Episode 553: Rivian Gets RAD
About this episode
Rivian launches a new performance division aimed at enhancing driving fun for owners, signaling a shift towards sportier EVs. Tesla reclaims top EV sales in Norway amidst ongoing changes, including the discontinuation of Model S and X and controversial pricing and feature policies on the Cybertruck. The episode also covers BYD's battery breakthrough and Tesla's Giga Berlin expansion plans, including potential production of Cybercabs and Optimus robots. Host Ryan McCaffrey shares candid views on Tesla's recent customer-unfriendly moves and speculates on the future Model YL launch in the US.
Rivian has announced a new performance/skunkworks division of the company that aims to deliver a lot more fun to Rivian owners. Plus: Tesla reclaims the top sales spot in EV-dominant Norway, BYD has a battery breakthrough, and more!
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Tesla Model S
"...the cancellation of the Model X and of course the Model S as well. And so I do still think my source might..."
The Tesla Model S is a fancy electric car that looks like a regular sedan but runs only on electricity. It was one of the first cars that made electric vehicles popular because it can go far and is very fast. People talk about it because it’s an important car for Tesla.
The Tesla Model S is a luxury all-electric sedan that helped establish Tesla as a leader in electric vehicles with its long range and high performance. It has been a flagship model for Tesla, known for its innovation and technology. Discussions about its cancellation or updates are significant as they impact Tesla’s product strategy.
Tesla Model X
"...bruary as we all know is the cancellation of the Model X and of course the Model S as well. And so I do st..."
The Tesla Model X is a big electric SUV that has special doors that open up like wings. It can carry many people and drive far on electricity. People talk about it because it’s a special and fancy electric car.
The Tesla Model X is a luxury all-electric SUV known for its distinctive falcon-wing doors and spacious interior, offering strong performance and long electric range. It has been a key part of Tesla’s lineup but discussions about its cancellation suggest shifts in Tesla’s focus. Its unique features make it a notable vehicle in the EV market.
Tesla Model Y
"... presumably at about the end of Q2, bring in the Model YL. It would leverage existing Model Y manufacturin..."
The Tesla Model Y is an electric car that looks like a small SUV and is made by Tesla. It uses the same parts as another Tesla car, the Model 3, which helps keep costs down. People talk about it because it’s a popular electric car that can carry more stuff and people.
The Tesla Model Y is a compact all-electric SUV that shares many components with the Model 3 sedan, making it a more affordable and versatile option in Tesla's lineup. It is significant for its blend of range, performance, and utility, appealing to a broad market segment. The mention of a 'Model YL' suggests a potential new variant or update leveraging existing manufacturing processes.
all-wheel drive
"Tesla raised the price on that new $60,000 all-wheel drive Cybertruck trim, that I think I said something along the lines of my heart wants it to only go up to $65,000,"
All-wheel drive means the car sends power to all four wheels at the same time, helping it grip the road better, especially in bad weather or rough places.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is a drivetrain system that powers all four wheels of a vehicle simultaneously to improve traction and handling, especially in adverse conditions like snow or off-road.
Tesla Cybertruck
"...ed the price on that new $60,000 all-wheel drive Cybertruck trim, that I think I said something along the lin..."
The Tesla Cybertruck is a new kind of electric truck that looks very different from regular trucks. It’s made to be strong and can carry heavy things, all while running on electricity. People are interested because it’s a unique and powerful electric vehicle.
The Tesla Cybertruck is an all-electric pickup truck with a futuristic design and durable stainless steel body, aiming to disrupt the traditional pickup market. It offers impressive performance specs, including all-wheel drive and high towing capacity. Price adjustments and new trim announcements are closely watched by enthusiasts and potential buyers.
supply and demand
"They'll say, hey, that's just capitalism, that's just supply and demand, and you know what? I can't argue with that,"
Supply and demand means that if lots of people want something but there isn't enough of it, the price usually goes up.
Supply and demand is an economic principle where the price of a product is determined by the availability of the product (supply) and the desire of buyers to purchase it (demand). When demand exceeds supply, prices tend to rise.
introductory pricing
"the reality is we won't really get any data on how much that 10-day, now you could call it, introductory pricing on the standard all-wheel drive Cybertruck move the needle for Tesla until Q3."
Introductory pricing means a new product is sold for less money at first to get people interested, then the price goes up after a while.
Introductory pricing is a strategy where a new product is offered at a lower price for a limited time to attract early buyers before increasing the price later.
