Welcome to a milestone. I have shared 52 podcast episodes and hopefully shared the joys and the miracle of Tesla FSD beta with thousands of people like you!
In this beautiful South Texas region near Eagle Pass, we are heading into the rural areas of my lovely state of Texas. I think you’ll enjoy this podcast. I have learned a lot about illegal immigration into the USA from my travels. I have been astonished at the accuracy and precision of Tesla’s AI software, as it has allowed me to focus on the culture of the region, instead of stressing over driving in a place new to me.
Enjoy the podcast!
FSD beta from Eagle Pass —> Austin. Enjoy a montage of what I saw at the border at 02:18 in the video. This is podcast 52. Impressive! Thank you for watching 💯Love, from Texas! pic.twitter.com/6MTICu298K
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or television; (3) all images and rights thereto remain the property Gail Alfar.; and (4) use of the image is not for publication covers, advertising, promotion or otherwise for commercial purposes.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.
Welcome to my 51st podcast episode and we are together in Eagle Pass, Texas. We’ll take a quick look at the border wall and I am going to walk right down the same path that many countless illegal aliens have walked down, shedding their wet shoes after crossing the Rio Grande River. Getting ready to meet US Border Patrol to shuttle them to clinics, planes, buses, etc.
Enjoy the Podcast!
In this video, you’ll see the crossing at Eagle Pass and Border Patrol picking up illegal aliens right across from the Rio Grande. I’m sharing my thoughts about illegal immigration and I’m inviting anybody who would like, to come down here to see how things are for themselves.… pic.twitter.com/5MzASwCY0m
This is a video I took at the border wall in Eagle Pass.
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.
Welcome to my 50th podcast! This is a drive through Eagle Pass, Texas, and we are excited to share that it is flawless. Despite Eagle Pass being a place where there are likely not many people driving Teslas, the Tesla AI FSD beta software acts as if it has spent its entire life on these complicated streets. From making a seamless right-hand turn yield, to gently pausing before a train track to assess if it will have enough room to stop due to a red light ahead, the safety of the software is grade A. You will really enjoy this episode. Episode 50!
FSD Beta gets A+ score in Eagle Pass, Texas!
This is my 50th Tesla podcast to share with you! I hope you enjoy this flawless drive on FSD Beta in Eagle Pass, Texas.
Watch Part 1 of Eagle Pass and read about the border.
In Part 1, I shared about the crisis at the Southern border at Eagle Pass. If you would like to read my full article on X, it is available here. Enjoy! As of this date, the article has had over 10 Million impressions on X.
I spent the weekend down at Eagle Pass, here is my experience.
TL;DR continue reading for my full experience at the US-Mexico border.
I witnessed the immigration crisis firsthand while dealing with my own predicament: a suspended RN license due to having surgery and a late… pic.twitter.com/ClisJAash6
Gail Alfar, author. Exclusive to Gail Alfar. All Rights Reserved. My goal as an author and podcaster is to support Tesla (the most American vehicle manufacturer) and Elon Musk in both making life better on Earth for humans and becoming a space-fairing civilization.
FOR MEDIA USE ONLY News media is welcome to use my material in connection with a story or article. By downloading any content I create, you understand and hereby agree and represent that: (1) you are a member of the news media; (2) use of the content is in connection with a story or an article appearing in newspapers, periodicals, digital publications or television; (3) all images and rights thereto remain the property Gail Alfar.; and (4) use of the image is not for publication covers, advertising, promotion or otherwise for commercial purposes. Furthermore, use of any and all images and content appearing on this page must each include the notice “Courtesy of Gail Alfar” Use of materials copied from this website is at your own risk. You must obtain prior written consent from Gail Alfar for uses that exceed the above parameters.
Austin, Texas. My belief is that part of the reason people do not want to have kids is the built-in expectation that they are expensive. Kids are expensive if they are placed into organized sports, various lessons, and tutoring. This creates unrealistic expectations for parents and pushes them into deciding to have “only one or two” children because, admittedly, it is quite time-consuming as well as costly to fill a child’s schedule with everything from soccer games to math tutoring to chess lessons. Do we need to do this? I argue we do not. I did not overschedule with my five children.
