We're going to talk about two major stories making waves in
the automotive sector. The 1st is Volvo's strategic
partnership with Connected Energy to repurpose old EV
batteries into new energy storage systems, a move that
holds promise for reducing battery waste.
And that second story is all about Tesla hitting the
milestone of producing its five millionth electric car and its
ongoing experiments in vehicle manufacturing, which could
drastically cut costs Now. Earlier this week, Volvo
announced A collaboration with Connected Energy, a firm
specializing in battery recycling, and Volvo has signed
a letter of intent to construct battery energy storage systems,
or Bess, following an initial investment announced last year.
Now, with E V's becoming increasingly popular, finding a
sustainable way to dispose of or repurpose use batteries has
become a big concern. Now, Volvo and Connected Energy
aimed to tackle this issue by converting these old batteries
into energy storage systems, and these systems will employ
batteries from Volvo's existing line of electric buses, trucks
and other machinery. Matthew Lumsden, CEO of
Connected Energy, shared his enthusiasm about expanding their
technology to the European market in collaboration with
Volvo Energy. Elizabeth Larson, Volvo's Energy
Senior VP for Sales and Services, echoed these
sentiments highlighting the benefits of aligning the project
with the principles of the circular economy.
Now Volvo expects to introduce this new energy storage system
in Europe by 2025. Furthermore, and it's Gothenburg
facility in Sweden, Volvo has already started using Connected
Energies E store system to access grid response rates.
Now switching gears, let's talk about Tesla, the EV manufacturer
that continues to make headlines.
This week, Tesla announced that it had produced its five
millionth electric vehicle, a staggering accomplishment when
you consider the pace at which the company has been ramping up
its production. The first million took 12 years,
the second million 18 months, and now Tesla is on track to
reach the 6 million mark by early of 2024.
All of this production is contributing to Tesla's status
is the largest all electric car manufacturer globally with a
growth rate that shows no signs of slowing down.
Now what makes this story even more interesting is the way
Tesla is changing the game in vehicle manufacturing.
And according to a recent port, Tesla is getting closer to
achieving its goal of die casting the underbody of its
cars in one piece. Now, traditional manufacturing
techniques often involve up to 400 original pieces that need to
be assembled, which can be both time consuming and costly.
And if Tesla succeeds, they could cut manufacturing costs by
up to 50%, setting a precedent for the industry.
However, the shift in manufacturing isn't without
challenges. Tesla's working with 3D printing
and industrial sand to make prototypes, which gives them
greater flexibility for design changes without breaking the
bank. And even then, achieving the
final product requires overcoming substantial hurdles
like the formulation of special alloys and fine tuning the
molten alloy cooling process. But if Tesla pulls this off,
they'll set a new benchmark for the industry, putting
considerable pressure on traditional manufacturers to
adapt or risk becoming obsolete. Now let's do a bonus story here.
Let's pivot from the roads to space, where something
monumental is happening. NASA is collaborating with
SpaceX to create the human landing system, the Starship
Human Landing System, which will play a critical role in the
Artemis 3 and Artemis 4 missions.
And these missions aim to land American astronauts close to the
moon's South Pole. The HLS will use two distinct
types of SpaceX Raptor engines, one tailored for sea level
atmospheric conditions and the other for operations in space
where there's no atmosphere now. Last month, SpaceX showcased an
important milestone for the vacuum optimized Raptor engine.
They ran a test proving that the engine could successfully
operate under extremely cold temperatures, temperatures that
a spacecraft would experience after spending extended periods
in space. And this test is significant
because one of the challenges specific to Artemis missions
compared to low Earth orbit missions is that the landing
systems might have to remain inactive in space for an
extended period of time. Now this causes the temperature
of the hardware to plummet to levels much colder than what one
would typically find on shorter missions closer to Earth.