Q3 numbers
"That is when we'll find out some real data. The new trim is supposed to begin delivering in June, which yes, is still Q2, but only the tail end of it. So even if deliveries were to start on June 1st, it's still only a third of the quarter. So that's what I mean when I say that Q3 will be when we see its effect."
Q3 numbers are the results a company shares about how much money they made or how many products they sold during the third part of the year.
Q3 numbers refer to the financial or sales results reported for the third quarter of a fiscal year, which can indicate how well a company or product is performing.
Tesla Semi
"Tesla will probably lump in the cyber cab with other vehicles and possibly the Tesla Semi as well."
The Tesla Semi is a big electric truck made by Tesla that can carry heavy loads without using gas or diesel.
The Tesla Semi is an all-electric Class 8 semi-truck designed by Tesla to offer long-range hauling with lower operating costs and zero emissions compared to traditional diesel trucks.
air suspension
"the lack of air suspension. That's the major feature, as I had detailed a couple episodes ago. That's the major feature that's been removed"
Air suspension is a system in some cars that uses air-filled bags to make the ride smoother and lets you change how high or low the car sits.
Air suspension is a type of vehicle suspension that uses airbags instead of traditional metal springs, allowing for adjustable ride height and improved ride comfort.
full self-driving (FSD)
"Tesla updated their website this past week and their policy to now say that instead of simply ordering your new vehicle by March 31st in order to be able to transfer FSD to your new car, you have to take delivery of it by March 31st"
Full Self-Driving is a special software Tesla sells that helps the car drive itself in some situations, but the driver still needs to pay attention.
Full Self-Driving (FSD) is Tesla's advanced driver-assistance software package that aims to enable autonomous driving features, though it currently requires driver supervision.
basic autopilot
"They've removed basic autopilot from all new cars moving forward and not given anything equivalent as a standard feature included with the car where practically,"
Basic Autopilot is a system in Tesla cars that helps the driver by keeping the car centered in the lane and controlling speed automatically.
Basic Autopilot is Tesla's entry-level driver-assistance system that includes features like adaptive cruise control and lane centering. It is typically included with Tesla vehicles but recent changes have removed it from new cars without a replacement standard feature.
auto-steer
"so many new cars, especially in the Model 3 and Model Y price category, do include some sort of auto-steer equivalent,"
Auto-steer is a feature that helps the car steer itself a little bit to stay in the lane, making driving easier and safer.
Auto-steer refers to driver-assistance technology that helps keep a vehicle centered in its lane by automatically steering the car. It is a common feature in many modern vehicles to reduce driver fatigue and improve safety.
Tesla Model 3
"so many new cars, especially in the Model 3 and Model Y price category, do include some sort of auto-steer equivalent,"
The Tesla Model 3 is a smaller electric car that is more affordable and popular among many people.
The Tesla Model 3 is a compact all-electric sedan designed for mass-market appeal with a lower price point compared to other Tesla models. It features modern tech and good range.
Giga Berlin
"All right, as I promised, here's some more fun news. Remember those Giga Berlin expansion plans that were talked about last year? Well, now we've got a better idea of exactly what Tesla's planning to do with that expanded capacity at Giga Berlin."
Giga Berlin is a big factory in Germany where Tesla makes its electric cars and batteries. It helps Tesla build more cars for people in Europe.
Giga Berlin is Tesla's large manufacturing plant located in Germany, designed to produce electric vehicles and battery cells for the European market. It is part of Tesla's global expansion to increase production capacity.
Tesla Cybercab
"... Elon said if things go well, they'll also build cybercabs and Optimus Robots in Berlin. Now, don't get me w..."
The Tesla Cybercab is a special version of the Cybertruck that Tesla might use as a taxi or ride service car. It’s part of Tesla’s plans to make new kinds of vehicles and robots. People talk about it because it shows Tesla’s big ideas for the future.
The Tesla Cybercab is a proposed variant of the Cybertruck designed to serve as a futuristic taxi or ride-sharing vehicle, potentially produced alongside other Tesla innovations like Optimus robots. Its development reflects Tesla’s ambitions beyond personal vehicles into commercial and robotic applications.
Optimus Robot
"I find it a little interesting to say that Elon said if things go well, they'll also build cybercabs and Optimus Robots in Berlin."
Optimus Robot is a robot Tesla is making that looks like a person and can do jobs that are boring or unsafe for humans.
Optimus Robot is Tesla's humanoid robot project aimed at performing repetitive or dangerous tasks, leveraging Tesla's expertise in AI and robotics. It is intended for future industrial and consumer applications.
