Tesla’s Achievements and What’s Next

July 2, 2023July 2, 2023 Gail Alfar1 Comment

(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 Service Centers 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.

Electric Vehicle Infrastructure is Growing In The USA

June 27, 2023July 8, 2023 Gail AlfarLeave a comment

(Austin, Texas) Tesla announced today that Volvo will build EVs with the North American Charging Standard (NACS), joining Ford, General Motors, and Rivian in accessing all Tesla Superchargers in the USA.

This article is about the NACS and much more! I hope you’ll take a minute to read it. My goal is to inspire you, and put a smile on your face.

Why I’m in love with Tesla Supercharging

Nostalgia. As a kid, I liked going to gas stations. My favorite one was Sinclair Oil. I begged to go to Sinclair. Our family’s Oldsmobile used a lot of gas. We paid cash, and my father would pick up a pack of Camel cigarettes, buy us candy, and we would get a free small plastic dinosaur toy!

When Sinclair Oil went out of business, I stopped enjoying fueling up my car. Over the years the fun was removed from “gas stations,” and Tesla is making powering up your car fun again! How?

Tesla has created Superchargers that are easy to use in two main ways

The payment system is integrated into the Tesla App and the vehicle. When you plug in your EV, the payment is automatically integrated, so you never need to pull out a credit card or push any buttons on a screen. There is no screen, it’s just that simple.

Tesla built the NACS so that you, with your hands full, can plug in the car. The handle is small, ergonomic, and as it gets close to the charge port, it opens up the charger door.

Tesla, Ford, General Motors, Volvo, And Rivian, Are All Part Of A New Movement

Tesla has grown a robust Supercharging Network in the USA and there is plenty of room for other EVs to join in the fun. Soon, most EVs in the USA can be expected to either be assembled with the NACS charge port or to have an adapter.

Today the current lineup includes Ford, General Motors, Volvo And Rivian. (see addendum at end of the article for more automakers that have adopted NACS). These automakers have an agreement with Tesla so that their vehicles can access Tesla Superchargers. To emphasize the scope and scale of Tesla’s Supercharger Network, see the current map of Superchargers below. It keeps growing every day. How can it grow so fast?

Tesla builds Superchargers that are pre-fabricated at Giga New York, then ships them to a site, and they are installed within just a few days.

This fast installation process using the NACS, is the biggest indicator to me that it will be quicker than most realize that we will transition to all electric vehicles in the USA.

Superchargers in North America. Image Courtesy Tesla, Inc. (accessed on June 27, 2023)

Texas and Washington Lead The Way In Making Charging Easier

Texas is the first state in the USA to guarantee all state-funded fast charging will offer the NACS. Washington is the second state and I’m ready to add most states to the list!

I encourage you to make your next car electric. If you have not driven an electric car, I urge you to test drive one.

You’re going to laugh when I tell you that I own two Teslas, yet I still take test drives! I loved testing the Tesla Model X. I’ve never been this excited, since that day when my father pulled into the Sinclair gas station and I started collecting those little dinosaurs!

If you drive a Tesla and see other EVs at the Supercharger, be sure to give a smile and a thumbs up to the new people you’ll be seeing soon at the Superchargers!

Addendum/Update:

(June 29, 2023) Polestar joins General Motors, Ford, and Rivian in adopting the North American Charging Standard (NACS) which will enable access to Tesla’s expansive Supercharger network for all Polestar drivers in the United States and Canada. On June 29, 2023, Polestar stated “From 2025, new Polestar vehicles sold in North America will be equipped with the NACS charging port by default. Adapters to help allow existing Polestar drivers to access the network in a convenient way are expected in mid-2024.”

Addendum/Update:

Mercedes-Benz becomes the first German automaker to adopt NACS, enabling access to Tesla’s expansive Supercharger network.

(July 7, 2023) Mercedes-Benz drivers in the USA and Canada are delighted with this announcement!

