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Welcome back to the Elon Musk Podcast. This is a show where we discuss the critical crossroads that shape SpaceX, Tesla X, The Boring Company, and Neuralink. And I'm your host, Will Walden. Jack Dorsey, who's the Co founder of Twitter, recently announced his resignation from the board of Blue Sky, which is a decentralized social media platform he helped to establish to compete with Twitter.
His departure comes as he publicly praised Elon Musk's X, which is formerly Twitter, labeling it as part of freedom technology. The shift in allegiance marks a significant change in Dorsey's engagement with social media platforms. Post his leaving of Twitter now, Dorsey disclosed his decision to leave Blue Sky board in a terse response to an inquiry on X, where he simply stated no,
confirming his exit. His departure follows his initial funding and promotion of Blue Sky, intended as an ideal version of Twitter, emphasizing user control and decentralization. Basically not being controlled by a big corporation, but controlling your own destiny on the platform. And then they related post on X, Dorsey shared thoughts on the importance of open Internet protocols. He tweeted, Don't depend on corporations to grant you rights, defend them yourself
using freedom. Technology, you're on one. This message shows that his belief in technology supports user empowerment and independence. Now, the concept of freedom technology, as Dorsey describes, involves leveraging open protocols, and these protocols are akin to open source software that anyone can inspect and modify. This approach is seen as a way to reduce corporate control over online platforms and services.
And Blue Sky, the platform that Dorsey is departing from, was launched with the vision of creating a decentralized social media service. It opened to public registration earlier this year and quickly gained attention as an alternative to the tumultuous environment on Twitter. Following Musk's acquisition and despite his initial popularity, Blue Sky's traction seems to have waned, especially with the emergence of meta platforms Threads, which has become a
strong competitor. Now. This competitive landscape shows it challenges between Blue Sky and Twitter and Threads, and they need to maintain a user base and relevance in this time. Now Dorsey's reduced activity on social media platforms, it's also notable. He's significantly pared down the list of people he follows on X, limiting it to just three people, Elon Musk, Edward Snowden, and Stella Assange. This action hints at Dorsey's current focus and possibly his shifting alliances in the tech
world. The implication of Dorsey's resignation and his comments are still unfolding. His endorsement on X as a form of free technology suggests a potential reconciliation, or at least a softening of his previous critiques of Musk's management of Twitter. Blue Skies responded to Dorsey's departure by expressing gratitude for his contributions and announcing their search. For a new board member who aligns with their mission, this indicates an ongoing commitment to their foundational goals.
Despite the set back now, the timing of these events is particularly interesting given other legal challenges facing Dorsey. Federal prosecutors are currently examining the financial transactions of another company he founded, Block, for potential compliance lapses. Dorsey's shift in focus from operational roles to advocating for technology driven autonomy shows a broader trend among tech leaders who are re evaluating their roles and influence in the evolving digital sphere.
And as Blue Sky continues to develop and possibly reshape a strategy, the impact of Dorsey's departure will likely become more apparent. The platform's ability to innovate and attract users will be crucial for its survival and growth amid fierce competition and the discussion surrounding open protocols and user rights that Dorsey sparked with his posts in part of a larger conversation about the future of Internet governance and digital rights.
The disclosure is essential as more users and regulators scrutinize the power dynamics within major technology platforms. Now the evolution of X and its classification as quote freedom technology by figures like Dorsey could influence other platforms approaches to design
and user interaction. This might lead to more platforms adopting user standards, open standards, and open protocols, And the reaction from the tech community and users of Dorsey's recent moves and statements will provide further insights into the current attitudes towards social media governance and the role of technology in societal changes.
And as the landscape of social media continues to shift every single day, the principles and technologies that will define future platforms are being debated, implemented. Right now, we're all part of it, and Dorsey's involvement in advocacy play a pivotal role in this process. Even as he steps back from direct leadership positions, Dorsey's advocacy for open protocols and his critique of corporate control will likely shape the future developments in
social technology. His influence remain substantial even in a nominally reduced capability, and his recent actions and statements shows that he's going to transition now from his career to his new philosophies. He's stepping away from Blue Sky and embracing A broader role in promoting freedom technology, and Dorsey continues to impact
the tech world profoundly. The shift shows the importance of ongoing debates about user rights, corporate influence, and the architecture of the whole Internet itself. The Tesla Model 3 Highland Edition is redefining EV charging efficiency, and it surpassed previous models and speed. And it's coming very close to the convenience of gas station Phillips.
