April 28, 2025 • 9 mins
In this episode, Michelle delves into Tesla's latest breakthrough in battery technology and its potential impact on the industry. The discussion covers the challenges Tesla faces and the announcement of more affordable models, providing insights into the company's strategic direction. Attention turns to Tesla's production plans and speculation about potential surprise announcements. SpaceX's recent success with the Starlink launch and Falcon 9 landing is highlighted, showcasing the company's ongoing achievements. The episode also explores Neuralink's groundbreaking progress with a brain implant in an ALS patient. The episode concludes with a wrap-up and a reminder to follow the podcast for continuous updates.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Tesla has just announced a significantbreakthrough in their battery technology, and
(00:04):
it could be a game-changer for electricvehicles.
The company has made remarkable progress withits long-awaited 4680 battery, first introduced
to the public during Tesla's "Battery Day"event back in September 2020.
Since then, Tesla has produced over one hundredmillion 4680 batteries across its factories, as
(00:25):
reported by Teslarati.
The 4680 battery is being celebrated for itspotential to revolutionize electric vehicle
manufacturing and performance.
According to Not a Tesla App, this battery isdesigned to reduce production costs and
streamline manufacturing processes, making it amore efficient battery cell for all Tesla
(00:49):
vehicles.
With its advanced design, the 4680 batterycould increase a car's range by up to sixteen
percent and boasts five times the energycapacity of the previous 2170-type cell.
Michael Guilfoy, Tesla's director of cellmanufacturing operations, recently praised the
(01:09):
company's progress.
In a LinkedIn post, he shared that Tesla's CellManufacturing team in Texas achieved a
significant milestone at the end of 2024,becoming the lowest cost per kilowatt-hour
battery cell producer for Tesla.
This achievement not only highlights thecompany's innovative spirit but also suggests
(01:30):
potential cost reductions for Tesla's vehiclesin the future.
Despite being the best-selling electric vehiclecompany worldwide in 2024, Tesla has faced
challenges in 2025, including a thirteenpercent drop in sales.
Protests against CEO Elon Musk have beenaffecting Tesla dealerships globally.
(01:51):
However, the demand for used electric vehiclescontinues to rise, indicating a growing
interest in sustainable transportation options.
Tesla's set to shake things up once again withtheir announcement that more affordable models
will enter production by mid-2025.
Executives have confirmed that these newvehicles will utilize existing assembly lines,
(02:15):
integrating aspects of both the next-generationplatform and current platforms.
This move is seen as a strategic decision tomaintain cost efficiency and scale vehicle
volumes without the need for major capitalinvestments in new manufacturing
infrastructure.
Despite a slip in production, deliveries, andoperating income—down 16 percent, 13 percent,
(02:40):
and 66 percent respectively compared to thesame period in 2024—Tesla remains optimistic.
The introduction of these new models isexpected to reverse the company's fortunes and
help Tesla fully utilize its current maximumcapacity of nearly three million vehicles.
This would represent a remarkable 60 percentgrowth over 2024 production levels, all while
(03:04):
navigating economic uncertainties and changingtrade policies.
Tesla's chief financial officer, Dev Ateneja,emphasized the company's commitment to
affordability amid current challenges,including tariffs and a tarnished image.
He assured that production is still on trackfor June, alongside advancements in Full
(03:25):
Self-Driving features and the upcoming Cybercabpilot launch in Austin.
These developments are poised to usher in a newera of demand for Tesla vehicles.
While specifics about these "cheaper" modelsremain under wraps, Tesla's vice president for
vehicle engineering, Lars Moravy, hinted thatthe designs will resemble and inform the
(03:46):
current lineup.
With recent upgrades to the Model 3 and Model Yplatforms, Tesla is aiming to deliver "great
cars at great prices," reinforcing theirreputation for quality and innovation.
Rumors have circulated about a new entry-levelelectric vehicle from Tesla, initially expected
to be priced under twenty-five thousand UnitedStates dollars and built in Mexico.
(04:11):
However, production will reportedly begin atthe Texas Gigafactory, with plans to eventually
expand to Mexico, Berlin-Brandenburg, andpotentially India.
