Tesla Q4 deliveries, BYD secures BEV crown, Cybercab spotted, and more
About this episode
The latest episode dives into Tesla's Q4 and full-year delivery numbers, revealing a significant drop in sales and discussing the implications for 2026. Analysts weigh in on Tesla's decision to publicly release its delivery consensus, which was lower than expected. The episode also covers BYD's rise to the top of the BEV market, the testing of the Cybercab, and the challenges Tesla faces in a competitive EV landscape. Notable discussions include Elon Musk's predictions that fell short and the future of Tesla's product lineup, including the much-anticipated Semi and its charging infrastructure.
In the Electrek Podcast, we discuss the most popular news in the world of sustainable transport and energy. In this week’s episode, we discuss Tesla's Q4 deliveries, BYD securing the BEV crown, the Cybercab being spotted, and more.
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Here are a few of the articles that we will discuss during the podcast:
- Tesla (TSLA) releases Q4 delivery results: confirms decline in sales is accelerating
- Elon Musk’s top 5 Tesla predictions for 2025 that didn’t happen
- Tesla Cybercabs spotted testing, unsurprisingly with steering wheels
- Tesla releases video of Tesla Semi electric truck charging at impressive 1.2 MW
- BYD officially crushes Tesla in all-electric sales for 2025, secures global BEV crown
- Renault Group closes out 2025 with a new EV efficiency record
Here’s the live stream for today’s episode starting at 4:00 p.m. ET (or the video after 5 p.m. ET:
https://www.youtube.com/live/g3v9ztssbFw
Tesla Model Y
"...227 vehicle delivered, 406 of those were Model 3 Model Y and 11,000 of those were other models. So SX, Cy..."
The Tesla Model Y is an electric SUV that is known for being roomy and high-tech. It's popular because it doesn't need gas and can drive a long way on a single charge.
The Tesla Model Y is a compact electric SUV that shares many components with the Model 3 sedan. It has gained popularity for its spacious interior, advanced technology, and impressive range, making it a significant player in the electric vehicle market.
Tesla Model 3
"... at 418,227 vehicle delivered, 406 of those were Model 3 Model Y and 11,000 of those were other models. S..."
Tesla Cybertruck
"... Y and 11,000 of those were other models. So SX, Cybertruck, and maybe some Tesla somebody, it's never clear ..."
The Tesla Cybertruck is a futuristic-looking electric truck that stands out because of its unusual shape. It's designed to be tough and is powered by electricity instead of gasoline.
The Tesla Cybertruck is an all-electric pickup truck that features a unique, angular design and is built for durability with its stainless steel exoskeleton. It aims to redefine the pickup truck segment with its electric powertrain and advanced technology.
Tesla Model S
"...Model S and X are obviously very old. Yeah, there's a lot of factors like Model Y..."
The Tesla Model S is a high-end electric car from Tesla known for its long range and fast acceleration.
The Tesla Model S is a luxury electric sedan that has been praised for its performance, range, and cutting-edge technology. It was one of the first electric vehicles to gain widespread acclaim.
Tesla Model X
"...Model S and X are obviously very old. Yeah, there's a lot of factors like Model Y..."
The Tesla Model X is an electric SUV from Tesla that has unique doors that open upwards and is known for being very spacious.
The Tesla Model X is an electric SUV known for its distinctive falcon-wing doors and spacious interior. It offers advanced safety features and impressive electric range.
Tesla Roadster
"... it's indicative of how serious Tesla is with the Roadster, that whenever they have a showing of all their ..."
The Tesla Roadster is a fast electric sports car that was Tesla's first model. It's famous for being really quick and having a long driving range on a single charge.
The Tesla Roadster is an all-electric sports car that was the first vehicle produced by Tesla, showcasing the company's commitment to high-performance electric vehicles. It is known for its impressive speed and range, making it a significant model in Tesla's lineup.
Tesla Semi
"...lly get the attention they deserve, is the Tesla Semi, and I understand why. Because it's been constan..."
The Tesla Semi is a big electric truck made for transporting goods. It's designed to be cheaper to run and better for the environment than traditional diesel trucks.
The Tesla Semi is an all-electric truck designed for freight transport, aiming to reduce the cost of shipping while minimizing environmental impact. It features advanced technology, including autopilot capabilities and a significant range on a single charge.
production
"Like if they don't turn on production, it's just a giant cash drain at this point. And we have another Tesla Semi news that we're going to discuss a little bit later on on the podcast."
Production means making cars in large numbers. It's when all the parts come together to create a finished vehicle that can be sold.
In automotive terms, production refers to the process of manufacturing vehicles at scale. This includes assembling parts and ensuring quality control before the vehicles are delivered to customers.
steering wheel
"...the prototypes have a steering wheel on. Now this could be as simple as like, yes, it's the prototype."
The steering wheel is what you hold to turn the car left or right. It's an important part of driving any vehicle.