A press release by Mercedes-Benz from July 7, 2023 states,

“Mercedes-Benz will be the first German OEM to implement NACS ports into its new electric vehicles starting in 2025. As part of a phased transition, Mercedes-Benz will initially offer an adapter that enables the company’s existing CCS BEVs to charge seamlessly on the NACS network from 2024 onwards.”

Mercedes-Benz joins Ford, General Motors, Volvo, Rivian, and Polestar in making the Supercharging experience seamless and pleasant for EV drivers.

^{Mercedes-Benz has adopted the NACS. Image Courtesy Mercedes-Benz.}

^{Supercharging, Image Courtesy Tesla, Inc.}

Article is by Gail Alfar please credit accordingly.

How did cars.com come up with Tesla as most-American made car (all 4)?

June 24, 2023September 17, 2023 Gail AlfarLeave a comment

Let’s take a quick look at how cars.com came up with Tesla as most-American made car. All four made top of the list: Model S, Model 3, Model X and Model Y.

It was their analysis of 5 criteria:

assembly location,

parts content,

motor origin,

transmission origin &

U.S. mfg workforce.

Ultimately, they vetted 388 cars to arrive at 100 which made the index. Tesla made the top 4 – simply Amazing!

Source: 2023 Carscom American-Made Index: Which Cars Are the Most American? See https://www.cars.com/articles/2023-cars-com-american-made-index-which-cars-are-the-most-american-467465/

^{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. If you liked this article, comment your opinion! Your feedback informs me, helps me write better, and helps me understand you the reader better.}

Uninterrupted Power: Exploring Tesla Megapacks in 3 Remarkable Use Cases

June 3, 2023 Gail Alfar1 Comment

What are your plans for the summer?

“We’re planning a trip”

“We’re going to try to stay cool”

Weather extremes. We’ve seen fires in California, rolling blackouts across most of the country, and hurricanes in the Southeast.

This article is about big battery storage, specifically, Tesla Megapacks and why they are increasingly the choice for public utilities and companies. I’ll also discuss margin, or ROI (return on investment).

We will specifically look at three entities that have recently built or plan to build big battery storage.

Powering Florida’s Only Rice Mill: A Single Tesla Megapack

When the sun sets over Palm Beach County, Florida, one Tesla Megapack is helping power Florida’s only rice mill.

Florida Crystals Corp, had the foresight to plan to generate energy with a 900 panel solar array and order a Tesla Megapack. On May 31, they announced on Twitter that their Megapack is up and running, supplying electricity to the mill after dark and ensuring the power stays on around hurricane season to protect valuable rice.

Megapack is estimated to reduce carbon by 250 tons annually and is 1.8 MWh.

Remarkably, this Megapack is also the first one in Florida!

Arizona’s Giant Clean Energy Storage: Strata To Build 255MW/1GWh Tesla Megapack Project

Big projects are needed to transition our world to sustainable energy. APS or Arizona Public Service is a utility that serves more than 1.3 million homes and businesses in 11 of Arizona’s 15 counties. This requires a lot of electricity!

Private company, Strata Build, plans to build, own and operate a huge 255MW/1GWh Tesla Megapack clean energy storage system with a value of $500M. Strata will then provide power to APS.

Australia’s Power Revolution: Megapacks Keeping Power on Across the Continent

As sure as the sun shines and the wind blows over the splendid continent of Australia, Tesla Megapacks are keeping the power on for millions of people.

I created a chart of Tesla Megapacks that are currently operating in Australia. There are many more Battery storage plans proposed, announced, and under construction. Other companies are also building big battery storage for Australians.

^{Information accessed from Renew Economy Big Battery Storage Map of Australia accessed on June 2, 2023.}

Powering Growth: The Compelling Case for Investing in Tesla Megapacks

One of the probing questions I had from a reader of mine, was about margins. For this, I like to look at the future benefits to humanity. We can measure the value of Tesla or other big battery storage by its capability to keep the power on when the sun is not shining in the wind is not blowing.