The company and already reach a significant testing milestone in
November of 2021 and SpaceX demonstrated the Raptor engines
ability to manage a crucial part of landing on the moon during a
281 second test firing. This test aimed to verify two
things. First, it tested the Raptors
throttle profile, its ability to modulate engine power over time.
Second, it verified that the engine could sustain and burn
for the entire duration of the descent phase of the mission.
Both objectives were successfully achieved bolstering
NASA's early trust in Spacex's engine development program.
Simulation and insitu testing are vital for refining Artemis
moon Landers. Now these test runs offer a kind
of mission like validation of the systems that will be
responsible for transporting astronauts to and from the lunar
Surfaced and post test data assessments offer NASA
continuously growing confidence in the preparedness of the US
industry for the mission. And what's next for Spacex's
Raptor engines? They're slated for further
testing during Spacex's upcoming second integrated flight test,
involving both the Starship in its booster, the Super Heavy
System, and by bringing in SpaceX and its innovative engine
technology, NASA aims to ensure the success of future lunar
missions. With rigorous testing and
continued advancements, the partnership could usher in a new
era of space exploration, paving the way for more advanced
missions that extend well beyond the Moon.
While that was a packed episode and we've covered Volvo's
efforts and reimagining EV battery waste, Tesla's
groundbreaking vehicle production and manufacturing
methods, and NASA's partnership with SpaceX for lunar landings,
each of these stories presents a unique angle on how technology
and innovation can address challenges and create
opportunities for a better future.
If you found this episode engaging, don't forget to hit
the subscriber follow button on whatever podcast platform you're
listening on right now. It's completely free and we'll
keep you updated and posted on all the latest episodes of the
Elon Musk Podcast. We have a fascinating topic to
discuss a high profile meeting between Elon Musk and Israeli
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Tesla factory
in California. Initially billed as a dialogue
about artificial intelligence, the conversation covered a host
of topics including but not limited to anti-Semitism, the
political climate in Israel and the United States in the roles
of the Internet and social media in modern discourse.
Now this meeting showcased 2 leaders, each wrestling with
challenges and criticisms, coming together to negotiate a
middle crowd on some exceptionally complex issues.
Now the meeting saw Benjamin Netanyahu navigating his way
through a minefield of protests that extended from the San Jose
airport to the Tesla manufacturing facility.
The Prime Minister aimed to build a bridge to Elon Musk, a
Titan of artificial intelligence and technology, to both solidify
Israel's standing as a technological hub and possibly
attract future Musk ventures Elon Musk.
Confronted by allegations of enabling antisemitism on a
social media platform, X saw the dialogue as a chance to rebuke
this criticism and explore potential solutions.
Now the conversation took a turn when the topic shifted to
antisemitism, an issue that Netanyahu insisted required
immediate attention. The Israeli Prime Minister urged
Musk to utilize his platform to halt the spread of antisemitic
rhetoric. All within the boundaries of the
1st Amendment, of course. Now, Musk responded cautiously.
He expressed his disapproval of any conduct that fuels hate and
discord, but was also keen to highlight the value he places on
free speech. He mentioned that he is already
taking step to restrain bots that disseminate hate speech
across the platform. Now this high profile exchange
highlights the intricate balancing act between the
preservation of free speech and the curbing of hate speech, a
dynamic frequently discussed in social media circles.
Musk, known for his libertarian tendencies when it comes to free
speech, suggested a potential route minimize bot activity and
offer greater visibility to paid subscribers, assuming this would
act as a filter for more responsible speech.
Now, both leaders are under the microscope for various reasons.
Not Yahoo faces criticisms regarding his policy directions
in Israel, including concerns that his moves could deter
international stakeholders. Musk, on the other hand, has
been questioned about his management decisions related to
X, especially his decision to cut staff responsible for
monitoring and enforcing community guidelines.
Both seem to seek some form of validation or support from the
other, a classic example of mutual but perhaps opportunistic
political affirmation. Now, the meeting between
Netanyahu and Musk wasn't just an isolated discussion.
