Tesla: Weekly Summary (July 07-13, 2025)

Musk & Trump: A Clash of Titans

So, there's this ongoing saga between Elon Musk and Donald Trump. It's like watching a soap opera, but with more electric cars and political drama. Lawrence J. Fossi dives into this juicy conflict, especially with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) stirring the pot. Musk isn't a fan, and he's been vocal about it. Trump's not taking it lying down either, throwing some threats Musk's way. It's like a heavyweight boxing match, but with words and policies.

The real kicker here is how this spat could hit Tesla's wallet. With the end of EV subsidies, Tesla might feel the pinch. And it's not just about the money. The broader economic implications of Trump's policies could ripple through the industry. Fossi doesn't hold back, critiquing both political parties for their spending habits. It's a bit like watching two kids in a candy store with no adult supervision.

And then there's Musk's America Party. It's like he's trying to shake up the political scene, but will it work? Fossi raises some interesting questions about its future. If you're into political drama with a side of electric vehicles, this one's worth a read.

Tesla's Supercharger Network: Almost Perfect

Switching gears to something a bit more technical, Tom Moloughney talks about Tesla's Supercharger network. It's almost perfect, with a 99.95% uptime in 2024. That's like getting an A+ on a test, but just missing out on that perfect score. It's slightly lower than 2023, but still impressive.

Now, this uptime metric is a bit tricky. It shows the percentage of Supercharger sites globally that had at least 50% of their daily capacity functional. So, it doesn't mean there aren't any broken chargers. It's like saying your car runs 99.95% of the time, but sometimes the radio doesn't work.

Moloughney also touches on the need for standardization in reporting uptime across different networks. It's like trying to compare apples to oranges. If you're curious about the nitty-gritty details of Tesla's charging network, this one's for you.

Supercharger Usage: A Surge in Demand

Continuing with the Supercharger theme, Moloughney also reports on a surge in Supercharger usage in Q2 2025. Tesla's energy consumption hit 1.6 TWh with 45 million charging sessions. That's a 26% increase year-over-year. It's like watching a small town grow into a bustling city.

Tesla opened about 3,500 new Supercharging stalls, bringing the total to 70,000. The average charging session was 35.5 kWh, and the average daily throughput per stall was over 251 kWh. It's like a well-oiled machine, running smoothly and efficiently.

Regional usage varied, with North America averaging 10 sessions per stall per day, while Europe and APAC had lower averages. It's like comparing the hustle and bustle of New York City to the more laid-back vibe of a European village. More data is expected in the upcoming quarterly report, so keep an eye out for that.

Nissan and Tesla: A Tale of Two Companies

Now, let's talk about Nissan and Tesla. Motorhead draws some interesting parallels between the two. Nissan's in a bit of a pickle, facing financial distress for the second time in 26 years. They're looking for an 'anchor investor' after failed merger talks with Honda. It's like trying to find a life raft in a stormy sea.

Nissan reported $4.4 billion in losses and $1.6 billion in cash burn last year. It's a tough spot, attributed to a weak model lineup and low capacity utilization. Tesla, on the other hand, is following a similar path. Concerns over its product pipeline and financial health are bubbling up.

Both companies have faced issues with discounts affecting resale values and profitability. It's like trying to sell a used car that nobody wants. Nissan's cash reserves are expected to deplete by March 2026, while Tesla's high leverage and reliance on a limited model range raise concerns about its future. If you're into corporate drama and financial intrigue, this one's a must-read.

Musk's Political Ambitions: A Bright Idea?

Will Lockett takes a critical look at Musk's recent political ambitions. It's like watching a tech mogul try to play politician. Lockett suggests these moves are a desperate attempt to salvage his companies amid various federal investigations and public backlash.

Musk's controversial decisions, like deregulating safety standards for SpaceX and Tesla, are portrayed as reckless. It's like watching someone play with fire and hoping not to get burned. Lockett argues that Musk's foray into politics is a significant conflict of interest. It's like trying to juggle too many balls at once.

The viability of Musk's projects without investor support is questioned. It's a bit like building a house of cards and hoping it doesn't collapse. If you're curious about the intersection of tech and politics, this one's worth a read.

The Week in Musk: Party Time

Finally, Judd Legum rounds up the week in Musk. It's like a whirlwind tour of all things Elon. Musk announced the formation of a new political party, the America Party. It's like trying to shake up the political scene with a new dance move.

His motivation stems from concerns over national debt and government waste. He's particularly critical of Donald Trump's recent legislation that adds to the debt. The party plans to focus on key Senate and House seats ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. It's like gearing up for a big game and hoping to score.

Legum also touches on Musk's ongoing conflicts with Trump, the departure of Linda Yaccarino from X, and various developments related to SpaceX and Tesla. There's a new rocket factory and the launch of Starlink services in Ukraine. It's like a rollercoaster ride with twists and turns at every corner.

If you're a Musk fan or just curious about his latest antics, this one's a must-read. There's always something new happening in the world of Tesla and Musk, and it's never a dull moment.