Tesla week in review post the highs of battery day, Tesla delivered a number of interesting additions to the Tesla almanac.  History may judge this to be another step towards Tesla’s ultimate goal of transition to sustainable energy and transport. 

A word on Tesla and the future of the Company. 

Last week saw one of the most significant steps forward for Tesla and the development of their battery technology. The new and innovative thinking demonstrated by Tesla and their team regarding the use of first principles to rethink the functions of the battery, truly set up Tesla to move into a confident position.  

Sandy Munro from Munro & Associates Inc., by his own admission seen thousands of vehicles over his life time and because of this has a unique perspective on the construction, manufacturing and innovation of vehicles. 

Munro’s perspective on the battery day and his support for Tesla, is one out of respect for  innovative products and support for the companies Goals. His perspective on the Tesla innovations highlighted the fact that Tesla is heading in a direction well ahead of any competition. He is able to provide insights to the technical aspects of the innovations. 

The market for Tesla shares after the battery day presentation went down. Analyst thought that Tesla would announce a cheaper vehicle that would be available in the short term. Tesla did in fact announce a new cheaper vehicle which would not be available for several years. 

What it does suggest is that analysts don’t have a full understanding of the technology and how to classify tesla as a company. They believe that because Tesla have not produced an affordable vehicle with the battery technology available to use now that the value of the company does not meet their predictions. 

Tesla has always highlighted the fact that they are not just a car company or an energy company but a tech company. This difference has been a challenge for analysts as they still continue to place Tesla in the car company field. 

China Model 3

This Tesla week in review also saw the introduction to the Made-In-China (MIC) Model 3 LFP or lithium ion battery technology provided by CATL. 

“Tesla’s new powertrains are expected to include a cobalt-free lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery made by Ningde, Fujian-based Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd.,” Bloomberg News. 1 October 2020, 11:46 am AEST Updated on 1 October 2020, 5:24 pm AEST

This innovation has been met with great excitement by the Chinese. There has been an increase in orders. In conjunction with the new battery technology there has been a price reduction and a significant range increase. The price reduction may have been expected but the range increase was something no one had expected.

The Model 3 range went from 455km to 468kms. With any electric car, range is important and an increase is always welcome. This is helping to drive sales and improve customer experience. 

Here in Australia we still have to contend with significantly high prices. 

These include:

• Taxes on imports
• Luxury car tax
• Exchange rate
• Lack of manufacturing competition

These have significant impacts on price and ability for the average Australian to enter the electric car market. 

Opportunity

With the introduction of the new Model 3 to the Chinese market, there is an opportunity for Australians and those in the southern hemisphere, to have greater access to a more affordable Tesla. 

Recently there was a rumor that deliveries from Giga Shanghai to countries like Australia would provide a more affordable Model 3. As shown this week with the introduction of the new Model 3 to the Chinese market this rumour may have some foundation. 

A recent article from Tesmanian outlined the increase in shifts within the Giga Shanghai factory. This might indicate a lift in production numbers and possibly an opportunity to export model 3’s to other countries like Australia. 

The Model 3 range of 468kms is comparable to current petrol cars of the same size and dimensions that are sold in Australia. With the added benefit of no petrol and reduced rates for electricity, this would make the vehicle quite competitive and compelling. 

Currently in Australia the cost of the Model 3 averages approx. $74000 dollars . As this starting price it does not incur Luxury car tax LCT. However, with the introduction of the new MIC model 3 the price when convereted to Australian dollars is $61000. This would be quite a significant price reduction which could make quite an impact on the electric vehicle market.  https://thedriven.io/2020/10/01/model-3-with-cheaper-battery-on-sale-soon-price-drop-leak-4000/

India 

Tesla week in Review, Elon Musk is known for his use of the social media platform Twitter.  This week he responded to TCIN when asked if Tesla was going to come to India. 

Elon responded with, “sometime next year.” This is significant as it would open another country to the benefits of electric vehicles. https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1311931936261263360

This week has been a significant week for Tesla. They innovate, create, and produce some of the greatest technology we have seen for years. 

Dave