electric vehicles – Live Laugh Love Do http://livelaughlovedo.com A Super Fun Site Wed, 03 Dec 2025 18:10:41 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9 Shaping Our Energy Future Together http://livelaughlovedo.com/shaping-our-energy-future-together/ http://livelaughlovedo.com/shaping-our-energy-future-together/#respond Fri, 07 Nov 2025 15:54:00 +0000 http://livelaughlovedo.com/2025/11/07/shaping-our-energy-future-together/

The global shift toward sustainable energy is not just a trend; it’s a movement that is reshaping our future. With climate change accelerating and resources dwindling, understanding the pathways to a cleaner energy future is imperative for everyone.

What You Will Learn

  • The significance of transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources for climate resilience.
  • Key drivers of change in energy systems, including technology, policy, and consumer behavior.
  • How climate change is reshaping global energy policies and necessitating sustainable practices.
  • Practical steps businesses can take to adopt renewable energy and enhance sustainability efforts.
  • Actions individuals can implement to contribute to a sustainable energy future, including energy efficiency and community engagement.
  • The role of electric vehicles in reducing emissions and their financial benefits for users and businesses.

Key Elements of the Energy Future

The energy future is shaped by several critical factors, impacting how we consume and produce energy. Below, we highlight the main drivers and actionable steps for businesses and individuals.

Key Drivers of Change

  • Technological Innovation
  • Government Policies
  • Consumer Demand

Climate Change Influence

  • Increased Renewable Investment
  • GHG Emission Regulations
  • International Collaborations

Business Contributions to Renewables

  • Invest in Solar/Wind
  • Energy Efficiency Programs
  • Employee Engagement
  • Clean Energy Partnerships

Individual Sustainability Actions

  • Reduce Energy Consumption
  • Switch to Green Providers
  • Community Participation
  • Advocate for Clean Policies

Electric Vehicle (EV) Benefits

  • Lower Operating Costs
  • Government Incentives
  • Decreased Maintenance
  • Cleaner Environment

Understanding the Energy Future: Trends and Trajectories

As we look toward our energy future, it’s crucial to grasp what that future entails and why it holds such significance. The energy future involves the various pathways we can take to meet our energy needs sustainably, which is critical for both economic stability and environmental preservation. Understanding these trends helps us foresee challenges and opportunities that can impact our daily lives and business operations. If you’re interested in personal growth and making positive changes, consider exploring how to tackle life’s messes to improve your overall well-being.

At its core, the energy future isn’t just about new technologies; it’s about reshaping how we think about energy consumption and production. This shift is paramount since our choices today will determine the health of our planet for generations to come.

Defining the Energy Future and Its

solar panels on roof
Shaping Our Energy Future Together

Importance

To define the energy future, we must consider the various factors that influence energy consumption and innovation. This includes advancements in technology, regulatory changes, and societal shifts toward sustainability. Energy transition refers to the global movement away from fossil fuels toward renewable sources, which is essential for reducing the impacts of climate change and fostering economic resilience.

  • Focus on renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydro.
  • Increase energy efficiency in buildings and transportation.
  • Encourage the adoption of electric vehicles to reduce emissions.

By understanding these elements, businesses like ours can better align our strategies with the evolving landscape and contribute to more sustainable practices.

Key Drivers of Change in Energy Systems

Several key drivers are pushing the energy systems toward a more sustainable future. These include technological advancements, policy shifts, and changing consumer preferences. Here are some notable factors:

  • Technological Innovation: Breakthroughs in energy storage and generation are revolutionizing how we utilize resources.
  • Government Policies: Incentives for renewable energy and stringent regulations on emissions are steering the market.
  • Consumer Demand: Growing awareness around climate issues is prompting consumers to choose cleaner options.

Each of these drivers plays a vital role in shaping our energy policies and practices, pushing us toward a more responsible and sustainable energy future. For a deeper dive into financial trends and their potential warnings, you might find this article on housing market recession warnings insightful.

The Role of Climate Change in Shaping Energy Policies

Climate change has emerged as a dominant force in determining energy policies worldwide. As the effects of global warming become increasingly evident, it has become necessary to rethink our energy strategies. This urgency drives the integration of sustainable practices across all sectors.

  • Increased investment in renewable energy technologies.
  • Development of regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Collaborative international efforts to address climate change challenges.

By acknowledging climate change’s impact, businesses and governments alike can work together to create effective energy policies that not only mitigate risks but also foster economic growth. It’s an exciting time to be part of this transformation, and I believe our collective actions can lead to lasting change!

Pro Tip

Did you know? Adopting renewable energy sources not only reduces your carbon footprint but can also lead to significant cost savings over time. Businesses that invest in solar panels or wind energy can see a decrease in energy bills while enhancing their brand image as environmentally responsible. Make the switch today and contribute to a more sustainable energy future!

Practical Steps for Engaging with the Energy Future

As we navigate the evolving landscape of energy, it’s vital for businesses and individuals alike to take actionable steps toward a sustainable future. Engaging with renewable energy trends is not just a choice; it’s becoming a necessity in our daily operations and lifestyle. Here’s how we can all contribute to a more sustainable energy future.

For businesses, leveraging these trends means adopting innovative practices and integrating renewable energy sources. This proactive approach not only enhances corporate responsibility but also leads to operational efficiencies and potential cost savings in the long run!

What Businesses Can Do to Leverage Renewable Energy Trends

  • Invest in renewable energy sources like solar and wind.
  • Implement energy efficiency programs to reduce consumption.
  • Engage employees in sustainability initiatives.
  • Partner with organizations focused on clean energy solutions.

