Latest news with #TeslaModel2
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
China's $10 Sodium-Ion Battery May Reshape U.S. EV Industry and Supply Chains
China's breakthrough sodium-ion battery — priced at $10/kWh (Bloomberg NEF, 2025) — is a technical marvel. It's a direct challenge to America's lithium-dependent auto industry. For context, today's cheapest lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries cost $75/kWh, while Tesla's 4680 cells hover near $100/kWh. At one-tenth the price, sodium-ion tech could make budget EVs like the $25,000 Tesla Model 2 financially viable overnight. American potential EV buyers hesitant because of cost will be comforted by this. When it comes. Chinese engineers at CATL (the world's largest EV battery maker) have begun mass-producing sodium-ion cells at their new 30GWh facility in Fujian province, with plans to supply automakers like Chery and BYD by late 2025. This isn't lab hype: CATL's first-gen sodium batteries already power 250,000 urban delivery vans across China, offering 120-160Wh/kg energy density. For cars, more needs to be done about range. But a 10,000 life cycle, to Tesla's 1500, lifespan speaks volumes. Best for grid storage and city cars, the economics are transformative. Sodium-ion production costs 70% less than lithium packs because of: Abundant materials: Sodium carbonate costs $200/ton vs. lithium carbonate's $15,000/ton (2025 prices) Simplified mining: Extractable from seawater or Wyoming's Green River Basin (90% of global reserves) No cobalt/nickel: Skips conflict minerals tied to Congo's mines Extortion free: Cannot be held to ransom by anyone on lithium supply. Implication for US Buyers: If adopted domestically, sodium batteries could slash entry-level EV prices by $8,000–$12,000, making models like the Chevrolet Bolt 2.0 or Ford E-Transit van accessible to millions. America's automakers are repeating history. Just as GM clung to gas-guzzling V8s during the 1970s oil crisis, today's EV strategies rely entirely on lithium—a mineral with 1,400% price volatility since 2020. If lithium supplies tighten again (e.g., Bolivia nationalizes reserves or Australia's mines strike), the fallout would be catastrophic: EV price spikes: A $100/kWh lithium battery adds $6,500 to a 65kWh pack Production halts: Ford's $3.5B Michigan plant depends on Chilean lithium Geopolitical blackmail: China controls 65% of lithium refining (according to the U.S. Geological Survey) Sodium-ion batteries offer an escape hatch. According to statements by CATL executives, the company can switch chemistries like changing shoes—lithium today, sodium tomorrow. US automakers, shackled by IRA domestic sourcing rules, lack this flexibility. That must change. And fast. BloombergNEF predicts sodium-ion will capture 12% of the global storage market by 2030, but China's head start is alarming. While the US has its first sodium battery factory (Natron Energy's Michigan plant), its 600MWh annual output is a fraction of CATL's 30GWh. What Washington Must Do: Fast-track permits for sodium carbonate mining (Wyoming holds 47B tons) Expand IRA tax credits to include sodium-ion R&D Mandate dual-chemistry EVs by 2030 Without these steps, America risks ceding the next-gen EV race to Chinese automakers already testing 310-mile sodium-powered sedans. The $10 battery isn't really about the chemistry. It's really a story about survival. For US buyers, sodium-ion could mean affordable EVs immune to lithium's rollercoaster. For Detroit, it's a wake-up call: innovate or watch your factories become relics, like Flint's shuttered V8 plants. The question isn't whether sodium batteries will disrupt the market, but whether America will lead, or follow, this salty revolution. Read the full article here: BYD's Sodium Bomb Just Blew Up the Lithium Cartel
Miami Herald
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
China's $10 Sodium-Ion Battery May Reshape U.S. EV Industry and Supply Chains
China's breakthrough sodium-ion battery - priced at $10/kWh (Bloomberg NEF, 2025) - is a technical marvel. It's a direct challenge to America's lithium-dependent auto industry. For context, today's cheapest lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries cost $75/kWh, while Tesla's 4680 cells hover near $100/kWh. At one-tenth the price, sodium-ion tech could make budget EVs like the $25,000 Tesla Model 2 financially viable overnight. American potential EV buyers hesitant because of cost will be comforted by this. When it comes. Chinese engineers at CATL (the world's largest EV battery maker) have begun mass-producing sodium-ion cells at their new 30GWh facility in Fujian province, with plans to supply automakers like Chery and BYD by late 2025. This isn't lab hype: CATL's first-gen sodium batteries already power 250,000 urban delivery vans across China, offering 120-160Wh/kg energy density. For cars, more needs to be done about range. But a 10,000 life cycle, to Tesla's 1500, lifespan speaks volumes. Best for grid storage and city cars, the economics are transformative. Sodium-ion production costs 70% less than lithium packs because of: Abundant materials: Sodium carbonate costs $200/ton vs. lithium carbonate's $15,000/ton (2025 prices)Simplified mining: Extractable from seawater or Wyoming's Green River Basin (90% of global reserves)No cobalt/nickel: Skips conflict minerals tied to Congo's minesExtortion free: Cannot be held to ransom by anyone on lithium supply. Implication