Tesla's auto suicide, Model S/X dead, Cybercab fiasco, and more
About this episode
Recent revelations about Elon Musk's connections to Jeffrey Epstein have sparked intense debate, as hosts Fred Lambert and Seth Wintraub dissect the implications of newly released emails. They discuss Musk's attempts to visit Epstein's island and the questionable nature of his denials. The episode also covers Tesla's recent earnings call, highlighting the discontinuation of the Model S and X and a shift towards a subscription-based transportation model. The hosts express concern over Tesla's future direction and the potential consequences for shareholders.
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 automotive suicide, Model S/X getting axed in the process, the Cybercab fiasco, and more
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Here are a few of the articles that we will discuss during the podcast:
- Tesla is committing automotive suicide
- Tesla (TSLA) releases Q4 2025 financial results: slight beat on earnings
- Tesla panic-files ‘Cybercar’ and ‘Cybervehicle’ trademarks moments after Musk says them
- Tesla invests $2 billion in Elon Musk’s xAI cash furnace
- Elon Musk is rumored to be floating merger between Tesla, xAI, and SpaceX
- Tesla lands major Semi charging deal with nation’s largest truck stop operator
- Ford Explorer and Capri EVs updated with longer range, added power, and more
- Kia launched this EV pickup based on the PV5 for $30,000
- This new Chinese EV pickup looks like the Toyota Hilux, but it’s only $18,000
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/9sLdXYG-U60
Chrysler Fifth Avenue
"...now, Trump rolled down, you know, would roll down Fifth Avenue, shoot somebody. Yeah."
The Chrysler Fifth Avenue is an older luxury car that was popular for being very comfortable and spacious. It has a classic look and was made for people who wanted a fancy car back in the day.
The Chrysler Fifth Avenue is a full-size luxury sedan that was produced primarily in the 1980s and 1990s, known for its spacious interior and classic styling. It represents a bygone era of American luxury cars.
Tesla Model S
"He said, model S and X are being discontinued. So it's the end of the model S, which lived from 2012 to 2026."
The Tesla Model S is an electric car that has been made since 2012. It's popular for being fast and having a long battery life.
The Tesla Model S is a luxury electric sedan that has been in production since 2012. It is known for its long range, high performance, and advanced technology features.
Tesla Model X
"...n in Q2. So after Q2, no more new model S and new model X. And they're going to replace the production line..."
The Tesla Model X is a big electric SUV that has unique doors that open upwards. It's designed to be family-friendly with lots of space and high-tech features, making it a popular choice for those who need room and want to drive an electric vehicle.
The Tesla Model X is an all-electric SUV known for its distinctive falcon-wing doors and spacious interior. It combines the practicality of an SUV with Tesla's advanced electric technology and performance.
Tesla Model Y
"as three vehicle program model three model Y, which are both in decline and then cyber truck,"
The Tesla Model Y is an electric SUV that is similar to the Model 3 but offers more room for passengers and cargo, making it a popular choice for families.
The Tesla Model Y is a compact electric SUV that shares many components with the Model 3, offering more space and versatility for families.
Lucid Air
"...ectric sedan, you're probably better off with the lucid air than you are with the model S."
The Lucid Air is a fancy electric car that aims to be even better than some of the most expensive electric cars out there. It offers a lot of comfort and can drive very far on a single charge, making it a great choice for those who want luxury and sustainability.
The Lucid Air is a luxury electric sedan that competes with high-end models like the Tesla Model S, offering impressive range and performance. It is significant for its focus on luxury and advanced technology, making it a strong contender in the electric vehicle market.
Mercedes-Benz EQS
"And if you're on the luxury SUV, Mercedes EQS is also very nice. You have the EQS as an SUV, to..."
The Mercedes-Benz EQS is a high-end electric car that is very luxurious and packed with technology. It's designed for people who want a comfortable ride and are looking for an electric vehicle that feels special.
