesla owns itself and operates in the fleet. There will be some number of cars and then there’ll be a bunch of cars where they’re owned by the end user. That end user can add or subtract their car to the fleet whenever they want, and they can decide if they want to only let the car be used by friends and family or only buy five-star users or by anyone at any time they could have the car come back to them and be exclusively theirs like an Airbnb.
You could rent out your guest room or not, any time you want.”
Tesla’s Idle Computing Revolution
Every Tesla car has a computer inside itself that’s capable of computing and inference.
Elon hopes that one day soon you can opt to rent out your Tesla computer to do distributing inference whenever it’s idle, when you’re sleeping, for example.
Elon envisions a future where the fleet of Tesla vehicles could collectively form a massive distributed inference system with their idle computing power. This would allow for efficient use of resources and potentially generate revenue for Tesla owners by participating in tasks like AI model training or other computational tasks. The idea is to leverage the vast number of Tesla vehicles worldwide, harnessing their collective computing power for various AI-related tasks.
The concept of distributed computing is not new, but applying it to a fleet of Tesla vehicles is a novel approach that could have significant implications for AI research, development, and deployment.
So, your Tesla can make money for you when you’re sleeping. This is analogous to Amazon’s Web Service which is currently the biggest cloud computing service provider in the world and the most profitable business segment for Amazon. Elon explained, “I think it’s analogous to Amazon Web Services, where people didn’t expect that AWS would be the most valuable part of Amazon when it started out as a bookstore. So, that was on nobody’s radar. But they found that they had excess compute because the compute needs would spike to extreme levels for brief periods of the year and then they had idle compute for the rest of the year. So, then what should they do to pull that excess compute for the rest of the year.
That’s kind of — yeah, monetize it. It seems like kind of a no-brainer to say, OK, if we’ve got millions and then tens of millions of vehicles out there where the computers are idle most of the time that we might well have them do something useful.”
Name any other car that has those potentials and capabilities. Let that sink in.
Elon’s Tesla Future: Increased Involvement
“Tesla constitutes the majority of my work time. I work every day of the week. I’m going to make sure Tesla is very prosperous.” – Elon
Indeed, Elon or any of the executives at the earnings call are not obligated to answer questions. The format of the earnings call is a choice by Tesla. Being able to ask Elon Musk directly if he plans to remain involved in Tesla less in the next 3 years was a question that was asked. Elon is the heart and soul of the company, and Tesla, Inc. is like his own child. Of course, he will stay involved and maybe even increase his involvement. You see, Elon was always deeply passionate about autonomous cars and with this happening now, he is going to show MORE, and not less involvement.
“We are putting the actual auto in automobile.” – Elon
Elon is happy to always allow cars to have a bright future with autonomy at Tesla. If he IS VOTED out of the company one day, he will not support Optimus development which is out of his control because there is a risk that the robot could veer towards malice. For context, a judge in Delaware used her power to take away his shareholder-approved compensation plan. If that compensation is not legally returned to Elon, he will not own enough shares of Tesla to make an impact on Optimus development and he could even be pushed right out of the very company he built as a worst-case scenario.
Autonomy: Tesla’s Future Licensing
In the future, 3 years ahead, the only cars that you will drive will be genuinely smart cars with autonomy. All cars will need to be smart cars or they will not be purchased. At that point, Tesla will license their autonomy software to all other surviving companies. Elon explains,
”Yeah. So, it is a case of having them use the same cameras and inference computer and licensing our software. Once it becomes obvious that if you don’t have this in a car, nobody wants your car. It’s a smart car. I still remember in fact, when Nokia was king of the hill, yeah, and the cellphone is crushing. And then I saw them come out with a smartphone that was a brick with limited functionality. And then the iPhone and Android, people still do not understand that all the phones are going to be that way. There’s not going to be any flip phones. There will be a niche product or home phone.”
My thoughts
Tesla cars need to be affordable to the vast majority of people. Tesla is doing this and this is good news as more and more people will be able to afford to buy a Tesla.
This price is already dropping right before our eyes. For example: My 2024 Model Y is vastly better than my 2022 Y and it cost me less to purchase by around $18,000! The single motor Model Y is only $29K with gas savings and with point of purchase $7500 rebate. An incredible value.
It is indeed exciting that we are headed for an electric vehicle and autonomous future!
Isn’t it crazy that many carmakers are pulling back on their investments in EVs? Only Tesla is investing the most in future growth. This includes their AI programs, production capacity, Supercharger & service networks as well as new product infrastructure.
The future is not only electric but also autonomous. Since the launch of FSD V12 earlier this year, I have personally driven across Austin, Texas over 100 times and V12 is indeed an incredible advancement. I have now produced over 60 FSD Tesla podcast episodes (Gail’s Tesla Podcast), constantly spreading the word to my viewers (in the 100,000’s) about Tesla autonomy. I’ve shown that FSD Supervised is for every driver, no matter their knowledge of tech or their ability to understand how it actually works. In fact, if you want to just say that it works like magic, that’s totally acceptable because that is how I feel about it too!
