ELECTREK'S VEHICLE OF 2023, CYBERTRUCK FOUNDATION SERIES, GM BOLT EUV ONLY, MORE

EV Channels Review

The Electrek Podcast names the Tesla Model Y its Vehicle of the Year for 2023, a decision that sparked discussion but is defended by the hosts. The Model Y's selection is attributed to its unprecedented sales volume, making it the world's best-selling passenger vehicle and a significant driver of EV adoption. While acknowledging potential criticisms like panel gaps and a less engaging driving experience compared to the Model 3, the hosts emphasize its practicality, crossover appeal, and the crucial role it plays in transitioning the automotive industry towards electrification. The podcast also delves into the initial $120,000 "Foundation Series" Cybertruck deliveries, noting the inclusion of Full Self-Driving and other premium features, and discusses the potential for Tesla to leverage Cybertruck technologies like 48-volt architecture and steer-by-wire in future low-cost models. Other topics include the underwhelming Tesla holiday software update, leadership changes in the Dojo supercomputer project, Tesla sharing its 48-volt architecture with Ford, the spreading European union strikes against Tesla, the reduction of EV tax credits for certain Model 3 trims, GM's decision to make the next-gen Bolt an EUV-only model, Lucid's price cuts and range improvements, Toyota's upcoming Urban electric SUV concept, and Fisker's continued production target reductions.