(Austin, Texas) Big battery storage sits adjacent to one of the largest buildings in the world that we know as Giga Texas. These batteries are Megapacks and there are 68 of them.
On Oct 11, we found out in an informal reply to ERCOT from the official Tesla Megapack affiliate account that these Megapacks will be supporting the Texas grid in the upcoming freezing cold winter.
Typically in Texas, January and February are the coldest months of the year. Storm Uri took place in February 2021, and it is appropriate to expect that there will be ice and freezing temperatures again in January or February 2024.
These amazing Megapacks will be serving the Lonestar state, providing 125 MW of backup energy to the entire Texas grid, not just the Austin area or the Houston area, but rural areas as well.
The Texas grid is managed by ERCOT and every corner of the state is interconnected and can be supported by these Tesla Megapacks in the event of severe freezing temperatures.
What’s what’s even more beautiful, is that the solar panels on top of Giga Texas are harnessing in clean energy from the sun, and then that energy is being stored in these 68 Megapacks every day.
Additionally, Tesla announced that they are building another 40 MW of big battery storage for Texas, but did not release details, but it is noteworthy, as the more battery storage there is, the better.
My take is that Megapacks are the best solution in Texas at this time because they provide backup storage at zero upfront investment cost to the consumer.
The clean energy stored in Megapacks, are an optimal solution, helping all people, regardless, of where they live, in the state of Texas, keeping the lights on and saving lives. In tragic storm Uri, in 2021, my family and many others, lived through 7 days of loss of power and frozen pipes, and although we survived, the tragic death toll was 246 people in the state of Texas.
Looking forward let’s hope that everybody stays safe and enjoys a warm, comfortable winter, and not have to worry about the lights going off, the water turning off, and freezing cold temperatures even inside of dwellings. Everybody should have a warm place to stay safe even in the coldest of days!
This article is a message of thanks to Tesla for doing great work to protect Texans this coming winter.
This article written by a Texan for you with much love. I hope you stay warm and safe every winter and fully enjoy the cold weather with the holidays coming up! By Gail Alfar, please credit accordingly.
Millin Bear and Gail Alfar interview in Austin, Texas.
(Austin, Texas)
This is the 33rd Gail’s Tesla Podcast episode. We are having a conversation with Millin Bear, and then going on a drive on FSD beta 11.4.7.2 in the lovely Westside of Austin, Texas to Pease Park, home of Eeyore’s Birthday Party.
It is interesting to note that Tesla’s beautiful Cybertruck has not only inspired Millin Bear to create a business (CyberTruckRentalsUSA.com) , it has served as a catalyst for many other businesses. All said, if there is a shortage of trucks produced by Ford, Inc. in Kentucky or elsewhere due to the strikes mandated by the UAW, Cybertruck will play an even bigger role in filling the demand for reliable utility vehicles.
Join us for a fun and relaxing podcast!
This is the 33rd Gail’s Tesla Podcast episode. We are having a conversation with Millin Bear, and then going on a drive on FSD beta 11.4.7.2 Join us for a fun and relaxing podcast!
01:31 Gail interviews Millin 02:28 Tesla Colorizer
02:36 FSDbeta Westside Austin
04:20 Turo vs. Cybertruck rentals
06:00 FSD beta version 11.4.7.2 downtown
07:19 Encounter with many Cruise cars
07:50 discussion of cruise vehicles.
09:00 discussion of Australian road rules.
10:00 FSD trip to Pease Park.
10:30 right turn obliterated challenge.
12:10 discussion about FSDbeta in Australia.
13:13 comparing Australian roads to roads in the USA.
14:00 challenging unprotected left turn “madness”
15:00 arriving at Pease Park, the home of Eeyore’s birthday party
15:32 Successful, narrow, busy road challenge
15:12 Tesla moves over to allow another car through
15:35 Tesla navigates through congestion at Pease Park
17:15 unprotected left turn.
17:45 FSD doing a better job than if a visitor drove manually.
19:17 why FSDbeta might be safer for tourists visiting the USA (then driving without it)
20:33 ROUNDABOUT
21:54 NHTSA, rolling stop “ban”
As you will see form the interview, there is a lot of excitement around the Cybertruck vehicle that Tesla has worked so painstakingly to build.
Hike & Bike Trail of East Austin, Colorado River, Courtesy CVSherman
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.
