🔇 January 1: Tesla's Soaring Slump, Bold EV Predictions, and GM's Silent Recall

The Gist

Tesla’s stock is sky-high, but sales might not clear the bar. Wall Street is skeptical, and Elon’s new political alliances are making some customers squirm. Meanwhile, global EV sales are on track for a 30% leap in 2025, with India doubling down and the U.S. speeding up—but tariffs might throw a wrench in the works.

GM’s Equinox EV is too quiet for safety standards (yes, that’s a thing), and Ford’s recall department is on overtime, fixing everything from rearview cameras to high-pressure fuel pumps. Over at Tesla and Mercedes, airbags are acting up, but at least the fixes are free.

Hydrogen vehicles are making a comeback—well, sort of. It’s a long game, and most of the buzz is in the commercial sector. For the range-anxious, Lucid, Rivian, and Tesla are leading the pack, proving EVs can go the distance—when they aren’t too quiet or under recall.

Fuel for Thought

• 🚘 Tesla’s Numbers Game: Stock High, Sales Questio …

• 🌍 2025 EV Sales: Optimistic Projections Amid Unce …

  • By the Numbers

  • Highlights

  • Challenges Ahead

• 🛠️ Too Quiet for Comfort: GM’s Equinox Recall

  • Why is this an issue?

  • What is GM doing?

  • Is it affecting sales?

• 💡 Hydrogen: A Contender for the Future?

• ⚡ Long-Range EVs: The 2024 Standouts

• 🛡️ Safety First: Airbag Recalls at Tesla and Merc …

• 🔧 Ford’s Multi-Model Recall: Addressing Diverse I …

🚘 Tesla’s Numbers Game: Stock High, Sales Questionable

While Tesla’s stock valuation has skyrocketed post-election, the reality of its sales figures paints a more cautious picture. Wall Street and analysts are watching closely as Tesla faces potential stagnation in 2024.

• Quarterly Record at Stake: Analysts predict Tesla will deliver 510,400 vehicles in Q4, short of the 515,000 needed to achieve annual growth.

• Political Crossroads: With Musk aligning Tesla with Trump’s policies, questions arise about the impact on left-leaning customers and potential policy reversals on EV subsidies.

• Global Pressure: Competitors like BYD, Volkswagen, and Mercedes-Benz are recalibrating EV goals. Meanwhile, Ford reports a staggering $5 billion EV loss for the year.

• The Road Ahead: Musk forecasts a 20-30% sales increase for 2025, hinging on affordability-driven updates to the Model 3 and Y. Analysts remain skeptical, citing economic and market headwinds.

🌍 2025 EV Sales: Optimistic Projections Amid Uncertainty

S&P Global Mobility predicts a nearly 30% jump in global EV sales next year. This optimism, however, is tempered by ongoing policy shifts and market realities.

By the Numbers

Global EV sales are projected to reach 15.1 million in 2025, compared to 11.6 million this year. Market share rises from 13.2% to 16.7%.

Highlights

• United States: EV sales forecast to rise 36%, bringing market share to 11.2%.

• Europe: Central and Western regions to see a 43.4% growth.

• India: A standout performer, with a 117% jump year-over-year.

• China: Despite holding the largest share (29.7%), growth slows to 19.7%.

Challenges Ahead

The anticipated repeal of federal EV incentives in the U.S. and universal tariffs could reshape both sales and production landscapes.

🛠️ Too Quiet for Comfort: GM’s Equinox Recall

General Motors is addressing a unique problem with its 2025 Chevy Equinox EV: it’s too quiet. Federal pedestrian safety standards require artificial sound at low speeds, and the Equinox doesn’t meet the mark.

Why is this an issue?

Without the natural engine noise of gas-powered cars, EVs pose risks to pedestrians, particularly in urban environments and for visually impaired individuals.

What is GM doing?

Owners will receive a free software update to raise the vehicle’s alert volume. Notifications begin in January 2025.

Is it affecting sales?

Despite the recall, the Equinox EV remains popular. With over 9,700 units sold in Q3 2024 and pricing starting at $33,600, it’s proving to be a compelling choice for buyers.

💡 Hydrogen: A Contender for the Future?

While EVs dominate headlines, hydrogen is quietly re-entering the conversation. Automakers like Honda and GM are investing heavily in hydrogen technology, though hurdles remain.

• Consumer vs. Commercial Focus: Current efforts prioritize industrial applications, such as semi-trucks and heavy equipment, over passenger vehicles.

• Production Challenges: Clean hydrogen production relies on costly and energy-intensive processes, with most hydrogen still derived from fossil fuels.

• The Big Picture: Advocates argue hydrogen could complement EVs, especially for long-haul transportation and reducing emissions in industries reliant on diesel.

⚡ Long-Range EVs: The 2024 Standouts

Range anxiety remains a concern for many EV buyers. Here are the top vehicles addressing this challenge, based on EPA-rated range:

1. Lucid Air: 516 miles

2. Rivian R1T: 410 miles

3. Tesla Model S: 402 miles

4. Rivian R1S: 400 miles

5. Tesla Model 3: 363 miles

These vehicles show how manufacturers are balancing performance, affordability, and practicality for long-distance travel.

🛡️ Safety First: Airbag Recalls at Tesla and Mercedes

Recalls remind us of the precision required in vehicle manufacturing. Tesla and Mercedes have both issued notices for airbag-related issues, impacting hundreds of vehicles.

• Tesla’s Concern: 294 Model S and X vehicles risk airbag tears due to unauthorized assembly tools. No injuries reported.

• Mercedes’ Case: One EQS vehicle faces a recall over faulty mounting brackets that could damage side curtain airbags.

• The Fix: Both manufacturers are offering free repairs to affected customers.

🔧 Ford’s Multi-Model Recall: Addressing Diverse Issues

Ford issued recalls for nearly 400,000 vehicles, spanning a range of concerns.

• Diesel Troubles: Over 295,000 Super Duty trucks require updates to prevent fuel pump failures.

• Battery Risks: Around 20,000 Escapes and Corsairs face potential battery defects.

• Other Issues: Malfunctioning rearview cameras and automatic window systems add to the list.

Ford has committed to resolving these problems at no cost to owners.

Sign up for more!