Wow, News

With location-based bonuses for sourcing, manufacturing, assembling, and selling it was only a matter of time before the digital-yet-set-in-stone blockchain got involved in tracking things.

Maybe someday, you’ll have to show up-to-date papers before your car can play with the other cars in the car park(ing garage).

What a weird world.

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Automakers

• Volvo introduces the first-ever EV battery passport for its EX90 SUV, tracking raw materials, components, recycled content, and carbon footprint. Developed over five years with blockchain startup Circulor, this passport aims to meet the EU's 2027 regulations ahead of time and will be accessible via a QR code inside the driver's door.
  
• Owners of Rivian R1T are reporting premature tire wear due to frequent use of Conserve mode, which lowers the suspension and alters camber angles. This mode, designed for longer trips, increases range but strains tires when used daily. Rivian should consider providing precise guidelines in the manual, enhancing the overall ownership experience.
  
• Ford's first all-electric Explorer rolls off the production line in Cologne. This five-seat family SUV is built on VW's MEB platform and features a 374-mile range, rapid charging, and advanced tech. Priced from $58,000, it aims to redefine the mid-size SUV market in Europe.

Tesla: Chips and Feuds

Pass the chips. Emails reveal Musk redirected over $500 million in Nvidia AI chips from Tesla to X and xAI, delaying Tesla's AI projects. Some Tesla shareholders are understandably upset by Musk's decision to favor some ventures over others.

Nvidia must have been happy, though, right?
Well, actually, Nvidia's emails revealed internal frustration, highlighting that Musk's public claims about Tesla's AI progress conflicted with actual chip allocations. It kinda shines a light on Nvidia's difficulty meeting demand and may entice folks to buy from competitors.

Is that why META is made at Musk? He bought all the chips??
No. META's LeCun criticized Musk for spreading false conspiracies and making unrealistic AI promises. Musk's comments on AI and his criticism of scientists and political figures have sparked debates on his leadership and influence in the tech world. So tech bros are bringing the pitchforks, and Tesla investors are lighting torches. Oof.

EV Repair Costs 29% Higher Than ICE Vehicles

More More More. There are more EVs, and as they spend more time on the road, more data about their operating/repair costs becomes available. Data shows that repairing an EV costs $6,066 on average, 29% more than ICE vehicles. But why?

Labor Pains. Increased repair frequency (up 40% from Q1 2023) and longer mechanical labor (3.04 hours for EVs vs. 1.66 for ICE) drive costs.

Biggest costs. High-voltage battery management and reliance on OEM parts (89.29% for EVs vs. 65.14% for ICE) also contribute.

The culprit? Tesla models (Model 3, Model Y) are the most frequently repaired EVs.

🤷‍♀️ What do? Dealership staff should inform customers about repair costs and the need for comprehensive insurance.

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In many regards, there are two kinds of people. Brownie corner vs. middle, rock vs. country, cats vs. dogs.

Another way it is true is "people who repair cosmetic issues” vs. “still drives = perfect.”

For some reason, the two groups always intermarry. Which group are you in?