Longtime Tesla Investor Ross Gerber on Tesla's New Cheaper Models and More
About this episode
Ross Gerber, a prominent Tesla investor, shares his journey with the brand, discussing its evolution from the Model S to the recent introduction of cheaper models. He expresses concern over Tesla's decision to strip features from these new models, arguing that it undermines the brand's value. Gerber also contrasts Tesla with competitors like Rivian and Lucid, highlighting their operational challenges and market positioning. The conversation touches on the future of electric vehicles, the impact of Chinese manufacturers, and the importance of maintaining quality and innovation in the automotive industry.
Ross Gerber, president and CEO of Gerber Kawasaki, joins the podcast to talk about his life as one of Tesla's biggest and most famous investors. Plus, thoughts on Tesla's decision to drop prices and whether it should pursue self-driving as a business model.
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Lucid
"...we dabble a little bit in Rivian and Lucid Portia and Ferrari."
Lucid is a car company that makes high-end electric cars. Their most popular model is called the Lucid Air, which is known for its luxury features.
Lucid Motors is an American automotive company that specializes in electric vehicles, particularly luxury sedans like the Lucid Air.
Ferrari
"...we dabble a little bit in Rivian and Lucid Portia and Ferrari."
Ferrari is a famous car brand from Italy that makes very fast and expensive sports cars. They are known for their racing history and iconic designs.
Ferrari is an Italian luxury sports car manufacturer known for its high-performance vehicles and rich racing heritage.
Chevy Bolt
"Yeah. Aside from the newly redesigned Chevy Bolt it was probably the biggest car news this week..."
The Chevy Bolt is an electric car made by Chevy. It's designed to be affordable and is popular for people who want to drive an electric vehicle without spending too much money.
The Chevy Bolt is an all-electric hatchback produced by Chevrolet, known for its affordability and practicality in the electric vehicle market.
Chevy
"Yeah. Aside from the newly redesigned Chevy Bolt it was probably the biggest car news this week..."
Chevy is a popular car brand in the United States that makes many different types of vehicles, including electric cars like the Chevy Bolt.
Chevy, short for Chevrolet, is a well-known American automobile brand that produces a wide range of vehicles, including cars, trucks, and SUVs, such as the Chevy Bolt.
Tesla Model S
"...it really started. I think it was 2013 when the Model S came out and Tesla went public and it was like a four billion dollar company."
The Tesla Model S is a high-end electric car that can drive long distances on a single charge. It has a lot of cool technology, like being able to drive itself in some situations.
The Tesla Model S is an all-electric luxury sedan that was first introduced in 2012. It is known for its impressive range, performance, and advanced technology features, including autopilot capabilities.
electric cars
"...if this is this electric car you know like this is like actually better than other cars. So I was one of the first people in the world to really realize..."
Electric cars are vehicles that run on electricity instead of gas or diesel. They are considered better for the environment and can be cheaper to operate.
Electric cars are vehicles that are powered entirely or partially by electricity, using electric motors instead of internal combustion engines. They are often praised for being more environmentally friendly and having lower operating costs compared to traditional vehicles.
ICE cars
"...better cars than ice cars you know like actually electric cars are better cars and there's a lot of reasons why they're better..."
ICE cars are regular cars that run on gas or diesel fuel. This is different from electric cars, which use batteries to run.
ICE stands for Internal Combustion Engine, which refers to vehicles powered by gasoline or diesel engines. This term is often used to distinguish traditional vehicles from electric vehicles (EVs) that use electric motors.
consumer reports
"...I remember consumer reports loved the first Model S remember. Yeah but they had to fix every car that came off the line..."
Consumer Reports is a group that tests and reviews products, like cars, to help people decide which ones are good to buy. They look at how well the cars work and how reliable they are.
Consumer Reports is an independent organization that evaluates products, including cars, based on performance, reliability, and owner satisfaction. Their reviews can significantly influence consumer purchasing decisions.
Tesla Model 3
"the Model 3 really till the Texas factory. The Texas factory was their first really good factory because Fremont's like a bunch of different things put together."
The Tesla Model 3 is an electric car that is known for being more affordable than other Tesla models. It's popular for its good performance and long battery life.
The Tesla Model 3 is a fully electric sedan that has gained popularity for its performance, range, and affordability compared to other electric vehicles. It represents Tesla's effort to make electric cars more accessible to the general public.
Tesla Model X
"...they launched the Model X after the Model S and that was kind of a disaster too because of the doors didn't work very well..."
The Tesla Model X is an electric SUV that has unique doors that open upward. When it was first released, there were problems with making the cars, which made it hard for Tesla to sell them successfully.
The Tesla Model X is an all-electric SUV known for its distinctive falcon-wing doors and advanced technology features. It faced production challenges and quality issues during its launch, which affected its initial reception in the market.
short selling
"...the short sellers decided that Tesla was going to go bankrupt. So every short seller in the world started shorting Tesla..."
