On August 31st, 2021, “Troy Teslike” tweeted data from his long running survey of thousands of Tesla vehicle buyers, showing a low take rate for FSD, Tesla’s “Full Self Driving” software add-on offered since late 2016. For Q2 2021, that survey shows a worldwide FSD take rate of only 11% across all Tesla models, compared… Continue reading Understanding The Decline In Tesla’s FSD Take Rate
Category: Analysis
Is the Cyberquad a Prop or a Product?
After Tesla employees were finished smacking the Cybertruck with a sledgehammer and shattering its windows, Chief Executive Elon Musk told everyone goodnight. “One more thing!” fans yelled, hoping to experience something on par with a secret supercar rolling out of an electric 18-wheeler. “Should we do the..?” Musk’s voice trailed as he spoke to someone… Continue reading Is the Cyberquad a Prop or a Product?
After Flirting With EVs for Decades, GM Ready to Compete With Tesla
The General Motors EV1 was the first vehicle produced by the company to wear General Motors on the nameplate. America’s largest automaker reserved its name for an electric vehicle. The enthusiasm was short-lived, however. Though it was the first mass-produced electric vehicle from a major automaker, the EV1 was only produced from 1996 to 1999.… Continue reading After Flirting With EVs for Decades, GM Ready to Compete With Tesla
Cybertruck Challenges Tesla Rivals Beyond Electrification
“What about the glass? It seems like a vulnerability,” Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk said during the Cybertruck debut. It’s a good question. Glass is vulnerable. For instance, if you throw a heavy steel ball at a truck window, it would probably shatter. “It’s transparent metal glass,” Musk said. Gasps of “What?” can be heard… Continue reading Cybertruck Challenges Tesla Rivals Beyond Electrification
CHAdeMO Charging the Model 3
Last night I received the 2019.24.4 software update for our Model 3. So this morning I tested Tesla’s CHAdeMO adapter to determine the rate of charge, and see how many miles I’d get and how long it would take to charge from a given SOC. Summary: 45 minutes gave me 139 miles of rated range and… Continue reading CHAdeMO Charging the Model 3
Supercharging for Sport
Tesla announced its one-of-a-kind, long distance, fast charging network in late 2012. Since then, the network has become so vast and far-reaching that it is nearly impossible for any one person to catch them all. Yet that hasn’t stopped some Tesla owners from trying; at least for all the chargers on their respective continent. While… Continue reading Supercharging for Sport
Tesla Model 3 Road Trip to San Diego
This post is for those who are learning about EVs, and those wondering how an EV will fit into their lives. This post was written when we’d had our Model 3 for seven months and the odometer was at 11,000 miles. Most of our mileage comes from the daily work commute, but we’ve also taken a few… Continue reading Tesla Model 3 Road Trip to San Diego
Gearheads Can Still Enjoy the Tesla Model 3
Three thousand miles ago, my wife and I purchased a Dual Motor Long Range Tesla Model 3. It is the best vehicle I’ve ever owned. Now listen, I’m not some millennial who upgraded from a Prius, but a lifelong, consummate gearhead. My last five daily drivers consisted of two John Cooper Works Minis and every modern iteration… Continue reading Gearheads Can Still Enjoy the Tesla Model 3
‘How Embarrassing’ Could Musk’s Fight With the SEC Get?
Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk continues to brazenly trash talk the Securities and Exchange Commission. He does it right out in the open. He does not respect the SEC. In fact he once said these words to 60 Minutes reporter Leslie Stahl: “I want to be clear. I do not respect the SEC.” So, it… Continue reading ‘How Embarrassing’ Could Musk’s Fight With the SEC Get?
For Electric Trucks, 500-Mile Range Seems To Be The Sweet Spot
We like big trucks and we cannot lie. Dimensions…hmm. Probably quite a bit more than Sir Mix-A-Lot says. Ain’t no 24 here. Unless we’re talking feet of cargo-hauling capability. Those small, consumer-grade electric pickup trucks need not apply to this discussion. We’ve got nothing against the like of the Rivian R1T electric truck or the upcoming… Continue reading For Electric Trucks, 500-Mile Range Seems To Be The Sweet Spot