It reflected a confluence of wider ambitions that both
leaders harbor. For Netanyahu, attracting Elon
Musk's investment would significantly boost Israel's
standing in the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence.
Israel has already earned A reputation for being a startup
nation, and locking in a partnership with a tech magnate
like Musk could give it a pivotal role in Ai's future.
Now this aligns with Israel's desire to not just be a regional
player, but also a significant participation in the high stakes
game of global technology and innovation.
Now Elon Musk, on the other hand, appears to be keen on
expanding his sphere of influence beyond the tech
sector. His prior conversations with
Chinese authorities about the need for a I regulation point to
a broader aim to become an influencer in global policy
decisions by engaging with international leaders like not
Yahoo. Musk positions himself is not
just a technological innovator, but also is a thought leader
capable of swing global policy directives.
This could be a pivotal transformation, as Musk's voice
could potentially weigh in on the rules that govern the very
technologies he's helping to create.
What's more intriguing about their meeting said these broader
ambitions might well be endeared dependent.
Netanyahu needs influencers like Musk to validate and invest in
his country's tech capabilities, while Musk benefits from the
political legitimacy and international standing offered
by dialogues with world leaders. It's a symbiotic relationship
that illuminates how technological innovation and
geopolitical strategy can be intertwined, making their
interaction not merely a meeting, but a negotiation with
stakes that could influence technology and international
policy for years to come. Now, this meeting served as a
lens through which to view larger challenges in the
intersections of technology, ethics, and international
politics. And whether discussing
artificial intelligence, Iran, or antisemitism, these
conversations underscored the complexities and
interdependencies of these vital topics.
Both leaders seem to concur that while technology can be a potent
force for societal good, it can also be a catalyst for division
and conflict. Elon Musk, the owner of X,
dropped his bombshell during a live streaming conversation with
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Yahoo amid declining ad revenues
and increasing scrutiny from civil rights groups.
Could a paywall be the game changing maneuver to win back
advertiser trust and deal with the growing menace of bots?
Now let's get into this. So here's the backdrop.
During a discussion predominantly centered around AI
units regulation, Prime Minister Netanyahu brought up the issue
of managing hate speech amplified by bots on social
media. And in response, Musk offered a
solution. Charge a small monthly fee for
using X, and According to him, doing so would significantly
raise the bar for bots to create accounts.
Each bot would require a new payment method, making it cost
prohibitive for bot operations. Now, before, the proposition
must have revealed that the platform's US ad revenue had
plummeted by 60% in a prime driver, pressure from civil
rights and consumer organizations influencing major
brands. And while X has been trying to
funnel its user base towards its paid service, X premium adoption
rates have been anything but stellar.
Some estimates pegged the subscriber count for X Premium
in the ballpark range of just over 800,000 users, and it's not
uncommon to hear must make ambitious announcements only to
modify his approach later. But if we take his statement at
face value, this could be a tectonic shift in the way social
media operates. Not many platforms have ditched
ad revenue in favor of subscriptions, although a few
are dabbling in it, especially given the soft ad market.
The proposition to implement a subscription fee for acts brings
to light a key conundrum that's polarizing tech aficionados and
casual social media users alike. On the one hand, a subscription
based model could be a panacea for the platform's revenue woes.
Providing a steady income stream does not beholden to the whims
of advertisers or pressure from advocacy groups.
After all, the subscription model has worked effectively in
other digital spheres. Think streaming services like
Netflix or Paramount Plus or any other streaming network out
there, or specialized news outlets.
However, the other side of the coin reveals concerns about the
democratization of information. One of the essential charms of
social media has always been its accessibility.
It's a platform where anyone can voice their opinions, seek
information, or engage in discourse without a paywall
acting as a gatekeeper. Implementing a monthly fee, even
a nominal 1, risks creating an information hierarchy.
