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Tesla’s Andrej Karpathy Talks PyTorch, Autopilot (Video)

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Autonomous Vehicles

Published on December 5th, 2019 |

by Guest Contributor

Tesla’s Andrej Karpathy Talks PyTorch, Autopilot (Video)

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December 5th, 2019 by Guest Contributor

Originally published on EVANNEX.
By Charles Morris

Andrej Karpathy, Tesla’s Director of Artificial Intelligence and Autopilot Vision, is one of the chief architects of Tesla’s self-driving vision. In July, he hosted a workshop on Neural Network Multi-Task Learning, where he offered some detailed insights on Tesla’s use of AI in developing its Autopilot features.

Now Karpathy is featured in a new video in which he describes how Tesla is using PyTorch, an open-source machine learning library, to develop full self-driving capabilities for its vehicles, including Navigate on Autopilot and Smart Summon.

A look at Tesla’s Autopilot (Image: Tesla)

Karpathy explains that, unlike other companies working on self-driving, Tesla doesn’t use lidar or high-definition maps, so the Autopilot system relies on AI to parse information from the eight cameras mounted around the vehicle. Tesla is a fairly vertically integrated company, so it has control of the “full stack” when it comes to AI. The machine learning process is built around “hydranets,” so called because each has a shared backbone and multiple heads (like the Hydra of Greek mythology). Karpathy demonstrates how Tesla’s Smart Summon feature uses hydranets to figure out how to negotiate a parking lot.

Andrej Karpathy discusses the development of Tesla’s Autopilot and Smart Summon features (YouTube: PyTorch)

Karpathy’s talk gets very technical very quickly — only those with a background in machine learning are likely to be able to follow the full story here. However, even we laypeople can appreciate the incredible complexity of teaching a computer to drive a car. According to Karpathy, compiling a full build of Autopilot 2.0 involves some 48 different networks, 1,000 distinct predictions, and 70,000 GPU hours. And, of course, this is no one-time project — the software is continuously being improved, so it must be frequently re-compiled and updated.

This continuous improvement is driven by the massive amounts of data pouring in from the fleet of Teslas on the world’s roads — an asset no other company working on autonomous driving enjoys. Karpathy tells us that the Navigate on Autopilot feature has now accumulated over a billion miles of real-world usage in over 50 countries, including 200,000 automated lane changes. The Smart Summon feature has been used in over 500,000 sessions in the short time since it was introduced. Keep this figure in mind the next time some pundit declares Smart Summon a failure because of a handful of YouTube videos of comical parking lot mishaps.
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Guest Contributor is many, many people. We publish a number of guest posts from experts in a large variety of fields. This is our contributor account for those special people. 😀

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LEGO Cybertruck, Cybertruck Sporks, & A Cybertruck Snapchat Filter

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Clean Transport

Published on December 4th, 2019 |

by Johnna Crider

LEGO Cybertruck, Cybertruck Sporks, & A Cybertruck Snapchat Filter

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December 4th, 2019 by Johnna Crider

Since Team Tesla decided to unveil the Cybertruck just before a major holiday centered around family and eating, it’s natural that tools such as Cybertruck eating utensils and memes such as the Cyberturkey have come about. See some of those below. However, my favorite spinoffs was not related to Thanksgiving at all, and I want one — LEGO Cybertruck is one of the coolest ideas to come from the Tesla Cybertruck unveiling.

Lego Cybertruck
LEGO Cybertruck could become one of those LEGO toys you step on in the middle of the night. And let’s admit it, saying that “I stepped on a Cybertruck on my way to the bathroom” has an interesting ring to it. No pain, no gain, right? Cybertruck has been submitted as a LEGO Idea and needs 10,000 supporters in order to be reviewed by the LEGO Group. That shouldn’t be too hard.

The Proposal for LEGO Cybertruck
The idea was proposed by BrickinNick, who writes that many different elements and functions of the Tesla Cybertruck could create a really unique LEGO build. The proposal says that opening the passenger doors, a fold or slide-out ramp, opening charging ports, steering, suspension, a full interior, the Tesla ATV, and other aspects of the Cybertruck could be integrated into the LEGO Cybertruck and could be possible future project updates that would help create the brick version of an all-electric vehicle. The dimensions are 35.6 cm long, 15.2 cm wide, and 12.7 cm high (14 inches long, six inches wide, and five inches high.)

I was supporter 1,266. To support this project is really easy. You don’t need a credit card and don’t need to pay anything. Just simply click here and support it. You do need a LEGO account. We have 604 days left as of this writing to get this supported. I may not want to step on a LEGO Cybertruck myself, but for those of you with kids, this would be a cool building experience for them.