Let’s imagine a public utility that serves 1M people that undergoes several power outages a year. Now visualize Megapacks stepping in and keeping power on for schools, hospitals, living spaces, and companies (the rice mill in Florida).

Speaking of the rice mill, a value can be assigned to the 90M lbs/year of rice that Florida Crystals Corp. is trusted to mill for its many clients. The volume of rice is enough for 4 million people annually. Businesses that have reliable power can thrive, grow, and expand, that’s a great ROI.

Every person benefits, including the many people that are employed in installing and maintaining Megapacks.

Another great value, which is hard to assign a dollar amount to, is in the essential concept that people stay safe and healthy.

Tesla’s website (accessed on June 3, 2023) allows you to reserve one Megapack to a max of 1000 Megapacks, with planned delivery in 2025. The base cost of one is around $2,8M (including installation).

Tesla’s Master Plan 3 includes Megapacks, Lithium refining, and Tesla Energy

Tesla Lithium refining in Corpus Christi, Texas, will enable Megapacks to be built faster. (It’s much easier to build a Megapack than to build a vehicle.) Megapacks, built at a certain volume now, will increase in scale.

Although it may seem a small step forward, Tesla Energy is putting programs together starting in Texas for charging Tesla vehicles during times when there’s excess wind production at night.

My take is that It’s worth following Tesla Energy carefully, in my opinion, Tesla starts off with what looks like small moves, and then those moves grow exponentially. Today, for example, buyers of a new Model 3 may apply to charge at home for free for 1 year with Tesla Energy. Late December 2022, Tesla Energy began an electricity plan in Texas designed for Powerwall owners. What will we see tomorrow?

I hope your summer is cool, memorable, and filled with adventures led by your hearts’ desires!

Downtown Austin, Texas. Courtesy Greg Anderson, Walkable Austin. — ^{Downtown Austin, Texas. Courtesy Greg Anderson, Walkable Austin}.

^{Thanks as always for supporting my writing. Article by Gail Alfar please credit accordingly. Thanks to Tesla Energy, Arushi Sharma Frank, Tesla Megapack, and reader Darrell Park for suggesting this topic.}

Tesla Model S. Image Courtesy Tesla, Inc.

Tesla Takes #1 Spot In Global Automaker Rating 2022: Leading The Transition To Electric Vehicles

June 1, 2023 Gail AlfarLeave a comment

Hardworking, dedicated, future-driven, committed, fearless… these are adjectives that describe the amazing Tesla team, and Elon Musk. These qualities are paying off as Tesla is ranked #1 in leading the transition to EVs.

The International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) released its report on May 31 revealing Tesla and BYD at the top of ratings for leading the transition to electric vehicles.

The top 20 manufacturers in the world were analyzed for overall ratings based on 10 custom-built metrics, which identified the leaders, the transitioners, and the laggards in transitioning to zero-emission vehicles (ZEV). Tesla had the highest scores in Technology Performance, scoring a perfect 100 in Energy Consumption, Charging Speed, Driving Range, and Battery recycle/repurpose.

Tesla’s strategic vision did not go unnoticed

Tesla was the only automaker that scored a perfect 100/100 in Strategic Vision for ZEV target, Investment, and Executive Compensation.

Among the laggards are Tata headquartered in India, and Japanese automakers Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, and Suzuki.

These automakers scored in the bottom third.

^{Table. Overall scores, The Global Automaker Rating 2022. Credit: International Council on Clean Transportation.}

My take is that Tesla has and continues to put forth extraordinary effort at building EVs at scale. Tesla continues to expand Fremont factory, Giga Shanghai, Giga Berlin, Giga Nevada and Giga Texas. This shows that Tesla has thought about how to speed up and scale production to meet the global demand for good-quality electric vehicles. Tesla furthers this strategy by building their own batteries. Soon, Tesla will be refining Lithium (in Texas) and building more affordable vehicles in Mexico.

To read the ICCT report in full click here. Many thanks to the entire Tesla team for their dedication to the mission to accelerate the world to sustainable energy and their commitment to not being complacent. This article by Gail Alfar first appeared on Twitter, please credit accordingly.

