Help Support EV News Report
EV News Report is not a non-profit

You are browsing the archive for Elon Archives – EV News Report.

Tesla, Federal Reserve, Hyperloop and Oil

August 15, 2013 in Electric Vehicles, EV News, Hyperloop, Oil, Tesla

The US stock market took a dive due to interest rate concerns.  The Dow closed down 225 points as interest rates rose; the 10 year Treasury yield is now 2.77%.  Digesting interest rate concerns will be a tough slog for the stock market moving forward.

Hyperloop design Image courtesy of Tesla

Hyperloop design
Image courtesy of Tesla

Tesla stock (TSLA) eked out a gain despite the slump on Wall Street.  TSLA closed at $139.67, up .22% on the day.  With rail projects being considered across the country, the Hyperloop must have caught the attention of many state and city transportation professionals.  It would not be that surprising to hear of interest to trial the technology outside of California.  After all, the Hyperloop could prove to be an enormous economic boost for states and cities willing to construct it.  California should consider itself lucky that Mr. Musk would even consider the LA – SF Hyperloop.

The oil market rose again today due to continued unrest in the Middle East.  News reports and photos from Egypt were disturbing with many dead from various clashes.  Bloomberg reported: “At least 525 people died, including police, and more than 3,700 were injured in yesterday’s violence, according to official tallies.  The Muslim Brotherhood, which backs Mursi and led the protests, said the death toll was many times higher.”  Brent oil has now climbed over $111 per barrel.

China is expected to be the largest net oil importer at the end of this year, according to the US Energy Information Administration, which necessitates that China have a strong currency to pay for the oil.  Certainly, China is not going to rely on the US Dollar forever.  When the Yuan freely floats on international currency exchanges, economic power will tilt to Asia.  China did sell US Treasuries in June.  Bloomberg reported: “China’s stake dropped by $21.5 billion in June, or 1.7 percent, to $1.276 trillion, according to Treasury Department data released yesterday.”

Tesla Hyperloop and Oil

August 13, 2013 in Electric Vehicles, EV News, Hyperloop, Tesla

Tesla Model S Image courtesy of Tesla

Tesla Model S
Image courtesy of Tesla

Tesla stock (TSLA) sold off at the end of the day, closing at $145.43 per share, down 1.32%.  Interest rates jumped; the 10 year Treasury is trading at 2.71%.  Some market strategists are increasingly concerned that stocks will face headwinds with rising interest rates.

The famous stock picker, Ken Heebner, of Capital Growth Management took a position in Tesla in the second quarter.  Bloomberg reported: “Heebner bought 215,000 shares in Tesla, the electric-car company led by Elon Musk.”  In an interview 4-12-13 on WealthTrack, Mr. Heebner expressed that he is a stock market bull due to the strong US economy with particular emphasis on the rebounding housing market.  He believes interest rates will rise, but he thinks investors will shift bond market monies to stocks.

Mr. Elon Musk released his Hyperloop design yesterday: http://www.teslamotors.com/blog/hyperloop.

Due to the high estimated costs and relatively slow speeds of the LA – SF high-speed rail project, there is much hope that Mr. Musk will proceed in some form with his Hyperloop design.  The Hyperloop would most likely drive more long-term economic benefit for the United States, because it is a leading technology, which could ultimately change worldwide transport.  It would be foolish not to trial the technology.

Yes, many people around the world enjoy the comfort of train travel.  However, the world needs to be focused on energy efficiency, utilizing the most appropriate technologies to facilitate the movement of large numbers of people and goods.

Libya reminds us again today that the oil market is unreliable and unstable.  Reuters reported: “Libya’s state National Oil Corporation said in a statement to shippers it could not provide September loading schedules, normally due by now, as on-again, off-again strikes paralyse its ports.”  WTI oil has moved up to $106.5 per barrel, and Brent is around $109.5.