(Austin, Texas) It’s great to see Tesla becoming a major force in Austin, bringing life to a previously neglected area East of the city and jobs to around 20,000 people at Giga Texas. In a short time, Tesla has become the region’s second-largest private employer and is soon to become No.1.
Charting the path of transformation
In 2020, I joined Jeff Roberts, Joe Tegtmeyer, and others to report on and document daily, the progress of this historic factory. In fact, we would often gather off of the 130 tollway to talk about what a great contribution Elon Musk is making to humanity by building Giga Texas. I recall standing near the construction site (see image from June 2020) and imagining the future. I imagined a vibrant, booming factory that would radiate life, hope and love to Austin, Central Texas, the USA, and the world. This is indeed coming to pass.
This is what the land looked like in June 2020 before Giga Texas was built.
Construction began in July 2020, Model Y began before the end of 2021, and first deliveries of Model Y took place at Cyber Rodeo on April 7, 2022. Soon, we will celebrate first delivery of Cybertruck!
Giga Texas image courtesy J. Tegtmeyer.
Driving growth and innovation: Tesla’s expanding vision at Giga Texas
As Cybertruck ramps up, Tesla is projected to add jobs… to reach over 60,000. To support this growth, Tesla constantly improves infrastructure like widening and improving roads and adding a cyberparking garage with chargers at Giga Texas. Tesla will build over 250,000 Cybertrucks at Giga Texas, as well as continue improving and accelerating building the best-selling Model Y and eventually, the highly anticipated next-generation vehicle.
Giga Texas is the machine that builds the machine.
Giga Texas image courtesy J. Tegtmeyer.
Images courtesy Tesla, Inc. \ J. Tegtmeyer. Thank you for reading and supporting Tesla.
Gail Alfar, Author, Military Veteran. Exclusive to What’s Up Tesla – September 23, 2023. All Rights Reserved. My goal as an author 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.
By now you’ve seen the headlines about how mean Elon Musk is.
Elon Musk was ‘super mean to Gates’ after the Tesla stock feud, refused a charity request via terse text message exchange, and Gates and Musk Clash Over Philanthropy and Climate Change
Elon Musk should be a lot nicer, right?
The media are villainizing Elon Musk, agreeing with Gates that Elon was mean to Gates after he gave him a tour in Austin of the Tesla Gigafactory, which produces the Model Y and will soon produce the Cybertruck.
Read on for more, but first, welcome to my blog! As I sit relaxing here in Austin, Texas, watching the sun go down on the end of September 11, I’m watching the buildings lit up in red, white, and blue and the flags at half-staff gracing the capital of Texas.
Living in such a beautiful city, in such a wonderful country where there are so many opportunities gives rise to hope in my heart that companies that are built by Americans in America will thrive. We’ve seen this happen with Apple, everybody equates Apple with being an American brand. Bill Gates built Microsoft in this country with some of the finest talent in Silicon Valley.
Everybody thinks of Microsoft as an American company, and it would seem odd indeed to outwardly root for these two American companies to fail.
Let’s fast forward to Tesla. I’ve never seen such an incredible company receive so much negative press and hatred, simply because the workers of that company chose not to unionize. There are other reasons, people say that Elon Musk is a person who doesn’t deserve for his company to be successful, because he steps on their toes, and doesn’t agree with everybody’s generalized overall opinion. He is a change-making type of person and for Elon Musk to accelerate change, he does things that are dramatically, different and fast.
So here we are with some new information that Bill Gates has held and may still be holding an extraordinarily large stock position against Tesla.
Gates May Be Tesla’s Biggest Shortseller
Make no mistake about it, a short position to the tune of millions of dollars is designed to only succeed if Tesla fails. The money that Gates had tied up in his short position is more than millions, he had shorted Tesla by $1.5 BILLION. This may place Gates in the running to be the person who shorted Tesla by the highest amount. Gates invested so much money in trying to kill Tesla, that he makes the TSLAQ crowd on the X App look like the Three Stooges in a roadside show!
To paint Elon Musk as a villain, because he was unhappy and hurt and angry when he found out Gates did this, is poor reporting.
If Gates retains a short position today against Tesla, he has a moral obligation to close his short position and re-purpose his money for good things.
Bill Gates has spent a lot of money and energy and effort, crafting a good public image. Early on he built a reputation as somebody saving lives in different countries through vaccine programs.