Tesla Energy Shows A Lil’ 💕 For Texas, And This Is Just The Beginning!

May 26, 2023May 30, 2023 Gail AlfarLeave a comment

(Austin, Texas) If you’re in Texas & taking delivery of your new Model 3 between May 26 and June 30, 2023 then you are in for some good luck!

Tesla Electric has unveiled a sweet home charging plan and qualifying customers in Texas will seamlessly charge their new Model 3 at home and have their overnight charging fee waived for a year.

UNVEILING THE TESLA ELECTRIC HOME CHARGING PLAN

Tesla Electric has gone above and beyond to cater to the needs of Texas Tesla owners. With the charging plan, eligible customers can seamlessly charge their new Model 3 at home without incurring any overnight charging fees for an entire year.

This plan provides financial savings & also eliminates the hassle of locating and utilizing charging stations, giving owners freedom and convenience. I expect this plan will expand soon.

To take advantage of this remarkable opportunity right now, Texas residents must meet specific eligibility criteria. Those who are taking delivery of a new Model 3 between May 26 and June 30, 2023, fall within the qualifying window. Link on details below.

This limited offer is an amazing chance for Texas Tesla owners to save money and maximize the benefit of owning an EV while minimizing their carbon footprint

THE FUTURE OF SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION

The introduction of the Tesla Electric Home Charging Plan reinforces the strong commitment Tesla has to accelerate the transition to sustainable energy. By incentivizing home charging, Tesla aims to simplify the charging process and promote the use of renewable energy sources.

I expect this plan to roll out to more Tesla owners over time.

SEIZING OPPORTUNITY

If you are a lucky Texas resident patiently awaiting the arrival of your new Model 3, do seize the opportunity. Participating in Tesla Electric Home Charging Plan means you will enjoy the convenience of charging your vehicle overnight at home, free of charge, for an entire year.

important details here:

tesla.com/support/overnight-vehicle-home-charging-plan

charging your Tesla here:

tesla.com/support/home-charging

Thank you to Tesla Energy. Mini-article by Gail Alfar. Do credit accordingly, thanks! Photo credit: me : )

Elon Musk talks at Tesla 2023 Shareholder Meeting. Image by the author.

Tesla Is A Company That Wants To Do The Most Good, And Will Now Hire A 3rd Party To Examine Mining In It’s Supply Chain

May 21, 2023May 23, 2023 Gail AlfarLeave a comment

Elon Musk will hire a 3rd party organization to investigate Tesla’s supply chain for Cobalt, a rare mineral in order to assure shareholders and others that Tesla does not exploit child labor in any way. Elon was asked, during the Q/A portion of the shareholder’s meeting on May 16, 2023, to do this, and he agreed.

I had the honor of attending the meeting in person and I saw firsthand when Elon said this from the stage. He emphasized that the phones we all use have more Cobalt than Tesla’s batteries, and that he’s thinking of installing webcams at the mines to make sure no child is ever harmed.

I turned to Eliza Bleu for a little more understanding on this issue, as she had been asking me recently about Tesla’s supply chain and I had referred her to some information from Tesla’s recent Investor’s Day, summed up well in a tweet by Martin Viecha, Tesla Investor Relations,

“If you want just one takeaway from Investor Day, make it this one: A sustainable economy will result in *less* mining/extraction than we currently do. *Zero* rare earths are needed for this transition. Too many smart people I know believe the opposite.” – Martin Viecha

In addition, Elon Musk has also emphasized how clean Tesla’s supply chain is for it’s batteries. Tesla’s Lithium and Iron based batteries do not contain any Cobalt, while those made with Nickel use a very small amount of Cobalt as a binder.

Please watch Tesla’s videos on Investor Day and Shareholder Meeting 2023 for reference. Also, Tesla’s next gen motor will require ZERO rare earth minerals. Less mining and extraction are also needed for a clean energy future as compared to a fossil fuel based economy.