for US Buyers: If adopted domestically, sodium batteries could slash entry-level EV prices by $8,000–$12,000, making models like the Chevrolet Bolt 2.0 or Ford E-Transit van accessible to millions. America's automakers are repeating history. Just as GM clung to gas-guzzling V8s during the 1970s oil crisis, today's EV strategies rely entirely on lithium-a mineral with 1,400% price volatility since 2020. If lithium supplies tighten again (e.g., Bolivia nationalizes reserves or Australia's mines strike), the fallout would be catastrophic: EV price spikes: A $100/kWh lithium battery adds $6,500 to a 65kWh packProduction halts: Ford's $3.5B Michigan plant depends on Chilean lithiumGeopolitical blackmail: China controls 65% of lithium refining (according to the U.S. Geological Survey) Sodium-ion batteries offer an escape hatch. According to statements by CATL executives, the company can switch chemistries like changing shoes-lithium today, sodium tomorrow. US automakers, shackled by IRA domestic sourcing rules, lack this flexibility. That must change. And fast. BloombergNEF predicts sodium-ion will capture 12% of the global storage market by 2030, but China's head start is alarming. While the US has its first sodium battery factory (Natron Energy's Michigan plant), its 600MWh annual output is a fraction of CATL's 30GWh. What Washington Must Do: Fast-track permits for sodium carbonate mining (Wyoming holds 47B tons)Expand IRA tax credits to include sodium-ion R&DMandate dual-chemistry EVs by 2030 Without these steps, America risks ceding the next-gen EV race to Chinese automakers already testing 310-mile sodium-powered sedans. The $10 battery isn't really about the chemistry. It's really a story about survival. For US buyers, sodium-ion could mean affordable EVs immune to lithium's rollercoaster. For Detroit, it's a wake-up call: innovate or watch your factories become relics, like Flint's shuttered V8 plants. The question isn't whether sodium batteries will disrupt the market, but whether America will lead, or follow, this salty revolution. Read the full article here: BYD's Sodium Bomb Just Blew Up the Lithium Cartel Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
20-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Elon Musk makes controversial decision that could cost Tesla big time
New information has been revealed that questions Elon Musk's leadership instincts. The Tesla () CEO is no stranger to controversial choices that cause both experts and investors to question his ability to lead the company. While the electric vehicle (EV) producer has risen to the top of its field, Musk's antics have raised plenty of eyebrows. 💵💰Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter 💰💵 Since Musk began his tenure with the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Tesla stock has mostly trended downward, and Wall Street sentiment toward it has also decreased. Even analysts who maintained highly bullish stances on TSLA for years have reduced their price targets. With competition rising in the EV market, both Tesla and Musk are facing a highly uncertain future as consumers take a stand against the company. Now, a new report suggests that things could be about to get worse for Musk as a poor decision he made comes into focus. Over the past few years, the EV landscape has shifted rapidly, as competition has intensified. When this happens, industry-leading companies such as Tesla are forced to adapt, which typically means finding new ways to innovate. Part of Tesla's growth strategy has focused on self-driving technology, specifically in pioneering its robotaxi. Known as the Cybercab, this autonomous vehicle is expected to be rolled out later this year, though with operations on standby. Experts have claimed that this means it doesn't qualify as truly 'self-driving.'This has meant prioritizing the Cybercab at the expense of another new model, specifically the $25,000 Tesla Model 2 that fans had eagerly awaited for years. It also seems that Musk's decision to focus on highly priced robotaxis over more affordable daily driver EVs may have been ill-advised. According to a new report from The Information, internal analysts at Tesla warned Musk that the robotaxi 'might never be profitable,' and could negatively impact the company in the long run. These experts noted that Tesla would likely be forced to keep the Cybercab mostly in the U.S., as obtaining regulatory approval in international markets would be challenging. However, they also noted that the Model 2 would be welcomed in markets such as India, Vietnam, and parts of Latin America, which would embrace a mass-market EV from a popular brand. However, that did not prove enticing enough to sway Tesla's leader. 'Musk hoped he could sell millions of Cybercabs to individuals and for ride-sharing, but the internal analysis pegged those sales in the hundreds of thousands,' Sherwood News reports. 