No Need for Model Y L

Posted on August 21, 2025 by Staff

Do you think he is right? I disagree. But I think he cannot justify the retooling costs. But betting against Musk is risky.

Here is what Grok says about it.

Elon Musk’s recent statement on X about the Tesla Model YL (a six-seat variant) not coming to the U.S. until at least the end of 2026, if at all, is tied to his belief that autonomous driving will significantly reduce demand for larger vehicles like the Model YL in favor of robotaxis. Here’s an analysis of how autonomous driving might impact the demand for the Model YL, based on available information and reasoning:[](https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1958069174892474729)

### Potential Impacts of Autonomous Driving on Model YL Demand

1. **Shift Toward Robotaxis**:

   – Musk’s focus on autonomous driving suggests a future where robotaxis, like the Tesla Cybercab (a two-seater, fully autonomous vehicle without a steering wheel), could dominate urban transportation. Posts on X indicate Musk anticipates self-driving technology becoming cheaper and more abundant than car ownership, potentially transforming the market and reducing demand for personal vehicles like the Model YL, especially in the U.S.[](https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-robotaxi-autonomous-driving-experts-respond-2025-6)[](https://cleantechnica.com/2025/01/21/teslas-autonomous-driving-strategy-stranded-by-technological-divergence/)

   – The Cybercab is designed for short trips with one or two passengers, which Musk believes will cover most ridership needs, potentially making larger vehicles like the six-seat Model YL less necessary in the U.S.

   – However, some X users argue that the U.S. market, the largest for three-row SUVs, still has significant demand for larger vehicles like the Model YL, even with robotaxis, as families and groups may prefer vehicles with more seating capacity.

2. **Consumer Behavior and Market Dynamics**:

   – Autonomous driving could reduce the appeal of owning large personal vehicles if robotaxis offer a cost-effective, convenient alternative. Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, which is central to its robotaxi strategy, is improving but still requires active driver supervision and is not fully autonomous (SAE Level 2). This may delay widespread adoption, keeping demand for personal vehicles like the Model YL intact in the near term.[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tesla_Autopilot)[](https://www.tesla.com/fsd)

   – In China, where the Model YL is targeted, demand is reportedly high due to competition and consumer preference for larger EVs. Delaying the Model YL in the U.S. could shift some demand to competitors’ three-row SUVs, as noted by X users who see the Model YL as a strong contender in the U.S. market at a $55,000 price point.

   – Research suggests that semi-autonomous systems like Tesla’s FSD can lead to driver complacency, potentially increasing safety concerns and affecting public trust in autonomous vehicles. This could slow the transition to robotaxis, maintaining demand for traditional vehicles like the Model YL, especially for families needing more seats.[](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9996345/)[](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1555343417695197)

3. **Economic and Regulatory Factors**:

   – Tesla’s focus on robotaxis is partly driven by declining EV sales and the need to diversify revenue through autonomous technologies. If FSD licensing and robotaxi services generate significant revenue (projected at $53 billion by 2035), this could reduce Tesla’s incentive to prioritize the Model YL in the U.S.[](https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/what-is-teslas-full-self-driving-why-its-china-rollout-matters-2024-04-29/)[](https://www.roadtoautonomy.com/tesla-data-advantage/)

   – Regulatory hurdles, such as NHTSA approval for vehicles without human controls (like the Cybercab), could delay robotaxi deployment, preserving demand for personal vehicles like the Model YL in the interim.[](https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-robotaxi-autonomous-driving-experts-respond-2025-6)[](https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/nhtsa-opens-probe-into-24-mln-tesla-vehicles-over-full-self-driving-collisions-2024-10-18/)

   – Safety concerns with FSD, including crashes in low-visibility conditions, may also temper enthusiasm for autonomous vehicles, keeping consumers reliant on traditional vehicles.[](https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/nhtsa-opens-probe-into-24-mln-tesla-vehicles-over-full-self-driving-collisions-2024-10-18/)