Welcome back to my podcast, we are resuming the podcast after the accident where a drunk driver ran a red light and hit my husband, totaling the car. The great news is my husband is doing great, healing from some bruises only. Huge credit and thanks to Tesla and Elon Musk!
For my first podcast back, we are enjoying a Spring day in Austin, Texas. I give you a short update on the crash, and then I show you how to “set the color” of your Tesla using the “Tesla Colorizer” in your Tesla. I set mine to hot pink. We will also discuss Tesla’s “Music Lists” and then…
drumroll…
Best of all, we’ll see the Tesla, running FSD version 12, navigate smoothly around a stopped bus! I am glad to be back.
Talking about FSD Supervised on my weekly podcast & enjoying the roads of Austin, Texas on an epic nice day! This is my 63rd podcast. Grateful to be here with you only on 𝕏.
00:43 – recovery/crash update 01:30 – make your Tesla all yours 02:32 – setting your Tesla color… pic.twitter.com/0p2nNpAj6C
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.
The rain gently falls on my windshield as I navigate the slick streets of Austin, Texas. It’s a somber reminder of the accidents I’ve witnessed on days like this, when human drivers struggle to maintain control in the downpour. But there’s hope on the horizon, as Tesla Autopilot promises to change the way we think about road safety and make days like this less treacherous.
The current state of road safety leaves much to be desired. On average, there is an accident every 750,000 miles when people drive on human pilot. This is a stark reminder that there is room for improvement.
In contrast, Tesla Autopilot has demonstrated remarkable success in reducing accidents. With an impressive record of just 1 accident for every 6 million miles driven, it is clear that this technology has the power to make our roads safer.
I am grateful for Elon Musk’s dedication and vision in developing this life-saving technology. His work has laid the foundation for a safer future, and we should all be thankful for his contribution.
As one driver among millions using Tesla Autopilot, I am proud to be part of this movement towards safer roads. My hope is that humanity continues to be blessed on a wide scale with the widespread adoption of Tesla’s technology.
Imagine a world where driving on human pilot is a rarity, and the majority of vehicles are equipped with Tesla Autopilot. This is not just a dream, but a reality that we can achieve through our collective efforts.
Let us come together to support the adoption of Tesla Autopilot and create a safer, more caring world for all. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that our roads are filled with love, kindness, and inspiration.
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.
The first post I wrote covering Tesla was in January 2022. I wrote about Tesla’s Q4 2021 earnings call. On that day I was locked out of my office (my laptop was locked inside) and there was a Pepsi just sitting there for me to enjoy. I remember calling my friend Johnna Crider that day and we talked until someone opened the doors. I still have that Pepsi bottle to remind me that “there is a lot of work to do, don’t get locked out!” I’ve been writing ever since about one of the best companies in the world: Tesla.
Tesla Q4 Earnings Call
Cybertruck owners love the feel and utility of their vehicles. Tesla built a truck with safety, speed, luxury, utility and performance in mind. You might wonder about deliveries. Are people taking delivery who made reservations years ago? The answer is yes, a Tesla executive explained that Cybertruck’s reservation-to-order conversion rate has been very promising, and if the trend continues, “it is expected that all 2024 builds will be sold out soon. New orders are also anticipated after the launch. The order numbers are increasing, and the team is working hard to ramp up production to fulfill the demand and decrease wait times.”
“Obviously,” Elon Musk said, “we could dramatically raise the price, but that doesn’t feel right to us to (price) gouge people for early delivery.” Elon estimates Tesla will produce around a quarter million Cybertrucks per year in North America, possibly more.
2024 is the year of the Cybertruck, and it is a head-turner
Image Courtesy Tesla, Inc.
“You know, there’s some very good trucks on the road, but if you were to switch out the brand name, you wouldn’t hardly know which company made them. But you definitely would know the Cybertruck. That’s our best product ever.” – Elon Musk
Mini-Timeline: October 7, 2021: Elon Musk officially announces that the Tesla HQ will be located in Austin, Texas.
January 26, 2022: Full-year 2021 financial results reveal that making electric cars is more profitable than making combustion engine cars.
January 25, 2023: Uncertain times did not slow down Tesla. Giga Berlin and Giga Texas joined Giga Shanghai in the production of Model Y, and within months the vehicle became a top seller!
January 25, 2024: Cybertrucks hit the roads in the USA. Model Y surpassed expectations and became the global best-selling car. Gasoline cars fell behind for the first time.
Tesla Energy
Exciting News: Tesla announced that moving forward they will start reporting Tesla Energy volumes in their production and delivery releases. This is good because Tesla Energy has demand signals globally for their Megapack. Growth is almost guaranteed to be strong and consistent through 2024 and 2025. Tesla expressed gratitude to their partners throughout the world for their trust in the Megapack team and gave personal thanks to the engineering and production teams for their outstanding 2023 performance. The Lathrop facility will double its capacity from 20 to 40-gigawatt hours by the end of the year with the operation of a second final assembly line.