MY INTERVIEW WITH ELIZA BLEU

Gail: Do you find that company CEOs are willing to face the challenge of creating a clean supply chain for rare earth minerals like cobalt?

Eliza Bleu: I’ve found that there is a vast difference between what CEOs are being told and the in-depth research that has been done by folks like Siddharth Kara, author of “Cobalt Red,” on the ground. It would be incredible if CEOs sought the truth and worked aggressively to find solutions!

Gail: When you heard that Elon Musk is going to hire a third-party organization to do this for Tesla, what was your first reaction?

EB: I’m a survivor advocate, so any little glimmer of hope brings a tear of joy to my eye. I take a moment to enjoy the positive progress before I think about the long road ahead. I applaud Mr. Musk for making those statements. I believe that he will follow through and continue to set the industry standard.

Gail: What is your expectation, for companies that use a lot of rare earth minerals, like companies that produce the phones that we use every day? Do you think they will continue to use components in their products that require rare earth minerals?

EB: The time has come for this conversation to fully see the light of day. I expect tech companies to seek the truth about their supply chains from start to finish. The entire industry will move away from cobalt eventually but between now and then there should be drastic measures to ensure that child labor and human exploitation is not used. Even when companies move away from cobalt it won’t repair the damage done to the Congolese people. It also won’t account for the labor trafficking and human exploitation in other parts of the supply chain. Apple is notoriously bad in this way.

The tech industry is uniquely positioned to provide those that work in the mines with basic needs like electricity, water and PPE. The brightest minds in the world can prioritize these issues. I’m grateful for Tesla’s commitment. I have hope around this issue and the first step is getting everyone to admit that there is a problem industry wide. The next step is to cut through the PR nonsense and to put humans over profits. The future of technology is bright but it cannot be built on the backs of children.

Tesla is one company among many that uses cobalt. I hope that Mr. Musk’s commitment sparks a long overdue industry wide conversation.

CONCLUSION

Despite challenges, there is hope that other CEOs will confront the issue of clean supply chains for rare earth minerals like cobalt.

Elon Musk’s decision to involve a third-party organization for Tesla sets a positive example, and it is crucial for the entire industry to engage in transparent discussions and prioritize human well-being over profits to drive meaningful change.

Article by Gail Alfar, please credit accordingly.

Tesla Shareholder Meeting 2023: Join me for the tour & to meet some awesome people

May 20, 2023 Gail AlfarLeave a comment

_{Cybertruck, 2023 Shareholder’s Meeting. Photo Courtesy Sarah Alfar.}

(May 20, 2023 Austin, Texas)

“The goal is to give people hope, realistic hope, and simply to say that there is a path to a fully sustainable global economy, that we are on that path, that we are accelerating that path, and so long as we don’t get complacent about it, it will happen.” – Elon Musk at Shareholder Meeting on Master Plan 3

At the heart of Tesla’s success lies Elon Musk, the incredible Tesla team, and a dedicated community of individuals who are passionate about the company and its mission.

For this article, you’ll get to come along with me to the shareholders meeting and we’ll start in the line of cars and then meet some awesome people! Let’s set the time machine back to May 16, 2023, and hop in my Tesla.

IMAGINING YOU ARE WITH ME AT THE SHAREHOLDER’S MEETING

Joining a long line of cars, we are very close to Gigafactory Texas and we see production at scale in action in front of us. Numerous deliveries on large, semi flatbeds are pouring in as we wait, car carriers leave the factory loaded with new Model Y. The battery cathode plant and die shop are huge. The employee parking lot is overflowing.

You get the window seat once we’re on the bus ride to the entrance. The bus lumbers off around the Gigafactory. I say I could do this ride over again 50 times and you tell me I’m a little extreme (I disagree, haha).

We see a holding lot filled with Model Y as far as the eye can see. Model Y are charging at a George Jetson style charging bay shaded by solar panels. Next up, a loading lot where inspections are being done, then cars line up to wait for their turn onto a car carrier. There are long lines of car carriers.