Cybertruck Snapchat Filter
Did you know there is a Cybertruck Snapchat filter? I haven’t really been into the Snapchat scene and only downloaded it to check out this filter, which I used to “drive” on Elon Musk’s Twitter page. The Snapchat filter isn’t easily accessible through the Snapchat app, but you can unlock it by going here in your mobile browser.

Cyber Sporks
“Model 3 Experience” on Twitter posted jokingly that Tesla is now taking preorders for its new flatware set, available in 2025. To be honest, I think Tesla should actually do this, but make them available for 2020 since it’s next month. I think the more interesting piece is the spork.

Cyber Dinner
Perhaps you could eat your Cybertruck with the Cyber Flatware. Greg Milano has a law degree, works in real estate, has studied art history and architecture, but on Twitter will forever be known as the creator of Cybertruck Mashed Potatoes. Yes, Greg has made the Tesla Cybertruck edible. He tells CNN that he is just a big kid and that “Pablo Picasso summed it up well: ‘Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.'”

Just don’t pass Franz the peas.

One of the things that Elon Musk is known for is how to get people to talk about his products without actually creating ads. He does this by thinking outside the box. Think about it, would you actually throw steel balls at your car windows? No, unless you’re in an altered state of mind or feeling really destructive. Further, I am sure Elon and Franz didn’t plan to actually crack the windows of the Cybertruck, but this certainly got a lot of attention and helped make the Cybertruck one of the most-talked-about things at Thanksgiving dinners.

While you run over your friend with the Cybertruck Snapchat filter, or look at flatware from a different angle, know that every time you talk about Tesla is helping Tesla cement itself as a household name — one that is needed to help humanity work its way out of a climate crisis.
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About the Author

Johnna Crider Johnna Crider is a Baton Rouge artist, gem and mineral collector, and Tesla shareholder who believes in Elon Musk and Tesla. Elon Musk advised her in 2018 to “Believe in Good.”

Tesla is one of many good things to believe in. You can find Johnna on Twitter

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15 Top Products For Tesla Owners

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Cars

Published on December 4th, 2019 |

by Matt Pressman

15 Top Products For Tesla Owners

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December 4th, 2019 by Matt Pressman

It’s a thrilling feeling when you take delivery of your first Tesla. There’s that new car smell. The serene silence of having no internal combustion engine. The ultra-smooth acceleration. The addictive torque when you stomp on the accelerator. However, looking at your perfect all-new, all-electric machine might leave you feeling like something is still missing.

“MaiOnHigh” on top of her Model 3 (Source: MaiOnHigh)

Why? No matter how careful you are, a new Tesla might become less-than-perfect with all the typical wear-and-tear inflicted after owning any car for some time. So, what can you do to protect your Tesla? Are there any cool Tesla-related gadgets? What about spoiling yourself with some holiday Tesla gifts? When it comes to Tesla accessories, let’s check out some “Top 5” lists to make you feel whole again.

Car cover for the Tesla Model 3 (Image: EVANNEX)

Top 5 Vehicle Protection Products
So, what are the top 5 products to protect your Tesla?

Scraping or scuffing your Tesla wheels may lower resale value, look messy, or worse — so be sure to avoid “curb rash” with rim protection. Protect your vegan leather with seat covers. In the sun, keep your car cool with sunshades. In the snow, all-weather floor mats defend against the slushy sleet/mud that mess up your Tesla’s floor. Regardless of weather, a Tesla car cover can protect against the elements.

Kim from LikeTesla saved her Tesla rims using Wheel Bands to defend against curb rash incidents (YouTube: LikeTesla)

Top 5 “Gadgets” for Tesla Owners
Next up, what are the top 5 gadgets for Tesla owners?

Lexie Janson is a tech reviewer, drone racer, and python developer and goes by the pseudonym “MaiOnHigh” on her popular YouTube channel. As a Model 3 owner, she provides her own curated list (see video below). Her picks: Chrome Trunk Molding, Trunk Lift, Frunk Lift, LED Lighting Upgrade, and Dual Qi Charger.

Lexie’s nod to a few cool “gadgets” for your Tesla (Youtube: MaiOnHigh)

Top 5 Holiday Gifts for Tesla Owners
Finally, with Christmas (and Hanukah) fast-approaching, what are the top 5 holiday gifts for Tesla owners? Keep ’em dry with a reverse umbrella and safe with a grab handle multi-tool. And manners, please — be sure to abide by the proper EV charging etiquette with charging hangtags and courtesy notices.

The ultimate comic book for those Tesla, SpaceX, and Elon Musk fans in your life (Source: The Adventures of Starman)

How do you spice up your home, workplace, and garage so you can showcase your Tesla street cred? Easy, display true Tesla pride with a 3D LED lamp.