A new analysis by Amci Testing highlights the vehicle's performance, showcasing how it adds range in the crucial 6 minute mark, which is a duration benchmark, to a typical gas station stop. So it takes you about 6 minutes to fill up your car. So Amci's research, named MP Six, is focused on assessing the charging capabilities of electric vehicles to see which ones can charge the fastest.
This approach is designed to align electric charging times with traditional refueling times, aiming for a seamless transition for consumers from gas cars or ICE cars to electric vehicles without increasing the duration of stops during travel. Now, the latest results from the MP Six test revealed that Tesla's Model 3 Highland has significantly improved its charging performance, now leading the pack.
Previously, the Toyota BZ 4X held the top Spot #1 champion, but Tesla has made notable advancements doubling the charging performance of the BZ 4X from earlier tests. And one of the key factors in the Model 3 Highlands impressive results is its charging tech. According to AMCI, the vehicle achieves a maximum charging rate 174 kilowatts within the first minute of connecting to test the Supercharger network.
This rapid performance is pivotal in allowing the vehicle to maximize the charge it receives within the brief 6 minute window. Now the scoring from AMCI put the Model 3 Highland at the 60.5 MP six score significantly higher than his competitors and following Tesla in the rankings with a Toyota BZ 4X at 35 MP six and the Ford Mustang Mach E at 32.6 MP six, with other contenders like the Mercedes-Benz EQE and Hyundai Iconic 5 trailing further
behind. Now the director of EMCI Testing pointed out the potential changes in performance when test the vehicles are tested on non Tesla charging networks. This consideration hits at the importance of compatible charging infrastructure in achieving optimal charging times. So you want to be near a supercharger when you need to fill up here now.
They also said the advantages of having a synchronized network where the vehicle and charger are designed to work together are paramount in getting these charge times. TES unique position as the only EV manufacturer with an extensive proprietary charging network plays a crucial role in his leading performance. Now Amci's ongoing evaluation of EVs not only examines the speed of charging, but also reflects A broader ecosystem of vehicle and network integration.
Results from Tesla show that the potential for manufacturers to significantly enhance user convenience when they control both environments, the charger and the vehicle. In addition to its advanced EV tech, this has been experiencing fluctuations in its workforce, particularly in Mexico, recently, despite expanding its presence with new job listings early in the year. The company has recently removed several job listings from its career page amid broader
layoffs. Tesla's staffing changes aligned with a broader strategy of cost optimization and increased productivity, as stated by CEO Elon Musk. And in an e-mail, Musk revealed plans to reduce the global workforce by about 10%, emphasizing the difficult but necessary nature of these decisions for future growth. Now, these layoffs have impacted Tesla's operations worldwide with various execution speeds due to differing labor laws.
In the US and China, the layoffs were implemented swiftly, while in Europe they're subject to more extended procedural requirements. Despite these layoffs, local officials in Mexico, where Tesla is building its next Gigafactory, have reassured that the construction and long term plans for the facility will not be affected, and this suggests A continued commitment to expanding Tesla's manufacturing
capabilities in the region. Now, MCIS MP6 testing and Tesla's charging capabilities are part of a broader industry trend focusing on improving the practicality of electric vehicles. These tasks are crucial for consumers considering A VS as they provide clear metrics on how these vehicles can meet daily needs similar to
traditional cars. And the importance of such tech is talked about by David Stuckels, who's the CEO of AMCI Global, who said the significance of Tesla's achievements in the context of real world applications like Rd. trips across the country. And these results demonstrate not just technological innovation but also potential shifts in consumer behavior towards electric vehicles. If you could charge your vehicle in around 6 minutes, that is a quick stop at the gas station currently.
So looking ahead, AMCI Testing plans to expand its evaluations to include how non Tesla vehicles perform on Tesla's infrastructure and vice versa. Such studies could further influence the strategies of other manufacturers regarding EV technology and the development of charging networks. Established in 1984, AMCI Testing has built a reputation for detailed and impartial analysis across various
automotive technologies. The work is vital in setting standards in the auto industry, helping guide both consumer choices in manufacturing advancements and the recent developments in Tesla 3 Highland, Model 3 to Highland and the broader EV charging dynamics highlight a significant movement in the transition towards electric mobility. The ability of EVs to match the convenience of gas stations and charging times is a major step forward in their adoption.
Could you imagine charging your car in 6 minutes, pulling up to the front door of the service station, going get a burger? That'd be great. Remember when that was Tesla's thing? When Elon Musk was saying they're building out these massive charging stations, they're gonna have burger stands and all sorts of fun stuff like that. And now all that is going away as well. So not only did they cut 10% of their workforce, they're also cutting new development of
supercharger stations. So I guess we're not going to be seeing these wonderful places to stop on the side of the road in the future, which is kind of a bummer. So let me know what you think in the comments about this, if it If you do have comments on your podcast platform or on YouTube, let me know in the comments down below what you think of this. Because I don't know, I'm the workforce. It's a it's a bummer and I totally get it.
