Tesla: Weekly Summary (June 09-15, 2025)
Key trends, opinions and insights from personal blogs
Tesla's Robotaxi Adventures in Austin
So, there's been quite a buzz about Tesla's robotaxis in Austin. It's like the talk of the town, but not all in a good way. Motorhead kicked things off by pointing out that Tesla's robotaxis were doing their first runs in Austin. But here's the kicker: the Cybercab isn't even street-legal yet. And without it, Tesla's got no new models to show off. It's like going to a party and realizing you forgot your outfit. Not a great look, right?
Then, Davi Ottenheimer chimed in with some pretty harsh criticism. Apparently, these robotaxis are causing quite the pollution nightmare in Austin. It's like when you spill coffee on your white shirt right before a big meeting. Not only that, but there are accusations of Tesla hiding hazards from regulators and dumping waste into the sewer system. It's a bit like sweeping dirt under the rug and hoping no one notices.
And if that wasn't enough, Davi Ottenheimer also reported that these self-driving cars failed 8 out of 8 safety tests. Imagine a car running over child-sized dummies without even slowing down. It's like a scene from a bad movie. Tesla engineers reportedly said they never intended to avoid hitting children. That's a pretty shocking statement, don't you think?
Musk's Regrets and Political Drama
Now, let's talk about Elon Musk. He's been having quite the week. Judd Legum shared that Musk showed signs of regret after making some accusatory remarks about Donald Trump. He even deleted posts and called for Trump's impeachment. It's like when you send a text in the heat of the moment and then immediately regret it.
Musk also flirted with the idea of creating a new political party and criticized Trump's reconciliation bill. This little feud with Trump caused Tesla's market value to take a hit. It's like when you argue with a friend and suddenly your whole day feels off.
Legal Battles and Trade Secrets
On the legal front, Andrew Leahey reported that Tesla filed a trade secret lawsuit against a former engineer, Jay Li, and his startup, Proception. It's like when someone takes your secret recipe and starts their own restaurant. Not cool, right?
Charging Challenges and Model Updates
Switching gears a bit, Tom Moloughney talked about some issues with Tesla's NACS-to-CCS1 charging adapters. Turns out, these adapters are designed for either AC or DC charging, not both. It's like trying to use a USB-C charger for your old iPhone. You need the right adapter for the right situation.
Tom also mentioned that Tesla updated the Model S and Model X. No major changes to the battery or powertrain, but there are some smaller upgrades like improved aerodynamics and new wheel designs. It's like getting a new haircut and a fresh outfit. You might not be a whole new person, but you definitely feel a bit snazzier.
International Concerns and Ethical Dilemmas
On the international stage, Davi Ottenheimer reported that Swedish pension fund AP7 sold all its shares in Tesla, citing violations of union rights in the U.S. It's like when you finally decide to break up with someone after ignoring the red flags for too long. They knew about Tesla's labor violations for a while but were slow to act.
A Week of Ups and Downs
So, there you have it. A week full of ups and downs for Tesla. From robotaxis causing chaos in Austin to Musk's political drama and legal battles over trade secrets. It's been a rollercoaster, to say the least. If you're curious to dive deeper into any of these stories, I'd recommend checking out the original posts by the authors. They've got all the juicy details and insights that I couldn't quite fit in here. Happy reading!