Or, what about a gorgeous collector’s item for those of us who grew up reading comic books? Alas, my (personal) favorite gift of all — for the diehard Tesla/SpaceX fan, get a signed and numbered Starman comic book.

Originally published on EVANNEX, with slight modification.
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About the Author

Matt Pressman is all about Tesla. He’s a TSLA investor, pre-ordered the Model 3, and loves driving the family's Model S and Model X company cars. As co-founder of EVANNEX, a family business specializing in aftermarket Tesla accessories, he’s served as a contributor/editor of Electric Vehicle University (EVU) and the Owning Model S and Getting Ready for Model 3 books. He writes daily about Tesla and you can follow his work on the EVANNEX blog.

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Tesla Deliveries: From DIY Trailers In 2012 To Price-Shifting Leadership In 2019 — Tesla Inside Out, Part Trois

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Published on December 5th, 2019 |

by Zachary Shahan

Tesla Deliveries: From DIY Trailers In 2012 To Price-Shifting Leadership In 2019 — Tesla Inside Out, Part Trois

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December 5th, 2019 by Zachary Shahan

Resuming our “Tesla Inside Out” series, this video picks up where David Havasi and I left off last time, chuckling about a wild DIY Tesla delivery story. David and a team of early 2012 employees built a trailer to deliver early Model S’s without having any real clue what they were doing. Luckily, they got the job done. He also mentioned a funny story about a Miami delivery truck in highlighting their overall novice delivery truck awareness back in 2012.

If you prefer audio podcasts over watching YouTube videos, you can listen on your favorite podcasting platform instead. You can subscribe and listen to this podcast and other CleanTech Talk podcasts on: Anchor, Apple Podcasts/iTunes, Breaker, Google Podcasts, Overcast, Pocket, Podbean, Radio Public, SoundCloud, Spotify, or Stitcher.

This provided the perfect opportunity for me to bring up a story I’ve never reported before, based on a conversation I had this summer with the owner of a vehicle shipping company. He told me that it used to cost more to ship a car from the US East Coast to the West Coast, but because of how many Model 3’s Tesla sells and how much it has sucked up vehicle delivery capacity from west to east, it’s now more expensive to ship a car from the West Coast to the East Coast.

We talked and laughed about how crazy it is that in 2012 David and gang were trying to figure out how to build a trailer to ship cars, wheels were rolling off of delivery vehicles, they had to figure out who on the team had a wrench and who had forklift experience, and then 6–7 years later, Tesla has grown to be such a force that it has strongly influenced vehicle shipping prices and flipped the market in terms of which direction it’s cheaper for any company to ship a car in the USA.

David also talked about early delivery targets. They were delivering to people’s homes back in 2012, and each delivery person had a target of just two deliveries a day. If you look back at 2012 sales data, you can see how that makes sense, but it’s unfathomable today with ~100,000 deliveries per quarter.

That led into David describing the crazy tight space at the early Queens service center, the “Tesla Tetris” challenge of stuffing Teslas into small spaces, and the risky work of getting Teslas on trailers next to a fast, busy highway. He also told us about the unusual challenge of working to schedule Model S deliveries as Hurricane Sandy hit. The story even involved David’s first experience with Uber.

Moving on to the end of the year, we started to discuss New Year’s Eve 2012. To set the stage a bit, I provided some context about Tesla’s state at the time (as I saw it from the outside), some challenging hits it was taking in the media, and the fact that it was on the brink of collapse. David mentioned in response that they were so in the weeds focused on getting vehicles to customers that they didn’t really notice all of that, but that it was also “abundantly clear” that every single delivery mattered. From David’s perspective, the focus was just 100% on “deliver these f*in cars” and make sure to give customers the attention they needed with such a young company and so much up in the air to leave them feeling good about the experience (and make it all the way through to delivery). It is certainly interesting — and I think the first time I’ve heard — the situation back in 2012 from the delivery teams’ perspective and how customized their relationship with early buyers was.

I then highlighted the somewhat personal approach to delivery I received with our fairly young Model 3. Tesla employee Sean Ford kept me updated every day on where the car was, which I hugely appreciated. That’s apparently not normal, but it definitely should be, and I think Tesla should offer much more opportunity for customers to track their cars after ordering and before delivery. That pulled another very funny story out of David, who explained that, back in the day, even Tesla delivery specialists couldn’t track cars as they made their way across the US! They finally got the capability to do so after a conference call with George Blankenship in which someone brought up the issue and suggested activating the GPS capability in the cars to be able to see where they are at any moment. (David’s telling of the story is quite funny, so I definitely recommend listening to this, which starts at 27:30 into the video or podcast above.)

David also explained his pitch that Tesla delivery centers should be like “TeslaLand” — a mini version of Disneyland or Legoland for Tesla, something fun and interesting for people who clearly like or love Tesla and would enjoy learning a bit more about it while they wait to get their cars. I think this is a great idea, so we’ll have to come back to it and feature the idea more prominently.

