FORD AXES MODEL E DEALERSHIP PROGRAM, TESLA SHAREHOLDERS APPROVE $45B PAY PACKAGE

EV Channels Review

The latest episode of Batteries Included podcast covers significant industry news, including Ford's decision to axe its Model E dealership certification program. This move, intended to streamline EV purchases and compete with Tesla's direct sales model, has been abandoned due to dealer pushback and lawsuits. While a short-term win for dealers, the hosts express concern this could be disastrous long-term for legacy automakers like Ford and GM, potentially hindering their ability to compete with agile, direct-selling EV manufacturers and Chinese imports. The podcast also touches on Tesla's shareholder vote to restore Elon Musk's pay package, the ongoing debate around EV battery degradation from fast charging (with new data suggesting minimal impact), and a road trip through Europe in a Porsche Taycan.