Those who can afford it will have a voice, while others might
be effectively silenced, or at the very least severely limited
in their access to a platform that's become integral to modern
communication. Then there's the question of
user adoption. While Musk's figure of 550
million monthly users may or may not include bots, let's not
forget that X Premium service, priced at around $8 a month, has
garnered A relatively meager uptake, only around 800,000
users according to some estimates.
And this raises questions about how willing the general user
base would be to shift to a paid model, especially when the perks
of X premium like fewer ads and the ability to edit posts
haven't been persuasive enough to convert the majority.
Now, beyond the financials in the bot problem, there's the
societal angle. Both Musk and Netanyahu
discussed the need to balance free speech with curbing hate
speech and antisemitism. Netanyahu urged Musk to find a
middle ground and undertaking that, while tricky, cannot be
avoided given the platform's reach and its impact.
And while Musk did not confirm a specific timeline or cost for
the proposed monthly fee, the plan, if implemented, would
alter the dynamics of the entire social media industry.
It also remains to be seen how this move will align with X's
existing problems, especially those tied to hate speeds and
misinformation. And the backdrop to Musk's
dramatic announcement is the revenue landscape that's seen
better days for X in the revelation that X has made ad
revenue that has drastically declined 60%.
This drop is particularly significant considering that
advertising has traditionally been the lifeblood of social
media platforms. And while the reasons for this
are multifaceted, a significant contributing factor, according
to Musk, is the rights group, and they are steering brands
away from the platform. It's important to remember that
advertising is not just a source of revenue, it's a barometer of
a platform societal acceptance. Advertisers are cautious about
the platforms they associate with, and the retreat from X
indicates A deeper problem than just financial figures.
The platform is facing a crisis of trust, and that extends to
both the users and the advertisers.
Consequently, a decline in advertiser trust can set off a
chain reaction. Fewer ads lead to reduced
revenues, which in turn limits the platform's ability to
innovate or even maintain current service levels.
Is a slippery slope that can jeopardize the platform standing
in the highly competitive social media arena now?
That said, X has been attempting to work around to this issue by
promoting its premium subscription service X Premium,
which comes at a price tag of $8 per month, and despite its
feature rich offerings, there aren't that many people using
it. Estimates show that 800,000
people have signed up, and that's just a drop in the ocean
considering Musk's claim of 550 million monthly users.
And this is an uphill battle for X and Elon Musk.
They're going to have to lure subscribers to X Premium and
they have to highlight the good things about X Premium and shift
it from an ad based model to a subscription based one.
In the future, we have an intriguing story that takes us
to the frontier of biotechnology and human machine interfaces.
We'll be discussing Neural Links Groundbreaking announcement, the
start of their first human clinical trial, known as the
PRIME Study. Now, with the green light from
an independent review board, Neural Link is set to implant
their brain, computer interface and paralysis patients to assess
the device's safety and functionality.
That's a big step for a startup from Elon Musk that's been under
both scrutiny and highly anticipated.
This is the moment many have been waiting for, the pivot from
animal testing to human testing. According to Nerling's own blog,
the prime study, short for Precise Robotically Implanted
Brain Computer Interface, will be conducted over six years.
The initial phase consists of 18 months of at home and clinic
visits, followed by regular followups over the next five
years. The target demographic includes
individuals with quadriplegia due to cervical spinal cord
injuries or lateral sclerosis, commonly known as ALS.
In this trial, they will have a chip surgically inserted into
the part of the brain that controls the intention to move.
This chip, placed by a robot, will then transmit brain signals
to an app, with the primary goal of enabling the individual to
control a computer cursor or a keyboard solely through their
thoughts. Now let's break down what the
prime study actually entails. After getting the nod from the
independent review board, Neuralink is moving forward with
this initiative Focused on the practical application of brain
computer interfaces, The implanted chip is designed to
communicate with an app which will capture brain signals and
translate them into actions. The immediate objective here is
to get paralysis patients a way to control computer interfaces
like cursors and keyboards without physical input, just by
thinking about it. And the chip will be inserted by
a robot into a specific region of the brain that's responsible
for the intention to move. And it will be interesting to
see how the technology evolves as the study proceeds over the
next six years. Now the recruitment is open to
people suffering from quadriplegia due to spinal cord
injuries or ALS. The study is structured in such
a way that it will be including eighteen months of clinic visits
and at home monitoring, followed by five years of periodic follow
up visits. And Neural Link has chosen A
gradual approach, which could be a prudent decision given the
sensitive nature of brain implants in the required FDA
oversight. From what we've gathered,
interested candidates can sign up through a patient registry on
Neural Links website, providing them a chance to be part of this
experimental and potentially life altering technology.