The Mercedes-Benz EQS is a luxury electric sedan that showcases the brand's commitment to electrification and advanced technology. It offers a high level of comfort, performance, and innovative features, making it a flagship model in the electric vehicle segment.
Rivian R1S
"...And you have the R1S from Rivian. That's actually probably a better choice in the model X."
The Rivian R1S is an electric SUV made for outdoor adventures. It has features that help it handle rough terrain and is designed for people who love the outdoors.
The Rivian R1S is an all-electric SUV designed for adventure, featuring rugged capabilities and innovative technology tailored for outdoor enthusiasts.
Tesla Cybertruck
"...if I was in charge of Tesla, especially after the Cybertruck. So model S and X had a big upgrade in 2021, five..."
The Tesla Cybertruck is a unique electric truck that looks very different from regular trucks. It's designed to be tough and is made from special materials, making it interesting for people who want a powerful vehicle that is also good for the environment.
The Tesla Cybertruck is an all-electric pickup truck known for its distinctive angular design and durable exoskeleton. It represents Tesla's foray into the truck market, aiming to combine utility with advanced technology and sustainability.
drive-by-wire
"Imagine if the model S and X had drive by wire by now. Imagine if they had rear steering."
Drive-by-wire means that instead of using physical cables to control things like the gas pedal and brakes, the car uses electronic signals. This can make the car easier to control and allow for cool features.
Drive-by-wire is a technology that replaces traditional mechanical controls with electronic systems. This allows for more precise handling and can enable advanced features such as adaptive cruise control and automated driving.
rear steering
"Imagine if they had rear steering. They're still there. They're a pretty big car."
Rear steering means that the back wheels of the car can turn a little bit to help the car turn better, especially in tight spaces or at high speeds. It makes the car easier to handle.
Rear steering, or rear-wheel steering, is a system that allows the rear wheels of a vehicle to turn slightly in the opposite direction of the front wheels at low speeds, improving maneuverability, or in the same direction at high speeds, enhancing stability.
Chevy Bolt
"...I have a Chevy Bolt that can do it. I have a Tesla Model Y that can't do it because of the distance..."
The Chevy Bolt is a small electric car made by Chevrolet. It's popular because it's affordable and can drive a long distance on a single charge.
The Chevy Bolt is an all-electric hatchback produced by Chevrolet, known for its affordability and decent range on a single charge.
800-volt powertrain charging
"...800-volt powertrain charging. That's a no-brainer. You bring all of that to the Model S and X..."
800-volt powertrain charging is a type of electric system that helps charge electric cars faster. It uses a higher voltage to move electricity more quickly, so you can spend less time waiting for your car to charge.
800-volt powertrain charging refers to a high-voltage electrical system used in electric vehicles (EVs) that allows for faster charging times and improved efficiency. This technology is becoming more common in modern EVs, enabling quicker energy transfer and reducing charging time significantly compared to lower voltage systems.
FSD
"I tried to do an FSD drive door to door."
FSD means Full Self-Driving, which is a feature in Tesla cars that helps the car drive itself in certain situations. It can change lanes and recognize traffic lights.
FSD stands for Full Self-Driving, which is Tesla's advanced driver-assistance system that aims to enable autonomous driving capabilities. It includes features like automatic lane changes, traffic light recognition, and navigation on autopilot.
supercharger
"I did have to disengage when I arrived at a supercharger. I tried to let it do its thing in park because I selected the park, so park at the supercharger itself."
A supercharger is a fast charging station for electric cars that helps recharge the battery quickly. It's like a gas station, but for electric vehicles.
A supercharger is a device that forces more air into the engine's combustion chamber, allowing it to produce more power. In the context of electric vehicles, it often refers to a high-speed charging station that rapidly charges the vehicle's battery.
4680 cells
"...is that Tesla is now adding 4680 cells back into Model Y vehicles. For those who don't remember, 4680 cells was supposed to be..."
4680 cells are a type of battery used by Tesla that are larger than previous designs. They are meant to help make electric cars cheaper to produce and improve how much energy they can store.
