EGREGIOUS TESLA COMMENTS / RIVIAN'S NEW COST CUTS / FORD LAYOFFS BEGIN

EV Channels Review

This episode of Electrified dives into a range of Tesla-related news and broader EV industry updates. The host strongly refutes claims made by an unnamed source regarding Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) development, defending the company's progress and regulatory scrutiny. Significant updates are provided on Giga Mexico, with the official letter of intent expected and infrastructure work commencing. The Cybertruck's potential October delivery is discussed, alongside Tesla's strategy of unwinding delivery waves to reduce logistics costs. The Tesla Semi is highlighted for its impressive 1600-mile run, converting skeptics with its megawatt charging capabilities and battery efficiency, though challenges in production ramp and utility integration remain. The episode also covers US Department of Defense grants for domestic lithium and nickel supply, the ongoing UAW strikes and the automakers' responses, and Ford's layoffs at a plant affected by the strike. Rivian's cost-saving measures, including ECU consolidation for its next-gen hardware, are detailed, and the removal of the Model Y AWD Standard Range variant is noted, with speculation on its connection to 4680 cell production for the Cybertruck. Finally, updates on Tesla's Supercharger network, Wall Connector app integration, Model 3 powered liftgate retrofit, a new bond offering, and the opening of the first Tesla store in Thailand are presented.