Source: EIA

Courtesy of EIA

 

About EV News Report

EV News Report is a news and information service on electric vehicle news with a focus on the campaigns, events and star leaders shaping the EV revolution.

Electric vehicles are driving the change to a clean green sustainable future for the United States and the world. Tesla CEO Elon Musk and other EV stars have launched a revolution. At EV News Report, you will see daily updates on the new electric era, including Tesla news, LEAF news, and all the leading players in the electric transportation movement.

Plug-in to the electric car / electric transportation revolution by creating a free account with EV News Report and join Poll Vote to discuss your ideas with other EV enthusiasts. We’re just getting the electric motor started. Let’s change the world…

Tesla and Musk Hyperloop, Oil Transition

August 12, 2013 in Electric Vehicles, EV News, Hyperloop, Tesla

Image courtesy of Tesla

Image courtesy of Tesla

Tesla stock (TSLA) opened below $150 and has been weak in morning trade.  The stock market as a whole has been edgy in recent days concerning the possibility of rising interest rates after the Federal Reserve starts tapering its stimulus.  Regardless, Tesla remains the great electric hope in a world that uses over 91 million barrels of oil a day (IEA).  Unfortunately, Tesla’s auto sales are still only a drop in a bucket in comparison to the approximate 80 million worldwide annual auto market.

WTI oil is trading slightly above $106 per barrel, which is a rather modest price considering China’s record oil imports in July.  In addition, WTI should be trading closer to parity with Brent since oil inventories at Cushing have been drawn down below 40 million barrels (EIA).  Brent oil is trading between $108 – $109.  The fourth quarter is the heaviest oil demand quarter due to the cold (heating oil fuels) in the Northern Hemisphere, so demand pressure will increase in the coming months.

How should the world transition from oil? 

Mr. Elon Musk plans to reveal his Hyperloop concept today.  As the CEO of Tesla Motors, Mr. Musk is no stranger to the oil and climate dilemmas of the world.  He may feel increasing pressure to work on his Hyperloop idea due to his own convictions.  In Europe, China and Japan, rail networks are already quite extensive and modern in comparison to the United States.  Mr. Musk has proposed that the US initiate a new form of transport, Hyperloop, which he believes would be significantly faster and cheaper than high-speed rail.

About EV News Report

EV News Report is a news and information service on electric vehicle news with a focus on the campaigns, events and star leaders shaping the EV revolution.

Electric vehicles are driving the change to a clean green sustainable future for the United States and the world. Tesla CEO Elon Musk and other EV stars have launched a revolution. At EV News Report, you will see daily updates on the new electric era, including Tesla news, LEAF news, and all the leading players in the electric transportation movement.

Plug-in to the electric car / electric transportation revolution by creating a free account with EV News Report and join Poll Vote to discuss your ideas with other EV enthusiasts. We’re just getting the electric motor started. Let’s change the world…

Tesla Stock (TSLA) Wow! Model S View to Asia

August 8, 2013 in Electric Vehicles, EV News, Supercharger, Tesla

Tesla Model S Photo courtesy of Tesla

Tesla Model S
Photo courtesy of Tesla

TSLA wowed the NASDAQ again with a record high today of $158.88.  It closed out the session at $153.48, up 14.34% on the day.  The volume was very heavy with over 27 million shares traded.

Tesla tweeted: “European #Superchargers will begin rolling out over the next several weeks, the first of which will open in Norway.”  Hopefully, somebody/business in Europe initiates a tour operation with Model S cars.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk made it clear on the Q2 conference call that Tesla needs more battery production.  Obviously, Panasonic had already received this message.  Xinhua news reported on August 1: “The electronics maker will resume operation of idled lines at the Suminoe Plant in Osaka Prefecture, which produces batteries for US automaker Tesla Motors Inc., as early as next January, while another factory in Kaizuka City in the prefecture, which the company has suspended its operation since March, will reopen by the end of next fiscal year, Panasonic spokesperson Megumi Kitagawa said to Xinhua.”