At last, we got to the 2012 New Year’s Eve story. You have to watch or listen starting at 34:40 to hear that one.

In the last few minutes of this episode, I got a full rundown of David’s role changes at Tesla over the course of his time there (2012–2019), just to help set the stage for what’s coming in future episodes of “Tesla Inside Out.”

If you’d like to buy a Tesla Model 3, Model S, or Model X and get some free Supercharging miles, feel free to use my special, magical, unicorn-blessed referral code: https://ts.la/zachary63404. You can also get a $100 discount on Tesla solar with that code. There is currently no use for a referral code when putting down a reservation for a Cybertruck or Model Y.
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Zachary Shahan is tryin' to help society help itself one word at a time. He spends most of his time here on CleanTechnica as its director and chief editor. He's also the CEO of Important Media. Zach is recognized globally as an electric vehicle, solar energy, and energy storage expert. He has presented about cleantech at conferences in India, the UAE, Ukraine, Poland, Germany, the Netherlands, the USA, Canada, and Curaçao.

Zach has long-term investments in Tesla [TSLA] — after years of covering solar and EVs, he simply has a lot of faith in this company and feels like it is a good cleantech company to invest in. But he offers no investment advice and does not recommend investing in Tesla or any other company.

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Powering The EV Revolution — Battery Packs Now At $156/kWh, 13% Lower Than 2018, Finds BNEF

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Batteries

Published on December 4th, 2019 |

by Dr. Maximilian Holland

Powering The EV Revolution — Battery Packs Now At $156/kWh, 13% Lower Than 2018, Finds BNEF

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December 4th, 2019 by Dr. Maximilian Holland

Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) has released the results of its 2019 Battery Price Survey, finding that industry-weighted average battery pack prices have already fallen to $156 per kWh. This is over 13% lower than the 2018 average ($180/kWh, when adjusted for inflation), and BNEF foresees cost reductions continuing, with $100/kWh potentially being reached by 2023. Let’s dive in.

The cell/pack split ratios in my above graphic are derived from BNEF’s 2018 data, with prices updated to 2019. Here’s the original 2019 pricing data as tweeted by BNEF (click on graphic to see the full animated graph):

Note that BNEF’s pricing data is based on the industry volume-weighted average, and is not intended to be representative of cost leaders such as Tesla/Panasonic, CATL, and others. Our understanding is that Tesla is already somewhere below $100/kWh at the cell level, and likely below $140/kWh at the pack level. Volkswagen has hinted that its cell prices (likely supplied by CATL, based on NCM 811 chemistry) are also below the $100/kWh level.

BNEF projects that the overall industry’s cost reductions will continue, with $100/kWh at the pack level likely to be reached by around 2023, as stated in the above tweet. This is the point at which mass market electric vehicles (BEVs) are expected to reach sticker price parity with “equivalent” combustion vehicles, whilst larger vehicle classes and premium vehicles have already passed parity in several cases. All BEVs are typically already more affordable than combustion vehicles on a total-cost-of-ownership basis, due to substantial lifetime savings on fuel and maintenance costs.

Near-Term EV Battery Trends
There’s some debate over whether the ongoing reduction in the cobalt content of battery cathodes, and the corresponding increase in nickel content (in the popular NCM 811 and NCA cathode batteries) will lead to a nickel price squeeze in the medium term, if nickel supply doesn’t grow with this fast emerging demand. Currently, a BEV with a decent-sized 55 kWh battery (e.g., the Tesla Model 3 SR Plus) may contain between 40 and 60 kg of nickel (depending on exact chemistry), with smaller-battery PHEVs containing less than half of that. Call it 38 kg per EV on average.

Tesla Model 3. Image Courtesy: Tesla

At an EV market share of 2.5% this year or early next (around 2.25 million new EVs per year), this approximates to around 85,000 metric tons of nickel demand for EV batteries, of the annual total nickel supply of around 2.3 million tons. Only around 60% of the global supply (roughly 1.4 million tons) is Class 1 nickel, suitable for use in batteries.

As EV market share approaches 10% in the coming few years, with the same high-nickel cathode chemistries, this will require 340,000 tons, some 25% of 2018–2019 global total Class 1 nickel supply. This level may be manageable, but if NCA and NCM batteries are going to take us towards 20% EV market share and beyond, then continually increasing total nickel supply will obviously be necessary. Emerging battery technologies like metal anodes (likely lithium-rich) will make existing NCA and NMC (and most other) battery cathodes go further for the same amount of raw materials, as will solid-state and semi-solid electrolytes. These technologies are already well established in the development pipeline.