We Do Not Need to Provide Kids With Multiple Activities
Elon wasn’t taken from lessons to tutoring to sports teams as a child. This we can gather from what he has said about growing up and from Walter Isaacson’s and Lynne Vance’s biographies, as well as Maye Musk’s book, “A Woman with a Plan.” In fact, it appears he had a lot of self-directed time as a child and he chose to use it both wisely and creatively. His mother trusted him. This is a key, I think. It is good advice for parents to trust their kids. Sure, kids can be clever, and certainly Elon Musk was one of the most clever kids, and his mother believed in him.
These Early Years Of Elon Musk’s Life May Have Helped Shaped Him Into The Man He Is Today
Elon Musk Was Not an Overscheduled Child, He Had Lots of Self-Directed Time
Elon Musk’s upbringing was far from today’s typical overscheduled child who is shuttled from one activity to another. Instead, his childhood was marked by adventure and self-discovery. This environment allowed him to cultivate his curiosity and imagination, laying the foundation for his future. Kids need this.
So how, then, did Elon Musk thrive without tutoring and lessons?
A supportive family: Elon’s mother, Maye Musk, played a crucial role in nurturing his curiosity and encouraging his interests. Despite the challenges she faced, she provided a loving and supportive environment for Elon and his siblings.
Early exposure to technology: Elon’s father is well known to have been (and still is) an abusive, bad person. He was also an engineer, and he introduced Elon to computers at a young age. This early exposure to technology may have sparked Elon’s passion for programming and laid some of the groundwork for his future endeavors. Today, all kids are exposed to technology. When Elon was growing up, it was rare to be exposed. He loved it so much that he wrote a video game called Blastar.
Self-directed learning: Elon was a voracious reader and self-taught learner. He would spend hours devouring books on various subjects, from science fiction to the entire encyclopedia. This self-directed learning style allowed him to develop a broad knowledge base and a unique perspective on the world.
Resilience and determination: Elon’s childhood was not without its challenges. He faced bullying and adversity. He has Asperger’s Syndrome. But these experiences only served to strengthen his resolve. Elon’s resilience and determination helped him overcome obstacles and pursue his dreams. Remember, kids can learn their own way and Elon did just that! Many kids do not conform to traditional school learning methods. Many kids have a form of Autism. Two of my own kids have been diagnosed with mild Autism, and they are doing very well but regular classroom programming does not and never has worked well for them.
A sense of adventure: Elon’s childhood in South Africa was filled with adventure and exploration. He would often venture into the wilderness, exploring caves and learning about the natural world. This sense of adventure and curiosity would later fuel his passion for space exploration and his desire to push the boundaries of human achievement.
Conclusion
Elon Musk’s childhood experiences played a role in shaping him into the visionary entrepreneur he is today but they were not based on a “formula,” and they did not cost a lot of money.
By examining his early years, we can better understand the factors that contributed to his success and learn valuable lessons about the importance of curiosity, resilience, and self-directed learning.
Elon Musk’s story serves as a powerful reminder to people thinking of becoming new parents, that unconventional paths can often lead to extraordinary outcomes.
Gail Alfar, author. Exclusive to Gail Alfar. All Rights Reserved. My goal as an author and podcaster is to support Tesla (the most American vehicle manufacturer) and Elon Musk in both making life better on Earth for humans and becoming a space-fairing civilization.
FOR MEDIA USE ONLY News media is welcome to use my material in connection with a story or article. By downloading any content I create, you understand and hereby agree and represent that: (1) you are a member of the news media; (2) use of the content is in connection with a story or an article appearing in newspapers, periodicals, digital publications or television; (3) all images and rights thereto remain the property Gail Alfar.; and (4) use of the image is not for publication covers, advertising, promotion or otherwise for commercial purposes. Furthermore, use of any and all images and content appearing on this page must each include the notice “Courtesy of Gail Alfar” Use of materials copied from this website is at your own risk. You must obtain prior written consent from Gail Alfar for uses that exceed the above parameters.