Walking the Walk: Elon Musk
Elon Musk doesn’t bother to curate his “public image” in this way, because he’s busy being first and foremost, a technologist, and an engineer. He is not trying to engineer his image for the public, he’s trying to engineer an opportunity for you and your children to have hope in the future, which means everybody gets a chance to watch humanity have a base on the moon.
Elon is giving people an opportunity to see space travel originate in our country.
He is giving people an opportunity to see beautiful vehicles built in factories in the USA. He brings jobs to people who need them.
Today the news came out (this was totally ignored by the media) that Tesla generated 28,524 jobs in the last year, this is more than double the number of jobs generated by any other EV manufacturer. See the report by Inside EVs, “USA added over 188K EV-Related Jobs, Led by Tesla.”
As an American, I couldn’t imagine rooting for Elon Musk to fail, he is the inspiration and success story that we should be rooting for. We should be hoping his company succeeds, hoping his employees thrive, and hoping that the continued success of SpaceX showers down on Starship, which is man’s hope for becoming multi-planetary.
We ought to all be very grateful to Elon Musk for utilizing his unique style to greatly improve our world. If you are like me, a parent with kids, and I have five kids, you know you support each of your kids and you endeavor to see all the good in them.
ᴍᴏᴅᴇʟ ʏ ᴀᴛ ɢɪɢᴀ ᴛᴇxᴀꜱ
To sum up, Bill Gates truly has a moral obligation to close his short position on Tesla. My suggestion to Mr. Gates would be that he would repurpose those billions into something good to make up for the damage he has caused to Tesla, he should designate those funds to go towards something good. I hope you have a beautiful month of September, Enjoy your life, your friends, and your family, and find precious moments to rejuvenate yourself. I rejuvenate myself by writing, and I appreciate your readership.
Article by Gail Alfar, please credit accordingly. Gail writes on X independently, she also writes for WhatsUpX.
Elon Musk live streaming in Palo Alto, California.
Late Friday evening on August 25th, Elon Musk drove around Palo Alto in his Model S Tesla with white seats and a kid’s car seat in the back. This was no ordinary drive, he allowed the vehicle to drive around the idyllic town with millions of viewers!
Using his iPhone and live streaming simultaneously on the X App, he explained the vehicle’s autonomy in real-time.
I was lucky enough to not only watch the broadcast live from my home in Austin, Texas, but I also got to report on it in real time as well!
Here’s what I call my “Drive Fun Summary” of Elon Musk’s amazing live stream!
DRIVE FUN SUMMARY
Since I am a writer I seized the opportunity to write about the drive while it was happening! Enjoy! It was a pleasure to watch (link to video below)!
THE HIGHLIGHTS
The near 45-minute drive began at the Tesla Engineering HQ and Elon pinned a random spot and engaged FSD beta V12. The car passed construction flawlessly. It also slowed down for a speed bump, based on what a human would do, not based on what a line of code told it to do. He mentioned the same is true for bicycles and stop signs. The car uses the neural net to decide – like a human would – to stop at a stop sign.
At a “round-about” Elon’s car waited for 2 cars, then took its turn. Elon said there is about 100 watts of inference compute (all local) on hardware 3. Elon explained that no internet connection is needed. It uses 8 cameras at 36 frames per second. The reality of the roads are based on 24 frames per second.
Elon joked, “Hello assassins if you want to get me, head to Palo Alto.” Thankfully Elon Musk stayed safe the entire livestream.
Elon said there are FSD test drivers in Japan, Europe, and all over the world.
The vehicle drove around students who were walking around the Stanford Campus. At another round-about, Elon reassured drivers there is no line of code for this, as it is trained on data.
Elon and his AI Engineer (also presenting the car) explained that Tesla’s data curation needs to be trained on excellent data, and not mediocre data. High quality data is always selected from the fleet.
When interventions occur in the fleet, it is integrated with training and then updated with the weights.
Elon invited viewers to edit his live video and speed it up.
On the drive, Elon did not have to intervene even once. He said that with traffic lights, there’s no code in V12 to say what light colors stand for. Instead, all training is done on neural nets.
For fun, Elon decided to head over to Mark Zuckerburg’s neighborhood in real-time. When he arrived it was just a bunch of homes on a street, not really Zuck’s home, which would have been surrounded with high security.
On the ride back to the Tesla Engineering HQ, here’s the main highlights:
– Ride was super SMOOTH, with Elon playing lovely Classical music
– Palo Alto reminds Elon of the perfection seen in the movie, “The Truman Show.”