4. **Data Advantage and Technological Progress**:

   – Tesla’s massive data collection from over 5 million vehicles (50 billion miles annually) gives it an edge in training its FSD neural network, potentially accelerating autonomous driving improvements. This could make robotaxis viable sooner, reducing demand for larger personal vehicles like the Model YL.[](https://www.roadtoautonomy.com/tesla-data-advantage/)

   – However, Tesla’s camera-only approach (no lidar) has been criticized for potential issues in adverse conditions, which could slow FSD adoption and maintain demand for vehicles like the Model YL that offer manual control.[](https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-robotaxi-autonomous-driving-experts-respond-2025-6)[](https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/nhtsa-opens-probe-into-24-mln-tesla-vehicles-over-full-self-driving-collisions-2024-10-18/)

### Conclusion

Autonomous driving could reduce demand for the Tesla Model YL in the U.S. if robotaxis become a cheaper, more convenient alternative for short trips, as Musk predicts. However, the U.S.’s strong market for three-row SUVs, regulatory delays, safety concerns, and the current limitations of FSD (requiring driver supervision) suggest that demand for the Model YL could remain robust, especially for families and group travel. In China, where the Model YL is prioritized, demand is expected to be strong due to market-specific needs. The impact will depend on how quickly Tesla achieves full autonomy, gains regulatory approval, and shifts consumer preferences toward robotaxis. For now, the Model YL’s demand in the U.S. may be tempered by Tesla’s strategic focus but not eliminated, as some consumers will still value its capacity and versatility.[](https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1958069174892474729)[](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9996345/)

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Tesla Diner Hype or the future

Posted on July 24, 2025 by Staff

I’m skeptical about the broad success of the Tesla Diner, beyond a very affluent clientele, especially considering the food prices. For example, a Tesla Burger is $13.50, and a hot dog is $13, with other items like a Diner Club at $15 or Fried Chicken & Waffles at $13.50. While some initial reviews have been positive, praising the “retro-futuristic” vibe and the convenience of combining dining with charging, other commenters have found the prices to be high for what’s offered, even for an LA location.

Mark Vaughn from Autoweek, who waited two hours for a Tesla Burger, offered a mixed but ultimately positive review, stating, “The burger is one of those smashburger-type things with lettuce and some kind of sauce. It is delicious. Maybe because I am famished. I think one of the Alpinestars Monty V2 moto-boots I’m wearing would have been delicious at this point. So take that with a grain of salt. Except there was no salt available. No napkins, either1.” His experience highlights the potential for the long wait to influence perception and the lack of basic amenities like salt and napkins.

However, I believe the diner’s true success will stem from its primary function as a charging hub. Tesla is clearly making money from its Supercharging business. While the “Services & Other” category (which includes Supercharging) traditionally ran near break-even, recent reports indicate a significant increase in revenue and profit for this segment, partly due to increased volume and non-Tesla vehicles utilizing the chargers. The integration of 80 V4 Superchargers at the LA diner offers a significant convenience that could drive consistent traffic, making the food and entertainment an added bonus rather than the sole draw.

Essentially, the diner might struggle as a standalone restaurant business due to pricing and initial operational kinks, but its integration with the highly profitable and in-demand Supercharger network is likely to ensure its overall success.

help from Gemini.

https://www.autoweek.com/car-life/a65482296/tesla-burger-review

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Pennsylvania Powers Up: A $90 Billion Boost for Energy and AI Innovation

Posted on July 15, 2025 by Staff

Pennsylvania Powers Up: A $90 Billion Boost for Energy and AI Innovation

Pittsburgh, PA – Today marked a pivotal moment for Pennsylvania’s future as the inaugural Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit at Carnegie Mellon University concluded with over $90 billion in private investments announced for the state’s energy and artificial intelligence (AI) sectors.1 This landmark summit, drawing leaders from government, finance, and technology, firmly positions Pennsylvania as a burgeoning hub for the AI revolution, fueled by its abundant energy resources.2