Meanwhile, the venerable lithium-iron-phosphate (“LFP”) chemistries are not standing still. Battery makers are expecting LFP to remain a central pillar in the coming years, especially for the China market, with energy densities reaching beyond 200 Wh/kg at the cell level by 2020 (e.g., BYD, CATL, and BJEV). The cathode materials in LFP (iron, phosphate, oxygen, lithium, and sometimes manganese) are highly abundant and have global supply volumes well beyond the needs of even a 100% EV market share.

Volkswagen has also recently indicated that it will look to use next-generation LFP batteries in the large volume of China-market BEVs it is planning to build in the coming years.

In summary, nickel will likely be able to ramp up to meet the growing demands for NMC 811 and NCA batteries. If there is a nickel supply bottleneck, elevated nickel prices will encourage more market entrants on the supply side. In the unlikely event that further battery price reductions for NCA and NCM chemistries are permanently curtailed by high cobalt and nickel material prices, there are several other already existing chemistries and approaches able to carry the baton forwards. LFP chemistries in particular are still strongly improving their energy and cost performance, and are largely invulnerable to raw material pricing issues.

Fossil-Backed EV FUD Still Abounds
On a related note, MIT’s “Energy Initiative” group recently published a FUD-laden “Insights into Future Mobility” report (sponsored by an array of fossil fuel companies, including ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, Chevron, Aramco, Equinor, GM, & Toyota).

One of its central theses is that “the price of lithium-ion battery packs is likely to drop by almost 50% between 2018 and 2030, reaching $124 per kilowatt-hour.” (MIT report, page xvi).

The report concludes from this that, “our cost analysis indicates that a mid-sized battery electric vehicle with a range of 200-plus miles will likely remain upwards of $5,000 more expensive to manufacture than a similar internal combustion vehicle through 2030.” (MIT report, page xvi).

MIT’s projected $124/kWh battery pack price in 2030 — that it deems inevitable on the basis of cobalt/nickel constraints — is obviously well out of tune with the trends on the ground, and doesn’t acknowledge the already existing plural pathways that the industry is pursuing, as discussed above. Colin Mckerracher (head of advanced transport at BNEF) has rightly rebuffed the MIT perspective in a recent tweet:

Conclusion: The rEVolution Continues!
With battery pack prices continuing to improve, by 13% in the past year, and heading towards $100/kWh by 2023 or so, the EV revolution will roll on. As well as improving battery prospects, there are still efficiencies to be found in inverters, motors, aero, tires and wheels, overall weight, and many other areas, all of which have compounding effects on making EVs ever more capable and ever more affordable.

Have you already joined the EV revolution, or are you planning to soon? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
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Dr. Maximilian Holland Max is an anthropologist, social theorist and international political economist, trying to ask questions and encourage critical thinking about social and environmental justice, sustainability and the human condition. He has lived and worked in Europe and Asia, and is currently based in Barcelona. Follow Max on twitter @Dr_Maximilian and at MaximilianHolland.com, or contact him via LinkedIn.

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Tesla’s START Program Trains Service Center Techs At Colleges Across The Nation

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Autonomous Vehicles

Published on December 4th, 2019 |

by Kyle Field

Tesla’s START Program Trains Up Service Center Techs At Colleges Across The Nation

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December 4th, 2019 by Kyle Field

The first class of students at the Tesla START program at Miami Dade College in Southern Florida are officially graduating this week after 12 weeks of intense study. The program was designed to give students the unique skills needed to work at one of Tesla’s Service Centers while learning about Tesla’s customer-centric approach to servicing its electric vehicles from the source.

Some of the graduates and staff from the Miami Dade College Tesla START Program. Image courtesy: Miami Dade College

This was just the first class, and it ushers in a new generation of educational curriculum at Miami Dade College (MDC). Moving forward, the program will be run out of MDC’s brand spanking new state-of-the-art Electric Vehicle Training Center.

“With the opening of the new training center, students will be able to compete for opportunities in the growing field of electric vehicle service technicians,” said MDC’s Interim President Dr. Rolando Montoya. “The College continues to provide our students with cutting-edge technology training programs in preparation of today’s competitive global workplace.”

The inauguration of the new Electric Vehicle Training Center at Miami Dade College. Image courtesy: Miami Dade College

At the college, the program is officially named the Career Technical Certificate in Advanced Automotive Service Technology – Tesla Technician Program, but the rest of the world just calls it Tesla START. It is a recognition that not only is the automotive world transitioning to electric vehicles, but that a completely new skillset is needed to speak about the vehicles, assist customers with service needs, and interact with them using cutting edge digital tools.

