What Tesla stockholders can expect from roadmap of Elon Musk
Thursday, December 2, 2021 | Chimniii Desk
Key Highlights
- Elon Musk announced earlier this week that he will participate in Tesla's upcoming January earnings call and provide a "updated product roadmap."
- "Musk views the company's entire operations — including the construction of new factories in Austin, Texas, and near Berlin — as Tesla products.
- At the November 2017 Semi event, chief designer Franz von Holzhausen revealed the next-generation Roadster by driving it out of the back of the Semi.
- We haven't heard anything about this vehicle in quite some time; Tesla's most recent shareholder deck indicates that it is still in development.
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Musk's Resurgent Earnings Call
Elon Musk announced earlier this week that he will participate in Tesla's upcoming January earnings call and provide a "updated product roadmap." Additionally, he will discuss this year's "supply chain nightmare."
Musk views the company's entire operations — including the construction of new factories in Austin, Texas, and near Berlin — as Tesla products. Thus, while he's likely to focus on upcoming vehicles, I expect we'll also hear an update on the factories' progress. Additionally, we could hear about a variety of other products, including Tesla Insurance; fans may even be able to purchase a $50 Cybertruck-shaped whistle, assuming it ever restocks.
To summarise, Tesla produces the Model S, X, 3, and Y in Fremont, California, and the Model 3 and Y in Shanghai. Tesla is also expanding its Megapack battery manufacturing facility in Lathrop, California.
Here's a quick recap of everything else Tesla has announced and on which customers and investors are eager for more information.
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CYBERTRUCK
Two years ago, in November 2019, Musk unveiled the Cybertruck. Of all the vehicles Tesla has planned, the Cybertruck has garnered the most attention. The plan is to manufacture it in Austin, Texas, following in the footsteps of the Model Y. Tesla's website, which is still accepting fully refundable $100 deposits for the Cybertruck, states that "as production nears in 2022, you will be able to complete your configuration." I wouldn't be surprised if this timeline is pushed back even further.
SEMI
Musk unveiled the Semi truck in November 2017, four years ago. Musk has indicated that the Semi is on hold until Tesla is able to mass produce or obtain a new type of battery cell. Tesla's new, larger 4680 battery cells were one of the standout features of last year's "Battery Day." Tesla will manufacture the 4680s on a pilot line in Fremont, but will also purchase them from long-time supplier Panasonic. Tesla stated in its third-quarter earnings release that "the 4680 in-house cell project is progressing." We are increasing our production of battery packs for testing purposes, and the test results thus far have met our current expectations." That sounds promising, but volume production is still in its infancy.
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ROADSTER
At the November 2017 Semi event, chief designer Franz von Holzhausen revealed the next-generation Roadster by driving it out of the back of the Semi. We haven't heard anything about this vehicle in quite some time; Tesla's most recent shareholder deck indicates that it is still in development.
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NEXT-GENERATION PRODUCT
Musk stated in Part Deux of his Master Plan that Tesla's lineup would "cover the major modes of terrestrial transport." The majority anticipate a less expensive, Chinese-made car costing $25,000 or less. However, what else is there? Is that a bus? Minivan? Has Tesla ever considered developing an electric motorcycle? Tesla's third-quarter investor deck (see page 7) notes the development of a "Future Product."
Additionally, there are Tesla Energy products for homeowners, including the Solar Roof and Powerwall.
Before You Go
Hyundai's hydrogen fuel cell-powered Xcient truck and Nexo sport utility vehicle were on display at the November Los Angeles Auto Show. Bing Guan/Bloomberg
Hyundai Motor Group's transformation from a conventional carmaker to a future-focused mobility giant has necessitated significant changes at the Korean automaker. Since assuming the chairmanship of the company in late 2020, Euisun Chung has increased investment in electric vehicles and embraced robotics more fully. As Businessweek's Heejin Kim and Heesu Lee report, the focus has shifted to hydrogen-based technology (hydrogen-fuel-cell engines emit only water vapor). Whether or not this shift succeeds remains an open question. The difficulty is magnified when it comes to refuelling, given the scarcity of hydrogen stations. For the time being, this means additional hassles for owners of hydrogen-powered vehicles.
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