You pass several employee parking lots, they are bigger than you expected.

The tour bus drives closer to the Gigafactory, and a cool shadow is cast over the bus as you gaze up. We both gasp. The bus feels tiny as we crane our necks to look up to the rooftop. The roof is covered with solar panels that spell out “TESLA,” but you already know that from when you flew into Austin.

While we wait to tour the Tesla Semi, a graffiti artist is creating Cybertruck art on the side of a shipping container. The day is perfect, 80 degree weather, a few puffy clouds, we’re lucky to be here!

You think you almost lost me after the Semi tour but then find me ogling the Cybertruck and the German-made Model Ys on the other side of the street. The size of the truck is bigger than you expect. The Berlin Model Y paint is glamorous under the sun to say the least!

TOUR

As we enter the Gigafactory Tour, it’s apparent it’s in full production and did not shut down at all for this event, rather it looks like it’s under an even higher pace than imagined. Employees are actively working on model Y, and the production line is visible and moving along fast. We hear occasional happy beeps from Model Y under production and it sounds like they’re saying, “hey, I’m glad you came to see us.”

We’re able to see the ground floor and then climb up stairs to the second floor and look down, which is incredible. The factory is so big and everything looks so clean and everybody working looks like they have purpose and order in what they do.

As a tour guide instructs us on the manufacturing processes in a video, you and I are more interested in listening to the sounds in the factory and watching the production line below, it’s an all inspiring vision, seeing these vehicles being brought to production at scale, and being there in person, is an experience that feels like the future. It inspires us to think about how incredible it is to be a part of Tesla’s success just by being a supporter and investor.

Reality kicks us in the face while the security guard says “hey ma’am, your tour is leaving.”

༛༛ ༛ ༛༺༻༛ ༛ ༛༛

I hope this gave you a feel for if you had been at the Tesla shareholder Meeting. For the remainder of this article, I’ll introduce you to three inspiring people I had conversations with.

FROM TESLA OWNER TO INVESTOR

Winston was wearing a Longhorn shirt and the “Don’t Mess with Tesla” belt buckle which caught my eye. He and his daughter Anne were waiting in line at the Tesla store.

Winston told me he bought a Model 3 in 2020. He said the minute he stepped into his Tesla, the experience was so incredible that right away, knew he needed to invest.

He now uses FSDbeta all over Houston, and he would not travel around any other way.

I told him I had also used FSD beta in Houston and it was flawless. (My Podcast #14 is all in Baytown & Houston)

WITNESSING THE NEW EVOLUTION OF NORMALCY

I always respect the confidentiality and privacy of Tesla employees, so I’ll just briefly share with you what one employee said while keeping him private. Without mentioning his position at Tesla, I can say he looked at Tesla with a blend of optimism and amazement. He told me he loves working at Tesla and compared it to what he knew about car manufacturing before he was hired. As a kid, he grew up in Detroit and his father worked in automotive manufacturing. He would visit the factory and remembers it for the awful smell of toxic fumes.

At Tesla, “you can actually walk through it and breathe clean air. It doesn’t even seem like a car factory at times. I am experiencing the new evolution of normalcy.”

SUPPORT FOR ELON MUSK FROM NORTH CAROLINA

Just outside the Tesla Gigafactory, near some oak trees, there was a handful of food and beverage trucks. I ordered a grilled cheese sandwich and a slushie and looked for a shady place to eat. This is how I met the Whitley family. Dan Whitley’s love for Elon and Tesla was evident in his commitment to being a part of the Tesla mission.

Dan explained to me that he supports Elon Musk because, “I think he’s a believable person and I think he’s got a kind heart and I believe in his mission and believe in him and just try to support him the best I can.” Laughing, Dan said, “And I’ve got 8 Tesla’s so I’m supporting him!” I asked if this was normal for N. Carolina, and he said. “The company spoke to me, they have a good mission and I want to support them.”