A steering wheel is a crucial component in vehicles that allows the driver to steer and control the direction of the car. In the context of prototypes, it indicates that the vehicle is designed for manual control.
autonomy
"no, no, no, no, no, no, we're all in on the autonomy. Cyber cab will not have a steering wheel or pedals."
Autonomy means that a car can drive itself without needing a person to control it. It's a key feature in self-driving cars.
Autonomy in the context of vehicles refers to the ability of a car to drive itself without human intervention, often associated with self-driving technology.
Cyber Cab
"Cyber cab will not have a steering wheel or pedals. But then then a few weeks after that, we also learned that apparently the AI5 chips..."
The Cyber Cab is a type of self-driving taxi that Tesla is developing. It won't have a steering wheel or pedals because it drives itself.
The Cyber Cab is Tesla's concept for a fully autonomous taxi service, designed to operate without traditional driving controls like a steering wheel or pedals.
AI5 chips
"But then then a few weeks after that, we also learned that apparently the AI5 chips and the latest generation hardware for self-driving at Tesla has been pushed to mid-2027."
AI5 chips are special computer chips that help cars think and make decisions, which is important for self-driving technology.
AI5 chips are advanced processors designed for artificial intelligence applications, crucial for enabling self-driving capabilities in vehicles like those produced by Tesla.
FSD
"So that means that Tesla is going to run, you know, FSD, the latest FSD, II4 hardware on the cyber cab..."
FSD means Full Self-Driving, which is a feature from Tesla that allows their cars to drive themselves with little to no human help.
FSD stands for Full Self-Driving, a package offered by Tesla that includes advanced driver-assistance features aimed at enabling fully autonomous driving capabilities in their vehicles.
II4 hardware
"...the latest FSD, II4 hardware on the cyber cab, which, you know, we know for a fact that Tesla has..."
II4 hardware is the latest technology used in Tesla cars to help them drive themselves. It includes sensors and computers that make decisions while driving.
II4 hardware refers to the fourth generation of Tesla's Full Self-Driving hardware, which includes various sensors and computing capabilities necessary for autonomous driving.
level four self-driving
"installed level four self-driving on that hardware. So how, why would Tesla launch a vehicle without a steering wheel if it doesn't have level four figured out?"
Level four self-driving means the car can drive itself without needing a human to take control in certain situations. It's a step closer to fully autonomous cars that can handle all driving tasks on their own.
Level four self-driving refers to a classification of autonomous driving where the vehicle can operate without human intervention in specific conditions or environments. It represents a significant advancement in self-driving technology, allowing for fully autonomous operation in defined scenarios.
electric Miata
"...we want like an electric Miata. That's like, that's would be a very cool thing to have, like a lightweight, fun to drive vehicle. Like is this car designed to be driven?"
An 'electric Miata' would be a version of the popular Mazda Miata sports car that runs on electricity instead of gasoline. It would aim to keep the fun driving feel of the original while being more environmentally friendly.
The term 'electric Miata' refers to a hypothetical electric version of the Mazda Miata, a lightweight and fun-to-drive sports car. This concept suggests a vehicle that retains the Miata's engaging driving experience while utilizing electric power for propulsion.
Mazda Miata
"...g for a long time about we want like an electric Miata. That's like, that's would be a very cool thing t..."
The Mazda Miata is a small, two-seat car that you can take the roof off, making it fun to drive. It's known for being light and easy to handle, which many people enjoy.
The Mazda Miata is a lightweight, two-seat convertible sports car that has been celebrated for its fun driving experience and affordability since its debut in 1989. It is often praised for its handling and simplicity, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts.
autonomous
"Design has like an autonomous, it wasn't even supposed to have a steering wheel. That way they're going to try to set it as a driver's car."
When a car is described as 'autonomous', it means that it can drive itself without needing a person to control it. These cars use technology to navigate and make decisions on the road.
'Autonomous' refers to vehicles that can drive themselves without human intervention, utilizing advanced technologies like sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence. This concept is central to the development of self-driving cars.
kilowatts
"...we see 15 kilowatts charging. Oh, we can actually see the state of charge here for a second..."
Kilowatts are a way to measure how much electricity is being used or sent to something. In electric cars, it shows how fast the car is charging.
Kilowatts (kW) is a unit of power that measures the rate of energy transfer. In the context of electric vehicles, it indicates how much power is being delivered to the vehicle during charging.
megawatt
"...1.206 megawatt of charging that Tesla demonstrated on the Tesla Semi, which I think is pretty cool..."
A megawatt is a big measure of power, equal to one million watts. It's used to talk about how much electricity is being used or produced, especially for large systems like electric car chargers.
A megawatt (MW) is a unit of power equal to one million watts. It is commonly used to express the output of power plants or the power consumption of large electrical systems, including electric vehicle charging stations.
charging infrastructure
"But I think Tesla is coming up with its known formula, which is long range efficiency. And we figured out the charging infrastructure for you."