This aligns with Tesla's strategy to utilizeexisting production lines and maintain
flexibility in vehicle offerings.
Tesla's history of surprise announcementssuggests we might see an impromptu reveal of
(04:34):
these new models online, complete with pricingand specifications, as soon as June.
This keeps fans and potential buyers on theirtoes, eagerly anticipating what Tesla will
unveil next.
SpaceX has just hit another milestone with itslatest Starlink launch, marking the 250th time
they've sent a batch of these broadbandsatellites into orbit.
(04:56):
On April 27th, 2025, a Falcon 9 rocket liftedoff from Florida's Cape Canaveral Space Force
Station at 10:09 p.m.
Eastern Daylight Time.
This mission carried 23 Starlink satellites,including 13 equipped with direct-to-cell
capability, which is a significant leap forwardin making satellite internet more accessible.
(05:18):
Around eight minutes after liftoff, the Falcon9's first stage executed a flawless landing on
the drone ship "Just Read the Instructions"stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.
This specific booster has now completed its20th successful mission, with 13 of those
dedicated to Starlink launches.
It's a testament to SpaceX's commitment toreusability and cost-effectiveness in space
(05:42):
travel.
The upper stage of the Falcon 9 rocketsuccessfully deployed the 23 satellites into
low Earth orbit about an hour post-launch.
This deployment adds to the ever-growingStarlink constellation, which now boasts over
7,200 operational satellites.
SpaceX's goal of providing global internetcoverage is becoming more of a reality with
(06:06):
each launch.
This launch represents the 48th Falcon 9 flightof 2025 and the 31st dedicated to expanding the
Starlink megaconstellation.
Since the first dedicated Starlink mission inMay 2019, SpaceX has launched nearly 8,400
satellites, continuously pushing the boundariesof satellite internet technology.
(06:29):
Now, here's a truly inspiring story coming fromthe world of Neuralink.
The third human to receive a Neuralink brainimplant, Brad Smith, who has non-verbal ALS, is
now able to speak in his own voice thanks tothis groundbreaking technology and the power of
Artificial Intelligence.
This is a huge leap forward for Neuralink and atestament to the life-changing potential of
(06:50):
their brain-machine interface technology.
Brad shared his journey in a video on X,expressing gratitude despite the challenges of
living with ALS.
He said, "Even though having the diseasesucks," he's happy and feels that his prayers
have been answered, stating, "Life is good."The implant allows him to communicate by
(07:13):
controlling a computer with his thoughts, usinga Brain Computer Interface to move the mouse on
a MacBook Pro.
The voice you hear in his video is actually aclone of his own voice, created from recordings
before he lost the ability to speak.
Brad explained that his condition, amyotrophiclateral sclerosis, affects the motor neurons
(07:36):
controlling his muscles but doesn't impair hismind.
Before the implant, he relied on an eye gazecontrol computer for communication, which
worked best in dark rooms.
He humorously compared himself to Batman, stuckin a dark room.
But with Neuralink, he can now communicate morefreely, even outdoors, as the implant in his
(07:57):
motor cortex bypasses the need for specificlighting conditions.
The implant, about the size of five U.S.
quarters, is placed in Brad's skull, withthreads inserted a few millimeters into his
brain by a robot, cleverly avoiding bloodvessels to minimize bleeding.
Once connected, the implant communicates with acomputer via Bluetooth, which handles much of
(08:19):
the processing.
This setup not only allows Brad to communicatebut also to enhance his computer interactions
by creating shortcuts and using a chatapplication developed with AI to suggest
responses during conversations.
Brad's story is a beacon of hope for manyfacing similar challenges.
He says his experience with Neuralink has been"fantastic," significantly improving his
(08:43):
quality of life.
Brad is thrilled to be part of something thatpromises to help countless others in the
future.
While he acknowledges the difficulties of ALS,he emphasizes the importance of seeing the
bigger picture, appreciating the love andsupport of his family and the opportunity to
communicate through technology.
