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Welcome back to the Elon Musk Podcast.
This is a show where we discuss the critical crossroads that
shape SpaceX, Tesla X, The Boring Company, and Neuralink.
And I'm your host, Will Walden. Jack Dorsey, who's the Co
founder of Twitter, recently announced his resignation from
the board of Blue Sky, which is a decentralized social media
platform he helped to establish to compete with Twitter.
His departure comes as he publicly praised Elon Musk's X,
which is formerly Twitter, labeling it as part of freedom
technology. The shift in allegiance marks a
significant change in Dorsey's engagement with social media
platforms. Post his leaving of Twitter now,
Dorsey disclosed his decision to leave Blue Sky board in a terse
response to an inquiry on X, where he simply stated no,
confirming his exit. His departure follows his
initial funding and promotion of Blue Sky, intended as an ideal
version of Twitter, emphasizing user control and
decentralization. Basically not being controlled
by a big corporation, but controlling your own destiny on
the platform. And then they related post on X,
Dorsey shared thoughts on the importance of open Internet
protocols. He tweeted, Don't depend on
corporations to grant you rights, defend them yourself
using freedom. Technology, you're on one.
This message shows that his belief in technology supports
user empowerment and independence.
Now, the concept of freedom technology, as Dorsey describes,
involves leveraging open protocols, and these protocols
are akin to open source software that anyone can inspect and
modify. This approach is seen as a way
to reduce corporate control over online platforms and services.
And Blue Sky, the platform that Dorsey is departing from, was
launched with the vision of creating a decentralized social
media service. It opened to public registration
earlier this year and quickly gained attention as an
alternative to the tumultuous environment on Twitter.
Following Musk's acquisition and despite his initial popularity,
Blue Sky's traction seems to have waned, especially with the
emergence of meta platforms Threads, which has become a
strong competitor. Now.
This competitive landscape shows it challenges between Blue Sky
and Twitter and Threads, and they need to maintain a user
base and relevance in this time. Now Dorsey's reduced activity on
social media platforms, it's also notable.
He's significantly pared down the list of people he follows on
X, limiting it to just three people, Elon Musk, Edward
Snowden, and Stella Assange. This action hints at Dorsey's
current focus and possibly his shifting alliances in the tech
world. The implication of Dorsey's
resignation and his comments are still unfolding.
His endorsement on X as a form of free technology suggests a
potential reconciliation, or at least a softening of his
previous critiques of Musk's management of Twitter.
Blue Skies responded to Dorsey's departure by expressing
gratitude for his contributions and announcing their search.
For a new board member who aligns with their mission, this
indicates an ongoing commitment to their foundational goals.
Despite the set back now, the timing of these events is
particularly interesting given other legal challenges facing
Dorsey. Federal prosecutors are
currently examining the financial transactions of
another company he founded, Block, for potential compliance
lapses. Dorsey's shift in focus from
operational roles to advocating for technology driven autonomy
shows a broader trend among tech leaders who are re evaluating
their roles and influence in the evolving digital sphere.
And as Blue Sky continues to develop and possibly reshape a
strategy, the impact of Dorsey's departure will likely become
more apparent. The platform's ability to
innovate and attract users will be crucial for its survival and
growth amid fierce competition and the discussion surrounding
open protocols and user rights that Dorsey sparked with his
posts in part of a larger conversation about the future of
Internet governance and digital rights.
The disclosure is essential as more users and regulators
scrutinize the power dynamics within major technology
platforms. Now the evolution of X and its
classification as quote freedom technology by figures like
Dorsey could influence other platforms approaches to design
and user interaction. This might lead to more
platforms adopting user standards, open standards, and
open protocols, And the reaction from the tech community and
users of Dorsey's recent moves and statements will provide
further insights into the current attitudes towards social
media governance and the role of technology in societal changes.
And as the landscape of social media continues to shift every
single day, the principles and technologies that will define
future platforms are being debated, implemented.
Right now, we're all part of it, and Dorsey's involvement in
advocacy play a pivotal role in this process.
Even as he steps back from direct leadership positions,
Dorsey's advocacy for open protocols and his critique of
corporate control will likely shape the future developments in
social technology. His influence remain substantial
even in a nominally reduced capability, and his recent
actions and statements shows that he's going to transition
now from his career to his new philosophies.
He's stepping away from Blue Sky and embracing A broader role in
promoting freedom technology, and Dorsey continues to impact
the tech world profoundly. The shift shows the importance
of ongoing debates about user rights, corporate influence, and
the architecture of the whole Internet itself.
The Tesla Model 3 Highland Edition is redefining EV
charging efficiency, and it surpassed previous models and
speed. And it's coming very close to
the convenience of gas station Phillips.
