Month: January 2025

Tesla’s Q4 2024 earnings conference call was loaded with Elon Musk’s trademark swagger, big-time confidence, and bold predictions. From full self-driving (FSD) to humanoid robots, Musk painted a vision of a future where Tesla dominates not just the automotive sector but artificial intelligence and robotics. Here are the eight biggest takeaways from the call:

1. Tesla Model Y leads the entire industry

Musk started off by celebrating Tesla’s production and delivery achievements. “In Q4, we set a record and delivered vehicles at an annualized rate of nearly 2 million a year,” he said, emphasizing that the Model Y was the best-selling car of any kind globally. “That’s worth noting. Not just the best electric vehicle—the best vehicle of any kind on Earth, No. 1 was Model Y.” Tesla’s shareholder letter added, “we have made it even better, with the New [Juniper] Model Y now launched in all markets.”  

2. Full self-driving (FSD) is the key to Tesla’s future

Musk restated his long-standing belief that vehicle autonomy will be the biggest driver of Tesla’s value. “Autonomy is like 10X-ing,” the growth potential for Tesla, according to Musk. He also reaffirmed Tesla’s aggressive push toward deploying an autonomous ride-hailing network, stating, “We will be launching unsupervised full self-driving as a paid service in Austin in June.” He also mentioned that the rollout could include California as well this year.

3. Tesla could be the most valuable company in the world—by far

How far? Musk threw down the gauntlet — making perhaps his most audacious financial prediction yet: “I see a path. I’m not saying it’s an easy path, but I see a path where Tesla is worth more than the next top five companies combined.” He acknowledged the challenges ahead but insisted it would be an achievable goal, given the company’s rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, self-driving technology, and robotics.

4. FSD is not a toddler anymore — it’s growing up fast

Musk addressed ongoing skepticism about Tesla’s FSD progress, using this analogy: “If someone’s last experience with FSD was a toddler, they think it will be a toddler forever. But obviously, it’s growing up—it walks and talks now.” He reiterated his challenge to skeptics: “Try it. When’s the last time you tried it?”

5. The robotaxi revolution is coming

Tesla’s FSD advancements are leading directly to what Musk calls “the largest asset value increase in human history.” He explained, “A passenger car typically has only about 10 hours of utility per week. Once that car is autonomous, my rough estimate is that it is in use for at least 35, maybe 50 hours a week.” He emphasized that the same vehicle could be used for both people and cargo transportation, vastly increasing its value. That said, Tesla’s shareholder letter gave this timeframe: “Our purpose-built Robotaxi product – Cybercab – will continue to pursue a revolutionary ‘unboxed’ manufacturing strategy and is scheduled for volume production starting in 2026.”

6. Tesla’s future will be ‘ballistic’

Musk predicted that Tesla’s growth in the coming years will be exponential. “Things are really going to go ballistic next year and really ballistic in ‘27 and ‘28,” he said. He highlighted that Tesla is laying the groundwork for a manufacturing and AI revolution that will drive unprecedented expansion at the company. Tesla’s shareholder letter also forecasted big things in the short term: “2025 will be a seminal year in Tesla’s history.”

7. Tesla made $600 million from Bitcoin

Tesla’s Chief Financial Officer, Vaibhav Taneja, highlighted a significant financial gain from the company’s Bitcoin holdings. “Our net income in Q4 was impacted by a $600 million mark-to-market benefit from Bitcoin due to the adoption of a new accounting standard for digital assets,” he said. This marks one of the largest cryptocurrency-related gains in Tesla’s financial history — an interesting turn of events as the incoming administration pivots to a more Bitcoin-friendly future. 

8. Tesla’s new (cheaper) models are coming soon

Tesla’s shareholder letter notes, “Plans for new vehicles, including more affordable models, remain on track for start of production in the first half of 2025. These vehicles will utilize aspects of the next-generation platform as well as aspects of our current platforms and will be produced on the same manufacturing lines as our current vehicle lineup.” This approach, Tesla stated, will enable “more than 60% growth over 2024 production before investing in new manufacturing lines.”