"Life is good," he concludes, with a heartfeltnod to his wife, Tiffany, and their children.
(09:07):
Alright that's a wrap for this episode.
If you enjoyed this brief, and would like tostay updated on latest episodes, don’t forget
to click ‘Follow’ in your podcast app.
Thanks again for listening, and hope to catchyou next time.
Tesla has just announced a significantbreakthrough in their battery technology, and
(00:04):
it could be a game-changer for electricvehicles.
The company has made remarkable progress withits long-awaited 4680 battery, first introduced
to the public during Tesla's "Battery Day"event back in September 2020.
Since then, Tesla has produced over one hundredmillion 4680 batteries across its factories, as
(00:25):
reported by Teslarati.
The 4680 battery is being celebrated for itspotential to revolutionize electric vehicle
manufacturing and performance.
According to Not a Tesla App, this battery isdesigned to reduce production costs and
streamline manufacturing processes, making it amore efficient battery cell for all Tesla
(00:49):
vehicles.
With its advanced design, the 4680 batterycould increase a car's range by up to sixteen
percent and boasts five times the energycapacity of the previous 2170-type cell.
Michael Guilfoy, Tesla's director of cellmanufacturing operations, recently praised the
(01:09):
company's progress.
In a LinkedIn post, he shared that Tesla's CellManufacturing team in Texas achieved a
significant milestone at the end of 2024,becoming the lowest cost per kilowatt-hour
battery cell producer for Tesla.
This achievement not only highlights thecompany's innovative spirit but also suggests
(01:30):
potential cost reductions for Tesla's vehiclesin the future.
Despite being the best-selling electric vehiclecompany worldwide in 2024, Tesla has faced
challenges in 2025, including a thirteenpercent drop in sales.
Protests against CEO Elon Musk have beenaffecting Tesla dealerships globally.
(01:51):
However, the demand for used electric vehiclescontinues to rise, indicating a growing
interest in sustainable transportation options.
Tesla's set to shake things up once again withtheir announcement that more affordable models
will enter production by mid-2025.
Executives have confirmed that these newvehicles will utilize existing assembly lines,
(02:15):
integrating aspects of both the next-generationplatform and current platforms.
This move is seen as a strategic decision tomaintain cost efficiency and scale vehicle
volumes without the need for major capitalinvestments in new manufacturing
infrastructure.
Despite a slip in production, deliveries, andoperating income—down 16 percent, 13 percent,
(02:40):
and 66 percent respectively compared to thesame period in 2024—Tesla remains optimistic.
The introduction of these new models isexpected to reverse the company's fortunes and
help Tesla fully utilize its current maximumcapacity of nearly three million vehicles.
This would represent a remarkable 60 percentgrowth over 2024 production levels, all while
(03:04):
navigating economic uncertainties and changingtrade policies.
Tesla's chief financial officer, Dev Ateneja,emphasized the company's commitment to
affordability amid current challenges,including tariffs and a tarnished image.
He assured that production is still on trackfor June, alongside advancements in Full
(03:25):
Self-Driving features and the upcoming Cybercabpilot launch in Austin.
These developments are poised to usher in a newera of demand for Tesla vehicles.
While specifics about these "cheaper" modelsremain under wraps, Tesla's vice president for
vehicle engineering, Lars Moravy, hinted thatthe designs will resemble and inform the
(03:46):
current lineup.
With recent upgrades to the Model 3 and Model Yplatforms, Tesla is aiming to deliver "great
cars at great prices," reinforcing theirreputation for quality and innovation.
Rumors have circulated about a new entry-levelelectric vehicle from Tesla, initially expected
to be priced under twenty-five thousand UnitedStates dollars and built in Mexico.
(04:11):
However, production will reportedly begin atthe Texas Gigafactory, with plans to eventually
expand to Mexico, Berlin-Brandenburg, andpotentially India.
This aligns with Tesla's strategy to utilizeexisting production lines and maintain
flexibility in vehicle offerings.
Tesla's history of surprise announcementssuggests we might see an impromptu reveal of
(04:34):
these new models online, complete with pricingand specifications, as soon as June.
