News and Updates

Privacy Concerns Amid Advanced Tracking

Remember when our phones flipped and did whatever we told them? Now they got ideas of their own and are often "smarter" than their users. Cars are heading down the road to personal computing, and privacy keeps coming up in the "How smart is too smart?" conversation.

• 📍 Tech-Enabled Tracking: Advanced features in vehicles like location tracking and remote control, raising concerns about misuse for stalking, as evidenced by a recent legal case.
• 🛡️ Privacy Protections: Companies like GM and Rivian are developing features to mask vehicle location, acknowledging the need for safeguards against technology being used for unintended purposes.
• 📜 Policy & Responsibility: The case underscores the broader industry challenge of ensuring advanced automotive technologies serve user safety and privacy, prompting calls for clear policies and protections against misuse.

Kentucky's EV Tax

In a surprising move, Kentucky levels two new taxes on electric vehicles, sparking debate over fairness and the future of eco-friendly transportation.

• 💸 Heavy Taxing: Kentucky introduces a $120 annual EV registration fee plus an additional 3 cents per kilowatt-hour tax on public charging, disproportionately affecting EV owners compared to their gas-powered counterparts.
• 🚗 Public Charging Pinch: The new tax structure places a heavier burden on apartment dwellers and frequent commuters who rely on public charging, potentially discouraging EV adoption.
• 🌎 Industry Impact: As Kentucky positions itself as an EV manufacturing hub, these taxes raise questions about the state's commitment to fostering a cleaner automotive future and the overall impact on residents' health and the local environment.

Taxing unfavored choices has always been the US government's way of putting guardrails on individual freedoms. It keeps the people who can afford it from banding together with those who can't.

Rivian's Q4: Production Up, Deliveries Dip

Rivian had a tumultuous year-end. Somehow, they got their production up to snuff just as their deliveries bit the dust.

• 📉 Delivery Downturn: Despite increasing production to 17,541 EVs, Rivian's Q4 deliveries fell by 10% to 13,972 vehicles, slightly missing market expectations and impacting its stock value.
• 🚀 Production Peak: Rivian exceeded its full-year production guidance, manufacturing 57,232 vehicles in 2023, showcasing its growing manufacturing capabilities amid industry challenges.
• 💰 Financial Fortitude: Amidst concerns over financial health and cash burn, Rivian introduced leasing options and secured enough funds to sustain operations through 2025, reflecting a strategic push to maintain momentum and customer interest.

Usually, "win some, lose some" is used in reference to different events. Rivian managed to do both at the same time. #inspiring

Tesla's 2023 Overview

Despite losing the crown for global EV sales to BYD, Tesla overcame some rough obstacles in 2023. Not as many obstacles as Twitter, or sorry "X," but obstacles nonetheless.

• 📈 Record Deliveries: In 2023, Tesla delivered 1.81 million vehicles, a 38% increase year-over-year, primarily driven by the Model 3 and Model Y, showcasing its continued dominance in the electric vehicle market.
• 🇳🇴 Norwegian Niche: Despite union conflicts, Tesla extended its lead in Norway, capturing a 20% market share with EVs taking 82% of new car sales, demonstrating strong consumer preference amidst efforts to phase out petrol and diesel vehicles.
• 🇸🇪 Swedish Surge: Amidst union actions in Sweden, Tesla saw a 9% increase in new registrations in December, with the Model Y leading annual sales, indicating resilience and growing popularity even as it faces operational challenges in the region.