TESLA AUDIO PRODUCTS? NEW IIHS RATINGS, RIVIAN PARTNERSHIP

EV Channels Review

This episode of Electrified covers several key developments in the EV space. A significant portion is dedicated to Tesla's potential expansion into audio products, evidenced by a new trademark filing for microphones, headphones, and speakers. While acknowledging that trademark filings don't guarantee product launches, the host highlights Elon Musk's past comments about Tesla's audio engineering talent and the potential market size for headphones, suggesting this could be a strategic move to keep users within the Tesla ecosystem. The review also touches on the IIHS's upcoming ratings for driver monitoring systems in semi-autonomous vehicles, expressing skepticism about focusing solely on these advanced systems while neglecting driver attentiveness in the broader fleet. Additionally, the partnership between Rivian and Under Canvas to install EV charging stations at glamping locations is presented as a unique and promising niche for Rivian, with the host hoping the company can overcome production challenges to succeed. Other topics include Tesla's FSD trade-in value, the ongoing India market stalemate, and updates on China's NEV subsidies.