Coming out of the 12-week program, graduates will have a solid base of service skills that will enable them to become electric vehicle technicians. It is clearly not a masterclass, but it’s a start. On Tesla’s side of things, the company helped build the curriculum for the program as the leading manufacturer and seller of electric vehicles in the country. Tesla also generously provided the training equipment, vehicles, and tools used in the class, which sounds like it would be an entertaining ride by itself.

Because they helped build the curriculum, graduates are primed to jump into a career as a full-time employee at a Tesla Service Center in North America. That’s not a bad jump start into a growing cleantech field if you ask me. For Tesla, it gets a roster of new hires that are not only interested in being hired, but in the industry, and are trained to be effective starting on day 1. That takes a lot of the onboarding off of Tesla’s hands and surely contributes to a higher retention rate for each new hire from the START program.

The Tesla Cybertruck – Image credit: Kyle Field | CleanTechnica

Across the country, more than 200 students have graduated from Tesla START at the 6 colleges offering it since the program launched in 2018. Both figures are likely to continue to climb as Tesla sells more vehicles each year and adds new vehicles to the lineup. In Q1 2020, the Tesla Model Y will drop like a juicy steak into a pen of rabid dogs into the domestic CUV market, followed by the controversial wedge of a truck that is the Cybertruck in late 2021.

Students and schools interested in learning more about the START program can email Tesla about it directly at start@tesla.com.
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About the Author

Kyle Field I'm a tech geek passionately in search of actionable ways to reduce the negative impact my life has on the planet, save money and reduce stress. Live intentionally, make conscious decisions, love more, act responsibly, play. The more you know, the less you need. TSLA investor.

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Ford Mustang Mach-E “Selling Out” Is Good News For Tesla

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Cars

Published on December 3rd, 2019 |

by Johnna Crider

Ford Mustang Mach-E “Selling Out” Is Good News For Tesla

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December 3rd, 2019 by Johnna Crider

The first edition of the Ford Mustang Mach-E has reportedly sold out. This is great news for Ford. It’s also another part of Tesla’s endgame, rather than proof of its demise, as some critics would have you believe.

First of all, though, I would like to say that the headline from MarketRealist about this news, “Forget Tesla Pre-Orders, the Ford Mach-E Has Sold Out,” didn’t sit well with me. Ford just recently unveiled the Mach-E and hasn’t delivered a single one — it won’t for a while — so how did the vehicle “sell out” already?

Well, I did some sleuthing. The headline is a bit of a stretch, not actually accurate. Perhaps it should have read, “Mach-E First Edition Sold Out.” The version that is “sold out” is just the $60,000 First Edition version. There are also the $43,895 Select, $50,600 Premium, $52,400 California RT.1 Edition, and $60,500 GT versions.

Some of the perks of getting this limited edition Ford include a First Edition badge, more range, and all-wheel drive.

Also, it’s important to note that Ford only plans to produce 50,000 of its Mach-E vehicles in 2021 due to supply issues. Taking a swipe at 250,000 preorders for the Tesla Cybertruck, as MarketRealist did in its headline, to highlight that Ford sold out of a small slice of 50,000 Mach-E vehicles doesn’t make much sense. How do a few hundred or few thousand units of the Mach-E make 250,000 Cybertruck preorders irrelevant?

Nonetheless, the Mach-E First Edition selling out is a good thing for Tesla’s goal of getting as many people driving electric as soon as possible. Even though the Mach-E isn’t a Tesla and doesn’t come with access to the Tesla Supercharger network, it is clearly Ford’s reply to Tesla’s demand that automakers hasten the shift to sustainable ways of driving. Tesla’s mission is to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy. It’s doing that with every Tesla product sold, be it a car or home energy system. It’s also doing that every time a competitor sells another EV inspired or pressured into existence by Tesla. Even if Tesla doesn’t make money on this, it’s still achieving its main goal with every Ford Mach-E preorder, with every Porsche Taycan preorder, etc.

The Ford Mustang Mach-E, like the Taycan and the others, is not a Tesla killer. Tesla still leads the EV market — by far — and the Mach-E probably grows the EV market more than taking away from any other electric models.

But let’s step back for a minute and consider what success means. What do most auto companies want? Profits. What does Tesla want? To change how we get from point A to B. Tesla is transforming the industry into something that most auto companies don’t understand and can’t recognize. This is why in the beginning many scoffed, mocked, and belittled Tesla. So, any auto industry efforts in that direction are a clear win for Tesla.

Ford hopes to compete with Tesla’s Model Y — both will have a range of 300 miles, comparable size and acceleration, over-the-air software updates, a surprisingly similar touchscreen. Credit Suisse, which is bearish on Tesla, thinks Ford will be a “threat to Tesla” when it comes to the Model 3, not just the Model Y. Again, here we go with the threat and killer lingo. Analyst Dan Levy thinks that the Mach-E should “provide a compelling alternative at the Model 3 price range than other comps, especially given the performance focus.”

