DAILY: Tesla Kills Off S & X, Ford Adds LFP In Europe and More Miles From Mini | 29 Jan 2026
About this episode
Tesla's decision to end production of the Model S and Model X marks a significant shift towards high-volume models and robotics, as discussed during their recent earnings call. The episode also covers updates from Polestar and Ford, highlighting improvements in their EV offerings, including increased range and performance. Additionally, insights into Tesla's full self-driving subscriptions and the competitive landscape of used EVs are shared, along with a look at global trends in electric mobility and the growing number of countries committing to EV expansion.
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TESLA TO END MODEL S AND X PRODUCTION IN 2026 https://bit.ly/3MewAzl
TESLA DUMPS FLAGSHIP CARS TO BUILD ROBOTS https://bit.ly/4q1XMiz
TESLA’S ROBOTAXI CLAIMS COLLIDE WITH CALIFORNIA LAW https://bit.ly/3ZF16FC
TESLA FSD USER COUNT RISES, BUT QUESTIONS MULTIPLY https://bit.ly/4rkWosw
TESLA PUTS HARD NUMBER ON FSD DEMAND https://bit.ly/4rkbGh0
MUSK FLOATS IDEA TO USE UNWANTED CYBERTRUCKS https://bit.ly/4kacliS
MUSK ADMITS TESLA ROBOT NOT YET DOING USEFUL WORK https://bit.ly/4a4knVI
POLESTAR 2 GAINS BIGGER BATTERY AND REAR-DRIVE FOCUS FOR 2026 https://bit.ly/49QlE48
FORD GIVES CHEAPEST EVS MORE RANGE FOR SAME PRICE https://bit.ly/4q4op6w
MINI SQUEEZES MORE MILES FROM COUNTRYMAN E https://bit.ly/3NMeiG3
USED BOLT EUV UNDERCUTS COROLLA ON OWNERSHIP COST https://bit.ly/4qUz84Y
JAECOO EXTENDS CUT-PRICE J5 EV LAUNCH DEAL https://bit.ly/4t734fy
UK WEALTH FUND PUMPS CASH INTO EV CHARGERS AND BATTERIES https://bit.ly/49W3r5f
EV PLEDGES GO GLOBAL BUT TARGETS STAY UNEVEN https://bit.ly/4alWXMU
Tesla Model S
"Welcome back to EV news daily today, Tesla officially kills off the Model S and the Model X..."
The Tesla Model S is an electric car that is known for being fast and having a long battery life. It's one of Tesla's most popular cars.
The Tesla Model S is a luxury all-electric sedan known for its high performance, long range, and advanced technology features. It has been a flagship model for Tesla since its introduction in 2012.
ADAS
"...NIO pushing their updated ADAS system to hundreds of thousands of cars..."
ADAS means Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. These are features in cars that help drivers stay safe, like warning you if you're drifting out of your lane or helping you brake if there's an obstacle.
ADAS stands for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, which are technologies designed to enhance vehicle safety and facilitate driving. These systems can include features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.
NIO X-Pung X9
"...the X-Pung X9 and VW's China Platform Zonal architecture rolling out on tens of vehicles..."
The NIO X-Pung X9 is an electric SUV made by the Chinese company NIO. It's designed to offer a high-quality driving experience with modern technology.
The NIO X-Pung X9 is an electric SUV from the Chinese automaker NIO, known for its innovative technology and performance. It aims to provide a premium electric driving experience in a competitive market.
Volkswagen
"...and VW's China Platform Zonal architecture rolling out on tens of vehicles over the coming years from Volkswagen China."
Volkswagen is a well-known car company from Germany that makes many different types of cars, including electric ones. They are famous for models like the Beetle and the Golf.
Volkswagen is a German automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including the iconic Beetle and the Golf. The brand is also investing heavily in electric vehicles as part of its future strategy.
Tesla Model X
"...nings call that production of the Model S and the Model X will now officially end in the second quarter."
The Tesla Model X is a big electric car that can drive long distances without needing gas. It has unique doors that open up like wings, and it's packed with cool tech features.
The Tesla Model X is an all-electric SUV known for its distinctive falcon-wing doors and impressive range. It represents Tesla's push towards sustainable transportation and offers advanced technology features, making it a significant player in the electric vehicle market.
