PODCAST: TESLA REVAMPING REFERRAL PROGRAM, SOMETHING BIG COMING, PROJECT BOBCAT, AND MORE

EV Channels Review

This episode of the Electrek Podcast delves into significant Tesla news, primarily focusing on the upcoming revamp of their referral program. The program is set to change drastically, moving away from link-based referrals to a more direct, in-person system, partly driven by Tesla's $23 million expenditure on free Supercharging last quarter. This change is expected to coincide with a major update to Tesla's mobile app, potentially integrating features for non-owners and hinting at future network services. The podcast also confirms Tesla's strong demand, with production capacity for the current quarter already sold out, leading to another round of price increases across Model 3 and Model Y variants. Additionally, the acquisition of a battery patent from Spring Power for $3 is discussed, alongside speculation about Tesla's 'Project Bobcat' at Gigafactory Texas. The discussion also touches on regulatory scrutiny of Tesla's Full Self-Driving claims and a concerning new Chevy Bolt fire incident.