Tesla stock (TSLA) is a “currency,” which can be utilized to the advantage of the company.

Demand for electric cars should greatly increase as oil prices rise in the future, but a transition to electric mobility is unlikely to be a smooth ride.  The world is still complacent about the oil supply threat.  China’s record oil imports in the month of July were a reminder to world leaders that the dragon is thirsty.  Chinese citizens want to have all the comforts of the West.

Unfortunately, there is only one Tesla.

About EV News Report

EV News Report is a news and information service on electric vehicle news with a focus on the campaigns, events and star leaders shaping the EV revolution.

Electric vehicles are driving the change to a clean green sustainable future for the United States and the world. Tesla CEO Elon Musk and other EV stars have launched a revolution. At EV News Report, you will see daily updates on the new electric era, including Tesla news, LEAF news, and all the leading players in the electric transportation movement.

Plug-in to the electric car / electric transportation revolution by creating a free account with EV News Report and join Poll Vote to discuss your ideas with other EV enthusiasts. We’re just getting the electric motor started. Let’s change the world…

Tesla Stock, TSLA

August 2, 2013 in EV Star of the Week, Tesla

Tesla Model S platform exhibit in London Photo courtesy of Tesla

Tesla Model S platform exhibit in London
Photo courtesy of Tesla

Tesla stock (TSLA) is the star of the week.  TSLA closed at $138 per share (8-2-13), which is a new record close, up 1.81% on the day.

  • Tesla Model S platform (photo right)
  • TSLA also deserves public recognition

On August 7, Tesla will report its quarterly financials, displaying its bolstered balance sheet from its relatively recent funding, and management will discuss the outlook for the company.  TSLA, the stock, looms large behind future expansion plans.  After all, TSLA is “big money” that can be tapped for expansion.

  • Tesla CEO Elon Musk has no shortage of ideas
  • The world wants and needs sustainable solutions 

The relatively recent funding round greatly bolstered Tesla’s balance sheet, freeing the company to explore huge growth opportunities.  Battery storage is a relatively new Tesla venture that has huge potential, whether for residential, commercial or electric power suppliers.  Solar and wind are intermittent energy sources, and battery storage provides a solution.

Tesla is building a sustainable transportation model in the US with its Model S cars and Tesla stations, and it can take that model around the world.  Obviously, the US stock market agrees with the current Tesla plan; however, the world is big place, and there is a tremendous amount of work to be done.  TSLA can help.

Tesla is Sustainability. Where is the competition?

August 1, 2013 in Electric Vehicles, EV News, Tesla

Tesla Model S and Supercharger Photo courtesy of Tesla

Tesla Model S and Supercharger
Photo courtesy of Tesla

The Tesla station may become the de facto national energy plan for automobile transportation.  If Tesla could produce the generation III today, it would certainly be interesting to see the order bookings.

TSLA closed at $135.55 per share, up about 1% on the day.  The company tweeted: “Model S’ tech package is equipped with voice commands that allow you to request a song, ask for directions, or dial a contact.”

Worldwide Economic Concern, the Price of Oil

Oil rose today due to positive economic data on US manufacturing.  Bloomberg reported: “Manufacturing in the U.S. expanded at the fastest pace in more than two years as orders and production jumped, according to the Institute for Supply Management’s factory index.”  WTI oil spiked about $3 to around $108 per barrel, and Brent rose over $109.  The oil market is vulnerable to a supply shock due to the tightness of the market.  Any significant supply disruption could send prices to new record highs.  World leaders are looking for long-term solutions to the oil problem.

At any Tesla Supercharger station, Model S owners can charge for free, for life.  Where is the competition? 

The LEAF drifted lower in July with 1,864 sales (2,225 sold in June).  GM sold 1,788 Volts (July).  Both companies have charging strategies that pale in comparison to Tesla.