Tesla Model Y
"The problem Tesla has got, it still needs to sell you a Model Y to make the money to do things like energy storage and robots, which are taking up 20 billion a year in investment."
The Tesla Model Y is an electric SUV made by Tesla. It's known for being efficient and having good performance, making it a popular option for people looking for electric vehicles.
The Tesla Model Y is a compact electric SUV that shares many components with the Model 3 sedan. It is designed for efficiency and performance, making it a popular choice in the electric vehicle market.
robot taxis
"pushing down costs and shifting capital to products that he wants to develop like robots and robot taxis."
Robot taxis are self-driving cars that can take you places without a driver. Tesla is working on making these cars a reality for ride-sharing services.
Robot taxis refer to autonomous vehicles that can operate without a human driver, providing ride-hailing services. Tesla is developing this technology as part of its vision for the future of transportation.
Robo Taxis
"Tesla said its Robo Taxis are working in places from Austin to San Francisco's Bay Area. California, though, says no, they don't and they cannot because Tesla does not have a license."
Robo Taxis are self-driving cars that can take you places without needing a driver. They use special technology to drive themselves safely.
Robo Taxis are autonomous vehicles designed to transport passengers without a human driver. They rely on advanced technology to navigate and operate safely in various environments.
autonomous vehicles
"Tesla stake much of its future yesterday on its call on autonomous vehicles and investors track each hint of progress carefully."
Autonomous vehicles are cars that can drive themselves without anyone controlling them. They use technology to see and understand their surroundings.
Autonomous vehicles are cars or trucks that can drive themselves without human intervention, using a combination of sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence to navigate and make decisions on the road.
full self-driving
"Tesla now says 1.1 million people worldwide use full self-driving. That's a big number."
Full self-driving is a technology that allows a car to drive itself without needing a driver to control it. Tesla has developed this system to help cars navigate roads and traffic on their own.
Full self-driving (FSD) refers to an advanced driver-assistance system developed by Tesla that aims to enable a vehicle to drive itself without human intervention in most situations. It utilizes a combination of cameras, sensors, and artificial intelligence to navigate and make decisions on the road.
NEO
"On EV News China today, we're talking about NEO's big upgrade."
NEO is a car company from China that makes electric vehicles. They are known for their advanced technology and stylish designs.
NEO is a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer known for producing smart, connected electric cars. The company focuses on high-performance electric vehicles and has gained attention for its innovative technology and design.
FSD
"Now, from February the 14th, in a couple of weeks time, Tesla will end FSD purchasing and you'll have to do a monthly subscription. The chief executive, Mr Musk, has a performance-based pay package now in place..."
FSD means Full Self-Driving, which is a set of features that help a Tesla drive itself. However, it still needs a human driver to be ready to take control at any time.
FSD stands for Full Self-Driving, a suite of advanced driver-assistance features offered by Tesla. It allows for automated driving capabilities, although full autonomy is not yet achieved.
Tesla Cybertruck
"Hey, we'll finish off talking about the call last night with Tesla having a solution to the Cybertruck problem. They didn't acknowledge that nobody wants to buy a Cybertruck anymore..."
The Cybertruck is an electric truck made by Tesla that looks very different from regular trucks. It's designed to be tough and has a unique shape.
The Tesla Cybertruck is an all-electric pickup truck known for its distinctive angular design and high durability. It aims to offer utility and performance in a futuristic package.
Tesla Model 3
"...designing, building and selling model threes and whys while its most ambitious plans remain idle..."
The Tesla Model 3 is a popular electric car known for being more affordable than other Tesla models. It has good performance and a long driving range on a single charge.
The Tesla Model 3 is an all-electric sedan that has gained popularity for its performance, range, and affordability compared to other electric vehicles. It plays a significant role in Tesla's lineup and has contributed to the company's growth in the automotive market.
Chevrolet Bolt
"...and why the bolt is better..."
The Chevrolet Bolt is an electric car that is known for being affordable and having a good driving range. It's a practical choice for those looking to go electric without spending too much.
The Chevrolet Bolt is an all-electric hatchback that offers a practical range and affordability, making it a strong competitor in the electric vehicle market. It is known for its spacious interior and user-friendly technology.