4680 cells refer to Tesla's new battery cell design, which is larger and aims to reduce production costs while increasing energy density. This innovation is part of Tesla's strategy to make electric vehicles more affordable and efficient.
4680 battery cells
"So Tesla has extra capacity for the 4680 and decided to use them back in the Model Y again."
The 4680 battery cells are a new kind of battery made by Tesla. They are bigger and help make electric cars cheaper and able to go further on a single charge.
The 4680 battery cells are a new type of battery developed by Tesla, designed to be larger and more efficient than previous models. They aim to reduce costs and improve the range of electric vehicles.
tariffs
"And the reason for that too is it helps them avoid the tariffs because that's fewer cells that they have to import."
Tariffs are extra taxes that a government charges on products brought in from other countries. They can make things more expensive, so companies try to avoid them when they can.
Tariffs are taxes imposed by a government on imported goods, which can increase the cost of those goods. In this context, Tesla is trying to minimize the impact of tariffs on their battery cells.
Berkshire Hathaway
"I think it's home by Ryan Buffett by Berkshire Autoway."
Berkshire Hathaway is a large company that owns many other companies. Warren Buffett is the famous investor who runs it.
Berkshire Hathaway is a multinational conglomerate holding company led by Warren Buffett. It owns a diverse range of businesses, including those in the automotive sector.
Tesla Semi
"...ire Autoway. They announced a big deal with Tesla Semi this week to open a bunch of mega chargers at the..."
The Tesla Semi is a big electric truck made for transporting goods. It's important because it helps companies save money on fuel and is better for the environment compared to regular trucks.
The Tesla Semi is an all-electric truck designed for freight transport, aiming to revolutionize the trucking industry with lower operating costs and zero emissions. Its introduction signifies Tesla's expansion beyond passenger vehicles into commercial transportation.
mega chargers
"to open a bunch of mega chargers at their station."
Mega chargers are special charging stations that can charge electric vehicles much faster than regular ones. They're important for big trucks that need to recharge quickly.
Mega chargers are high-power charging stations designed to quickly charge electric vehicles, particularly heavy-duty trucks like the Tesla Semi. They significantly reduce charging time compared to standard chargers.
Ford Capri
"you're not doing anything. So they have the Capri and the Explorer EV in Europe and they just upgra..."
The Ford Capri is an older sports car that many people loved back in the day because it looked cool and was fun to drive. It's not very common today, but it has a special place in car history for fans.
The Ford Capri is a classic sports coupe that was popular in the 1970s and 1980s, known for its stylish design and performance. It holds nostalgic value for car enthusiasts and represents a significant part of Ford's history in the European market.
Ford Explorer
"...they have the Capri and the Explorer EV in Europe and they just upgraded them this week with new LFP cells..."
The Ford Explorer EV is an electric version of the regular Explorer SUV. It's made for people who want an SUV but prefer electric power instead of gasoline.
The Ford Explorer EV is an electric version of the popular Explorer SUV, designed to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles in markets like Europe.
LFP cells
"...they just upgraded them this week with new LFP cells and they get a little bit boost..."
LFP cells are a type of battery used in electric cars. They are safe and last a long time, making them a good choice for electric vehicles.
LFP cells refer to lithium iron phosphate batteries, which are known for their safety, stability, and longevity in electric vehicles.
WLTP
"...for a total of now 400 kilometers, 248 miles of range on the WLTP."
WLTP is a testing method used to find out how far a car can go on a charge or how much pollution it produces. It's designed to give a more accurate picture than older tests.
WLTP stands for Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure, which is a standard used to measure the range and emissions of vehicles under real-world conditions.
MC cells
"...rather than MC cells which are generally a little bit cheaper. So something to look out for,..."
MC cells are another type of battery used in electric cars. They usually provide more power but are more expensive to make than LFP cells.
