Robotaxi Reality Check: Production Begins, Doubts Remain

Description:

In this episode, we dive deep into Tesla’s long-promised Cybercab as production reportedly begins and Elon Musk claims a sub-$30,000 price tag could arrive this year. We examine conflicting narratives around Tesla’s robotaxi progress, including sharp criticism of the program eight months in and fresh timeline promises. Tesla’s software push continues with Grok-enabled navigation in Europe and a renewed FSD launch in China backed by a local data center. Meanwhile, Tesla faces mounting pressure overseas, with UK sales plunging as BYD surges ahead and broader EV market share slipping despite overall auto growth. Legacy automakers aren’t sitting still either—Ford is lobbying for access to Chinese EV tech, while BYD and Geely eye major North American production capacity. We also cover Polestar’s aggressive expansion plans, Cruise’s admission over a false pedestrian report, and the evolving EV policy and infrastructure conversation in Manitoba.

Support the Show

Support Kilowatt

Other Podcasts:

• Beyond the Post YouTube

• Beyond the Post Podcast

• Shuffle Playlist

• 918Digital Website

News Links: Manitoba EV Policy & Infrastructure

• Future of Electric Vehicle Sales Targets and Infrastructure in Manitoba (CBC Audio)

• Manitobans Welcome EV Rebates, but Fear Infrastructure Still Lacking

• Manitoba EV Fans Charged Up by Federal Strategy

Tesla Cybercab & Robotaxi Developments

• Elon Musk Says Tesla Will Sell Cybercab to Customers for $30,000 or Less This Year

• Tesla’s $30,000 Cybercab Begins Production With No Steering Wheel

• Tesla Begins Cybercab Production. Now Comes The Hard Part

• Elon Musk Doubles Down on Tesla Cybercab Timeline Once Again

• Tesla ‘Robotaxi’ Status Check 8 Months In: A Complete Joke

Tesla Software & Global Strategy

• Tesla to Re-Launch FSD in China With Local Data Center

• Tesla Launches Grok With Nav Commands in Europe

• Tesla UK Sales Plunge 57% in January as BYD Races Ahead

• New Car Market Starts Year With Growth but EV Share Falls – SMMT

Competition & Industry Shifts

• BYD, Geely Bid for 230,000-Unit Nissan-Mercedes Mexico Plant in North American Push

• Ford Asks Trump Administration to Allow Chinese EV Tech in the US

• Polestar Goes Offensive With Four New Models in Three Years

Autonomous & Policy News

• Cruise Admits to False Report in 2023 Dragging of San Francisco Pedestrian

Show Art Created By Dall-E

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.