'Meanwhile, Tesla could have actually sold millions of the now defunct Model 2, the report said. Musk shot it down and refused to produce both the low-cost car and the robotaxi.' This highlights the zero-sum nature of financial markets, in which a company opts to develop one product over another. Now, the Cybercab is facing new challenges, as the trade war with China threatens Tesla's production plans and forces it to halt component shipments. More Tesla News:Tesla insiders, including someone unexpected, are dumping shares Prominent Tesla shareholder has harsh words for Elon Musk On top of that, China itself is making notable progress on the self-driving front. Industry leader BYD is introducing self-driving technology into more and more cars, shortly after it outsold Tesla yet again by reporting strong delivery statistics for Q1 2025. For years, Tesla enthusiasts wondered when the long-awaited $25,000 model, described as the electric equivalent of the Ford Model T, would be released, finally bringing the luxury EV brand to the mass market. Early in April 2024, sources confirmed that Tesla would be scrapping its plans to build the Model 2 and would instead be focusing on the robotaxi. At the time, this came across as particularly disappointing, as the current anti-Tesla push had not yet that investors know that Musk ignored valuable insights from internal analysts regarding the Cybercab's questionable profitability, his leadership will likely face even more scrutiny. Investors such as Ross Gerber have already called for him to step down, claiming it is in the company's best interest. That said, this type of action seems to be on brand for Musk. In his 2021 book Power Play: Tesla, Elon Musk, and the Bet of the Century, author Tim Higgins reported he had fired anyone at Tesla who disagreed with him. In this case, Musk appears to have cost his company a key opportunity at a time when Tesla desperately needs a growth-driving catalyst. Had he listened to his consumers, TSLA stock might be performing better right now.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Elon Musk makes controversial decision that could cost Tesla big time
New information has been revealed that questions Elon Musk's leadership instincts. The Tesla () CEO is no stranger to controversial choices that cause both experts and investors to question his ability to lead the company. While the electric vehicle (EV) producer has risen to the top of its field, Musk's antics have raised plenty of eyebrows. 💵💰Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter 💰💵 Since Musk began his tenure with the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Tesla stock has mostly trended downward, and Wall Street sentiment toward it has also decreased. Even analysts who maintained highly bullish stances on TSLA for years have reduced their price targets. With competition rising in the EV market, both Tesla and Musk are facing a highly uncertain future as consumers take a stand against the company. Now, a new report suggests that things could be about to get worse for Musk as a poor decision he made comes into focus. Over the past few years, the EV landscape has shifted rapidly, as competition has intensified. When this happens, industry-leading companies such as Tesla are forced to adapt, which typically means finding new ways to innovate. Part of Tesla's growth strategy has focused on self-driving technology, specifically in pioneering its robotaxi. Known as the Cybercab, this autonomous vehicle is expected to be rolled out later this year, though with operations on standby. Experts have claimed that this means it doesn't qualify as truly 'self-driving.'This has meant prioritizing the Cybercab at the expense of another new model, specifically the $25,000 Tesla Model 2 that fans had eagerly awaited for years. It also seems that Musk's decision to focus on highly priced robotaxis over more affordable daily driver EVs may have been ill-advised. According to a new report from The Information, internal analysts at Tesla warned Musk that the robotaxi 'might never be profitable,' and could negatively impact the company in the long run. These experts noted that Tesla would likely be forced to keep the Cybercab mostly in the U.S., as obtaining regulatory approval in international markets would be challenging. However, they also noted that the Model 2 would be welcomed in markets such as India, Vietnam, and parts of Latin America, which would embrace a mass-market EV from a popular brand. However, that did not prove enticing enough to sway Tesla's leader. 'Musk hoped he could sell millions of Cybercabs to individuals and for ride-sharing, but the internal analysis pegged those sales in the hundreds of thousands,' Sherwood News reports. 'Meanwhile, Tesla could have actually sold millions of the now defunct Model 2, the report said. Musk shot it down and refused to produce both the low-cost car and the robotaxi.' This highlights the zero-sum nature of financial markets, in which a company opts to develop one product over another. Now, the Cybercab is facing new challenges, as the trade war with China threatens Tesla's production plans and forces it to halt component shipments. More Tesla News:Tesla insiders, including someone unexpected, are dumping shares Prominent Tesla shareholder has harsh words for Elon Musk On top of that, China itself is making notable progress on the self-driving front. Industry leader BYD is introducing self-driving technology into more and more cars, shortly after it outsold Tesla yet again by reporting strong delivery statistics for Q1 2025. For years, Tesla enthusiasts wondered when the long-awaited $25,000 model, described as the electric equivalent of the Ford Model T, would be released, finally bringing the luxury EV brand to the mass market. Early in April 2024, sources confirmed that Tesla would be scrapping its plans to build the Model 2 and would instead be focusing on the robotaxi. At the time, this came across as