I spent the weekend down at Eagle Pass, Texas. I recorded a wonderful Tesla FSD beta video there and I also experienced an eye-opening situation at the US – Mexico border. Here is my video for you to enjoy, and my accurate account of what is happening today at the border. Anyone can go to Eagle Pass to see this for themselves.
FSD beta is so good it aces this drive around Eagle Pass, Texas
01:20 U-turn USA- Mexico border 03:59 turned away at Shelby Park 07:46 which beta version?
I witnessed the immigration crisis firsthand while dealing with my own predicament: a suspended RN license due to having surgery and a late payment. With newfound freedom, I sought to share the border situation with others, inspired by Elon Musk’s live stream in September 2023. What follows is all true, and I have never experienced anything like this before in my lifetime.
Real-Life Encounters: Machete Menace
I stumbled on a flea market on the road to Eagle Pass and met a rancher and his wife selling tools and antique jewelry. He warned me of the dangers posed by illegal Venezuelan aliens, who would “Axe you to death with a machete.”
Intrigued, I grabbed his $10 sledgehammer and playfully swung it, prompting him to clarify that the “sweet ones” cross at the border bridge where they are welcomed, while the dangerous ones sneak through his ranch, cutting fences, leaving trash. The rancher was serious when he told me, “soon you’ll have to open your home to the illegal aliens.”
With a newfound sense of caution and a touch of dark humor, I continued my journey to the southern border.
Texas Born: Gas Station Encounter
At a La Pryor gas station, bold letters proclaimed “TXB: WE ARE TEXAS BORN.” While there, I spotted a van full of illegal migrants, with the driver inside buying snacks.
Many Latino business owners proudly emphasize their Texas roots.
Chilly Sunday at the Secure Camino Real International Bridge, Eagle Pass
Sunday morning was a brisk 42-degrees. I arrived early at the same bridge Elon Musk once streamed from. Things were well-staffed for a Sunday morning.
A formidable force of US Border Patrol, Texas National Guard, and Texas Dept. of Public Safety personnel was hard at work.
Truckloads of supplies (food, water, Pampers) and portable facilities were present, with Texas BBQ smoker grills standing nearby.
Secure Location but not for legal citizens; I was kicked out.
As I explored the area, armored personnel directed me to leave and suggested the media area or the nearby golf course. “Get back in your Tesla, and leave!” I drove my Tesla to the media area. I admit I was impressed by their awareness of the Tesla brand.
The irony of the situation was not lost on me: the area was secured only for illegal aliens.
At 9:30 am, I witnessed US Border Patrol welcoming two illegal aliens, who were driven off in a van. Stray dogs roamed between the aliens and me, initially growling at me but eventually quieting down.
Later, I met a Fox News crew at the media area. The livestream operator pointed out a group of illegal aliens approaching US Border Patrol. The crew advised me to return to my hotel and come back later, as it was too cold for many aliens to cross.
Bathrooms for the Illegal but not for the Legal
Despite the unwelcoming atmosphere, I remained in the Media Area until 11:30 am. At 11:40 am, I was informed that I couldn’t use the porta potties because they were reserved for the migrants. Again, irony. If I needed to take a sh*t, it would have to be in the bushes.
Millions Blown on Illegal Immigrant Welcome Party!
Eagle Pass felt like a waste of our tax dollars, our hard-earned resources. A fully staffed “welcome party” was just there for one purpose, the welcoming of illegal aliens.
11:42 am – A jumbo bus and two smaller vans rolled up, ready to shuttle illegal aliens away. From the golf course, I caught the scene on video, thinking, “Okay, that’s a ton of cash to be throwing around!”
2:15 pm – I bid adieu to the Fox team and the massive crew of US Border Patrol, Texas National Guard, and Texas Dept. of Public Safety personnel. They were still there, probably wondering how the heck they got stuck with this gig.
3:28 pm – I returned to the Media View area to record a video, thinking, “Hey, come on down to Eagle Pass, where the party never stops… for illegal aliens!”