– The car was very polite/conservative with Pedestrians and bicyclists, meaning it was cartious and slow around them (and so was Elon as he did not film them).
– Training is needed all around the world as the weather in California is too nice, and situations are needed with parades, people, etc.
– A successful unprotected LEFT turn onto a high-speed road was achieved.
– V12 will be ASS (meaning Smart Summon will work well)
– Intuitive Smooth speed-up in places (different than posted speed)
– Elon had lovely music playing (we would love Elon’s Playlist!)
– Tesla Engineering HQ is at the “former HP headquarters.” (an honor for Tesla). Note the Tesla HQ is Austin, Texas.
– Tesla parking lot was pretty full, even at 7 p.m. on a Friday night. How did FSD beta do, getting into the hectic parking lot? It went perfectly to the “pinned” spot!
– Pure AI driving does NOT have to have a map. It can do what a human would also do without a map.
If you would like to watch this video, you can here:
Elon Musk live stream in a Tesla on August 25, 2023.
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Here are a few more screen shots from the drive.
In this article, I’ll provide you with tips to optimize the performance, and reliability of your EV, whether you live in a hot region or elsewhere. I live in Texas where it has been over 105 °F many days in a row (over 40° C). My Tesla runs great in extreme heat!
How do I prefer to have my Tesla serviced? I use the Tesla Mobile Service feature and specifically request service when I am at work. Why then? I personally trust and know the Mobile Service technicians, they are reliable, consistent, and professional. Once you develop a trust relationship, it is gold!
Tip 1: Check and Refresh Cabin Air Filters
If you or your family members suffer from seasonal allergies, maintaining clean and fresh air inside your vehicle becomes crucial. Regularly inspect and replace the cabin air filters or HEPA filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Over time, dust, pollen, and other particles can accumulate, reducing the filter’s effectiveness. For example, Tesla recommends replacing the cabin air filter in Model Y and Model 3 every 2 years and the HEPA filter every 3 years. Be sure to consult your vehicle’s recommendations for optimal air filtration.
Tip 2: Tire Rotation, Balance, and Wheel Alignment
Proper tire maintenance is essential for optimal performance and durability, especially in hot weather. Refer to your car’s manufacturer recommendations for tire rotation intervals and follow them accordingly. Tesla, for instance, suggests rotating tires every 6,250 miles or if the tread depth difference reaches 2/32 inches or more. Additionally, ensure your wheels are balanced and aligned to maintain optimum steering and handling. Vibrations caused by unbalanced or misaligned wheels can compromise safety. Frequent tire servicing may be necessary if you engage in aggressive driving.
Tip 3: Brake Fluid Test
Image Courtesy Zach on X @blkmdl3
Regular brake fluid contamination tests are good to ensure brake safety. Perform this test every 2 years to identify any potential issues such as moisture, dirt, or contaminants that can impact brake performance. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent corrosion and potential brake failure, ensuring the continued smooth operation of your brakes.
Tip 4: Air Conditioning Service
Your EV’s air conditioning (A/C) system plays a vital role in hot weather. It helps dehumidify the cabin and enhances overall cooling performance. Follow the recommended replacement schedules for components like the A/C desiccant bag to maintain efficient A/C operation. Replace the desiccant bag as per the manufacturer’s guidelines, such as every 4 years for Tesla Model 3 and Model Y (6 years for Model 3 produced between 2017 and 2021 without a heat pump).
Bonus Tip 5: Schedule Brake Caliper Cleaning and Lubricating
Though this article primarily focuses on hot weather, it’s worth mentioning this bonus tip for cold weather regions. Harsh conditions like freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and road salt can accelerate wear and corrosion on brake calipers. To ensure optimal performance and longevity of your braking system, schedule a cleaning and lubrication of all brake calipers every 12 months or 12,500 miles.
Remember to also maintain your charging equipment. Regularly inspect the charging cables, connectors, and adapters for any signs of wear, damage, or dirt buildup. Keeping the charging port clean with a soft brush or cloth will help ensure an uninterrupted charging connection, allowing for efficient charging and optimal vehicle performance.
If you liked this article, follow and subscribe to @gailalfaratx on X. Thank you! All images used with permission from @blkmdl3
Your Tesla Battery is Guaranteed. It is built to serve your needs. Whether you have 2170, 4680, or LFP batteries in your Tesla, it comes with a warranty. Here are the details, taken today from the Tesla website.