Now, this announcement also puts neural link in the limelight, is
a forerunner in the brain computer interface arena.
And despite the controversy surrounding animal testing and
the death of a monkey earlier this year, the transition to
human trials could be a pivotal moment for both the company and
the field of biotechnology. And while the initial goal is
somewhat modest, enabling individuals to control a
computer cursor or a keyboard, what we're looking at here could
be the cornerstone of something much larger.
And the technology has the potential to help us better
understand the human brain and possibly provide breakthroughs
and treating neurological disorders, among other
applications. Though Neuralink has been in the
works for approximately 5 years, it's experiments so far have
been limited to animal testing and these experiments have not
been without controversy. In 2022, one of the test monkeys
died during project testing, leading to increase scrutiny of
Neuralink's practices. And Elon Musk's inspiration for
Neuralink, as reported in a book by Walter Isaacson, comes from
science fiction writers like Lane Banks.
There isn't this for a neural lace technology that allows for
seamless brain machine interaction.
Now last May, the company announced FDA clearance for its
human clinical trials and approval confirmed by the FDA.
Now additionally, Neural Link raised $280 million in funding
round led by the Founders Fund, and Neural Link didn't have an
easy time getting approval for human testing.
Though the FDA initially rejected Neural Links request in
2022 due to concerns about implant migration and potential
brain tissue damage, and despite previous announcements, it was
only this year that they obtained the green light for
trials after addressing many of the FD A's concerns.
However, internal voices within Neural Link have raised concerns
that the company is hurrying its technology to market, which they
argue has resulted in negligent animal testing in even a federal
investigation. Now ethical questions loom
large, especially when it comes to the treatment of test
animals. An advocacy group for ethical
science research, the Physicians Committee for Responsible
Medicine, has called for an SEC investigation into Elon Musk for
possible securities fraud related to his claims about the
safety of neuro links. Animal trials.
Publicly disclosed health records of the test monkey
showed significant health issues post implant, including
infections, brain swelling, and more.
Furthermore, Musk's claimed that the monkeys were close to death
have been criticized as misleading or even blatantly
false. While the technology is
captivating, Nerlink has a long journey ahead filled with
challenges. From securing additional FDA
approvals to addressing ethical concerns, the path isn't
straightforward. Other companies like Synchron
and have already implanted devices into the human brain,
showing that Neuralink is not alone in this high stakes race.
The future of brain computer interfaces is slowly
materializing, but it remains a complex and sensitive area that
demands the utmost caution. Jason Schein, Tesla's Director
of Manufacturing at the facility, has recently shared
numbers that are simply staggering, and by the end of
last year, Tesla had over 12,000 employees working at
Gigafactory, Texas, and the current count for this year
exceeds 20,000. Now the grand vision.
Tesla aims to employ 60,000 people by the time it fully
scales cyber truck production at this factory.
As the second largest corporate employer in Central Texas, Tesla
is quickly changing the employment dynamics of the
region. But the company isn't stopping
at 20,000 employees, and according to Sean, Tesla is
preparing to scale up to 60,000 workers at Giga, Texas.
Now, this goal not only aims to make Tesla the largest employer
in the area, but also calls for infrastructure adjustments, such
as constructing a massive parking garage to accommodate
the increased head count. Now, second only to local
grocery chain HEB, Tesla's workforce expansion is more than
just a series of hiring sprees. It's a signal of a major
economic shift in a boost to the local job market, promising to
reshape not just Tesla but the region's economic foundation.