3:35 pm – At the Texas Border wall, I noticed it was wide open, like a revolving door. I strolled through a well-worn path under the train tracks, where I found discarded shoes, coins, and clothing from migrants who had just crossed the Rio Grande. It’s like a fashion show down there!
A Group of Illegals is Welcomed Miles from the Int’l Bridge
3:44 pm – 4:00 pm at Eidson Road: A Group of Illegals is Welcomed Miles from the Int’l Bridge
At an area several miles South of the bridge, US Border Patrol was checking out a group of about 10 young men for weapons and injuries. After a quick 15-minute inspection, they were whisked away in a van. No ID checks, no questions asked. Just another day in the life of the Biden administration’s immigration industrial complex.
Cross Rio Grande. Meet US Border Patrol. Get in a “Van,” and be taken into the USA.
As a US Army veteran, I know the importance of public service. But the federal, state, and local employees have their hands tied by an administration that encourages illegal immigration.
I’ve been called a racist against people with brown skin and even threatened. What a load of bull! We need people to come here legally, like Nurses, Engineers, and Scientists. But nooo, honest paperwork gets no love, while the illegal invasion gets the red carpet treatment. What a world we live in, am I right?
Gail Alfar, author. Exclusive to Gail Alfar. All Rights Reserved. My goal as an author and podcaster is to support Tesla (the most American vehicle manufacturer) and Elon Musk in both making life better on Earth for humans and becoming a space-fairing civilization.
FOR MEDIA USE ONLY News media is welcome to use my material in connection with a story or article. By downloading any content I create, you understand and hereby agree and represent that: (1) you are a member of the news media; (2) use of the content is in connection with a story or an article appearing in newspapers, periodicals, digital publications or television; (3) all images and rights thereto remain the property Gail Alfar.; and (4) use of the image is not for publication covers, advertising, promotion or otherwise for commercial purposes. Furthermore, use of any and all images and content appearing on this page must each include the notice “Courtesy of Gail Alfar” Use of materials copied from this website is at your own risk. You must obtain prior written consent from Gail Alfar for uses that exceed the above parameters.
Join Gail on a perfect drive on FSD beta V 2023.44.30.5.1 from the Museum to the UT Longhorns baseball field. The drive is so spectacular and flawless that it feels close to Robotaxi level.
Ovzon 3 Launch
SpaceX had a second launch of 2024 and it was the Ovzon 3 launch. Every SpaceX launch today is efficient and utilizes a reusable rocket booster – the famous Falcon 9!
FSD beta is so good, I can feel that Robotaxi vibe on this drive. 00:33 SpaceX chat 03:04 which beta version? Enjoy 𝕏 podcast 48 pic.twitter.com/s0CvivLy4U
Gail Alfar, author. Exclusive to Gail Alfar, 2024 – All Rights Reserved. My goal as an author and podcaster is to support Tesla (the most American vehicle manufacturer) and Elon Musk in both making life better on Earth for humans and becoming a space-fairing civilization.
FOR MEDIA USE ONLY News media is welcome to use my material in connection with a story or article. By downloading any content I create, you understand and hereby agree and represent that: (1) you are a member of the news media; (2) use of the content is in connection with a story or an article appearing in newspapers, periodicals, digital publications or television; (3) all images and rights thereto remain the property Gail Alfar.; and (4) use of the image is not for publication covers, advertising, promotion or otherwise for commercial purposes. Furthermore, use of any and all images and content appearing on this page must each include the notice “Courtesy of Gail Alfar” Use of materials copied from this website is at your own risk. You must obtain prior written consent from Gail Alfar for uses that exceed the above parameters.
Join Gail for an amazing zero-disengagement drive in the morning traffic. Imagine feeling relaxed in traffic? FSD beta is getting good enough to feel that way!
Goals for 2024
I’d like to share my plans for these podcasts in 2024. I plan to create shorter podcasts, but at a higher volume.