These warranties cover the repair or replacement necessary to correct defects in the materials or workmanship of any parts manufactured or supplied by Tesla, which occur under normal use.
FACT: The existing warranty on any Tesla is transferred to the new owner if you purchase the vehicle from Tesla.
Tesla says in the 2021 Impact Report,
“Our batteries are designed to function for the entire life of the vehicle. Tesla’s battery packs are designed to outlast the vehicle.
We estimate that a vehicle gets scrapped after approximately 200,000 miles of usage in the U.S. and roughly 150,000 miles in Europe.
Creating a battery that could last for 1,000,000 miles (4,000 charging cycles) would dramatically reduce the emissions per mile driven for high-mileage vehicles such as taxis, delivery vans, or trucks.”
Range varies on Tesla vehicles for many reasons. For example, if your Model Y was bought with a range of ~318 miles on the battery. You should expect your vehicle will retain a range of over 222 miles by the time you reach 120,000 miles. In the rare case that your Y does not then know that Tesla will replace the battery for free. Tesla may also decide to replace your battery if it has a defect or problem like the inability to charge.
The Average EV Will Never Need A Battery Replacement
It is a myth to assume that the average EV needs a battery replacement at some point in its life, according to Tesla,
“Extending the life of a battery pack is a superior option to recycling for both environmental and business reasons. For those reasons, before decommissioning a consumer battery pack and sending it for recycling, Tesla does everything it can to extend the useful life of each battery pack.
Any battery that is no longer meeting a customer’s needs can be serviced by Tesla at one of our service centers around the world.
None of our scrapped lithium-ion batteries go to landfill, and 100% are recycled.”
Tesla Batteries Are Recycled
Tesla says in their 2021 Impact Report,
“Every battery used in R&D or returned from the field that cannot be remanufactured is recycled. Tesla batteries, including the battery packs in our vehicles and our energy storage products, are made to last many years, and therefore, we have received a limited number of them back from the field. Most batteries that Tesla recycles today are pre-consumer, coming to us through R&D and quality control. None of our scrapped lithium-ion batteries go to landfills and 100% are recycled.”
Image Courtesy Tesla, Inc.
My Thoughts about Different Batteries
Which battery is better in a Tesla? 2170, 4680, or LFP? My opinion is that it is an advantage to be able to charge to 100% daily and the LFP battery is the only one that can do this safely. However, if you live where you cannot plug in at night and slow charge till the morning, LFPs are not much of an advantage to you. LFPs are also denser, and heavier, leading to slightly less range their weight means that your vehicle’s tires may need changing sooner. On the flip side, the 2170 batteries also have my heart. Both my Tesla vehicles have 2170s and I am satisfied with their reliable performance. Then we have the revolutionary new 4690 batteries which delightfully form the structural pack for most of the best-selling Model Y vehicles. These are known to be more efficient than the 2170’s so they are an advantage as well. As you can see, all Tesla vehicle batteries are great and in the end, you won’t notice which batteries you are using, but you will notice the safety, speed, comfort, and precision of your Tesla. This matters more than the battery beneath your seats.
Enjoy your Tesla, Do Not Worry
I am very happy with my two Tesla vehicles, a 2022 Model Y and a 2020 Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive that was bought with a range of 250 miles on the battery. My Model 3 battery currently retains 86% of its original range of 216 miles. I expect my Model 3 will retain a range of over 175 miles by the time I reach 100,000 miles.
I was in part inspired to write this article by Sofiaan Fraval who had his Model 3’s battery replaced under Tesla’s warranty, “Although it’s not new info, it’s often forgotten about or overlooked over time. I just got a pack replacement for my 3 under warranty and cost me $0. It actually bumped my range up by 11 miles and the car charges quicker. Super happy about it.” Sofiaan advises, “Tesla owners needn’t worry about battery packs, and should fully enjoy their Teslas!”
Tesla is doing a lot of good in this world, much of which was shared in the Tesla Q2 2023 Update on July 19, 2023. I hope you enjoy this article, and that it leaves you with optimism & hope for the future!
(Austin, Texas) On Investor Day 2023, Elon Musk and the Tesla team explained how a global sustainable economy is within reach through these six actions:
1. Repower the Existing Grid with Renewables
2. Switch to Electric Vehicles
3. Switch to Heat Pumps in Residential, Business & Industry
4. Electrify High Temperature Heat Delivery and Hydrogen Production
5. Sustainably Fuel Planes & Boats
6. Manufacture the Sustainable Energy Economy
I’m confident that many companies around the world are making progress towards these actions and I believe Tesla is showing and leading the way!