This keeps fans and potential buyers on theirtoes, eagerly anticipating what Tesla will
unveil next.
SpaceX has just hit another milestone with itslatest Starlink launch, marking the 250th time
they've sent a batch of these broadbandsatellites into orbit.
(04:56):
On April 27th, 2025, a Falcon 9 rocket liftedoff from Florida's Cape Canaveral Space Force
Station at 10:09 p.m.
Eastern Daylight Time.
This mission carried 23 Starlink satellites,including 13 equipped with direct-to-cell
capability, which is a significant leap forwardin making satellite internet more accessible.
(05:18):
Around eight minutes after liftoff, the Falcon9's first stage executed a flawless landing on
the drone ship "Just Read the Instructions"stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.
This specific booster has now completed its20th successful mission, with 13 of those
dedicated to Starlink launches.
It's a testament to SpaceX's commitment toreusability and cost-effectiveness in space
(05:42):
travel.
The upper stage of the Falcon 9 rocketsuccessfully deployed the 23 satellites into
low Earth orbit about an hour post-launch.
This deployment adds to the ever-growingStarlink constellation, which now boasts over
7,200 operational satellites.
SpaceX's goal of providing global internetcoverage is becoming more of a reality with
(06:06):
each launch.
This launch represents the 48th Falcon 9 flightof 2025 and the 31st dedicated to expanding the
Starlink megaconstellation.
Since the first dedicated Starlink mission inMay 2019, SpaceX has launched nearly 8,400
satellites, continuously pushing the boundariesof satellite internet technology.
(06:29):
Now, here's a truly inspiring story coming fromthe world of Neuralink.
The third human to receive a Neuralink brainimplant, Brad Smith, who has non-verbal ALS, is
now able to speak in his own voice thanks tothis groundbreaking technology and the power of
Artificial Intelligence.
This is a huge leap forward for Neuralink and atestament to the life-changing potential of
(06:50):
their brain-machine interface technology.
Brad shared his journey in a video on X,expressing gratitude despite the challenges of
living with ALS.
He said, "Even though having the diseasesucks," he's happy and feels that his prayers
have been answered, stating, "Life is good."The implant allows him to communicate by
(07:13):
controlling a computer with his thoughts, usinga Brain Computer Interface to move the mouse on
a MacBook Pro.
The voice you hear in his video is actually aclone of his own voice, created from recordings
before he lost the ability to speak.
Brad explained that his condition, amyotrophiclateral sclerosis, affects the motor neurons
(07:36):
controlling his muscles but doesn't impair hismind.
Before the implant, he relied on an eye gazecontrol computer for communication, which
worked best in dark rooms.
He humorously compared himself to Batman, stuckin a dark room.
But with Neuralink, he can now communicate morefreely, even outdoors, as the implant in his
(07:57):
motor cortex bypasses the need for specificlighting conditions.
The implant, about the size of five U.S.
quarters, is placed in Brad's skull, withthreads inserted a few millimeters into his
brain by a robot, cleverly avoiding bloodvessels to minimize bleeding.
Once connected, the implant communicates with acomputer via Bluetooth, which handles much of
(08:19):
the processing.
This setup not only allows Brad to communicatebut also to enhance his computer interactions
by creating shortcuts and using a chatapplication developed with AI to suggest
responses during conversations.
Brad's story is a beacon of hope for manyfacing similar challenges.
He says his experience with Neuralink has been"fantastic," significantly improving his
(08:43):
quality of life.
Brad is thrilled to be part of something thatpromises to help countless others in the
future.
While he acknowledges the difficulties of ALS,he emphasizes the importance of seeing the
bigger picture, appreciating the love andsupport of his family and the opportunity to
communicate through technology.
"Life is good," he concludes, with a heartfeltnod to his wife, Tiffany, and their children.
(09:07):
Alright that's a wrap for this episode.
If you enjoyed this brief, and would like tostay updated on latest episodes, don’t forget
to click ‘Follow’ in your podcast app.
Thanks again for listening, and hope to catchyou next time.
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