Growth for big battery production has been much faster than the car business. Elon emphasized, “The energy storage business delivered nearly 15-gigawatt hours of batteries in 2023, compared to 6.5 gigawatt hours the year before. Tremendous year-over-year growth, triple digits. I think we’ll continue to see very strong growth in storage as predicted.”
Image Courtesy Tesla, Inc.
Many people are pleased that Elon Musk speaks often about Tesla’s progress and plans. This transparency is rare for big companies. Enjoy his opening remarks.
“The Tesla team did an incredible job in 2023. We achieved a record production and deliveries of over 1.8 million vehicles, in line with our official guidance. And in Q4, we’re producing vehicles at an annualized run rate of almost 2 million cars a year.
This was a phenomenal achievement. Looking at just the Fremont Factory alone, we made 560,000 cars. This is a record. In fact, it’s the highest-output automotive plant in North America.
And people are often surprised that the highest-output car factory in North America is in the San Francisco Bay area. It’s a little counterintuitive, perhaps. And it’s had an incredibly positive impact on that entire area. What would have been a rundown strip mall is the highest-productivity car plant in the Americas.
Think about that. It was derelict when we got it, and now, it’s the most productive plant in this entire part of the world, and it’s enriched the community in so many different ways. It’s really a gem. I’m super proud of the people that work there.
Model Y became the best-selling vehicle globally as predicted, and the best-selling vehicle of any kind, not just electric vehicles, with over 1.2 million units delivered. There’s a lot to look forward to in 2024. Tesla is currently between two major growth waves. We’re focused on making sure that our next growth wave driven by next-gen vehicle, energy storage, full self-driving, and other projects is executed as well as possible.
To close this blog post, I’d like to share with you my imaginary futuristic scenario, inspired by listening to the live stream.
In the year 2032, the world has entered an era of sustainable living and tech advancement, thanks to the visionary leadership of Tesla, Elon Musk, and its pioneering innovations. The family of the future is happier and more connected than ever before, as they enjoy the fruits of an earth transformed by clean energy and intelligent automation.
Thomas and Victoria arrive home in their sleek, self-driving Cybertruck, accompanied by four of their children. The family’s home is a testament to the power of technology, with a clean and inviting atmosphere that has been meticulously maintained by their trusty Tesla Optimus bot.
As the sun sets on the horizon, Victoria opens the smart curtains, revealing a breathtaking view of the city skyline. The temperature is a comfortable 65°, and the family decides to enjoy their dinner on the patio by the pool. The pool is heated by solar energy, a resource that powers the entire city through a network of Tesla Megapacks strategically placed on the outskirts. These big batteries store energy when the sun is not shining and the wind is not blowing, ensuring a constant supply of electricity.
After a delicious meal, the family of eight disperses to pursue their passions. The children immerse themselves in reading, creating art, and engaging in virtual reality gaming experiences, all powered by renewable energy. Meanwhile, the fully charged Optimus bot cheerfully takes care of the post-dinner cleanup, leaving the kitchen spotless and preparing the coffee machine for the next day’s caffeine fix.
As we reflect on this futuristic scenario, it’s clear that Tesla’s groundbreaking innovations have not only made our lives more convenient but also more sustainable and connected. The future is bright, and we have Tesla to thank for helping us to live in harmony with our planet and one another.
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.
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.
(Austin, Texas) For this episode, Model Y is running FSD beta version 11.4.7.3 and the roads are wet because a rainstorm occurred just prior to the recording of the Podcast.
Toll Roads
What stands out in this episode on 11.4.7.3 is how well the AI manages to get onto a Toll Road. The vehicle moves smoothly in the video through the Toll entrance, it slows but does not stop. Following this, there’s a slightly complicated fork where it must move to the left. Watch as it performs this swift move. Once on the Toll, the software has good control, while the driver does adjust the speed on the hand controller a few times to keep up with the fast speed of the other drivers.
Would you like to know what it’s like to drive in Austin Texas after a severe thunderstorm? This is a 99% zero disengagement ride, with an interesting disengagement at a Toll exit. Enjoy episode 36 — FSD Beta v11.4.7.3 pic.twitter.com/km3OJG99Bf
For the one disengagement, and this is applicable to FSD beta version 11.4.7.3 (Tesla AI is constantly prompting owners to update new versions of software), the driver approaches the Toll exit booth and the AI is quickly approaching the blocked Toll lane, so the driver simply disengages and takes over.
I will emphasize that if you see this now, you should expect for certain that Tesla will work to improve and update the autonomous safttware to where it will conquer Toll Roads in every way. All FSD beta testers sign to agree they will fastidiously supervise the car when FSD is engaged.
My thoughts
I enjoy the challenges. I laugh because if Tesla AI was perfect already, I could not be here, enjoying testing it in the very early years. Tesla Autonomy must become 100X safer and better than the best human driver. Safety is critical. Tesla AI is never judged using the same litmus test as human drivers are judged by. When AGI is achieved, it will be by Tesla. Having the best AI team in the world, means the standards are higher and so are the stakes. Tesla will succeed.
Elon Musk talks to the team in Berlin, encouraging them and congratulating them on the extraordinary success of Gigafactory Berlin.
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.
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