Dan has something of a point here. I am from Louisiana’s northwest corner, which is pretty much considered Texas by those in the southern part of the state. People love their trucks. Trucks represent a lifestyle of ruggedness and stability around here. People use them at tailgating events, for their work, and for fun. Although the Mach-E isn’t a truck, it is a Ford. In 2019, Ford was a “perennial favorite” among those polled for the U.S. News’ Best Truck Brands of 2019. Ford is the number one selling truck in America and has been for over 40 years. Many people familiar with Ford who love Ford who are intrigued by an electric vehicle will happily buy a Mustang Mach-E instead of a Tesla. But that doesn’t mean they would have bought a Tesla otherwise. They might well only buy an electric vehicle because Ford is offering one.

So, Ford just helped Tesla with its goal by making an EV for its own customers who are loyal to the brand and would never be in the market for a Tesla. For those who are put off by Tesla’s new Cybertruck, Ford will definitely be a brand they are familiar with and comfortable with when it comes to getting an electric truck (Ford is supposed to be coming out with an electric F-150).

Overall, Ford’s success with the Mach-E, which has picked up some strong design guidelines and features from Tesla, is also Tesla’s success. Some wins can be shared.

Related: Ford Mustang Mach-E Is A Tesla Ally, Ford Escape & Edge Killer (Maybe)
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Johnna Crider Johnna Crider is a Baton Rouge artist, gem and mineral collector, and Tesla shareholder who believes in Elon Musk and Tesla. Elon Musk advised her in 2018 to “Believe in Good.”

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Tesla Cybertruck vs. RAM 1500

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Clean Transport

Published on December 3rd, 2019 |

by Johnna Crider

Tesla Cybertruck vs. RAM 1500

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December 3rd, 2019 by Johnna Crider

Image courtesy RAM

WheelsJoint has published a comparison between the Tesla Cybertruck and the RAM 1500. The article covered several categories, and Cybertruck pretty much had a better rating in almost all of them. This shows that Tesla brought a beast into the truck market that could definitely give RAM a run for its money. Let’s have a quick look at some of the categories that WheelsJoint went over.

There are seven trim levels and three engine types of the RAM 1500 for customers to choose from, whereas there are three versions of the Cybertruck —single-motor, dual-motor, and tri-motor options. In some categories, all versions are compared. In others, only select versions of the 1500 or Cybertruck are included, due to limited information.

Photo by Kyle Field for CleanTechnica

Torque (pound feet). The Cybertruck Tri-Motor has the highest torque, at 1,000 lb-ft, while the RAM 1500 with the HEMI V8 eTorque produces 545 lb-ft of torque.

0–60 MPH. The Cybertruck Tri-Motor reaches 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds. Motor Trend tested the latest model of RAM and discovered that the 5.7L can do 0–60 MPH in 6.1 seconds. Even the Cybertruck Dual Motor beats that, but the Cybertruck Single Motor does not.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions. I find it interesting that this was included in the categories since it is obvious who will win and is not typically included in car (let alone truck) comparisons, but the author wanted to make a point about the debate around electric vehicles not being fully emissions-free. That debate is centered around the production of EV batteries, and if we are brutally honest here, even me typing this article while at home isn’t emissions-free, because I need energy for it and I breathe while I do it.

The greenhouse gas emissions metric used is grams per mile. The RAM 1,500 4WD 5.7L V8 produces the highest amount in the entire RAM line, 473 grams of greenhouse gas emissions per mile. The Cybertruck (all three versions) produce zero grams per mile. For those who may be curious to see how 473 grams per mile compares, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average passenger vehicle emits about 404 grams of carbon dioxide per mile. If someone wanted to purchase a RAM 1500 and wanted to beat that average, then the RAM 1500 2WD 3.6L V6 would do since its rating is 395 grams per mile, the lowest out of all five Rams in this comparison.

Towing Capacity (Pounds). The Cybertruck Tri Motor proves to be the best when it comes to towing. 14,000 pounds is a lot. The Cybertruck Single Motor has the lowest towing capacity, at 7,500 pounds. The RAM 1500 5.7L e Torque Quad Cab has the second-highest towing capacity of those compared, at 12,750 pounds. The Cybertruck Dual Motor is approximately in the middle, above two of the RAM trucks and below four of them.

Payload Capacity (pounds). When it comes to Payload, Cybertruck Tri-Motor wins again, at 3,500 pounds, a full 1,200 pounds above the RAM 1500 3.6L eTorque Quad Cab, which has a payload of 2.300 pounds. The remaining RAM trucks are between 1,780 and 1,970 pounds, while no information is provided for the other two Cybertrucks.

Cargo Volume, Ground Clearance, Angle of Approach, Angle of Departure. All Tesla Cybertrunk variants win by a landslide in these categories.