CONCLUSION

The conversations I had with people at the shareholder meeting offer a glimpse into the passion and devotion people have for Tesla and in the vision of Elon Musk. for some, it even made them rethink their future. William Cross from Connecticut was at the Shareholder Meeting. I caught up with him later, and he told me how the experience left an impact on him. “It really made me rethink what I’m doing here. I fell in love with the South. I want to learn more and one day work for Tesla or SpaceX.”

The company Tesla as a whole inspires many people, and Elon is highly respected and supported by many. When you hear negative talk about Elon Musk, please realize that is a small minority. A small, very vocal minority. They, in no way, represent what most people truly think.

༛༛ ༛ ༛༺༻༛ ༛ ༛༛

Article by Gail Alfar. please credit accordingly. Thanks to Tesla for being amazing. Thanks to Elon Musk and all my subscribers and readers on Twitter who support my writing in many different ways, I appreciate you very much. Video Courtesy @Tesla Inc., Pic credits Sarah Alfar and Greggortruck.

A New Austin is Emerging, Thanks to Tesla. Here’s Why…

May 7, 2023May 26, 2023 Gail Alfar2 Comments

I’m surprised by how much action I see in the early hours of the morning around Austin. The airport in Austin is busy, the roads fill with people heading to work, and the sun starts rising over my favorite city in the world.

Austin is the second highest-ranking city in the world (Hangzhou, China is #1) for the highest number of millionaire residents, according to a recent study by Henley & Partners.

Opportunities and hope are a big draw for people and Tesla is playing a major role in the shaping of the new Austin. This article will explain why.

GIGA TEXAS: JULY 2020 – PRESENT

The beginnings: In July 2020, I made trips 2 to 3 times a week to East Austin to start observing the groundbreaking of Tesla’s Gigafactory, in Texas. There, amid the dust and the sound of massive earthmoving machines, I met Joe Tegtmeyer, Jeff, Roberts, and Jack Farrington. All three were creating drone videos of Giga Texas’ progress, and all were convinced of the positive impact Tesla was having on Austin.

Tesla’s HQ – in a massive structure: In October 2021, Elon Musk announced that Tesla’s Global HQ would be Giga Texas.

Attracting investors and talent: Meanwhile, Austin attracted the second-highest number of millionaire residents in the world, and many workers and businesses relocated to Texas finding low taxes were a big advantage during a time when many people were working remotely.

Producing best-selling vehicles at scale: Today, Tesla’s beautiful Gigafactory at “1 Tesla Road” is established and producing Model Y vehicles at incredible speed!

In April, Tesla announced Giga Texas is building 4K Model Y per week! This is being done with the hard work of thousands of employees.

Busy gigafactory: An Uber driver told me that “GigaTexas has rock concert vibes, only at 5 AM in the morning! There’s double-decker buses, trams, cars lined up, 4-5 full parking lots, factory full swing!”

AUSTIN IS A LEADER IN JOBS

Austin is the #2 city in the nation for overall employment opportunity and earning potential in a study published by Chekr, an HR tech firm, in April 2023. Having a job, making an honest living is a big part of building a happy, productive life.

Tesla’s 2022 Impact Report says,

“Tesla created over 128,000 direct jobs in a decade. Our employee count has grown approximately 70-fold over the past decade—and we continue to hire extensively. Gigafactory Texas and Gigafactory Berlin-Brandenburg are already recruiting for thousands of jobs.”

Tesla’s Careers website lists hundreds of jobs in Austin, giving the opportunity not only to make a living with great benefits but also to be a part of building a sustainable energy future.

CONCLUSION

Tesla made Austin its HQ and is a mass producer of both JOBS and VEHICLES.

Austin is a destination for some of the nation’s most successful investors and business people.

The manufacturing at scale we see at Giga Texas is an example for other vehicle manufacturers and also shows how important manufacturing is to the economy of the USA.

Giga Texas will put Austin, Texas on the map as a leader in manufacturing in the USA!

-Pictured below with this article is the beautiful best-selling Model Y

-Elon Musk at Cyber Rodeo in April 2022 delivering the first Model Ys made in Texas

-Giga Texas at 1 Tesla Road, the HQ for Tesla.