REPOWER THE EXISTING GRID WITH RENEWABLES
Success is imminent in this arena. Thus far, ½ million Tesla Powerwalls have been installed on homes by customers. I personally installed 3 Powerwalls recently and am excited to be a part of what will make Texas become a strong force in the energy economy. I believe that being solid in energy, or defying the odds in these times of climate extremes, means Texas can lead. Last year, I spoke to the ERCOT board of directors in Texas, urging the leadership to do everything they can to promote Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) in Texas. I watched the Tesla Energy team spend years getting to the point where they are now in Texas. Tesla Electric started in Texas and will one day reach to all states.
VPP regulatory challenges are hard, as mentioned during the Tesla Q2 2023 Update, and that cannot and does not stop Tesla Energy from meeting the challenges. The best case for VPPs is they are much cheaper and much faster to respond to grid weakness than traditional fossil fuel peakers.
ENERGY AND SERVICES & OTHER BUSINESSES
Tesla has deployed 3653 MWh of energy storage Megapacks. This is an incredible 222% increase over last year, where 113 MWh were deployed. This is a testament to the incredible work of the Megapack manufacturing plant in Lathrop, California.
The current Tesla Electric pilot program for charging for Model 3 owners will expand to all Tesla owners in Texas later this year.
SWITCH TO ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Image Model Y credit Tesla, Inc.
When looking at the current business, Tesla’s number one priority is investment, and that includes investment AI and capacity expansion. The second top priority is to maximize volume in a way that can support expansion.
Has volume been expanding? Yes, Elon Musk thanked Tesla owners for making the Model Y become a best-seller over cars like the Toyota Corolla. This is important, given Tesla is just getting started with production at scale because Tesla will maximize volume in a way that can support even more expansion. Tesla had the best-ever vehicle production and deliveries in a single quarter, with a total of 466,140 deliveries, and they are just getting started!
— Remember, in Q2-2022 (just 12 months ago), there were a total of 254,695 vehicle deliveries.
To accelerate the switch to EVs, Tesla makes Full-Self driving (FSD) software and hardware available to other OEMs. It is now known that Tesla is in serious talks with another OEM to license their FSD software and hardware. This is exciting news as it means it will make that other carmaker an alluring competitor to other traditional gasoline cars.
SUPERCHARGING AND THE NACS
As you may know, Supercharging in the Tesla Network is a seamless experience. The Tesla Charging standard – or the “NACS” is part of Tesla’s way to help accelerate the EV revolution. Many other automakers have already announced they will adopt the NACS so that their EVs can supercharge in the Tesla Network. This includes Ford, Mercedes, Rivian, Volva, Polestar, and Nissan! You’ll see a level playing field, meaning all EVs will be welcomed.
Q3 is an important time for doing some critical upgrades to all of Tesla’s gigafactories. These upgrades will mean that production rates will improve dramatically.
Elon explained the real-time pulse updates he gets. He said there are challenges in increasing interest rates, making it important to therefore decrease the price of the car to make up for increased interest rates.
ROBOTAXI
Elon Musk carefully explained that “Every car may be worth 5X as much as today due to autonomy.” He compared Robotaxi to Airbnb and discussed a step-change in history.
Elon Musk on vehicle order intake: “Demand has roughly tracked production, which is what we aim for; we have real-time demand and real-time production data.”
Lars Moravy of Vehicle Engineering said there’s a misconception about giga castings, which are in Model 3 and Y. Giga casting is 3X faster and much cheaper. Collision repair is in a closed (in-house) loop so when collisions occur, inserts can be replaced in the castings and this is done often and easily.
Elon commented that the referral program is and will continue to be effective. He also said that many people (potential customers) are not breaking even every month, and macroeconomic conditions are impossible to control. He’s correct, I have spoken to many people who struggle every day to meet bills. Elon is well aware of this and thankfully is engineering solutions for people.
Giga Texas 4680 battery cell production increased by 80% in Q2 over Q1. The Giga Texas team produced over 10M cells, there was a beautiful image shared of the team by the Tesla X account.
Tesla is creating a unique Cybercell to bring energy density and cost improvements. Drew Baglino, SVP of Powertrain and Energy Engineering at Tesla, said Tesla is scaling their Cybercell 4680 battery for use in Cybertruck.