The EV market is more competitive in recent months with more models on the market: 

  • Daimler is selling its Smart Electric in ZEV credit states, according to Smart USA media relations
  • Fiat is starting to sell its electric car (Fiat 500e) in California, according to Fiat media relations
  • GM is now selling the Spark EV on the West Coast, according to GM media relations

About EV News Report

EV News Report Poll: Can India halt the fall in the Rupee?

EV News Report Vote: Which future transport do you want?

EV News Report Poll: Are EVs at a tipping point?

EV News Report is a news and information service on electric vehicle news with a focus on the campaigns, events and star leaders shaping the EV revolution.

Electric vehicles are driving the change to a clean green sustainable future for the United States and the world. Tesla CEO Elon Musk and other EV stars have launched a revolution. At EV News Report, you will see daily updates on the new electric era, including Tesla news, LEAF news, and all the leading players in the electric transportation movement.

Plug-in to the electric car / electric transportation revolution by creating a free account with EV News Report and join Poll Vote to discuss your ideas with other EV enthusiasts. We’re just getting the electric motor started. Let’s change the world…

Tesla Cleaning the Air

July 31, 2013 in Electric Vehicles, EV News, Oil, Tesla

Normal, IL, Tesla Supercharger station Photo courtesy of Tesla

Normal, IL, Tesla Supercharger station
Photo courtesy of Tesla

Tesla CEO Elon Musk wants the company to have a 25% gross margin average in Q4.  This gross margin goal is independent of any zero emission vehicle credits (ZEV revenue).  Tesla plans to clear the air in more ways than one.

This zero emission Model S (photo right) is charging for free in an enclosed lot in Normal, IL.  The owner of this vehicle can charge at any Supercharger station for free, for life!

Tesla has initiated the development of its European Supercharger network in Norway.  With petrol prices approximately double the United States, Europe is obviously a great long-term market for Tesla.  People can quantify free, and there is no shortage of people that want to be free of gasoline.

European leaders are well aware of the limits of oil supply.  Oil field declines in the North Sea have been highly publicized in Europe.  In response, the Norwegian government devised some of the most aggressive electric vehicle adoption policies in the world, and this is despite the country being a major oil exporter.  Of course, Tesla management is thinking long-term as well, with plans to sell a mass-market electric car, the generation III, in a few years.  However, there is a great landmass and ocean between the Fremont factory and the shores of Europe.  If the company is confident about the generation III timeframe, it would be best to start planning ahead.

Tesla stock (TSLA) closed today at $134.28 per share, up 1.93%.  The stock hit a new record high yesterday at $137.49.

The US Energy Information Administration weekly petroleum inventory report showed that Cushing Oklahoma oil inventories dropped to 42.1 million barrels, which helped lift the price of WTI oil over $105 per barrel.  WTI should trade more in-line with the price of Brent (currently $107-$108).  US domestic crude production was approximately flat in the report, a little north of 7.5 million barrels a day.

High oil prices are being maintained despite economic weakness in China (#2 oil importer) and India (#4 oil importer).  The US Department of Energy should greatly increase its efforts to educate the American public about the benefits of electric vehicles.

About EV News Report

EV News Report Poll: Can India halt the fall in the Rupee?

EV News Report Vote: Which future transport do you want?

EV News Report Poll: Are EVs at a tipping point?

EV News Report is a news and information service on electric vehicle news with a focus on the campaigns, events and star leaders shaping the EV revolution.

Electric vehicles are driving the change to a clean green sustainable future for the United States and the world. Tesla CEO Elon Musk and other EV stars have launched a revolution. At EV News Report, you will see daily updates on the new electric era, including Tesla news, LEAF news, and all the leading players in the electric transportation movement.

Plug-in to the electric car / electric transportation revolution by creating a free account with EV News Report and join Poll Vote to discuss your ideas with other EV enthusiasts. We’re just getting the electric motor started. Let’s change the world…