Giga Texas
"...cybercab is gonna take a bit to ramp up in Texas first... plus just getting it ramped up and going with the unboxed manufacturing process at Giga Texas first."
Giga Texas is a big Tesla factory in Texas where they make electric trucks like the Cybertruck. They use new ways to build cars faster and cheaper.
Giga Texas is Tesla's manufacturing plant in Texas, USA. It is a major production site for vehicles like the Cybertruck and Cybercab, and uses innovative manufacturing processes such as unboxed manufacturing to increase efficiency.
regulatory hurdle
"...there's arguably an even higher regulatory hurdle that Tesla will have to clear in Europe before they can start selling the cybercab over there."
Regulatory hurdles are rules and laws that Tesla has to follow before they can sell their cars in places like Europe. These rules make sure the cars are safe and okay to drive there.
A regulatory hurdle refers to legal and compliance challenges that a vehicle must meet before it can be sold in a particular market, including safety, emissions, and other standards.
EV
"Tesla reclaimed the top spot in Norway's auto market for the month of February as EVs captured 98% of all new car registrations."
An EV is a car that runs on electricity instead of gas. It uses batteries to store power and doesn't produce exhaust fumes.
EV stands for electric vehicle, which is a car powered entirely or primarily by electricity stored in batteries instead of using a traditional internal combustion engine.
market share
"The Model Y recorded 1,073 registrations, giving it a 14.8% market share for the month. Tesla also became Norway's top-selling brand with 1,210 registrations, representing a 16.6% market share."
Market share means how much of all the cars sold in a place belong to one company or model. If a car has a big market share, it means many people are buying it.
Market share refers to the percentage of total sales in a market captured by a particular company or product. It indicates how dominant or popular a brand or model is compared to competitors.
electric cars
"is that astounding 98% number. Let me emphasize what just happened in February. 98% of all new vehicle registrations in the entire country of Norway were electric cars."
Electric cars run on batteries and electric motors instead of gas. They don’t produce exhaust and are usually quieter.
Electric cars are vehicles powered entirely or primarily by electric motors using energy stored in batteries, rather than internal combustion engines using gasoline or diesel.
new vehicle registrations
"98% of all new vehicle registrations in the entire country of Norway were electric cars. That's just incredible."
When someone buys a new car, it gets officially recorded with the government. This is called a new vehicle registration.
New vehicle registrations refer to the official recording of newly sold or leased vehicles with government authorities, indicating new cars entering the market.
EV adoption
"A recent story I saw, and I'm just paraphrasing here, showed that EVs are making neighborhood air cleaner, like markedly cleaner, in areas that have good EV adoption."
EV adoption means how many people are buying and using electric cars in a place.
EV adoption refers to the rate and extent to which electric vehicles are purchased and used by consumers in a particular area.
performance division
"RAD, the Rivian Adventure Department, a newly christened performance division within the company."
A performance division is a part of a car company that works on making cars faster, stronger, or better at special tasks.
A performance division is a specialized team within a car company focused on enhancing vehicle capabilities, such as power, handling, and off-road performance.
Rivian R1T
"And then regarding Hill Climb, the aforementioned Pikes Peak, they say, when we took the R1-T to Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, we weren't just chasing a record. Our goal was to understand how to make an all-electric truck feel like a rally car at"
The Rivian R1T is an electric truck made to go off-road and carry heavy things. It’s built to be strong and can handle tough hills and rough roads. People are interested because it’s one of the first electric trucks you can buy.
The Rivian R1T is an all-electric pickup truck designed for adventure and utility, featuring impressive off-road capabilities and innovative technology. Its participation in events like the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb highlights its performance credentials. The R1T is significant as one of the first electric trucks to reach production.
Rivian R1S
"...e competing in the race itself with the new Quad R1S. The Fat Ice Race is a one-of-a-kind winter motor..."
The Rivian R1S is an electric SUV made by a new car company called Rivian. It can drive on regular roads and rough places like snow or dirt. People talk about it because it’s a new type of electric car that can do a lot.
The Rivian R1S is an all-electric SUV designed for both on-road comfort and off-road capability, produced by American startup Rivian. It has gained attention for its innovative features and participation in unique events like winter motor races. Its blend of utility and electric performance positions it as a competitor in the premium EV SUV market.
direct-to-consumer sales
"...Any automaker should be free to sell directly to consumers, because as we've all learned..."