Expect to hear a little about SpaceX launches in the podcasts too. For example, in this podcast, we’ll look briefly at the first SpaceX launch of 2024. On January 2, SpaceX launched the first 6 satellites with Direct to Cell capability. This will further global connectivity and help to eliminate dead zones in some of the most extreme rural areas of the world.
Saving Lives
As you’ll see in the podcast, Elon Musk explains how lives will be saved because of the availability of this new Direct to Cell capability. Enjoy the podcast!
Another zero disengagement drive and this one is in morning traffic — FSD beta is getting unbelievably good! 00:20 talk about SpaceX 2024 01:46 which beta version? 📌note: this is my 47th podcast and for 2024, I’ll be doing much shorter ones, and higher volume. pic.twitter.com/ZJaHXUSPpD
Gail Alfar, author. Exclusive to Gail Alfar, 2024 – All Rights Reserved. My goal as an author and podcaster is to support Tesla (the most American vehicle manufacturer) and Elon Musk in both making life better on Earth for humans and becoming a space-fairing civilization.
FOR MEDIA USE ONLY News media is welcome to use my material in connection with a story or article. By downloading any content I create, you understand and hereby agree and represent that: (1) you are a member of the news media; (2) use of the content is in connection with a story or an article appearing in newspapers, periodicals, digital publications or television; (3) all images and rights thereto remain the property Gail Alfar.; and (4) use of the image is not for publication covers, advertising, promotion or otherwise for commercial purposes. Furthermore, use of any and all images and content appearing on this page must each include the notice “Courtesy of Gail Alfar” Use of materials copied from this website is at your own risk. You must obtain prior written consent from Gail Alfar for uses that exceed the above parameters.
Recently, the BBC, Bloomberg, CNBC, Fortune, and many others published articles falsely claiming that Tesla is not the world’s largest EV maker. The problem is, they counted in Hybrids by BYD which is misleading. I’ll explain why.
Facts in the Numbers
Tesla produced 1,845,985 EVs in 2023.
BYD produced 1,598,571 EVs in 2023.
Because BYD produced 1,444,091 Hybrid cars, the media ridiculously claimed Elon Musk was “losing his crown.”
First, there is no race against other EV makers, and second, Tesla’s competition is composed of gasoline cars.
To set the record straight I wanted to write to correct the misleading headlines. In this article, we’ll look at why hybrids are not EVs, and should not be counted as so.
1. Power Source
Hybrid vehicles use both a gasoline engine and an electric motor, while EVs run solely on electricity. You’ll never have to stop at a gas station again when you drive an EV. I power my Tesla Model Y with electricity at my home charger, at Superchargers, and destination chargers on trips. In contrast, if you buy a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, you will be required to fill up at a gas station.
2. Fuel Efficiency. Huge Difference.
EVs have far greater fuel-efficiency than hybrids, as they don’t use any gasoline. Last Sept, I wrote about MPGe in another article, “What is MPGe? Everything You Need to Know.” MPGe is short for “Miles Per Gallon of Gasoline Equivalent” or “Miles Per Gallon Equivalent,” and it is used to compare the energy consumption of an electric vehicle to a traditional combustion engine car. The MPGe tells you the distance an EV can travel on the energy equivalent of one gallon of gasoline.
A Tesla Model 3 has an EPA-estimated MPGe of 140 city and 124 highway. In contrast, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid achieves 41 city and 38 highway MPG according to EPA estimates.
3. Emissions
EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, helping make cities, suburban areas, and the roads connecting them have cleaner air. Hybrids, unfortunately, produce emissions due to their gasoline engines. Tesla released their 2022 Impact Report, in April 2023 and it states “We make products that displace fossil fuel alternatives. In 2022, our customers avoided releasing about 13.4 million metric tons of CO2e into our atmosphere.”
Hybrids cannot claim this.
4. Charging
Image Superchargers Courtesy Tesla, Inc.
EVs have access to charging infrastructure, while most hybrids are never plugged in, unless its to a gas pump! There is an extensive charging network available to owners of EVs. If your EV choice is not a Tesla, you can still use the Tesla Supercharging Network if needed with a simple adapter. The North American Charging Standard (NACS) is for everybody.