Charging infrastructure is the system of places where electric cars can plug in and recharge their batteries. It's important for making sure electric cars can be used easily and often.
Charging infrastructure refers to the network of charging stations and equipment necessary for electric vehicles to recharge their batteries. This infrastructure is crucial for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, as it enables drivers to charge their vehicles conveniently and efficiently.
electric vehicles
"...the sales leader for battery electric vehicles and electric vehicles period. Like I said earlier, Tesla reported 1.6 million deliveries..."
Electric vehicles are cars that run on electricity instead of gas. They are better for the environment because they produce no exhaust fumes.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are cars that are powered by electric motors instead of internal combustion engines, making them more environmentally friendly.
87 kilowatt hour battery pack
"...because they did that with an 87 kilowatt hour scenic e-tech battery pack that they made, so a production battery pack."
An 87 kilowatt hour battery pack is a big battery used in electric cars. It stores energy to help the car run, and the bigger the battery, the further the car can go on a single charge.
An 87 kilowatt hour battery pack is a type of battery used in electric vehicles to store energy. This capacity indicates how much energy the battery can hold, which affects the vehicle's range and performance.
hypermiling
"...it's a hypermiling record, by the way, but it's not like driving at hyper slow speed, like a lot of hypermiling record, they drove at like 60 miles per hour..."
Hypermiling is a way to drive that helps save fuel and get the most distance out of a tank. It often means driving slower and being careful with how you speed up and slow down.
Hypermiling refers to techniques used to maximize a vehicle's fuel efficiency, often by driving in a way that minimizes fuel consumption. This can include driving at lower speeds, maintaining steady speeds, and minimizing acceleration and braking.
Aptera
"...we love things like the Aptera and things like that when we push it. So this is a cool project..."
The Aptera is a type of electric car that is designed to be very efficient and even has solar panels to help charge it. It's different from most cars because of its unique shape and focus on saving energy.
The Aptera is a unique electric vehicle designed for efficiency, featuring a streamlined shape and solar panels for additional energy generation. It aims to provide an innovative solution to sustainable transportation.
EV (Electric Vehicle)
"Question, does Tesla not making new EV models hurt the overall US EV market? Maybe without Tesla being aggressive with EV models, other companies don't feel the need to create their own EV models?"
An EV, or electric vehicle, is a car that runs on electricity instead of gasoline. They are often considered better for the environment because they produce less pollution.
An electric vehicle (EV) is a type of vehicle that is powered entirely or partially by electricity, using electric motors instead of traditional internal combustion engines. EVs are known for being more environmentally friendly compared to gasoline-powered cars.
Ford Maverick
"...maybe an R3 pickup, like a very small Ford Maverick type of pickup. I think that's where they're going with this..."
The Ford Maverick is a small truck that's easy to drive and good on gas. It's popular because it's practical for everyday use.
The Ford Maverick is a compact pickup truck that offers a practical and economical option for buyers looking for a smaller truck. It has gained popularity for its versatility and fuel efficiency.
Rivian
"...that's going to launch Riven globally, and you know, make them financially viable and all that..."
Rivian is a company that makes electric trucks and SUVs. They're trying to be a big player in the electric vehicle market.
Rivian is an American electric vehicle manufacturer known for its electric trucks and SUVs, particularly the R1T pickup and R1S SUV. The company aims to compete with established automakers in the electric vehicle market.
EV lineup
"But I think the state of Tesla's EV lineup is the bigger culprit. My guess is that the Tesla Semi is a money loser..."
EV lineup means all the electric cars that a company sells. It shows what options you have if you want to buy an electric car from that company.
The term 'EV lineup' refers to the range of electric vehicles offered by a manufacturer. It includes various models and variants that cater to different market segments and consumer needs.
economies of scale
"...the good thing about the Model Y was they knew that if they built a lot, they would sell a lot. So economies of scale..."
Economies of scale mean that as a company makes more products, the cost to produce each one usually goes down. This is because they can spread out their fixed costs over a larger number of items.
Economies of scale refer to the cost advantages that a business obtains due to the scale of its operations, with cost per unit of output generally decreasing with increasing scale as fixed costs are spread out over more units.
advanced driver assistance system
"...advanced driver assistance system like FSD, which Tesla is quite openly now doing..."
ADAS is technology in cars that helps drivers stay safe. It can do things like help you stay in your lane or slow down if you get too close to another car.
An advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) refers to technology in vehicles designed to enhance safety and improve the driving experience. This includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.
LiDAR
"So now and at the same time LiDAR prices came down"
LiDAR is a technology that helps cars see their surroundings by using lasers to measure distances. It's important for self-driving cars to understand where they are and what is around them.
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a technology that uses laser light to measure distances and create detailed 3D maps of the environment, often used in autonomous vehicles for navigation and obstacle detection.
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