Price (USD). When it comes to buying a truck, this is how the pricing breaks down:

RAM 1500 Tradesman — $33,440
RAM 1500 Tradesman HFE — $34,245
RAM 1500 Big Horn / Lone Star — $36,490
Tesla Cybertruck Single Motor — $39,900
RAM 1500 Laramie —$40,290
RAM 1500 Rebel — $44,490
Tesla Cybertruck Dual Motor — $49,900
RAM 1500 Laramie Longhorn —$50,990
RAM 1500 Limited — $53,690
Tesla Cybertruck Tri Motor — $69,900

For full charts and stats, visit the WheelsJoint article.

Photo by Kyle Field for CleanTechnica

When it comes to trucks, people have shown that they want something that is stable and trustworthy. They want something reliable that can be an extension of themselves. The Tesla Cybertruck will have a lot to prove in the truck market. However, I believe that Tesla will do the same thing in truck market that it has done in other areas of the auto market: Tesla will revolutionize it.
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About the Author

Johnna Crider Johnna Crider is a Baton Rouge artist, gem and mineral collector, and Tesla shareholder who believes in Elon Musk and Tesla. Elon Musk advised her in 2018 to “Believe in Good.”

Tesla is one of many good things to believe in. You can find Johnna on Twitter

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Conversations From Tesla Cybertruck Test Rides (2 Videos)

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Autonomous Vehicles

Published on December 3rd, 2019 |

by Cynthia Shahan

Conversations From Tesla Cybertruck Test Rides (2 Videos)

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December 3rd, 2019 by Cynthia Shahan

This interior video from one of the original test drives of the dramatic Cybertruck revealed the answer to my one pressing question about the Cybertruck — whether it has a glass roof. It has a large one. “Wow, it’s all glass up top,” a rider notes.

The driver, meanwhile, is explaining that the rearview mirror camera gives much greater visibility out the back, especially when the tonneau is up or something else loaded in the back obstructs the driver’s direct view a bit. “We thought it would be a great idea, when the top is rolled up, because you can’t see out of the back, this basically augments your vision, so that you can see behind you.”

Perhaps this will satisfy those concerned about vision, whether the the truck bed cover is closed or open.

In both videos below, the new, angular, mega, incredibly utilitarian, 100% electric vehicle from Tesla sounds like a quiet jet taking off while showing off its instant torque. MacTechGenius films as the driver easily makes a smooth complete turn back to where the came from and also explains that different settings offer very different ride experiences. “So, we were just in the mode where we were basically soaking up all the bumps. But since we have air suspension and we have adaptive dampers, we can cater the ride and handling to whatever you want. He also explains that hearing the compressor gong is due to adjusting the air suspension on the fly.”

The steering wheel is unusual, and when asked if it will make it all the way to production, the driver answers, “I think we’ll announce more details of what the production design exactly is. But for us, we only get better when we go to production.”

The second video, by Tom Sjötun, talks space — just how much space there is. One of the passengers has a Toyota Tundra TRD Off Road and emphasizes, “This feels B-I-G-G-E-R.”

“Way more spacious.”

The conversation covers the material on the seats, which is different than anything that’s been in production. (If its Tesla, its innovation every week.) The test drive took place without side rearview mirrors, but that will probably change due to legalities in the US. The driver notes, however, that in Europe you are now allowed to have camera systems instead of mirrors. They can be absent if replaced with cameras and essentially the rearview mirror showing a camera feed.

In both videos, the driver points out the increased size of the center touchscreen of the Cybertruck — 17 inches. That is 2 inches wider than the one that comes in a Tesla Model 3. The more substantial Cybertruck demands a bit of a larger screen for the generous cabin space.

Tom Sjötun reports under his video that he ordered the Tri Motor version, which we find out in the video is so top secret still that the driver can’t even talk about it!

Take a look at both videos, especially if you are wondering about the visibility and room of the emissions-free, dynamic, innovative design, for which the word truck now falls short.

And for those small EV lovers, like me, we can love the Cybertruck as well. Instead of covering our face when a large truck rolls by and blows out smoke, we’ll see the Cybertruck and smile. Our Cyber friend won’t blow dirty air into our face, or anyone else’s.

And, on another safety note:

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About the Author

Cynthia Shahan Cynthia Shahan started writing by doing research as a social cultural and sometimes medical anthropology thinker. She studied and practiced both Waldorf education, and Montessori education. Eventually becoming an organic farmer, licensed AP, and mother of four unconditionally loving spirits, teachers, and environmentally conscious beings born with spiritual insights and ethics beyond this world. (She was able to advance more in this way led by her children.)

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Kick Off The Season Of Giving – By Winning A Tesla!

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