Author: William D. Kouch

FYI: The automotive industry braces for significant shifts as President Trump’s tariffs stir the market, resulting in a potential contraction. This landscape change prompts evaluation of who stands to gain or lose in this economic battle. Acceptance Amid Automotive Shifts The recent announcement of comprehensive automotive tariffs by President Donald Trump has seen the auto industry cycle through denial, bargaining, and other grief stages, with acceptance now looming. As the sector braces for contraction due to these trade measures, it becomes crucial to identify the winners and losers in this unfolding scenario. The Biggest Loser: European Automakers As global trade…

FYI: Tesla’s newly unveiled Cybertruck Long Range Rear Wheel Drive (LR RWD) stirs debate with its pared-down features and premium pricing, raising questions about its market positioning and consumer appeal. Tesla has recently introduced its Cybertruck Long Range Rear Wheel Drive, generating a gamut of reactions from the electric vehicle realm. While commendations were swift for its impressive battery range, criticisms have arisen over its cost, especially when juxtaposed against the mid-tier Cybertruck All Wheel Drive (AWD) version. The Feature Gap The LR RWD is priced $10,000 below the AWD model. Despite this discount, it presents with noticeable feature omissions.…

FYI: Verge Motorcycles Breaks Record for Longest Electric Motorbike Journey on a Single Charge A groundbreaking achievement has been claimed by Verge Motorcycles, the innovative Finnish company dazzling the electric motorcycle industry. Their Verge TS Pro model recently accomplished an exceptional feat by traveling 193 miles on a single charge, setting a new world record. Record-Breaking Voyage Manufactured in Estonia, the Verge TS Pro embarked on an epic ride across the bustling streets of London’s extensive metropolitan area. The journey stretched over an impressive 16-hour span during which riders Sam Clarke and Sara Sloman alternated on the bike’s saddle. This…

FYI: Tesla has quietly introduced a fresh Cybertruck variant to the Middle East, sparking intrigues and speculations worldwide. Tesla Debuts Long Range Rear-Wheel-Drive Cybertruck in Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia has become the first market to receive deliveries of Tesla’s latest Cybertruck configuration — the Long Range Rear-Wheel-Drive model. Although not yet available in the United States, this new variant is already making waves in the automotive community. The vehicle is prominently featured on Tesla’s Saudi Arabian website as deliveries began on April 10th, 2025. Configuration Background Initially introduced during the Cybertruck’s grand unveiling event in November 2019, the Long Range…

FYI: Polestar’s sales surged by 76% in Q1 2025, rebounding from a challenging 2024, driven by the popularity of the new Polestar 3 SUV. Polestar Charges Ahead with Impressive Sales Growth in Q1 2025 Polestar, the innovative electric vehicle manufacturer, has embarked on a remarkable journey toward recovery, as evidenced by its significant sales progress in the first quarter of 2025. Facing a difficult 2024 where deliveries plummeted by 15%, the company has bounced back, showcasing its resilience and strategic prowess. In Q1 2025, Polestar delivered an impressive 12,304 vehicles globally, marking a substantial 76% increase compared to the same…

FYI: Tesla’s stock takes a hit amidst Musk’s government involvement but promising new ventures loom on the horizon. Tesla Stock Under Pressure, Future Prospects Bright Tesla’s stock (NASDAQ: TSLA) has faced significant challenges recently, including CEO Elon Musk’s dual role with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Market dynamics such as tariffs and disappointing delivery figures have also contributed to this scenario. Despite these issues, analysts believe Tesla’s potential future projects will alleviate current concerns. Analyst’s Perspective: Overshadowed Opportunities Mickey Legg, a prominent analyst at Benchmark, suggests that the pessimistic outlook surrounding Tesla’s short-term performance is exaggerated. Since the beginning…

FYI: The ongoing trade tariff tensions between the U.S., China, and Vietnam may lead to increased costs for EV adapters, impacting both manufacturers and consumers. The Shifting Dynamics of EV Charging Standards In a pivotal development for the electric vehicle industry, Ford’s decision in 2023 to integrate Tesla’s charging standard sparked a transformative trend among American automakers. The alliance not only widened access to Tesla’s unrivaled Supercharger network but also set a precedent as other leading manufacturers quickly aligned themselves with the standard. However, this synchronization in charging technology now faces an economic hurdle as trade conflicts roll into the…

FYI: The new Tesla Model Y takes modernization and driving comfort to new heights, offering enhancements that redefine the expectations for electric crossovers. As the latest iteration of the Tesla Model Y recently became available for demo rides at local showrooms, I quickly booked one to assess the upgrades from the previous model, which was already a top-tier electric vehicle in its class. Having experienced the legacy Model Y earlier this year, the improvements in the new version are evident and commendable. Exterior Evolution One of the standout features is the Model Y’s updated exterior. Tesla has added a sleek…

FYI: General Motors is exploring the future of an all-electric Corvette with its latest concept car, which might redefine the iconic brand’s legacy in the electric era. Driving Memories and Shifting Gears Growing up, my father had a curious approach to cars. During my high school years, he acquired a Mazda Miata but kept me away from the wheel, worried I’d damage its manual gearbox. Unexpectedly, during a college visit, he upgraded to a more powerful C5 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and this time, insisted I drive it. It’s a classic case of dad logic, allowing me to learn manual driving…

FYI: Former Tesla SVP Drew Baglino is setting out to revolutionize grid technology with his new startup Heron Power. Drew Baglino Ventures into Next-Gen Grid Tech with Heron Power Drew Baglino, previously the senior vice president of Powertrain and Energy at Tesla, is embarking on an exciting new venture with Heron Power. His ambition is to raise between $30 to $50 million in Series A funding, with the aim to innovate and produce state-of-the-art grid hardware. The anticipated leader for this fundraising round is Capricorn Investment Group, a firm known for its dedication to sustainable and energy-focused investments. With Baglino…