Elon Musk has been key to Cybertruck’s engineering and development, walking the production line and driving it around Austin, Texas. He said Cybertruck is the first truck that we’re aware of that will have four doors, over a 6-foot bed, and will fit into a 20-foot garage. So, it’s sort of biggest on the outside, but it’s even bigger on the inside.”
In more good news, Tesla has seen a reduction in pricing, across the across-the-board for all commodities, such as nickel, cobalt and graphite. This is good not only for Tesla but also for many other companies involved in the transition to a sustainable energy economy.
CONCLUSION
Finding ways to power our world with sustainable energy is necessary for maximum happiness for humanity.
While short-term stock fluctuations are fun to play with, that’s like candy in a candy shop. The serious meat is accelerating the transition to a world economy that is powered by sustainable energy. That’s why this article is about what progress is being made towards Master Plan 3, as communicated by Elon Musk and Tesla leadership at the Q2, 2023 Update.
I am rooting for a continued switch to heat pumps in residential, business & industry, the electrification of high-temperature heat delivery and hydrogen production, and sustainably fueled planes & boats.
Giga Texas Cybertruck Production Line, Image Credit Tesla, Inc.
Elon Musk recommends people follow @fintwit_news on X and look at the analysis by ARK Invest. Article by Gail Alfar, please credit accordingly.
They do, and it’s on their website, and it features things like tire management, how best to pre-condition the interior so the cabin is cool when you enter the vehicle, and much more. I’ll link to it for you, and here are my fav hacks for handling the heat.
Sunshades!
Sunshades make a huge difference in the summer and I love installing them, Tesla says,
“Help prevent heat from entering the cabin by using sunshades. With sunshades installed, your vehicle’s cabin conditioning uses less energy to maintain a desired temperature. Sunshades are available for the glass roof and rear liftgate.”
In addition to sunshades, I always throw up a big front windshield sunshade that I keep in the backseat at all times. Mine was made for the Model Y. For all my sunshades, I choose them based on size and if they have a silver reflective surface to maximize effectiveness.
Windows Closed.
This seems like a no-brainer, and I am addicted to the wind, but keeping the windows up is pure physics, and here’s what Tesla says about it,
“When you want to maximize efficiency and range while keeping your cabin temperature comfortable, drive with the windows up and set climate to ‘Auto.’ This takes full advantage of your vehicle’s aerodynamics and allows your climate system to adjust settings automatically. In ‘Auto,’ climate will reach your desired temperature as quickly as possible and maintain it with minimal energy consumption.”
I never let my vehicle’s cabin reach over 100 °F. Tesla has two ways to protect your cabin from overheating. Tesla explains,
“ON uses air conditioning to prevent the cabin from exceeding 105° F / 40° C.
“NO A/C uses less energy while still providing some cooling by blowing outside air into the cabin.
“To activate, go to ‘Controls’ > ‘Safety’ > ‘Cabin Overheat Protection’ on your vehicle touchscreen, or expand the bottom drawer in the Climate section of the Tesla app.
This summer’s heat index here in Austin has reached over 100 °F for many days in a row now. I think all cars need protection.
Please check out Tesla’s awesome tips and pass them along as we experience one of the hottest summers yet.
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Image Austin Frost Bank building at Sunset, courtesy Aerial Austin Drone Photographers
(Austin, Texas) In October 2008, Elon Musk became CEO of Tesla and on June 29, 2010, Tesla made history by going public at a share price of $17. This move not only garnered attention from investors but also served as a turning point for the company’s growth trajectory.
Let’s look at some major milestones in the history of Tesla. I’ll share my insight on what I think are the next big things for Tesla.
“The smartest money in the world is betting on Tesla. They must have a reason for doing so.” – Elon Musk, Tesla IPO day (2010)
Elon Musk is a wonderful Technoking of Tesla!
He’s optimistic, takes action daily to make the future good and lives with a sense of urgency. This sense of urgency was evident on one occasion when I had the rare opportunity to speak with him at Giga Texas in August 2022.
I can tell you that after meeting Elon Musk, what he shares on Twitter is essentially the same as what he talks about in person. He spoke about how important it is to get Starship into orbit and how important solving autonomy is. He is a highly technical and brilliant engineer.
