ELECTREK PODCAST: TESLA APPOINTS NEW BOARD MEMBERS, SOFTWARE UPDATE, CHEAP CHINESE EV, AND MORE

EV Channels Review

This episode of the Electrek Podcast covers several key developments in the EV space. A significant portion is dedicated to Tesla's appointment of two new independent board members, Larry Ellison and Caitlyn Wilson Thompson, as mandated by the SEC settlement. While Ellison is noted as a close friend of Elon Musk, Thompson is described as an HR expert, aiming to address concerns about board independence. The market reacted positively to these appointments, with Tesla's stock rising. The podcast also discusses a minor Tesla software update aimed at preventing charge port freezing in cold weather, though its exact mechanism remains unclear. Additionally, a hardware update to Model 3 headlights, improving performance on stringent IIHS tests, is highlighted. The discussion then shifts to Tesla's Autopilot Hardware 3.0, with an ongoing employee testing program and a projected rollout in early 2019. The episode touches on Tesla's referral program extensions and Supercharger expansion plans in Europe, though past timelines have been missed. Finally, the hosts explore various electric scooters and motorcycles, including the innovative EO scooter, the Super Soco TC Max, and the Harley-Davidson LiveWire, alongside Chinese EVs like the Great Wall Ora R1 and Nio models, noting their potential impact and pricing strategies.