Summary:
Tesla faces significant challenges with a drop in Q1 sales, protests, and a declining stock price.
Competitors are seizing the opportunity with trade-in deals and incentives.
Recent tariffs could provide some protection but may hurt Tesla's energy-storage business.
EVident Battery raised $3.2 million, and Fourier secured $18.5 million in funding.
Uber partners with Dubai to operate AVs, while WeRide gets a driverless testing permit in France.
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Over the past 13 years, I've witnessed the tumultuous journey of Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk. Musk, known for his risk-taking, has openly discussed how close the company came to bankruptcy before making a comeback. This narrative of 'us versus them' has turned Musk into a symbol of innovation.
However, Tesla is currently facing significant challenges, including a drop in Q1 sales, protests against the brand, and a declining stock price. Competitors are seizing this opportunity to entice customers with attractive trade-in deals and other incentives.
Senior reporter Rebecca Bellan has documented the events impacting Tesla recently, and her updates will continue to provide insights into this evolving story.
Could the recent tariffs announced by Trump be a lifeline for Tesla? While these tariffs might offer some protection, they could also adversely affect Tesla's energy-storage business.
Amid this chaos, automakers like Ford are attempting to provide discounts to stimulate short-term sales, while Volkswagen plans to add an import fee to the price of cars sold in the U.S.
A Little Bird
A little bird told us that Tesla is gearing up to launch a robotaxi service in Austin this summer, though its engagement with city officials has been limited. Concerns have also been raised about the safety of Tesla's autonomous technology, which relies solely on cameras for perception.
Deals!
It has been a quiet week on the deal front, but some noteworthy funding rounds include:
- EVident Battery, a Massachusetts-based startup, raised $3.2 million to revolutionize EV battery inspection technology.
- Fourier, a hydrogen startup, secured $18.5 million in a Series A round.
- Windrose Technology plans to file for an IPO in the U.S. to raise $400 million.
Notable Reads and Other Tidbits
Autonomous Vehicles
Uber has partnered with Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority to operate AVs in the city, while WeRide has obtained a permit for driverless public road testing in France.
Electric Vehicles, Charging, & Batteries
Harbinger, a medium-duty EV manufacturer, has produced its first 100 salable units. Meanwhile, Rivian reported a drop in deliveries, and Redwood Materials opened a new R&D center in San Francisco to support battery technology development.
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