This won't just be another factory.
It's a transformative project that brings along a myriad of
opportunities and challenges. Now, Jason's insight at the
State of Manufacturing conference at a layer of
official confirmation to the speculation about Tesla's
employment strategy. This gives us a factual base to
understand Tesla's unfolding plans, adding credibility to the
numbers that were previously either rumored or under tight
wraps. But Gigafactory, Texas is not
merely an assembly line for Tesla's electric vehicles.
The factory has been conceived as a multifaceted facility that
also focuses on developing battery cells and cathode
material and a typical Tesla fashion.
The company is integrating several aspects of manufacturing
that are usually spread across multiple factories.
By producing 375,000 cyber trucks annually and serving as
the production base for Tesla's neck Gen. vehicles, the factory
is set to become more than just a part of the automaker's global
network. That's an ecosystem in itself,
manufacturing several vital components and driving units in
addition to the electric vehicles.
Now the complexity and scale of the operations here add an
entirely new dimension to what we know Tesla can achieve.
Let's not forget, these products will also contribute to Tesla's
eventual employee count Once the factory reaches full production
capacity. It's reasonable to expect that
the 60,000 employees will be involved in a multitude of tasks
ranging from vehicle assembly to battery production and more.
Now, Jason gave us a look into Tesla's ambitious plans for the
Cyber Truck, the electric pickup truck that's been the subject of
rampant speculation. With two million reservations
already secured, the anticipation is palpable.
However, Tesla has yet to disclose specific production
numbers, ending a layer of mystery to the entire of air.
And while Tesla's Fremont factory is said to be manually
producing the Cyber Truck, the series production hasn't begun A
Gigafactory Texas yet. The anticipation is so high that
some industry experts think that Tesla could be producing the
Cyber Truck for years to come based solely on the current
reservation numbers. But it's not just about Cyber
Truck. The Giga, Texas factory is also
expected to increase its output of the Model Y, adding another
layer of complexity to the factory's operations.
Now, Tesla isn't just growing in terms of employees and product
lines, though. Infrastructure is an equally
crucial element to the equation. And according to Tesla, one of
the most pressing challenges has been accommodating the swell of
employees arriving from diverse locations.
With the current workforce often traveling from various parts of
Central Texas and even as far as Houston, parking has become a
critical issue. And to address this, Tesla is
building a large parking garage near the factory.
Notably, Tesla isn't just addressing immediate concerns,
but is also working on longterm infrastructure plans.
The vertical integration with the factory implies that
components typically outsourced by other car makers will be
produced in house at Giga, Texas by Tesla.
Now, this high level of onsite manufacturing complicates the
facilities needs, requiring dedicated spaces and utilities
for various types of production. But it doesn't stop there.
Tesla is also contemplating adding a battery recycling
facility and a cathode factory adjacent to the main plant.
This reflects Elon Musk's broader vision for Tesla,
wherein the copy not only leads in electric vehicle
manufacturing, but also pioneers in sustainable practices and
circular economy. Based on the current scale and
the impending upgrades, it's not farfetched to say the
Gigafactory Texas could soon surpass Texas Fremont factory as
the largest car plant in North America.
Especially as Tesla prepares to launch the Cyber Truck and the
upgrades to the Model Y production line are completed,
we can expect the Austin Gigafactory to take a preeminent
role in Tesla's global operations.
Now, thank you for tuning into this episode of the Elon Musk
Podcast today. These developments in
Gigafactory, Texas highlight just how Tesla continues to push
the boundaries, impacting both the automotive industry and
local economies. And if you found this episode
helpful, don't forget to hit the subscriber.
The follow up button on your podcast platform that you're
listening on right now. It's free, takes only a second,
and until next time, keep questioning the status quo and
please take care of yourselves and each other.
I'll see you in the next one.