I understand where they're coming from, but I totally understand as well that it's a harsh reality. When you're working in this industry and you can have a swift layoff from something like Tesla, it must not feel very good. So the leadership that's in charge of fast charging is not just a technical achievement, it's also a benchmark for the industry. Tesla recently revealed A substantial investment of over $500 million to expand its Supercharger network.
Now this announcement comes shortly after the company laid off almost the entire team responsible for the network, roughly 500 employees, causing industry and customer uncertainty but Tesla's commitment to expanding their infrastructure. Now despite recent layoffs that saw nearly the entire Supercharger division dismissed, Tesla plans to eject more than half a billion dollars in the development of new charging stations.
This financial commitment aims to add thousands of new charges across the US, enhancing the existing network, which is crucial for supporting the increasing number of electric vehicles. Now the move to slash workforce responsible for Tesla Supercharger was a surprise to many, raising concerns about stakeholders about the future of
EV adoption. This drastic step echoed Musk's previous unpredictable decisions such as the temporary closure of physical Tesla stores in 2019, which was quickly reversed following logistical challenges. Thou Musk declaration on X emphasize the expansion of the Supercharger network. He noted that the planned expedition edit this out.
He said that the planned expenditure would focus solely on new sites and enlarging current locations, not covering operational costs, which are significantly higher now. This is a shift that comes at a time when Tesla's Supercharger network is more open than ever before to other car brands, a move aligned with the broader industry goal of enhancing EV infrastructure across the nation.
Tesla's network has received public funding too, and this contributes to the national charging infrastructure, which is a key element of the Biden administration's environmental strategy. And following these layoffs, industry experts express fears of the potential slowdown. The expansion of Tesla's charging facilities, including myself. Why would they slow this down? They need to expand this network now.
This network, initiated about a decade ago, plays a pivotal role in Tesla's dominance in the EV market. I don't know why they would take it away. And also the charging infrastructure is influential with every other automaker out there. And the dismissal of the Supercharger team aligns with Musk's directive for a leaner workforce.
Now this because of economic pressures facing the auto industry right now, everything's going down, and this is part of Tesla's effort to streamline operations and reduce costs despite the potential risk of slowing down its infrastructure
projects. And Tesla's recent financial reports reflect a dip in profits hitting the lowest mark since 2011. Company continues to invest in various sectors, including AI and battery technology, with projected capital expenditures around $10 billion this year.
Maintaining a similar budget for the following two years and the reduction in Tesla's charging team might impede the growth rate of the EV industry in North America, where Tesla chargers make up a significant portion of the high speed charging option, this development could influence the regional goals of having millions of EVs on the road by 20-30 And other companies Watch out Tesla, they're poised to fill the void left by Tesla
scaling back. For instance, BP has announced plans to invest in its own charging network expansion, with the oil giant looking to take over sites previously managed by Tesla. And the EV charging sector sees this reduction as a shift in competitive dynamics, with companies like EV GO and and Viruspark quickly moving to recruit talent and expand their operations in response to
Tesla's layoffs. And the recent layoffs have not only affected the Supercharger division, but also led to the departure of Tesla's head of product, Rich Auto. His resignation, announced via LinkedIn, cited the recent job cuts as disruptive to company morale and long term planning. He thinks it's short sighted and in his LinkedIn post, Otto discussed his time at Tesla, said it was a collaborative
culture. His involvement in significant products like the Cyber Truck expressed gratitude for the opportunities and learnings, but noted that the layoffs are a critical factor in his decision to leave and the company has indicated that it will continue its operations and fulfil its commitments to existing Supercharger sites while expanding new locations. I'll be at at a more moderate
pace. Tesla's strategy includes focusing on enhancing the performance and capacity of existing Superchargers, indicating a shift towards maximizing the efficiency of its current assets instead of merely expanding physical infrastructure.
And as Tesla adjusts its business model and its strategy in response to economic and operational challenges, the decisions made by Tesla will likely influence the strategic decisions of other players in the market and potentially the overall adoption rate of electric vehicles in North America. It's a significant moment for Tesla and the EV industry, suggesting a possible re evaluation of expansion strategies and changing economic conditions and corporate strategies.