Final Thoughts

If there’s one thing Musk made clear, it’s that Tesla is not slowing down. From FSD to Optimus, the company is betting big on vehicle autonomy and artificial intelligence. Whether Tesla can deliver on these aggressive timeframes remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure—Musk is as confident as ever. And as history has clearly demonstrated, betting against him is rarely a winning strategy.

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Co-founder of EVANNEX, Matt Pressman owns both a Tesla Model S and Model 3 and remains a long-term investor in TSLA stock. He’s written extensively about Tesla and his work has been published in CleanTechnica, InsideEVs, and Teslarati. He’s also appeared numerous times on Fox Business News and PBS to provide his views on Elon Musk and Tesla.

Image provided by Parkipidia ) 

As more drivers transition to fully electric vehicles (EVs)—with nearly 3 million making the switch in Europe and the U.S. last year—concerns are shifting. While “range anxiety” was once the primary worry, a new issue is emerging: “charger anxiety.”

A July 2024 Shell survey found that nearly six in ten EV owners in the EU would travel further just for a better charging experience. Recognizing this shift, automakers like Mercedes-Benz, Mini, and Cadillac are stepping up with innovative solutions to ease the stress of charging.

Smarter Charging Integration

Mini has partnered with tech company Parkopedia to enhance its in-vehicle charging data. Now integrated into Mini’s circular OLED display, this technology offers real-time charging station information, including nearby amenities.

“EV drivers often want to use their charging time productively,” said Parkopedia EV product manager Tom Clarke. “We provide data on nearby cafes, restrooms, and parks so drivers can plan their stops more efficiently.”

Cost Transparency: A Must-Have for EV Owners

One of the biggest frustrations for EV drivers is the uncertainty surrounding charging costs. Mercedes-Benz is addressing this by offering tiered pricing plans through its Mercedes me Charge platform, allowing customers to select tariffs based on their driving habits.

“This ensures costs align with personal charging behaviors, adding convenience and predictability for our customers,” said Eva Greiner, CTO for Mercedes-Benz’s charging unit.

Parkopedia’s dynamic pricing tool further simplifies the process by allowing drivers to compare rates from different providers in real time. Clarke emphasized that “we’re simplifying a complex process by standardizing data and integrating payment options directly into vehicles’ infotainment systems.”

Cadillac, which is leading GM’s EV push in Europe, is also prioritizing cost transparency. The Cadillac Charge app allows users to search for stations, plan routes, and pay for charging sessions seamlessly. With access to over 800,000 charging points across Europe, the app provides real-time data on pricing, availability, and charging speeds, helping drivers make informed decisions.

The Fast-Charging Dilemma

While EV satisfaction is high, the lack of fast-charging stations remains a major concern. A December report from the European Commission’s Alternative Fuels Observatory highlighted that expanding fast-charging infrastructure should be a top priority.

Mercedes-Benz is taking a proactive approach by building its own high-power charging network, aiming to roll out about 10,000 stations by the end of the decade. While these stations will be accessible to all EV brands, Mercedes customers will receive exclusive benefits, such as reservation options to reduce wait times.

The Future of EV Charging

For EVs to become the mainstream choice, charging must be easy, accessible, and stress-free. Automakers, tech companies, and infrastructure providers all have a role in ensuring chargers are available when and where drivers need them.

“Charging should be a positive extension of the brand, not a source of frustration,” said Greiner.

By investing in real-time data, cost transparency, and fast-charging networks, brands like Mercedes, Mini, and Cadillac are paving the way for a seamless EV ownership experience—one where ‘charger anxiety’ becomes a thing of the past.