A new analysis by Amci Testing highlights the vehicle's
performance, showcasing how it adds range in the crucial 6
minute mark, which is a duration benchmark, to a typical gas
station stop. So it takes you about 6 minutes
to fill up your car. So Amci's research, named MP
Six, is focused on assessing the charging capabilities of
electric vehicles to see which ones can charge the fastest.
This approach is designed to align electric charging times
with traditional refueling times, aiming for a seamless
transition for consumers from gas cars or ICE cars to electric
vehicles without increasing the duration of stops during travel.
Now, the latest results from the MP Six test revealed that
Tesla's Model 3 Highland has significantly improved its
charging performance, now leading the pack.
Previously, the Toyota BZ 4X held the top Spot #1 champion,
but Tesla has made notable advancements doubling the
charging performance of the BZ 4X from earlier tests.
And one of the key factors in the Model 3 Highlands impressive
results is its charging tech. According to AMCI, the vehicle
achieves a maximum charging rate 174 kilowatts within the first
minute of connecting to test the Supercharger network.
This rapid performance is pivotal in allowing the vehicle
to maximize the charge it receives within the brief 6
minute window. Now the scoring from AMCI put
the Model 3 Highland at the 60.5 MP six score significantly
higher than his competitors and following Tesla in the rankings
with a Toyota BZ 4X at 35 MP six and the Ford Mustang Mach E at
32.6 MP six, with other contenders like the
Mercedes-Benz EQE and Hyundai Iconic 5 trailing further
behind. Now the director of EMCI Testing
pointed out the potential changes in performance when test
the vehicles are tested on non Tesla charging networks.
This consideration hits at the importance of compatible
charging infrastructure in achieving optimal charging
times. So you want to be near a
supercharger when you need to fill up here now.
They also said the advantages of having a synchronized network
where the vehicle and charger are designed to work together
are paramount in getting these charge times.
TES unique position as the only EV manufacturer with an
extensive proprietary charging network plays a crucial role in
his leading performance. Now Amci's ongoing evaluation of
EVs not only examines the speed of charging, but also reflects A
broader ecosystem of vehicle and network integration.
Results from Tesla show that the potential for manufacturers to
significantly enhance user convenience when they control
both environments, the charger and the vehicle.
In addition to its advanced EV tech, this has been experiencing
fluctuations in its workforce, particularly in Mexico,
recently, despite expanding its presence with new job listings
early in the year. The company has recently removed
several job listings from its career page amid broader
layoffs. Tesla's staffing changes aligned
with a broader strategy of cost optimization and increased
productivity, as stated by CEO Elon Musk.
And in an e-mail, Musk revealed plans to reduce the global
workforce by about 10%, emphasizing the difficult but
necessary nature of these decisions for future growth.
Now, these layoffs have impacted Tesla's operations worldwide
with various execution speeds due to differing labor laws.
In the US and China, the layoffs were implemented swiftly, while
in Europe they're subject to more extended procedural
requirements. Despite these layoffs, local
officials in Mexico, where Tesla is building its next
Gigafactory, have reassured that the construction and long term
plans for the facility will not be affected, and this suggests A
continued commitment to expanding Tesla's manufacturing
capabilities in the region. Now, MCIS MP6 testing and
Tesla's charging capabilities are part of a broader industry
trend focusing on improving the practicality of electric
vehicles. These tasks are crucial for
consumers considering A VS as they provide clear metrics on
how these vehicles can meet daily needs similar to
traditional cars. And the importance of such tech
is talked about by David Stuckels, who's the CEO of AMCI
Global, who said the significance of Tesla's
achievements in the context of real world applications like Rd.
trips across the country. And these results demonstrate
not just technological innovation but also potential
shifts in consumer behavior towards electric vehicles.
If you could charge your vehicle in around 6 minutes, that is a
quick stop at the gas station currently.
So looking ahead, AMCI Testing plans to expand its evaluations
to include how non Tesla vehicles perform on Tesla's
infrastructure and vice versa. Such studies could further
influence the strategies of other manufacturers regarding EV
technology and the development of charging networks.
Established in 1984, AMCI Testing has built a reputation
for detailed and impartial analysis across various
automotive technologies. The work is vital in setting
standards in the auto industry, helping guide both consumer
choices in manufacturing advancements and the recent
developments in Tesla 3 Highland, Model 3 to Highland
and the broader EV charging dynamics highlight a significant
movement in the transition towards electric mobility.
The ability of EVs to match the convenience of gas stations and
charging times is a major step forward in their adoption.
Could you imagine charging your car in 6 minutes, pulling up to
the front door of the service station, going get a burger?