This means car companies sell their cars straight to people without using regular car stores. Tesla does this, and other electric car makers want to do it too.
Direct-to-consumer sales allow automakers to sell vehicles directly to buyers without involving traditional dealerships. This model is used by Tesla and is being sought by Rivian and Lucid to avoid dealership restrictions.
BYD
"...It's a big one. It's from BYD who has officially revealed the next generation of its Blade Battery technology, introducing dramatically faster charging speeds and improved energy density."
BYD is a company from China that makes electric cars and the special batteries that power them. Their batteries are designed to be safe and charge quickly.
BYD is a Chinese company that manufactures electric vehicles and batteries. They are known for their Blade Battery technology, which focuses on safety, energy density, and fast charging capabilities.
flash charging 2.0 system
"...The new battery, unveiled alongside BYD's flash charging 2.0 system, is designed to support..."
This is a new way BYD charges electric car batteries very quickly, so you spend less time waiting for your car to charge.
BYD's flash charging 2.0 system is an advanced fast-charging technology designed to significantly reduce charging times for electric vehicles, complementing their Blade Battery technology.
Yangwang Yang Wangs U7
"paper, it translates into a noticeable improvement in driving range when applied across an entire battery pack. For example, BYD says the Yang Wang's U7 equipped with a 150kWh battery pack can deliver up to 1,006 kilometers of range on China's CLTC testing cycle."
The Yangwang U7 is an electric car made in China that has a very big battery, so it can drive a long way before needing to charge. It’s made by a company called BYD. People mention it because it shows how electric cars are getting better.
The Yangwang U7 is an electric vehicle equipped with a large 150kWh battery pack, offering a significant driving range improvement thanks to advanced battery technology. Produced by BYD, it represents the growing competitiveness of Chinese EV manufacturers in the global market. Its focus on range and efficiency makes it a notable model.
Z9 Denza Z9
"...ge on China's CLTC testing cycle. Meanwhile, the Denza Z9 GT is rated for up to 644 miles under the same st..."
The Z9 is an electric car that can drive very far on one charge, up to 644 miles according to tests in China. It’s made by a company called Denza. People talk about it because it shows how electric cars can go long distances.
The Denza Z9 GT is an electric vehicle rated for an impressive range of up to 644 miles under China’s CLTC testing cycle, highlighting advancements in battery and efficiency technology. Denza is a joint venture focusing on premium EVs, and the Z9 GT represents their push into long-range luxury electric sedans. Its range claims make it a standout in the EV market.
humanoid robots
"Tesla is, by their own words, all in on autonomy and humanoid robots, both of those focuses can still hugely benefit from better battery tech."
Humanoid robots are robots that look and move like people and can do jobs on their own.
Humanoid robots are robots designed to resemble the human body and perform tasks autonomously, a technology Tesla is developing alongside its vehicle projects.
battery range
"Smaller batteries or longer range batteries, or both, are extremely useful in either scenario."
Battery range means how far an electric car can go before it needs to be charged again.
Battery range refers to the distance an electric vehicle can travel on a single full charge of its battery.
EV movement
"I want to say bravo to BYD for meaningfully moving the needle forward for the EV movement."
The EV movement means more people and companies are choosing electric cars to help the environment.
The EV movement refers to the global shift towards adopting electric vehicles to reduce emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.
extended warranty
"a quick mention from my friends at Accelerate Auto and their Xcare extended warranty option for not just Teslas, but for all EVs. Again, whether people realize it or not, there's a timing element to grabbing an extended warranty option that matters more than most people think. So when it comes to EV coverage, it's not really about if you buy it. I mean, certainly it's your choice whether you're going to get it or not, but it definitely matters when. So coverage is generally more cost advantage when it's purchased before your factory warranty ends rather than after."
An extended warranty is extra protection you can buy for your car to help pay for repairs after the original warranty runs out. It helps you avoid big surprise bills if something breaks.
An extended warranty is an optional service contract that provides coverage for vehicle repairs beyond the original factory warranty period. It can help reduce unexpected repair costs but often varies in price and coverage depending on when it is purchased and the vehicle's condition.
Accelerate Auto
"a quick mention from my friends at Accelerate Auto and their Xcare extended warranty option for not just Teslas, but for all EVs."
Accelerate Auto is a company that sells extra protection plans for electric cars, helping owners pay for repairs after the original warranty ends.
Accelerate Auto is a company offering extended warranty plans specifically for electric vehicles, including Tesla models. Their Xcare service helps EV owners manage warranty coverage timing and options.
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