MC cells refer to a type of lithium-ion battery known as Nickel Manganese Cobalt cells. These batteries typically offer higher energy density and performance compared to LFP cells but can be more expensive to produce.
Hyundai
"Kia and Hyundai, we like to look at their stuff in Korea because they have some fun stuff that we just don't get here..."
Hyundai is a car manufacturer from South Korea, similar to Kia. They make many different types of cars, including electric ones, and are known for their modern designs.
Hyundai is another major South Korean automaker, recognized for its innovative designs and technology in vehicles. They also produce a variety of electric vehicles and have a strong presence in the global market.
Kia
"Kia and Hyundai, we like to look at their stuff in Korea because they have some fun stuff that we just don't get here..."
Kia is a car company from South Korea that makes many types of vehicles, including electric cars. They are known for providing good value for money.
Kia is a South Korean automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and electric vehicles. They have gained popularity for their value and warranty offerings.
vehicle to load
"...the driver assist features and all that, vehicle to load also in there. You know, $30,000, you have a nice little pickup truck with vehicle to load..."
Vehicle to load means your car can provide electricity to other devices. It's like having a power outlet in your car that you can use for things like charging your phone or running small appliances.
Vehicle to load (V2L) is a feature that allows an electric vehicle to supply power to external devices, essentially turning the car into a portable power source. This can be useful for powering tools, camping equipment, or even charging other electric devices.
Toyota Hilux
"...the Chinese ED pickup truck that looks just like the Toyota Hilux. We know that the Chinese kind of..."
The Toyota Hilux is a tough pickup truck that can handle rough roads and is often used for work. It's well-known for being reliable and strong.
The Toyota Hilux is a compact pickup truck known for its durability and off-road capabilities. It's popular in many markets around the world, especially in Australia and parts of Asia, and is often used for both work and leisure.
Tesla Model 3
"...othing four years ago, and then now they beat the Model 3 with the Su7, and they're about to beat the Model..."
The Tesla Model 3 is a smaller electric car that many people like because it's cheaper than other Teslas and can drive a long way on a single charge. It has cool tech features and is a good option for those wanting to try an electric car.
The Tesla Model 3 is a compact electric sedan that has gained popularity for its affordability, impressive range, and advanced technology features. It plays a significant role in making electric vehicles more accessible to the general public.
Ford Maverick
"...if you make a Maverick style electric pickup truck, which is apparently what Ford is doing"
The Ford Maverick is a small pickup truck that is designed to be affordable and practical. It's a good choice for people who need a truck for light work or everyday use without spending too much money.
The Ford Maverick is a compact pickup truck that offers a blend of utility and efficiency, appealing to urban drivers and those looking for a versatile vehicle. It's known for its affordability and practicality, especially in its hybrid variant.
battery production costs
"And ultimately, if you can control your costs of making batteries,"
Battery production costs are the money spent to make the batteries used in electric cars. Lowering these costs can help make electric cars cheaper and more available to everyone.
Battery production costs refer to the expenses associated with manufacturing batteries, which are a critical component in electric vehicles. Reducing these costs is essential for making electric vehicles more affordable and sustainable.
environmental costs of battery production
"environmental costs of making batteries, which you know, you can do that,"
Environmental costs of battery production are the negative effects on the environment caused by making batteries for electric cars. This includes things like pollution and resource depletion, which need to be managed for electric cars to be truly green.
Environmental costs of battery production refer to the ecological impact associated with the extraction of raw materials, manufacturing processes, and disposal of batteries. Addressing these costs is vital for the sustainability of electric vehicles.
Hardware 3
"for my Model 3 with Hardware 3? It was worth 15,000 in 2022."
Hardware 3 is the technology used in some Tesla cars that helps them drive themselves. It includes special computers and sensors to make driving easier and safer.
Hardware 3 refers to Tesla's third-generation hardware suite for its vehicles, which includes advanced computing capabilities for features like Autopilot and Full Self-Driving. It enhances the vehicle's ability to process data from its sensors and cameras for autonomous driving functions.
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