That'd be great. Remember when that was Tesla's
thing? When Elon Musk was saying
they're building out these massive charging stations,
they're gonna have burger stands and all sorts of fun stuff like
that. And now all that is going away
as well. So not only did they cut 10% of
their workforce, they're also cutting new development of
supercharger stations. So I guess we're not going to be
seeing these wonderful places to stop on the side of the road in
the future, which is kind of a bummer.
So let me know what you think in the comments about this, if it
If you do have comments on your podcast platform or on YouTube,
let me know in the comments down below what you think of this.
Because I don't know, I'm the workforce.
It's a it's a bummer and I totally get it.
I understand where they're coming from, but I totally
understand as well that it's a harsh reality.
When you're working in this industry and you can have a
swift layoff from something like Tesla, it must not feel very
good. So the leadership that's in
charge of fast charging is not just a technical achievement,
it's also a benchmark for the industry.
Tesla recently revealed A substantial investment of over
$500 million to expand its Supercharger network.
Now this announcement comes shortly after the company laid
off almost the entire team responsible for the network,
roughly 500 employees, causing industry and customer
uncertainty but Tesla's commitment to expanding their
infrastructure. Now despite recent layoffs that
saw nearly the entire Supercharger division dismissed,
Tesla plans to eject more than half a billion dollars in the
development of new charging stations.
This financial commitment aims to add thousands of new charges
across the US, enhancing the existing network, which is
crucial for supporting the increasing number of electric
vehicles. Now the move to slash workforce
responsible for Tesla Supercharger was a surprise to
many, raising concerns about stakeholders about the future of
EV adoption. This drastic step echoed Musk's
previous unpredictable decisions such as the temporary closure of
physical Tesla stores in 2019, which was quickly reversed
following logistical challenges. Thou Musk declaration on X
emphasize the expansion of the Supercharger network.
He noted that the planned expedition edit this out.
He said that the planned expenditure would focus solely
on new sites and enlarging current locations, not covering
operational costs, which are significantly higher now.
This is a shift that comes at a time when Tesla's Supercharger
network is more open than ever before to other car brands, a
move aligned with the broader industry goal of enhancing EV
infrastructure across the nation.
Tesla's network has received public funding too, and this
contributes to the national charging infrastructure, which
is a key element of the Biden administration's environmental
strategy. And following these layoffs,
industry experts express fears of the potential slowdown.
The expansion of Tesla's charging facilities, including
myself. Why would they slow this down?
They need to expand this network now.
This network, initiated about a decade ago, plays a pivotal role
in Tesla's dominance in the EV market.
I don't know why they would take it away.
And also the charging infrastructure is influential
with every other automaker out there.
And the dismissal of the Supercharger team aligns with
Musk's directive for a leaner workforce.
Now this because of economic pressures facing the auto
industry right now, everything's going down, and this is part of
Tesla's effort to streamline operations and reduce costs
despite the potential risk of slowing down its infrastructure
projects. And Tesla's recent financial
reports reflect a dip in profits hitting the lowest mark since
2011. Company continues to invest in
various sectors, including AI and battery technology, with
projected capital expenditures around $10 billion this year.
Maintaining a similar budget for the following two years and the
reduction in Tesla's charging team might impede the growth
rate of the EV industry in North America, where Tesla chargers
make up a significant portion of the high speed charging option,
this development could influence the regional goals of having
millions of EVs on the road by 20-30 And other companies Watch
out Tesla, they're poised to fill the void left by Tesla
scaling back. For instance, BP has announced
plans to invest in its own charging network expansion, with
the oil giant looking to take over sites previously managed by
Tesla. And the EV charging sector sees
this reduction as a shift in competitive dynamics, with
companies like EV GO and and Viruspark quickly moving to
recruit talent and expand their operations in response to
Tesla's layoffs. And the recent layoffs have not
only affected the Supercharger division, but also led to the
departure of Tesla's head of product, Rich Auto.
His resignation, announced via LinkedIn, cited the recent job
cuts as disruptive to company morale and long term planning.
He thinks it's short sighted and in his LinkedIn post, Otto
discussed his time at Tesla, said it was a collaborative
culture. His involvement in significant
products like the Cyber Truck expressed gratitude for the
opportunities and learnings, but noted that the layoffs are a
critical factor in his decision to leave and the company has
indicated that it will continue its operations and fulfil its
commitments to existing Supercharger sites while
expanding new locations. I'll be at at a more moderate
pace. Tesla's strategy includes
focusing on enhancing the performance and capacity of
existing Superchargers, indicating a shift towards
maximizing the efficiency of its current assets instead of merely
expanding physical infrastructure.
And as Tesla adjusts its business model and its strategy
in response to economic and operational challenges, the
decisions made by Tesla will likely influence the strategic
decisions of other players in the market and potentially the
overall adoption rate of electric vehicles in North
America. It's a significant moment for
Tesla and the EV industry, suggesting a possible re
evaluation of expansion strategies and changing economic
conditions and corporate strategies.
