Guan Cha Zhe Wang·2025-12-18 03:57Core Viewpoint - Elon Musk stated that fuel vehicles without autonomous driving capabilities are akin to "riding a horse while using a flip phone," emphasizing the necessity of electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous technology in the automotive industry [1][2][4]. Group 1: Tesla and Autonomous Driving - Musk's comments were a response to discussions about the electric transition of American automakers, highlighting that only Tesla and BYD have succeeded in the EV market [2]. - Jesse Peltan, co-founder of HODL Ranch, echoed Musk's sentiment, asserting that once cars achieve autonomous driving, the operational costs of fuel vehicles will become unsustainable [4]. Group 2: Ford's Challenges and Strategic Changes - Ford announced a $19.5 billion (approximately 137.67 billion RMB) asset impairment, canceling several EV models, with about $8.5 billion (approximately 60 billion RMB) related to the cancellation of planned EV projects [4]. - The company plans to replace the pure electric F-150 Lightning with a range-extended electric vehicle and has scrapped the next-generation pure electric pickup project [4]. - Ford aims to transform its Kentucky battery plant into a storage battery business, resulting in the layoff of approximately 1,600 employees during the transition [4]. Group 3: Future Projections and Market Needs - Ford expects that by 2030, hybrids, range-extended EVs, and pure EVs will collectively account for 50% of its global product mix, up from the current 17% [5]. - The CEO of Ford, Jim Farley, indicated that high battery costs are a critical factor hindering profitability for large EVs in the U.S., compounded by a retreat in consumer interest in EVs [6].