Toyota Corolla
"than a used Toyota Corolla on the used market. Got some data on that back in a moment."
The Toyota Corolla is a small car that many people buy because it's dependable and gets good gas mileage. It's very popular around the world.
The Toyota Corolla is a compact car known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. It has been one of the best-selling cars worldwide for many years.
Polestar 2
"...ent. Alright, welcome back. Let's talk about the Polestar 2 getting better for 2026. They've reworked their ..."
The Polestar 2 is a fancy electric car that looks sleek and drives well. It's made by a company that's part of Volvo, and it's designed to be good for the environment while still being fun to drive.
The Polestar 2 is an all-electric sedan from Volvo's performance brand, Polestar. It is designed to compete with other electric vehicles by offering a blend of performance, luxury, and sustainability, making it an appealing option for eco-conscious drivers.
Polestar 1
"after the plug-in hybrid Polestar 1 dual motor long range. I still think pretty high tech and mine's one of the original launch additions..."
The Polestar 1 is a special car that uses both gas and electricity to run. It's designed to be fast and luxurious, making it a unique choice for car lovers.
The Polestar 1 is a plug-in hybrid sports car that combines a gasoline engine with electric motors for enhanced performance and efficiency. It was Polestar's first model and is known for its luxury and performance.
BST270
"then the BST270. That was a limited run performance tuned flagship. Occasionally look at the one auto trainer."
The BST270 is a special version of the Polestar 2 that is made for people who want a faster and more exciting driving experience. It's not made in large numbers, making it unique.
The BST270 is a limited-run performance version of the Polestar 2, designed to offer enhanced driving dynamics and features for enthusiasts. It showcases the brand's commitment to performance in the electric vehicle segment.
horsepower
"power steps from 268 horsepower in the Polestar to standard range all the way to 300 horsepower in the long range single motor"
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful a car's engine is. The higher the horsepower, the faster and stronger the car can be.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to describe the output of engines. It indicates how much work an engine can perform over time.
dual motors
"The plus is the kit and the dual motors obviously is the performance bit with more power. They'll"
Dual motors mean that the vehicle has two electric motors instead of one. This helps the car accelerate faster and have better control, especially in tricky driving conditions.
Dual motors refer to an electric vehicle setup where two electric motors are used, typically one for each axle. This configuration can provide better traction, acceleration, and overall performance compared to a single motor setup.
Ford Puma
"...n't think they're very cheap. Of course, the Ford Puma Gen E is sits like kind of mid-20s. Now it gets ..."
The Ford Puma is a small SUV that looks stylish and is great for everyday use. It's designed to be fun to drive while also being practical for carrying things and people.
The Ford Puma is a compact crossover SUV that combines sporty design with practicality. It has gained attention for its efficient use of space and modern technology features, making it a popular choice in the competitive SUV market.
Ford Explorer
"...he full UK grant, but otherwise, Ford's Capri and Explorer now go further and faster for the same price. So..."
Ford Capri
"Thank you, Ford. The entry level versions of the Capri and the Explorer get LFP batteries and a stronger motor."
The Ford Capri is a sporty car that was popular many years ago. It's known for its good looks and fun driving experience, making it a favorite among car fans.
The Ford Capri is a classic sports coupe that was produced by Ford from the 1960s to the 1980s. Known for its stylish design and sporty performance, it has become a beloved classic car among enthusiasts.
LFP batteries
"The entry level versions of the Capri and the Explorer get LFP batteries and a stronger motor. Standard range pack goes from NMC to LFP, which means the official range goes up by 45 miles."
LFP batteries are a kind of battery used in electric cars. They are safe and last a long time, making them a good choice for powering vehicles.
LFP batteries, or Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries, are a type of rechargeable battery known for their safety, long life, and thermal stability. They are commonly used in electric vehicles for energy storage.
energy density
"...LFP has a cost in weight. Lower energy density means like for like pack weighs more..."
Energy density is how much energy a battery can hold compared to its size or weight. A battery with high energy density can store more energy without being too big or heavy.
Energy density refers to the amount of energy stored in a given system or region of space per unit volume or mass. In batteries, higher energy density means more energy can be stored in a smaller, lighter package.
