ELECTREK PODCAST: TESLA MODEL 3 OPENS TO NON-OWNERS, AUTOPILOT UPDATE COMING, ELECTRIC TRUCKS, MORE

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The Electrek Podcast discusses Tesla's significant move to open Model 3 orders to non-owners, a crucial step for broader adoption. The conversation delves into the technical aspects of the upcoming all-wheel-drive Model 3, including potential impacts on the front trunk space and the size of the new drive unit. A notable point of discussion is the discrepancy between Tesla's official power output figures and dyno results, with the hosts cautioning against over-interpreting the dyno data due to potential calibration issues and Tesla's new marketing approach. The episode highlights the impressive reverse-engineering efforts by German automakers, particularly BMW, who were reportedly very impressed by the Model 3's technology, especially its power electronics and battery module advancements. The hosts also touch upon Tesla's growing presence in China, its dominance in the European luxury segment, and the challenges faced in Hong Kong due to the removal of EV incentives. Finally, the podcast provides an update on the much-anticipated Autopilot 2.0, noting its beta testing phase and significant improvements over previous versions, while also explaining the complexities and delays stemming from the breakup with Mobileye. The Tesla Semi also gets attention, with a comparison to Daimler's electric truck and a discussion on its ambitious range and performance claims.