Tesla's cheaper EV model comes and goes, FSD v15, Rivian R2 EPA numbers, and more
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This week's episode of The Electric Podcast dives into a flurry of major developments in the EV and tech world, starting with a controversial report from Rotors claiming Tesla is quietly reviving a smaller, cheaper EV program—potentially a successor to the canceled Model 2—designed for production at Gigafactory Shanghai and later global factories. Despite Tesla China's immediate denial, the report has reignited speculation about Tesla’s long-term strategy, especially after Elon Musk previously canceled the project in favor of focusing on the CyberCab and full autonomy. The hosts express skepticism about both the report’s credibility and Tesla’s PR, noting the company’s history of backtracking on announcements. The discussion then shifts to Tesla’s FSD software, with the release of V14.3 featuring a major rewrite of the AI compiler using MLIR, reportedly improving reaction time by 20%. While the hosts are cautiously optimistic about this technical advancement, they remain critical of Tesla’s lack of transparency, especially regarding safety data. Elon Musk’s bold claim that V15 will be 'unsupervised and safer than human' is met with skepticism, given repeated delays and unmet promises. The episode also covers the launch of Tesla’s new Supercharger for Business tool, revealing that deploying an eight-stall V4 station costs nearly $1 million, with a projected 4–5 year payback period. Non-Tesla news includes Rivian’s R2 EPA numbers, Volkswagen’s decision to kill the ID.4, Honda’s quirky new electric kei car for the UK, and Hyundai’s bold new Ioniq EV concepts. The hosts also tackle broader concerns about SpaceX’s upcoming IPO, Elon Musk’s influence on financial markets, and the risks of rapid index inclusion at a $2 trillion valuation.
Tesla may be quietly resurrecting a smaller, cheaper EV program (potentially a new Model 2) despite official denials, signaling a strategic pivot back to affordable vehicles.
FSD V14.3’s AI compiler rewrite using MLIR shows real technical progress with a 20% faster reaction time, but full unsupervised autonomy remains unproven and delayed.
Tesla’s new Supercharger for Business tool reveals that building a full V4 station costs ~$1 million, with a 4–5 year payback period—making it a viable but capital-intensive business.
Elon Musk’s claim that FSD V15 will be safer than humans is met with deep skepticism due to a decade of unmet promises and lack of public safety data.
Volkswagen’s decision to discontinue the ID.4 in the U.S. reflects a recurring pattern of legacy automakers abandoning EVs during political shifts, despite strong market demand.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Tesla's Canceled EV Program Reborn? The Model 2 Rumor
“If it is a fake denial, it would make sense too because the report kind of invalidate Elon's approach that you don't need cheaper vehicles. If you don't need that vehicle, it's because autonomy is there. If you need it, that's because autonomy is not there and that would kind of screw with his marketing right now.”
FSD V14.3: AI Compiler Rewrite and Reaction Time Gains
“I don't think that faster reaction time is the silver bullet here. It's super useful for everything. If you have a faster reaction time, you have a big advantage throughout the entire stack.”
Tesla Supercharger for Business: Cost and ROI Revealed
“Over 15 years of revenue, basically 10 million in Texas and 17 million in San Francisco. Payback period ranges between four and five years.”
Rivian R2, Volkswagen ID.4 Cancellation, and Honda’s New Kei Car
The episode covers non-Tesla news: Rivian’s R2 EPA numbers confirm 328 miles of range but reveal efficiency losses with all-terrain tires. Volkswagen confirms the ID.4 is being discontinued in the U.S., a move criticized as short-sighted. Honda’s new electric kei car for the UK is introduced, with modest specs but strong cult potential.
Hyundai’s Bold Ioniq Concepts and the Future of EV Design
Hyundai unveils two new Ioniq EV concepts—Earth and Venice—showcasing futuristic, almost Cybertruck-like designs. The hosts express cautious interest, noting the concepts are likely to influence future production models, especially with an Android-based infotainment system.
“SpaceX lost $5 billion last year on $18 billion of revenue. And they are aiming for a $75 billion IPO at a $2 trillion valuation.”
“The NASDAQ 100 forcing all the index funds to buy the company, exposing everyone to that SpaceX at roughly $2 trillion valuation at that point.”
“The only data that they've shown is heavily massaged data that showed that humans driving with FSD is safer than the average human driver in the US.”
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tesla
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elon musk
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fsv
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space x
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rivian
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v4 supercharger
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volkswagen
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rotors
media
grok
other
honda
organization
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