Mini Countryman
"...they have added 25 miles to the Countryman E. Is it just new official testing numbers? The gain is modest until you look at the class."
The Mini Countryman E is the electric version of the Mini Countryman, which is a small SUV. It can drive a certain distance before needing to be recharged, which is important for electric cars.
The Mini Countryman E is an electric version of the Mini Countryman, a compact SUV. It features a battery pack that allows for a certain range of miles on a single charge, making it competitive in its class.
silicon carbide inverter
"...New silicon carbide inverter is what they've used to cut the losses when it turns DC to AC."
A silicon carbide inverter is a device that helps electric cars use their battery power more efficiently. It changes the type of electricity from the battery so the car can run better.
A silicon carbide inverter is a type of power electronics device that converts direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC) with improved efficiency. This technology helps reduce energy losses in electric vehicles.
kilowatt hour
"...So 66.5 kilowatt hour pack. But the motors and the onboard systems all run on AC."
A kilowatt hour is a way to measure how much electricity a battery can store. It helps you understand how far an electric car can go before it needs to be charged again.
A kilowatt hour (kWh) is a unit of energy that measures how much electricity is used over time. In electric vehicles, it indicates the capacity of the battery and how far the vehicle can travel on a single charge.
low friction wheel bearings
"That conversion is more efficient now. Low friction wheel bearings on the front axle. Just little efficiency gains like that."
Low friction wheel bearings help the wheels turn more easily, which can save energy and help the car go farther on the same amount of fuel or battery power.
Low friction wheel bearings reduce the amount of energy lost to friction, improving the overall efficiency of a vehicle. This means that less energy is required to turn the wheels, which can contribute to better fuel economy or electric range.
electric range
"The four-wheel drive Countryman E. All four now does 290 miles. That's up from 267, which is still trailing its competitors."
Electric range is how far an electric car can go before it needs to be recharged. It's important for knowing if the car can handle your daily driving needs.
Electric range refers to the distance an electric vehicle can travel on a single charge. It's a critical factor for potential buyers, as it determines how practical the vehicle is for daily use and long trips.
Chevrolet Bolt EUV
"... if you want the best bang for your buck. A used Bolt EUV is cheaper than Toyota Corolla on the used market..."
The Chevrolet Bolt EUV is a roomy electric car that doesn't cost too much. It's a good choice if you want to save money on gas and still have plenty of space for passengers and cargo.
The Chevrolet Bolt EUV is an electric utility vehicle that offers a spacious interior and an affordable price point. It is designed to provide a practical and economical option for those looking to transition to electric driving without breaking the bank.
BEV
"This is America that they've done the data on and they've ruled out anything like federal tax credits and state subsidies. The work compares 14 vehicles, which were model year 2024. They looked at combustion and they compared it to plug-in hybrid and pure Bev and three years of ownership and two mileage profiles, nine thousand or 15,000 miles a year."
BEV means Battery Electric Vehicle, which is a car that runs only on electricity and doesn't use gas at all. They are better for the environment and can save you money on fuel.
BEV stands for Battery Electric Vehicle, which is a type of electric vehicle that runs entirely on electricity stored in batteries, without any internal combustion engine. This makes them environmentally friendly and often cheaper to operate over time.
plug-in hybrid
"They looked at combustion and they compared it to plug-in hybrid and pure Bev and three years of ownership and two mileage profiles, nine thousand or 15,000 miles a year."
A plug-in hybrid is a car that can use both electricity and gas. You can charge it up like an electric car, but it also has a gas engine for longer trips.
A plug-in hybrid is a vehicle that combines a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric motor and a rechargeable battery. It can be charged from an external power source and can run on electric power alone for a limited range before switching to gasoline.
depreciation
"They tallied the purchase price that you would have paid. They factor in depreciation, financing costs, fuel maintenance repairs, insurance and taxes as well."
Depreciation is how much a car loses value over time. When you buy a car, it’s worth less after a few years because it gets older and used.
Depreciation is the reduction in the value of an asset over time, often due to wear and tear or obsolescence. In the context of vehicles, it refers to how much a car's value decreases after purchase, which is an important factor in calculating total ownership costs.
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