RT UNPLUGGED PERFORMANCE (@UnpluggedTesla)🚀 "It's preposterous." — Joe Rogan on his Unplugged Performance S-APEX Model S Plaid.From custom tailoring to record-breaking performance, the S-APEX is redefining what’s possible for Tesla.🎥 Clip from #JRE Ep. 2362 with Ralph Barbosa. https://t.co/ryOqsnDqdD ...

Product Showcase - Tesla Fremont Factory Showroom showcases Optimus, Model S Plaid, and Model X Glacier Blue [1] Geographic Focus - Mentions Tesla Club Austria, indicating a focus on the Austrian market [1]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the critical role of rare earth elements in the automotive industry, particularly in electric vehicles, highlighting the supply chain vulnerabilities and the historical context of rare earth production and processing [3][4][5]. Group 1: Supply Chain Vulnerabilities - Suzuki Motors announced a production halt for its Swift model due to delays in parts procurement caused by rare earth export controls [3]. - European and American automotive suppliers are also facing production shutdowns, indicating a widespread impact on the industry [3]. - Rare earth elements are essential for various components in electric vehicles, including the main drive motor, which relies heavily on rare earth permanent magnets [4][10]. Group 2: Historical Context and Market Dynamics - China controls approximately 65% of global heavy rare earth mining and 88% of refining, making it a dominant player in the market [4]. - The previous rare earth crisis in 2010 led to significant price increases, with some rare earth oxides rising over five times in price [4]. - Despite efforts by countries like the US and Japan to reduce dependence on Chinese rare earths, rebuilding a complete supply chain is estimated to take another 10 years [5]. Group 3: Technical Aspects of Rare Earths - Neodymium, a rare earth element, is crucial for the performance of electric motors, with neodymium-iron-boron magnets being the most efficient [8][10]. - Electric vehicles typically use between 1.5 to 3 kg of rare earth materials, with neodymium-iron-boron magnets accounting for a significant portion of this usage [10]. - The addition of dysprosium or terbium is often necessary to enhance the heat resistance of neodymium-iron-boron magnets [11]. Group 4: Industry Structure and Competition - The US's only rare earth mine, Mountain Pass, has struggled to regain its former dominance due to the processing capabilities being concentrated in China [15][19]. - China's strategic policies have led to a focus on high-value-added products, while the US remains reliant on China for processing rare earth concentrates [16][18]. - The integration of the rare earth industry in China has resulted in significant scale advantages, making it difficult for foreign companies to compete [18][19]. Group 5: Future Outlook - Tesla's efforts to reduce reliance on rare earths in its electric motors reflect a broader industry trend towards seeking alternatives [22][23]. - The ongoing development of the rare earth supply chain in the US is hindered by the need for large-scale production capabilities, which are currently dominated by China [26][27]. - The relationship between rare earth mining, refining, and electric vehicle production is becoming increasingly critical as the demand for electric vehicles rises [26].

Group 1 - Tesla has increased the price of the U.S. version of the Model S Plaid from $94,990 to $99,990 [1]

Thoughts on the New Model S plaid wheels? https://t.co/ibmkCebwEn ...

Core Viewpoint - The recent controversies surrounding the wind resistance coefficients of electric vehicles (EVs) highlight the industry's obsession with technical parameters, which have shifted from being a tool for enhancing range to a symbol of brand "technological strength" [2][4][6]. Group 1: Industry Trends - The wind resistance coefficient has become a focal point in the EV industry, with companies like Tesla setting benchmarks that others strive to surpass, leading to a competitive environment where every 0.01Cd reduction is seen as a significant achievement [4][6]. - The lack of stringent national standards in China allows manufacturers to exploit testing conditions, often leading to misleading representations of vehicle performance [4][5]. - The pursuit of lower wind resistance has led to a phenomenon where companies prioritize testing standards over genuine improvements in aerodynamic performance, potentially stifling true innovation in the industry [5][6]. Group 2: Consumer Impact - Misleading marketing practices regarding wind resistance can confuse consumers, leading them to believe that advertised performance aligns with real-world capabilities, which can affect purchasing decisions [5][6]. - The focus on wind resistance has created a disconnect between consumer preferences and vehicle design, with many consumers favoring traditional designs over the increasingly popular aerodynamic shapes [7][8]. Group 3: Design and Innovation - The obsession with achieving lower wind resistance has led to design choices that may compromise user experience, such as reducing cabin space or eliminating practical features [6][8]. - Successful examples in the industry demonstrate that it is possible to balance aesthetics, functionality, and efficiency without solely focusing on wind resistance metrics [7][8].

Core Viewpoint - The controversy surrounding the alleged false wind resistance coefficient of the Avita 12 has concluded, with both parties presenting valid points regarding their respective test results and conditions [1][5][13]. Group 1: Event Overview - The controversy began when a tech blogger, "Zurich Beile Ye," tested the Avita 12's wind resistance coefficient at 0.28Cd, contradicting Avita's claim of 0.21Cd, leading to significant public attention [1][2]. - Avita responded by offering a reward of 5 million yuan to combat negative publicity and conducted a live wind tunnel test, which yielded a coefficient of approximately 0.217Cd [2][3]. - The blogger received a lawyer's letter from Avita demanding the removal of false statements and a public apology, which he partially complied with while still implying that Avita used a prototype vehicle for testing [3][4]. Group 2: Testing Conditions and Results - Both parties' test results were deemed valid but were influenced by different testing conditions: Avita's test used electronic mirrors, air suspension, and low-resistance wheels, while the blogger's test used standard mirrors and a different vehicle configuration [5][6][10]. - The differences in testing conditions highlight the complexity of measuring wind resistance coefficients, which can vary significantly based on vehicle specifications and testing environments [7][18]. Group 3: Industry Implications - The incident underscores the lack of standardized testing protocols in the automotive industry, leading to potential consumer confusion regarding vehicle performance claims [20][23]. - The competitive landscape has intensified, with companies like Tesla setting benchmarks for wind resistance, prompting other manufacturers to engage in similar marketing strategies [25][26]. - The pursuit of lower wind resistance coefficients has led to increased R&D costs and a trend towards homogenized vehicle designs, raising concerns about user experience and safety [26][27].