ELECTREK PODCAST: TESLA BATTERY NEWS, TESLA AUTOBIDDER, FREMONT FACTORY RESTART, AND MORE

EV Channels Review

This episode of the Electrek Podcast delves into several key Tesla developments. A significant portion is dedicated to the ongoing saga of the Fremont factory's attempted restart amidst local health restrictions, highlighting the tension between state guidelines and county-level enforcement. The discussion then pivots to Tesla's battery advancements, covering research into lower-cobalt, higher-energy-density cells, a new patent for a tabless electrode design, and a hybrid lithium-metal/lithium-ion cell concept for range extension. The podcast also introduces Tesla's Autobidder platform, a software solution for monetizing battery assets, and its potential role in creating a distributed electric utility. Finally, the conversation touches on software updates for Tesla vehicles, including improvements to the Toybox, charging map, and dashcam functionality. The highly anticipated Tesla Roadster's timeline is revisited, with Elon Musk indicating it will likely be delayed to 2022, prioritizing Cybertruck production. The hosts express skepticism about the value of reservation programs given these repeated delays.