ELECTREK PODCAST: TESLA RECORD DELIVERIES, MODEL 3 PRODUCTION, TESLA SEMI COMPETITOR, AND MORE

EV Channels Review

This episode of the Electrek Podcast delves into several key developments in the EV space. A significant portion is dedicated to the impact of cold weather on EV range, with personal anecdotes highlighting reduced range in a Tesla Model S and a more substantial drop in a Chevrolet Bolt, where heating and battery conditioning consumed a third of the energy. The discussion also covers Tesla's new Supercharger 'fair use' policy, which restricts commercial use of the network, impacting services like ride-sharing and deliveries. While grandfathered users are unaffected, new commercial operators will need alternative charging solutions. The podcast touches upon the Tesla Semi, noting that while orders are increasing, adoption is primarily by companies with existing distribution networks rather than large freight companies. A competitor, the Tour truck, is introduced, but its specs (100 miles of range for $150,000) are deemed uncompetitive against the Tesla Semi's 300-mile range for the same price. Finally, the episode reports on the ongoing legal battle in Michigan regarding Tesla's direct sales model and provides an update on Model 3 production ramp-up, with supplier reports indicating a return to 5,000 units per week in December, though actual volume delivery to customers is still being closely watched.