“But I think what a lot of people don’t realize, is what I do 80% of the time in engineering. You know it’s actually quite rare for me to give a talk. My day-to-day work at SpaceX and Tesla is almost entirely engineering and design and also production. Production is key, although I consider that to be part of engineering.” – Elon Musk, Baron Conference ‘22
Battery Technology Advancements
Tesla’s expertise in battery technology has been a game-changer in the world of electric vehicles and energy storage. The company’s relentless focus on research and development has yielded remarkable results, with continuous improvements in battery efficiency, energy density, and longevity. I own a Model Y and never worry about the battery. Tesla’s software does the job of keeping the battery healthy by preconditioning it as I drive towards a Supercharger, or cooling it depending on hot weather, and making sure it conserves energy in a pinch.
Introduction of the Tesla Model S in 2012
I was very excited to see the Model S in Austin in 2012 and go on a test drive soon after! What an exciting time it was! The Model S showcased Tesla’s ability to create an electric vehicle that not only rivaled but surpassed its combustion-engine counterparts. With groundbreaking aerodynamics, innovative powertrain design, and advanced thermal management, the S demonstrated that electric cars could offer exhilarating acceleration, exceptional range, and luxurious comfort.
Recognizing The Importance Of A Robust Charging Infrastructure For All EVs
Tesla pioneered the development of the Supercharger network. These high-power charging stations, strategically placed along popular travel routes, offer Tesla owners and now other EVs a convenient and efficient way to recharge their vehicles, reducing range anxiety and promoting long-distance travel. The deployment of V3 Superchargers, capable of delivering up to 250 kW of power, further solidifies Tesla’s commitment to fast and seamless charging experiences.
Autopilot and Full Self-Driving Capabilities
Tesla’s advancements in autonomous driving have been a focal point of the industry and my personal favorite feature of my beautiful Model Y. I use Tesla FSD beta for 90% of my driving. Through a combination of hardware and software innovations, including the neural network-based perception systems, and machine learning algorithms, Tesla has made significant strides towards achieving full self-driving capabilities. The Autopilot feature, which comes with every vehicle at no extra cost, has revolutionized the driving experience, paving the way for a future with safer and more efficient transportation including future Robotaxis.
Gigafactories
Tesla’s relentless pursuit of scalability led to the establishment of Gigafactories, massive production facilities designed to manufacture big batteries, electric drivetrains, and vehicles on an unprecedented scale. These state-of-the-art factories, strategically located around the globe, optimize production processes, reduce costs, and accelerate the adoption of sustainable transportation on a global scale. At least three of Tesla’s gigafactories are expanding in size as you are reading this article! This includes Gigafactory Nevada, Giga Berlin, and Giga Shanghai. I am familiar with Gigafactory New York, and Lathrop’s Megafactory for big batteries.
Under the big, blue Texas sky is Giga Texas, an achievement that inspires and produces a sense of awe. The gigafactory can be seen from space as it is huge, with solar panels on the roof that spell out “Tesla.” The gigafactory and its surroundings buzz with activity and even driving near it fills you with exhilaration knowing this is the home of both Model Y and Cybertruck!
“Giga Texas is a $10B+ investment over time, generating at least 20k direct & 100k indirect jobs” – Elon Musk on Twitter
What is Next for Tesla?
This is not a full list, and there are likely many plans Tesla has which we do not know about. But here’s a few to get you excited!
Giga Mexico will build a next-gen (more affordable) vehicle. The gigafactory will likely attract the best of Mexico’s talent in automotive.
Tesla Lithium Refinery in Texas is being built and will strengthen the reliability and reduce the cost of Tesla’s batteries. The factory will bring needed jobs to the Corpus Christi area.
Production will scale for Cybertruck and Semi. The roads will change, bringing the future to the present. Tesla will hold a Cybertruck Event!
The delightful and reliable Optimus Bot will charm both owners and co-workers!
More Stores, Galleries and ServiceCenters will be opened.
Supercharging will expand and so will Destination and Home charging.
Tesla Electric will expand Virtual Power Plants and, working with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) it will make sure all VPPs across the USA and Puerto Rico prove they can respond reliably and faster than traditional natural gas or oil power plants.
For more, study Tesla Masterplan Part 3, a framework that lays the foundation for a sustainable economy that will result in less mining and/or extraction than is currently done. People often worry about “rare earths.” In reality, zero rare earths are needed for the transition to sustainable energy. Have a great day and thank you for supporting my independent journalism!
Article written with pleasure by Gail aAfar, please credit accordingly. All images in article are Courtesy Tesla, Inc.
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