Tesla is gearing up to release a new update for its full self
driving system, version 12.4, which is anticipated to launch
sometime next week. Elon Musk recently announced
this on his X account, highlighting significant
advancements and improvements in the system, and this update
follows the previously released version 12 point 3.6 and aims to
enhance the driving experience by refining how the car handles
accelerating and braking. Now Musk has expressed that the
latest version of Tesla's FSD will dramatically improve user
experience, asserting that it will blow your mind.
This update, FSD 12.4, reportedly features nearly
entirely retrained models with focus on smoothed out riding,
addressing common concerns about the abruptness of the cars
movements. Now, according to Musk, the
Autopilot team at Tesla has moved beyond resolving urgent
safety concerns to refining the system's performance, indicating
a significant progression in the technology's development.
He noted the final touches are for comfort as it sometimes
accelerates or breaks too fast for most people's taste.
This improvement suggests that the fundamental functionalities
of FSD have reached a reliable baseline, allowing the team to
focus on enhancing user comfort. And beyond the immediate
release, Tesla is already working on subsequent versions
of the FSD tech. Versions 12.5 and 12.6 are
currently in different stages of testing, dealing with complex
driving scenarios that include navigating through narrow one
way roads and managing unexpected Rd. closures
effectively. Now must detail the specific
scenario being tested where Tesla needs to reverse out of a
blocked path and find a new route.
He said that it's very important of these updates being
communicated across Tesla's network to avoid congestion and
sure all vehicles are aware of changes within real time.
Now these advancements are particularly crucial as Tesla
prepares to launch its Robo Taxi model.
Quote the Cyber Cab scheduled to be introduced on August 8th.
Of 2024 Now the ongoing development in FSD technology is
crucial for the success of this new venture as autonomous
driving capabilities will be a key feature of the cyber cab.
Now Tesla's recent enhancements also include improvements in
parking technology. Latest FSD update prior to 12.4
introduces features like Auto Park and High Fidelity Park
Assist specifically designed for vehicles equipped with
ultrasonic sensors in North America.
Now, Musk's ongoing communication on X serves as a
primary source for updates on Tesla developments, and his
posts provide insights into both the current enhancements and the
strategic direction for future updates, ensuring that Tesla
users and fans and enthusiasts are well informed about what to
expect. So Tesla's efforts are not just
limited to hardware improvements, but also
significant investments in AI. Musk has committed approximately
$10 billion in 2024 for developing AI capabilities,
essentially for maintaining Tesla's competitive edge in
automotive technology and with an eye on global markets.
Tesla is preparing for the expansion of its FSD tech,
starting with China, and Musk's recent discussions in Beijing
indicate that Tesla is negotiating terms for FSD
development and data sharing, essentially steps for launching
the technology in new markets. However, while Tesla is
optimistic about its expansion in left hand drive countries,
right hand dry markets such as the UK and Australia might see
delays, and Musk acknowledges the challenges and expresses A
cautious optimism toward achieving successful rollouts in
these regions. Now, on a different note, Tesla
appears to be undergoing organizational changes back in
the US Recent reports suggest a hiring freeze with a significant
reduction in job listings. On Tesla's career page, they
wiped out all career listings. This is for a broader
restructuring within the company and only a few positions are
currently advertised, mainly for Tesla's manufacturing
development program in the USA. Significant decrease from
previous listings. This change follows a series of
layoffs aimed at streamlining the operations and enhancing
productivity across the company. It's been about 14,000 people
that have been laid off or fired from Tesla and Musk.
Communication with Tesla employees highlights his focus
on efficiency and cost reduction.
In a recent internal communications, he's showed that
the necessity of these measures to prepare for future growth and
the harsh reality of job cuts within the US and also a
shifting direction of Tesla towards AI.
The recently layoffs have affected many employees across
various departments, indicating a significant reshaping of
Tesla's workforce. This includes high profile
executives and senior positions, suggesting a major reevaluation
of staffing needs against the backdrop of Tesla's evolving
strategic goals like getting rid of the $25,000 lower price Tesla
car and moving towards the cyber cab.
Now, despite these challenges, Musk continues to advocate for
rigorous standards within his team, demanding high performance
and essential contributions as criteria for job security.
This approach reflects his broader vision for Tesla as a
leaner, more focused entity capable of sustaining innovation
and efficiency, and as Tesla navigates these internal changes
and external advancements in technology.
So the success of these updates and the integration of advanced
AI and autonomous driving caabilities will likely play a
crucial role in Tesla's future, especially with the ucoming
launch of the Cyber Cab. Thank you so much for listening
today. I really do appreciate your
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