Short selling is when someone bets that a company's stock price will go down. They sell borrowed shares and hope to buy them back at a lower price later to make a profit.
Short selling is an investment strategy where an investor borrows shares and sells them, hoping to buy them back later at a lower price. If the stock price falls, the investor profits; if it rises, they incur losses.
Tesla Cybertruck
"...I have the Cybertruck now. Is it your favorite of all? What? Is it your favorite? No, it's not. It's not my favorite of all"
The Tesla Cybertruck is a futuristic electric truck with a very different look compared to regular trucks. It's made to be tough and is designed to be environmentally friendly since it runs on electricity instead of gas.
The Tesla Cybertruck is an all-electric pickup truck designed for durability and utility, featuring a unique angular design and made from ultra-hard 30X cold-rolled stainless steel. It represents Tesla's entry into the truck market, aiming to compete with traditional gasoline-powered trucks.
Tesla Model Y
"...the new lower priced versions of the Model Y and what's, what's actually going on there? This is based off the news..."
The Tesla Model Y is a popular electric SUV made by Tesla. It's known for being spacious and having a lot of technology, making it a good choice for families or anyone looking for an electric vehicle.
The Tesla Model Y is an all-electric compact SUV that has gained popularity for its performance, range, and technology features. It is part of Tesla's lineup of electric vehicles and is known for its spacious interior and advanced safety features.
tax credit
"...we're introducing a crappy version of our car to get, to make up for losing the tax credit..."
A tax credit is money that the government allows you to subtract from what you owe in taxes. For electric cars, it can help make them cheaper for buyers.
A tax credit is a financial incentive provided by the government that reduces the amount of tax owed. In the context of electric vehicles, it often encourages consumers to purchase EVs by lowering their overall cost through tax savings.
sound system
"...What made the brand cool was that the sound system was so good."
A sound system in a car is what lets you listen to music or sounds. Some cars have really good sound systems that make the music sound great.
A sound system in a car refers to the audio equipment that plays music and other sounds. High-quality sound systems can greatly enhance the listening experience for passengers.
Toyota
"...they came from a Toyota, a BMW or Mercedes or whatever and they'd be like, this thing is fast."
Toyota is a car company that makes many popular cars, known for being dependable and good on gas.
Toyota is a Japanese automotive manufacturer known for producing reliable and fuel-efficient vehicles.
Mercedes
"...they came from a Toyota, a BMW or Mercedes or whatever and they'd be like, this thing is fast."
Mercedes is a brand that makes luxury cars that are known for their quality and advanced features.
Mercedes-Benz is a German luxury automotive brand known for its high-quality vehicles and advanced technology.
BMW
"...they came from a Toyota, a BMW or Mercedes or whatever and they'd be like, this thing is fast."
BMW is a car brand that makes luxury cars known for their performance and driving experience.
BMW is a German automotive manufacturer known for its luxury vehicles and performance-oriented cars.
Rivian
"Do you think, Ross, do you think the startups like Lucid or Rivian have anything to match that or are doing a better job?"
Rivian is a company that builds electric trucks and SUVs. They are designed for outdoor adventures and have unique features for off-road driving.
Rivian is an American electric vehicle manufacturer known for its all-electric R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV, focusing on adventure-oriented features.
800 volt architecture
"When they had the choice to go to an 800 volt architecture and faster charging, they decided to stick with the old thing."
800 volt architecture is a newer type of electrical system in electric cars that can charge the battery much faster than older systems.
800 volt architecture is a more advanced electrical system used in some electric vehicles that allows for faster charging and improved performance. It reduces charging time significantly compared to lower voltage systems.
fast charging
"...the thing about fast charging is the faster you charge, the more issues you have with battery life. So there's this trade off..."
Fast charging means you can charge an electric car's battery much faster than usual, which is helpful when you need to get back on the road quickly. It uses special chargers to do this.
Fast charging refers to the ability to charge an electric vehicle's battery at a significantly higher rate than standard charging, allowing for quicker replenishment of battery power. This technology is crucial for reducing downtime during long trips.
battery degradation
"...the more issues you have with battery life. So there's this trade off of how fast we want the car to charge..."
Battery degradation is when a battery loses its ability to hold a charge over time, which means it won't last as long or perform as well as it used to. This can happen for various reasons, including how you charge it.
Battery degradation refers to the gradual loss of battery capacity and performance over time, often caused by factors like charging speed, temperature, and usage patterns. This is a critical consideration for electric vehicle longevity.
500 volt megavolt chargers
"...but they just did these 500 volt megavolt new chargers and I saw them charging it over 1200 miles per hour..."
500 volt megavolt chargers are special charging stations that can quickly charge electric cars. They use a lot of power to do this, which helps you get back on the road faster.
