Dylan Loomis, host of Electrified, kicks off the show with gratitude for new patrons, Martin Vee and Jim Saltspring. He quickly corrects a previous error, stating that Full Self-Driving (FSD) was not included with the launch edition of the new Model Y in Europe.
Moving on to takeaways from a Top Gear video featuring Lars, Dylan highlights several points: equipment is being delivered for both the Tesla Semi and CyberCab; lower-cost Tesla models are anticipated this summer; and a new Tesla innovation called KAF, a "Kick-A-S" fluid for hydraulic brakes in the new Model Y's brake-by-wire hybrid system.
More significantly, Lars hinted at the imminent arrival of autonomy in the US, suggesting a potential FSD rollout in Germany and other European countries within months, although Dylan cautions this is subject to regulatory uncertainties. He disputes Top Gear's claim of a "super range" Model Y with a 95kWh battery and 500 miles of range, pointing out inaccuracies in their video, such as the misidentification of the daytime running lights. Dylan expresses skepticism about a 500-mile Model Y in the US market this year, citing Tesla's battery constraints and the large battery pack (over 120kWh) required.
Dylan then discusses Ryan's (Ride the Lightning) interview with Lars. Key points included: the CyberCab is designed to be road trip capable and Tesla is planning to install wireless chargers at some supercharger locations, expanding its market potential. Lars affirmed Tesla engineers are motivated by proving doubters wrong, especially regarding the CyberTruck and autonomy.
According to Lars, future Tesla vehicles are unlikely to utilize stainless steel or Tesla's unique HFS. The CyberCab will forgo a paint shop, using reactive injection molding (RIM) to embed color directly into plastic panels. Dylan then highlights Jeff Lutz's article explaining reactive injection molding, where polyurethane formulations are injected into a mold, solidifying rapidly into a lightweight part. Jeff speculates Tesla might be co-molding RIM onto metal substrates to enhance structural integrity. The absence of a paint shop could drastically reduce auto line capital expenditure, potentially defining a future where EVs are “unstoppable”.
Tesla remains actively involved with SpaceX on the next-gen Roadster, which Lars promises will be released before 2028, following a recent meeting on the project. Lars is optimistic about a smoother transition to the new Model Y than the Model 3, and states that Tesla plans to bring all current vehicle fleets up to 48 volts in time. Tesla has not forgotten Model S and X, they will "get some love later this year" by adding things from the new Model 3 and Y.
Regarding the new, more affordable models, Lars suggested they will not be a "massive step down" from current Teslas, leading Dylan to believe they will likely be stripped-down versions of the Model 3 and Y. Dylan argues Tesla is strategically withholding information. He believes that they are finding innovations that the public has not yet been made aware of.
Dylan points out that Tesla currently has six job postings for CyberCab manufacturing in Austin, and notes that the possibility of Dojo, Tesla's supercomputer, remains on the horizon. There are over 30 job postings for it. While Dojo is a "futures bet" with a low probability of success, it could revolutionize Tesla's training compute.
Transitioning to other topics, Dylan explores how AI is being used, referencing a study on bromelain supplementation and another on Astragalus membranaceous, both of which have shown medical benefits. He notes that these are ingredients in AG1, the video's sponsor.
Bloomberg reports that Tesla is poised to deploy FSD in China through a software update, offering features like navigating to exit ramps, recognizing traffic signals, and handling lane changes. This rollout may be limited initially, but it also may not get approval from regulatory oversight. Tesla’s Model 3 won the best urban electric vehicle award for the second year in a row in Australia.
Finally, Dylan addresses Tesla's entry into the Indian market. New Indian EV policies will reduce import duties if companies commit to significant investment and local production, however he feels that this will not move the needle that much. Other segments include Polestar offering incentives for Tesla owners to switch, Mercedes stating they have no interest in operating a Robotaxi service, and vandalism at Tesla supercharger locations.