Tesla is gearing up to release a new update for its full self driving system, version 12.4, which is anticipated to launch sometime next week. Elon Musk recently announced this on his X account, highlighting significant advancements and improvements in the system, and this update follows the previously released version 12 point 3.6 and aims to enhance the driving experience by refining how the car handles
accelerating and braking. Now Musk has expressed that the latest version of Tesla's FSD will dramatically improve user experience, asserting that it will blow your mind. This update, FSD 12.4, reportedly features nearly entirely retrained models with focus on smoothed out riding, addressing common concerns about the abruptness of the cars
movements. Now, according to Musk, the Autopilot team at Tesla has moved beyond resolving urgent safety concerns to refining the system's performance, indicating a significant progression in the technology's development. He noted the final touches are for comfort as it sometimes accelerates or breaks too fast for most people's taste. This improvement suggests that the fundamental functionalities of FSD have reached a reliable baseline, allowing the team to
focus on enhancing user comfort. And beyond the immediate release, Tesla is already working on subsequent versions of the FSD tech. Versions 12.5 and 12.6 are currently in different stages of testing, dealing with complex driving scenarios that include navigating through narrow one way roads and managing unexpected Rd. closures effectively. Now must detail the specific scenario being tested where Tesla needs to reverse out of a blocked path and find a new route.
He said that it's very important of these updates being communicated across Tesla's network to avoid congestion and sure all vehicles are aware of changes within real time. Now these advancements are particularly crucial as Tesla prepares to launch its Robo Taxi model. Quote the Cyber Cab scheduled to be introduced on August 8th.
Of 2024 Now the ongoing development in FSD technology is crucial for the success of this new venture as autonomous driving capabilities will be a key feature of the cyber cab. Now Tesla's recent enhancements also include improvements in parking technology. Latest FSD update prior to 12.4 introduces features like Auto Park and High Fidelity Park Assist specifically designed for vehicles equipped with ultrasonic sensors in North America.
Now, Musk's ongoing communication on X serves as a primary source for updates on Tesla developments, and his posts provide insights into both the current enhancements and the strategic direction for future updates, ensuring that Tesla users and fans and enthusiasts are well informed about what to
expect. So Tesla's efforts are not just limited to hardware improvements, but also significant investments in AI. Musk has committed approximately $10 billion in 2024 for developing AI capabilities, essentially for maintaining Tesla's competitive edge in automotive technology and with an eye on global markets.
Tesla is preparing for the expansion of its FSD tech, starting with China, and Musk's recent discussions in Beijing indicate that Tesla is negotiating terms for FSD development and data sharing, essentially steps for launching
the technology in new markets. However, while Tesla is optimistic about its expansion in left hand drive countries, right hand dry markets such as the UK and Australia might see delays, and Musk acknowledges the challenges and expresses A cautious optimism toward achieving successful rollouts in these regions. Now, on a different note, Tesla appears to be undergoing organizational changes back in the US Recent reports suggest a hiring freeze with a significant
reduction in job listings. On Tesla's career page, they wiped out all career listings. This is for a broader restructuring within the company and only a few positions are currently advertised, mainly for Tesla's manufacturing development program in the USA. Significant decrease from previous listings. This change follows a series of layoffs aimed at streamlining the operations and enhancing
productivity across the company. It's been about 14,000 people that have been laid off or fired from Tesla and Musk. Communication with Tesla employees highlights his focus on efficiency and cost reduction. In a recent internal communications, he's showed that the necessity of these measures to prepare for future growth and the harsh reality of job cuts within the US and also a shifting direction of Tesla towards AI.
The recently layoffs have affected many employees across various departments, indicating a significant reshaping of Tesla's workforce. This includes high profile executives and senior positions, suggesting a major reevaluation of staffing needs against the backdrop of Tesla's evolving strategic goals like getting rid of the $25,000 lower price Tesla car and moving towards the cyber cab.
Now, despite these challenges, Musk continues to advocate for rigorous standards within his team, demanding high performance and essential contributions as criteria for job security. This approach reflects his broader vision for Tesla as a leaner, more focused entity capable of sustaining innovation and efficiency, and as Tesla navigates these internal changes and external advancements in technology.
So the success of these updates and the integration of advanced AI and autonomous driving caabilities will likely play a crucial role in Tesla's future, especially with the ucoming launch of the Cyber Cab. Thank you so much for listening today. I really do appreciate your
support. If you could take a second and hit the subscribe or the follow button on whatever podcast platform that you're listening on right now, I greatly appreciate it. It helps out the show tremendously and you'll never miss an episode and each episode is about 10 minutes or less to get you caught up quickly. And please, if you want to support the show even more, go to patreon.com/stage Zero and please take care of yourselves and each other and I'll see you tomorrow.