5. Maintenance
EVs have fewer moving parts and require less maintenance than hybrids, which still have the maintenance requirements of a traditional gasoline engine. My main concerns about maintenance are filling the reservoir with wiper fluid and keeping the tires in good shape. This is a welcome relief after years of owning combustion engine cars with many more complications.
With Hybrids, you have to maintain them as you would a gas car, with the addition of a small, inefficient, electric motor. Not optimal.
6. Performance
EVs have instant torque and smooth acceleration, while hybrids have more traditional performance characteristics due to their gasoline engines.
Image Courtesy Tesla, Inc.
7. Noise
EVs are generally quieter than hybrids, as they do not have a gasoline engine running.
8. Joy Factor
One of the most significant differences between hybrid and electric vehicles is the joy they bring to their owners. Electric vehicles, like my beloved Tesla Model 3, offer a pleasurable driving experience that is smooth, silent, and exhilarating.
The instant torque, rapid acceleration, and seamless performance of EVs make every drive feel special, while the reduced environmental impact and lower operating costs can provide a sense of satisfaction and pride in the vehicle. In short, electric vehicles have a certain “joy factor” that can make driving an absolute pleasure.
My thoughts
My opinion is that hybrids are just gasoline cars with fancy hybrid logos. They may have small electric motors inside, and sadly those motors offer little incentive for their owners to use them. Point 8 — Joy Factor — is, for me, something I experience every day. I truly love all aspects of my Model 3. I did not include in this list how incredible the autonomous software is as that is a topic that deserves another full article. Tesla FSD beta has been a true thrill, and no hybrid has that!
Gail Alfar, author. Exclusive to Gail Alfar, 2024 – All Rights Reserved. My goal as an author and podcaster is to support Tesla (the most American vehicle manufacturer) and Elon Musk in both making life better on Earth for humans and becoming a space-fairing civilization.
FOR MEDIA USE ONLY News media is welcome to use my material in connection with a story or article. By downloading any content I create, you understand and hereby agree and represent that: (1) you are a member of the news media; (2) use of the content is in connection with a story or an article appearing in newspapers, periodicals, digital publications or television; (3) all images and rights thereto remain the property Gail Alfar.; and (4) use of the image is not for publication covers, advertising, promotion or otherwise for commercial purposes. Furthermore, use of any and all images and content appearing on this page must each include the notice “Courtesy of Gail Alfar” Use of materials copied from this website is at your own risk. You must obtain prior written consent from Gail Alfar for uses that exceed the above parameters.
There is so much to celebrate as we head into 2024. This is my last podcast of 2023 and it is a great drive on Tesla FSD beta that proceeds with zero disengagement from Cesar Chavez in Austin, to Congress Street. The Tesla Holiday Update featured many nice changes to make driving easier and entertainment more fun in the Tesla.
One Press Stalk
Now when you engage Autopilot, you only have to press down one time on the stalk. Tesla is always making life easier. This is a great update!
Happy New Year! I hope your 2024 is Amazing 🤩 Last podcast of the year here to celebrate with you! #HappyNewYear 💓
Gail Alfar, author. Exclusive to Gail Alfar, 2024 – All Rights Reserved. My goal as an author and podcaster is to support Tesla (the most American vehicle manufacturer) and Elon Musk in both making life better on Earth for humans and becoming a space-fairing civilization.
FOR MEDIA USE ONLY News media is welcome to use my material in connection with a story or article. By downloading any content I create, you understand and hereby agree and represent that: (1) you are a member of the news media; (2) use of the content is in connection with a story or an article appearing in newspapers, periodicals, digital publications or television; (3) all images and rights thereto remain the property Gail Alfar.; and (4) use of the image is not for publication covers, advertising, promotion or otherwise for commercial purposes. Furthermore, use of any and all images and content appearing on this page must each include the notice “Courtesy of Gail Alfar” Use of materials copied from this website is at your own risk. You must obtain prior written consent from Gail Alfar for uses that exceed the above parameters.
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