Tesla is once again making headlines with the release of its latest HW4 hardware package, dubbed “MY Reloaded.”  With the simultaneous addition of a front bumper camera (a feature previously reserved for the Cybertruck) this new AI4 processor considerably advances Tesla’s FSD capabilities, marking a pivotal moment in the company’s pursuit of autonomous driving.  The autonomous event horizon may now be here, or at least lurking immediately around the corner.  This news, while exciting, also reignites previously tabled conversations surrounding the ethical decision-making involved in a world where full-fledged autonomous navigation becomes the norm.

Tesla’s recent integration of a front bumper camera alongside upgraded FSD hardware does not come without an array of social challenges, however. Ethically speaking, enhancing a vehicle’s autonomous capabilities to these new-found levels intensifies the elephant in the room around machine decision-making and how future FSD systems will be forced to prioritize safety in split-second scenarios. Tesla’s advancements necessitate transparent communication about how these systems operate and make choices, fostering trust between the technology and its users.

As Tesla continues to push the envelope of what’s possible with self-driving technology, it compels us to reconsider the relationship between humans and machines. Trusting vehicles with greater autonomy involves not just technological readiness but also cultural acceptance. Drivers need to understand the capabilities and limitations of their vehicles to coexist safely on the roads.  And in a world where distracted driving continues to rise, we have to ask ourselves how much driver babysitting is too much.  Going full FSD turns trained drivers into passive passengers, which may or may not be fine, but we aren’t there yet.  As we continue to navigate the transition though, we still need smart, alert, and fully capable drivers. All of which begs the question, “Are we developing those, or are we enabling a new generation of mindless, inept drivers to flood our city streets?”  Until the machines have established a proven track record, are these nanny systems preventing people from being autonomous themselves as they sit behind the wheel?

There’s also an emotional component. For some, driving is more than a means of transportation; it’s an expression of freedom and control. As cars become more autonomous, finding the balance between human desire for control and the benefits of automation will be an ongoing dialogue. It’s quite possible that cars will eventually lack steering wheels and pedals.  And what happens then, when human input is no longer an option? 

Tesla’s ‘Reloaded’ FSD computer isn’t just about better hardware—it’s a catalyst that challenges us to think about the future of mobility, the ethics of artificial intelligence, and our own adaptability to change.  As we stand at this crossroads, one can’t help but feel a mix of anticipation and introspection. The journey toward fully autonomous vehicles promises unprecedented benefits—reduced accidents, increased accessibility, and environmental efficiencies. Yet, it also demands careful consideration of the implications for employment, urban planning, and personal freedom.

Tesla’s latest move with the “Model Y Reloaded” FSD computer exemplifies its ethos of pushing boundaries. However, the company’s quickly evolving technologies raises vital questions about inclusivity and support for existing customers. Balancing the march of innovation with the needs of a diverse society will be crucial for Tesla’s sustained success.

As the automotive world watches Tesla’s next steps, one thing is certain: the conversation about autonomous driving is no longer confined to what’s possible but extends to what’s responsible, ethical, and beneficial for all. The ‘Reloaded’ FSD processors are more than a technological milestone—they’re an invitation to engage with the future of transportation, a future that’s arriving faster than we might have imagined. 

Looking Beyond: The Dawn of a New Driving Era

So, where do we go from here? The integration of continuously evolving hardware capabilities sets the stage for even more groundbreaking innovations. As sensors become more sophisticated and AI algorithms more capable, the dream of a self-driving future inches closer to reality.

But perhaps the most profound impact lies not in the technology itself but in how it changes us. Embracing these advancements requires openness to new experiences and a willingness to redefine our relationship with machines. It’s a joint-venture journey of both technological and human evolution, and it’s worth pondering how each turn in this journey shapes the road ahead. As we adapt to these changes, we have the opportunity to advance not just our vehicles but the direction of progress itself. The future of driving isn’t just about arriving at a destination—it’s about the transformative experience we go through along the way—and it would appear, at least as far as FSD is concerned, that this transformative moment lies a little more than a step or two away.