particularly disappointing, as the current anti-Tesla push had not yet that investors know that Musk ignored valuable insights from internal analysts regarding the Cybercab's questionable profitability, his leadership will likely face even more scrutiny. Investors such as Ross Gerber have already called for him to step down, claiming it is in the company's best interest. That said, this type of action seems to be on brand for Musk. In his 2021 book Power Play: Tesla, Elon Musk, and the Bet of the Century, author Tim Higgins reported he had fired anyone at Tesla who disagreed with him. In this case, Musk appears to have cost his company a key opportunity at a time when Tesla desperately needs a growth-driving catalyst. Had he listened to his consumers, TSLA stock might be performing better right in to access your portfolio
Miami Herald
18-04-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Elon Musk makes controversial decision that could cost Tesla big time
New information has been revealed that questions Elon Musk's leadership instincts. The Tesla (TSLA) CEO is no stranger to controversial choices that cause both experts and investors to question his ability to lead the company. While the electric vehicle (EV) producer has risen to the top of its field, Musk's antics have raised plenty of eyebrows. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter Since Musk began his tenure with the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Tesla stock has mostly trended downward, and Wall Street sentiment toward it has also decreased. Even analysts who maintained highly bullish stances on TSLA for years have reduced their price targets. With competition rising in the EV market, both Tesla and Musk are facing a highly uncertain future as consumers take a stand against the company. Now, a new report suggests that things could be about to get worse for Musk as a poor decision he made comes into focus. Over the past few years, the EV landscape has shifted rapidly, as competition has intensified. When this happens, industry-leading companies such as Tesla are forced to adapt, which typically means finding new ways to innovate. Part of Tesla's growth strategy has focused on self-driving technology, specifically in pioneering its robotaxi. Known as the Cybercab, this autonomous vehicle is expected to be rolled out later this year, though with operations on standby. Experts have claimed that this means it doesn't qualify as truly "self-driving." Related: Elon Musk faces accusations from major tech rival This has meant prioritizing the Cybercab at the expense of another new model, specifically the $25,000 Tesla Model 2 that fans had eagerly awaited for years. It also seems that Musk's decision to focus on highly priced robotaxis over more affordable daily driver EVs may have been ill-advised. According to a new report from The Information, internal analysts at Tesla warned Musk that the robotaxi "might never be profitable," and could negatively impact the company in the long run. These experts noted that Tesla would likely be forced to keep the Cybercab mostly in the U.S., as obtaining regulatory approval in international markets would be challenging. However, they also noted that the Model 2 would be welcomed in markets such as India, Vietnam, and parts of Latin America, which would embrace a mass-market EV from a popular brand. However, that did not prove enticing enough to sway Tesla's leader. This highlights the zero-sum nature of financial markets, in which a company opts to develop one product over another. Now, the Cybercab is facing new challenges, as the trade war with China threatens Tesla's production plans and forces it to halt component shipments. More Tesla News: Tesla stock mega bull issues shocking price targetTesla insiders, including someone unexpected, are dumping sharesProminent Tesla shareholder has harsh words for Elon Musk On top of that, China itself is making notable progress on the self-driving front. Industry leader BYD is introducing self-driving technology into more and more cars, shortly after it outsold Tesla yet again by reporting strong delivery statistics for Q1 2025. For years, Tesla enthusiasts wondered when the long-awaited $25,000 model, described as the electric equivalent of the Ford Model T, would be released, finally bringing the luxury EV brand to the mass market. Early in April 2024, sources confirmed that Tesla would be scrapping its plans to build the Model 2 and would instead be focusing on the robotaxi. At the time, this came across as particularly disappointing, as the current anti-Tesla push had not yet begun. Related: Elon Musk gets more bad China news Now that investors know that Musk ignored valuable insights from internal analysts regarding the Cybercab's questionable profitability, his leadership will likely face even more scrutiny. Investors such as Ross Gerber have already called for him to step down, claiming it is in the company's best interest. That said, this type of action seems to be on brand for Musk. In his 2021 book Power Play: Tesla, Elon Musk, and the Bet of the Century, author Tim Higgins reported he had fired anyone at Tesla who disagreed with him. In this case, Musk appears to have cost his company a key opportunity at a time when Tesla desperately needs a growth-driving catalyst. Had he listened to his consumers, TSLA stock might be performing better right now. Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