The headline announcement came from a coalition of over 20 leading technology and energy companies, committing to a staggering $90 billion in new investments.3 These funds are earmarked for critical infrastructure, including the construction of numerous data centers—essential for powering the immense computational demands of AI—and the development of new energy facilities to support this burgeoning demand.4

Key commitments unveiled today include:

  • Blackstone’s $25 Billion Investment: This massive commitment will focus on developing data centers and natural gas power plants in Northeast Pennsylvania, creating thousands of construction and permanent jobs.5 The strategy emphasizes co-locating data centers with power sources for maximum efficiency.
  • Google and Brookfield’s Hydro Power Deal: Google announced a $3 billion, 20-year agreement with Brookfield Asset Management to modernize two hydropower facilities in Pennsylvania, the Safe Harbor and Holtwood Hydro Facilities.6 This deal will generate 670 megawatts of clean energy to support Google’s data centers and AI infrastructure, part of a broader $25 billion investment by Google in data center and AI infrastructure across the PJM power grid region.
  • CoreWeave’s $6 Billion Data Center: A new 100-megawatt data center, expandable to 300 megawatts, will be developed in Lancaster, with an investment of up to $6 billion, creating hundreds of construction and operational jobs.7
  • Homer City Redevelopment: The former Homer City coal-fired power plant site is set to undergo a $15 billion transformation into a natural gas-fired power plant to support a new AI and high-performance computing center, with an agreement in principle to purchase $15 billion of Pennsylvania natural gas.8This project alone is expected to create over 11,000 jobs.
  • First Energy’s Grid Expansion: First Energy will invest $15 billion to expand power distribution and strengthen grid infrastructure across 56 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties, bolstering the state’s energy resilience.9
  • Westinghouse’s Nuclear Ambitions: Headquartered near Pittsburgh, Westinghouse Electric Company announced plans to have 10 new, large nuclear power reactors under construction across the country by 2030, with an estimated economic impact of $6 billion and 15,000 jobs in Southwestern Pennsylvania.10
  • Constellation Energy’s Limerick Upgrade: A $2.4 billion investment will go towards improving the Limerick nuclear power plant, adding 340 megawatts of power capacity.11

Beyond these significant financial commitments, the summit also emphasized workforce development.12Initiatives like Google’s “AI Works for PA” aim to provide free AI training for small businesses and Pittsburgh residents, while the Energy Innovation Center Infrastructure Academy plans to build a regional training facility for energy and AI infrastructure workers, impacting thousands of jobs.13

The consensus from leaders across the political and corporate spectrum was clear: Pennsylvania, with its rich energy resources, strong university system, and skilled workforce, is uniquely positioned to lead the nation in the “AI race.”14 While some protests occurred outside the summit, highlighting concerns about fossil fuel reliance and corporate interests, the overwhelming sentiment within the event was one of bipartisan collaboration and an optimistic vision for Pennsylvania’s role in shaping the future of energy and artificial intelligence.15 This summit marks a powerful declaration of intent, promising a future where innovation and economic growth are deeply intertwined within the Commonwealth.

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How do you call a Tesla Cybercab

Posted on June 26, 2025 by Staff

https://www.tesla.com/support/robotaxi/how-to-use

How to Request a Ride

To request a ride with Robotaxi, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Robotaxi app.
  2. Enter and confirm your destination.
  3. Once confirmed, you will receive a notification that your vehicle is on its way.