500 volt megavolt chargers are high-voltage charging systems designed to rapidly charge electric vehicles, significantly reducing charging times compared to standard chargers. These chargers are essential for supporting the growing demand for fast charging infrastructure.
4680 battery
"...Tesla is doing this too with 4680 and and I think Tesla is the best at this..."
The 4680 battery is a specific kind of battery made by Tesla that is larger and aims to improve how electric cars perform and how far they can go on a charge.
The 4680 battery is a new type of battery cell developed by Tesla, designed to be more efficient and cost-effective for electric vehicles, enhancing range and performance.
fully EV
"So yeah, would you would you buy a fully EV Ferrari or when you buy a Ferrari is the whole point of it to have the internal combustion engine."
A fully EV is a car that runs only on electricity and doesn't use gas. This means it doesn't produce exhaust fumes and is better for the environment.
A fully EV (electric vehicle) refers to a car that is powered entirely by electricity and does not use any gasoline or diesel fuel. These vehicles are known for being environmentally friendly and often have lower operating costs.
internal combustion engine
"So yeah, would you would you buy a fully EV Ferrari or when you buy a Ferrari is the whole point of it to have the internal combustion engine."
An internal combustion engine is a machine that makes cars go by burning fuel, like gasoline, inside the engine. It's the most common type of engine in cars today.
An internal combustion engine is a type of engine that generates power by burning fuel inside the engine itself, as opposed to using electric power. This is the traditional engine type used in most cars.
supercar
"Yeah, for me, for me, I'm waiting for somebody to understand they can build the best supercar ever."
A supercar is a really fast and expensive car that is designed to be the best in terms of speed and performance. They are often very powerful and have advanced technology.
A supercar is a high-performance sports car that is typically very expensive and offers exceptional speed, handling, and technology. These cars are often seen as the pinnacle of automotive engineering.
Remak Nevera
"But you have the Remak. So this new Ferrari. What? Remak Navarra. Yeah, that's a fast car."
The Rimac Nevera is a very fast electric car that can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just a few seconds. It's designed for high performance and uses electric power instead of gasoline.
The Rimac Nevera is an all-electric hypercar known for its incredible speed and performance, boasting advanced technology and impressive handling capabilities.
Maserati
"...like I had this Maserati once and when I bought it, they were like it's a Ferrari..."
Maserati is another luxury car brand from Italy that makes stylish and fast cars. They are often compared to Ferrari because they share some parts and technology.
Maserati is an Italian luxury vehicle manufacturer that produces high-performance sports cars and sedans. It is known for its stylish design and powerful engines, often sharing technology with Ferrari.
Porsche Taycan
"...e. You know, what do you think about the Porsche Taycan by the way?"
The Porsche Taycan is a fancy electric car that looks and drives like a sports car. It's known for being really fast and having a lot of cool tech features. People talk about it because it's a big step for a brand that usually makes gas-powered cars.
The Porsche Taycan is an all-electric luxury sports sedan that represents Porsche's entry into the electric vehicle market. It combines high performance with cutting-edge technology, offering impressive acceleration and a range that competes with other electric vehicles. The Taycan is significant as it showcases Porsche's commitment to sustainability without sacrificing the driving experience.
infotainment system
"...the AI thing on the Tesla too. And it totally screwed up the infotainment system because..."
An infotainment system is the technology in cars that provides entertainment and information, like music, navigation, and phone connectivity. It's what you use to listen to music or get directions while driving.
An infotainment system is a combination of entertainment and information delivery in vehicles, integrating features like navigation, audio, and connectivity options. It's designed to enhance the driving experience by providing access to various media and information while on the road.
Aston Martin Vanquish
"...um, I was just driving the new Aston Martin, uh, vanquish and they are the first. That's a great car."
The Aston Martin Vanquish is a very expensive and beautiful car that can go really fast. It's designed for people who want a mix of luxury and performance, and it’s often seen as a status symbol. People mention it because it’s one of the most stylish cars out there.
The Aston Martin Vanquish is a luxury grand tourer known for its stunning design, powerful V12 engine, and exceptional performance. It has become a symbol of British automotive excellence and is often associated with elegance and high status. The Vanquish is frequently discussed due to its blend of beauty, speed, and exclusivity.
Apple CarPlay Ultra
"But the one thing that, um, on the tech side, on the tech side, they are the first company or the first car maker to use Apple CarPlay Ultra."
Apple CarPlay Ultra is a technology that lets you connect your iPhone to your car. It helps you use apps, get directions, and even control things like the car's climate and driving modes without switching screens.
Apple CarPlay Ultra is an advanced version of Apple's CarPlay system, allowing deeper integration with a vehicle's functions. It not only provides access to apps and navigation but also controls various car features like drive modes and climate settings.
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