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Report within 13 years Tesla And its CEO Elon MuskI watched the rise of the company and its billionaire leaders, fall, and approach mistakes. Musk, known for his willingness to take risks, acknowledged how close the company was to filing bankruptcy before turning the situation around.
It is the storyline of “We and They” that helps turn Musk into a symbol of innovation.
His political alliance with President Trump and, more importantly, his activities as an informal leader of the Ministry of Efficiency of the Administration changed public perceptions of Musk. However, Tesla won the biggest blow, including Sales and salesglobal Tesla proteststhe stock price fell. Automakers, who have long lagged behind Tesla’s sales, take advantage of this opening by providing sweetness Trading and other incentives.
Senior reporter Rebecca Bellan Recorded moments In the past few months, it has affected Tesla. Her post will be updated regularly, so be sure to check it out.
Can Tesla rebound? Trump’s recent tariff announcement Can help Tesla Because its vehicles and many of their components are made in the United States. It may not have enough protection to prevent bleeding. Tariffs could damage Tesla’s energy storage business.
The chaos around the tariffs imposed by Trump will continue. We’re just starting to see how automakers react and adjust. Some, like Fordtrying to succeed and offer discounts to boost sales in the short term. and public Have told the dealer plan Increase import fees According to the New York Times, the price of imported cars sold in the United States.
A little bird
A little bird tells us Tesla Definitely seem ready to launch a robotics service in Austin this summer, and the automaker is slim in publicity for the city. Others like Waymo and Cruise (who came back when Cruise was a thing) tried to get their right foot by connecting with as many city stakeholders as possible before launching.
Some government officials also shared security issues around Tesla’s autonomous brand. They fear Tesla’s cars may have a more limited understanding of their surroundings, as they rely solely on cameras rather than laser lenses and radars to sense.
Are you tipping us? Email Kirsten Korosec at kirsten.korosec@techcrunch.com Or my signal in Kkorosec.07, Sean O’Kane in sean.okane@techcrunch.comor Rebecca Bellan rebecca.bellan@techcrunch.com. Or check out These instructions To learn how to contact us through encrypted messaging applications or Securedrop.
trade!
The trading side of this week was quiet. However, there are some notable notes.
Apparent batterya Massachusetts-based advanced battery inspection technology startup, Raised $3.2 million Seed funding round led by IBEX investors. National venture capital, automotive joint ventures and Avesta Fund have also joined.
Fu Liyehydrogen startup company, Raised $18.5 million In Series A led by General Catalysts and Paramark Ventures. Other investors involved include Airbus, Borusan Ventures, Gsbackers, MCJ collective and active Ventures.
Windrose technologyan electric car manufacturer with Belgium and Chinese roots plans to apply for an IPO of $400 million in the United States, The New York Times.
Famous readings and other tidbits
Self-driving cars
TechCrunch Reporter Maxwell Zeff Interview with the mayor of San Francisco Daniel Lurieautonomous cars have indeed appeared. Check out the video here.
Uber have Work with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority The road paved for the company’s road to operating AVS in the city of the United Arab Emirates. Uber doesn’t have its own AV, so it will rely on partnerships. Its first will work with Chinese companies in Dubai Weride.
Speaking of Weride, AV has obtained a driverless public road test and operation license In France.
Electric cars, charging and batteries
omen,,,,, The company told TechCrunch that a mid-sized electric vehicle manufacturer has officially started production and has manufactured its first 100 units available for sale. This is a well-known milestone for the California startup founded in 2021. The vehicles will be steered to several customers, including RV Giant Thor Industries.
At the same time, Harbinger also inserted himself into the bankruptcy process of EV startups cano. omen Propose an objection Selling Canoo’s assets to its CEO has the potential to throw the wrench into a 2-month-old bankruptcy case.
Rivian Only 8,640 units were delivered In the first three months of 2025, the company’s worst quarter since the end of 2022. The company said it still expects to deliver between 46,000 and 51,000 evs by the end of 2025.
Mahogany materiala battery material and recycling startup founded by former Tesla CTO JB Straubelopen a R&D Center In San Francisco. Located in the 15,000-square-foot facility in the Urban Design District features laboratory space to support engineers who will eventually work at every point in the battery ecosystem, from chemical engineering and cathode science to software and electrical engineering.