Are you ready for the future

Tesla has officially launched a limited “Robotaxi” service in Austin, Texas, marking a significant step in their autonomous vehicle ambitions.1 Here’s a quick recap:

  • Not the Cybercab (Yet): Despite the “Cybercab” concept unveiled by Tesla, the initial fleet consists of branded Model Y vehicles, not the purpose-built Cybercab.2 The Cybercab is expected to be integrated into the Robotaxi platform sometime in 2026.
  • Invite-Only and Limited: The service is currently invite-only, largely extended to Tesla-favoring influencers and early access groups.3 The fleet is small, believed to be around 10-20 vehicles initially.
  • Human Safety Operator: Crucially, each Robotaxi at launch has a safety operator in the front passenger seat.4 This individual is instructed to remain silent but is prepared to take over if necessary. Passengers are currently limited to the back seats.
  • Geofenced Area: The service operates within a small, geofenced radius in Austin, primarily around South Lamar, Zilker Park, and Highway 183.5
  • Flat Fee: Rides are currently offered at a flat fee of $4.20, a nod to internet culture.6
  • App Integration: Users can request rides through a new “Robotaxi” section within the existing Tesla iOS app.7 The app allows for destination selection, real-time tracking, and even syncs with the rider’s preferred streaming services.8
  • Regulatory Scrutiny: The launch comes as Texas is implementing new regulations for autonomous vehicles starting September 1, 2025.9 These new rules will require permits and adherence to stricter operational standards.10 Some lawmakers had even urged Tesla to delay the launch until these new regulations were in effect. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has also contacted Tesla for information regarding some reported incidents during early runs.11
  • Future Vision: Elon Musk has expressed a vision for Tesla owners to eventually be able to add their personal EVs to the robotaxi service to earn money when not in use.12 Tesla aims to expand the service rapidly and eventually compete with established autonomous ride-hailing companies like Waymo.13

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A Tesla that identifies as a prius

Posted on May 10, 2025 by Staff

Sign of the times

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How will FSD and robo taxi impact the Insurance industry and all of us.

Posted on May 3, 2025 by Staff

I never thought about it, but this is going to be an amazing change. Here’s a link from Berkshire Hathaway, which owns Geico. They see it transitioning to a product liability issue. I wonder how that’s going to affect our cost.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=PTZX8kFiosc%3Fsi%3DpxZQ4MrkB-4Ms01u

Here is GEICO’s take on it.

Here is a nice guide for today’s drivers https://eugenecyates.com/insurance-articles/comprehensive-guide-to-auto-insurance-part-19-self-driving-vehicle-auto-insurance/

The advent of robo-taxis is poised to bring about significant transformations in the car insurance industry, fundamentally altering how risk is assessed, liability is determined, and policies are structured. The core impact stems from the shift away from human drivers to autonomous systems controlling the vehicle.

Here’s a breakdown of the key ways robo-taxis are expected to affect car insurance:

  • Shift in Liability: In the traditional insurance model, liability for accidents primarily rests with the human driver. With robo-taxis, this is expected to change dramatically. In the event of a collision, the focus of liability will likely shift towards the technology – specifically, the vehicle manufacturer, the software developer behind the autonomous driving system, or the operator of the robo-taxi fleet. This means that insurance will increasingly resemble product liability insurance rather than personal auto insurance.
  • Potential Reduction in Accident Frequency: A major promise of autonomous vehicles is the significant reduction in accidents attributed to human error, such as distracted driving, speeding, or impaired driving. As robo-taxis become more prevalent and the technology matures, the overall frequency of car accidents is expected to decrease. This could lead to a long-term reduction in the number of insurance claims.
  • Emergence of New Risk Factors: While human error may decrease, autonomous vehicles introduce new potential risks. These include:
    • Software Malfunctions and bugs: Errors in the complex algorithms and software that control the vehicle could lead to unpredictable behavior and accidents.
    • Cybersecurity Threats: Robo-taxis could be vulnerable to hacking, potentially allowing malicious actors to take control of the vehicle or access sensitive data, leading to accidents or other issues.
    • Sensor and Hardware Failures: Malfunctions in the cameras, lidar, radar, and other sensors that the autonomous system relies on to perceive its environment could result in accidents.
    • Interaction with Human-Driven Vehicles: The transitional period where both autonomous and human-driven vehicles share the road may present unique challenges and accident scenarios.
  • Changes in Risk Assessment and Pricing: The factors used to calculate insurance premiums will need to evolve. Traditional factors like a driver’s age, driving history, and traffic violations will become less relevant for the autonomous operation of robo-taxis. Instead, insurers will need to focus on data related to the safety record of the autonomous technology, the specific model of the vehicle, the fleet operator’s maintenance practices, and potentially even real-time data on the vehicle’s performance and any system “disengagements” (instances where the autonomous system required human intervention).
  • Evolution of Insurance Products and Policy Structures: The current model of individual car insurance policies may become less dominant. We are likely to see a rise in:
    • Commercial Fleet Policies: Insurance for the companies operating large fleets of robo-taxis will become crucial. These policies will need to cover the unique risks associated with autonomous operation and potentially higher liability limits.
    • Product Liability Insurance: Manufacturers of autonomous vehicle technology will require robust product liability coverage to protect against claims arising from system failures.
    • Cybersecurity Insurance: Policies specifically designed to cover risks associated with cyberattacks on autonomous vehicles will become essential.
  • Increased Complexity in Claims Processing: Investigating accidents involving robo-taxis will be significantly more complex than with human-driven cars. It will require in-depth technical analysis of the vehicle’s data logs, sensor inputs, and decision-making processes to determine the cause of the accident and assign liability. This may involve collaboration between insurers, manufacturers, and technology providers.
  • Potential for Lower Premiums in the Long Term (with caveats): If autonomous technology delivers on its promise of significantly reducing accidents, the overall cost of claims for the industry could decrease over time. This could eventually lead to lower insurance premiums, although the initial costs of insuring complex autonomous technology and the potential for high-severity, low-frequency events (like a mass system failure) might keep costs elevated in the early stages of adoption.
  • Regulatory Adaptation: Insurance regulations will need to catch up with the advancements in autonomous vehicle technology. Governments and regulatory bodies will need to establish clear guidelines regarding liability, insurance requirements, and1 data sharing for autonomous vehicles.

In summary, robo-taxis will fundamentally reshape the car insurance landscape by shifting the focus of risk and liability from the human driver to the technology and its operators. While the potential for fewer accidents offers a long-term benefit, the emergence of new and complex risks will necessitate the development of new insurance products, sophisticated risk assessment methods, and streamlined, albeit technically involved, claims processes. The transition will require significant adaptation from insurers, regulators, and the legal system.

From Gemini

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Is $11,000 less enough to have you order a new Tesla Model Y

Posted on May 1, 2025 by Staff

https://www.forbes.com/sites/brookecrothers/2025/04/04/tesla-launches-cheaper-juniper-model-y-price-10k-below-launch-series

According to Forbes, this new model may just be the ticket to get you to jump into the new juniper version of the model Y there are than other incentives as well. Check out this article to see if this is you.

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Buick ELECTRA the future EV platform for GM?

Posted on April 28, 2025 by Staff

Mike the Car Geek Does an amazing job of navigating the challenges facing the Buick Brand and how they intend to add the classic ELECTRA BRAND to move forward in both China and the US. It is interesting how the tariffs will impact the challenges as the bulk of the new approach does not appear to be based on Ultimatum. But, on the Xiao Yao Super Architecture. This allows for all the major types of propulsion. EV , PHEV, EREV. The tariff complicate things and sourcing from China. It’s amazing the battle that’s going on between the technology centers, Korea, China, and the US. I hope in the end to consumer wins. Are you old enough to know the Electra brand?

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The latest UX Design for Lucid Version 3.0

Posted on April 26, 2025 by Staff

Looks very slick what do you think? Is brand going to make it?

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Would Roaming Solve Many DC Fast Charging Problems In America?

Posted on April 25, 2025 by Staff

Kyle discusses DC Fast Charging Roaming and how in Europe it has impacted the friction crossing the various charging networks without having tons of apps and key fobs. I feel we have a NACS moment here. We need a Visa / Mastercard approach that does not force us to clog our phones and brains with all these apps just to purchase a charge.

Take a listen to this Out of Spec BITS Conversation about the opportunities and challenges.

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