Steps to Buying a Tesla

April 30, 2023September 14, 2023 Gail Alfar10 Comments

^{Tesla Model Y. Image Courtesy Tesla, Inc.}

There’s a lot of talk about whether someone should make their next car a Tesla. I’m like you in that I work hard for my paycheck, and there are few products I have purchased that truly give me Joy!

My Tesla is one of them!

I’m sharing my experience of buying a Tesla with you and walking with you through the steps.

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FIRST DRIVE

The deciding factor for me was the demo drive. Tesla gave me a demo car on a Saturday morning after a nightfall of rain. The roads were sparkling and the car was pristine and I accelerated up a steep hill and around curves while the car held onto the road like rails. I had to adjust back to my combustion car after that and I missed the Tesla so much.

REASONS A TESLA MAKES SENSE

I wanted a Tesla, and I had to sell my husband on it because he wanted to wait.

I emphasized to him how Tesla rates #1 in Safety and Aces all the crash tests.

I told him how little we would pay to power the Tesla – about $6 – $12 at the Tesla Superchargers and only about $30 a month to charge at night at home.

I also let him know about destination charging for when we travel. Destination chargers let you slow charge for free at many hotels overnight.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO GET YOUR TESLA?

^{Tesla Model Y 7 Seater, Image Courtesy Tesla, Inc.}

I suggest you order your Tesla on the premise that you will take delivery in one week. When I got my finances in order (I used a credit union, and Tesla also has a finance option), I went ahead and placed a new order for a Model Y. Ours was delivered a month later. I have heard that ordering a Model Y 7-Seater SUV may take longer (see image above) but is well worth the wait!

My friend recently ordered a Model 3 and Tesla scheduled delivery for the next week. Delivery times vary, and the important part is that you are ready with your financing, and trade-in and have planned out your charging routine ahead of time.

TESLA WILL LET YOU TRADE IN YOUR OLD GAS CAR

Tesla will take your old gas car off your hands.

When you place your order for your Tesla, they will ask you if you have a vehicle to trade in.

My best advice is for you to compare Tesla’s offer to another car buyer’s offer. You can go with the highest bidder.

Save with Gail's Referral. Order Tesla products with Gail's Referral Link to earn cash off your order plus exclusive referral benefits. ts.la/gail74884

TESLA’S EASY TASK LIST IS MADE FOR YOU

When I ordered my Tesla, I received “tasks” from Tesla to complete in stages.

Tesla does their best to make this painless and it is worth having 1) finances prepared ahead of time and 2) how you’ll insure the vehicle planned out. I recommend Tesla insurance as you can opt into it right from the Tesla App and their rates are usually lower. It activates right away and you can change out of it later if you have to.

RECEIVING THE BEAUTIFUL VEHICLE, FINAL STEPS

As a Texas resident, I went to the County Tax office to pay the taxes on the vehicle. The Tax Office held the license plate for the Tesla until I was paid up (this was in Oct. 2022 and may change).

It is hard to explain how awesome it feels to own a Tesla! It seems almost too good to be true!

In a future article, I’ll write about getting to know your Tesla. It took me a while to get fully comfortable with my Tesla because it is very different from a combustion car!

Save with Gail's Referral. Order Tesla products with Gail's Referral Link to earn cash off your order plus exclusive referral benefits. ts.la/gail74884

𝘈𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘭𝘦 𝘣𝘺 𝘎𝘢𝘪𝘭 𝘈𝘭𝘧𝘢𝘳 𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘺. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘌𝘭𝘰𝘯 𝘔𝘶𝘴𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘌𝘖 𝘰𝘧 𝘛𝘦𝘴𝘭𝘢 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐𝘚 𝘱𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘺. 𝘐 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝕏 𝘴𝘶𝘣𝘴𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘺 𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝕏 𝘣𝘪𝘰. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘊𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘺 𝘛𝘦𝘴𝘭𝘢, 𝘐𝘯𝘤.