By taking these steps, businesses can not only decrease their carbon footprint but also position themselves as leaders in the sustainability movement. For instance, many companies are now using solar panels to power their operations, dramatically cutting down on electricity bills while enhancing their image as environmentally friendly!

Empowering Individuals: How to Contribute to a Sustainable Energy FutureElectric car charging at a station, displaying blue vehicle with a plugged-in charger against a white background.

Individuals play a crucial role in shaping a sustainable energy future. Each person can make impactful changes that collectively lead to significant progress. Simple actions at home can lead to larger community benefits.

  • Reduce energy consumption by using energy-efficient appliances.
  • Consider switching to renewable energy providers.
  • Participate in community clean-up events and sustainability workshops.
  • Advocate for local policies promoting clean energy.

When individuals take these actions, it sends a strong message to businesses and policymakers about the importance of sustainability. It’s about creating a ripple effect that encourages others to join in! Each step, no matter how small, counts.

Electric Vehicles: A Guide to Adoption and Benefits

The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is a pivotal part of the energy future. Not only do they help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but they also represent a shift toward cleaner transportation options. Understanding their benefits and how to adopt them is essential for both individuals and businesses. For further insights into practical steps for a healthier lifestyle, explore these 10 healthy no-bake energy bites.

  • Lower operating costs compared to traditional fuel vehicles.
  • Access to government incentives for EV purchases.
  • Decreased maintenance costs since EVs have fewer moving parts.
  • Promotion of a cleaner environment through reduced emissions.

Investing in electric vehicles is not just about personal choice—it’s also a smart business decision. Many companies are beginning to transition their fleets to EVs, which can lead to substantial savings over time! Plus, supporting this shift contributes to a larger goal of cleaner air and a healthier planet.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Future

What is the “energy future” and why is it important?

The “energy future” refers to the pathways we take to meet our energy needs sustainably, moving away from fossil fuels toward renewable sources. It is important for economic stability, environmental preservation, and mitigating climate change impacts for future generations.

What are the key drivers of change in energy systems?

Key drivers include technological innovation (e.g., in energy storage and generation), government policies (e.g., incentives for renewables, emission regulations), and changing consumer demand driven by increased awareness of climate issues.

How does climate change influence energy policies?

Climate change is a dominant force, necessitating a rethink of energy strategies. It drives increased investment in renewable energy technologies, the development of greenhouse gas emission regulations, and collaborative international efforts to address global warming.

What practical steps can businesses take to leverage renewable energy trends?

Businesses can invest in renewable energy sources like solar and wind, implement energy efficiency programs, engage employees in sustainability initiatives, and partner with organizations focused on clean energy solutions.

How can individuals contribute to a sustainable energy future?

Individuals can contribute by reducing energy consumption (e.g., using energy-efficient appliances), switching to renewable energy providers, participating in community sustainability efforts, and advocating for clean energy policies.

What are the benefits of adopting electric vehicles (EVs)?

Benefits of EVs include lower operating costs compared to traditional fuel vehicles, access to government incentives for purchases, decreased maintenance costs due to fewer moving parts, and promotion of a cleaner environment through reduced emissions.

Recap of Key Points

Here is a quick recap of the important points discussed in the article:

  • The energy future emphasizes the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources like solar and wind.
  • Key drivers of change include technological innovation, government policies, and consumer demand for sustainable options.
  • Climate change is a critical factor influencing energy policies globally, necessitating sustainable practices.
  • Businesses can leverage renewable energy trends by investing in clean energy solutions and engaging employees in sustainability initiatives.
  • Individuals can contribute by using energy-efficient appliances, supporting renewable energy providers, and advocating for clean energy policies.
  • Adopting electric vehicles can lead to lower operating costs, government incentives, and a cleaner environment.

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Trump admin wants 10% stake in American lithium miner that sells to GM http://livelaughlovedo.com/trump-admin-wants-10-stake-in-american-lithium-miner-that-sells-to-gm/ http://livelaughlovedo.com/trump-admin-wants-10-stake-in-american-lithium-miner-that-sells-to-gm/#respond Wed, 24 Sep 2025 19:44:25 +0000 http://livelaughlovedo.com/2025/09/25/trump-admin-wants-10-stake-in-american-lithium-miner-that-sells-to-gm/ [ad_1]

The Trump administration might be fond of calling the energy transition the “green new scam,” but that isn’t stopping it from seeking a significant stake in what promises to be the largest lithium mine in the Western Hemisphere.

In exchange for renegotiating the repayment period of a $2.26 billion Department of Energy loan, the Trump administration is asking for as much as 10% equity in Lithium Americas, a company in which GM is a major investor.

Reuters first reported the news Tuesday. “President Trump supports this project. He wants it to succeed and also be fair to taxpayers,” a White House official told the news organization. “But there’s no such thing as free money.”

The move would be the latest in a string of negotiations that have given the U.S. government stakes in Intel and MP Materials.

Lithium Americas is developing the Thacker Pass mine in Nevada. The first phase would produce enough lithium to make as many as 800,000 electric vehicles per year. President Trump approved the permit for the project at the tail end of his first term, and the loan was awarded by the DOE’s Loan Program Office under President Biden. 

GM bought a 38% stake in Lithium Americas last year for $625 million, a deal that also gave the automaker the right to buy the entirety of the first phase of production and 20 years of the second phase. In total, that would be enough for 1.6 million EVs for the next two decades.

The Trump administration is reportedly asking GM to guarantee those purchases, even as it works to thwart automakers’ transition to EVs.

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Should You Buy Rivian Stock While It’s Below $17? http://livelaughlovedo.com/should-you-buy-rivian-stock-while-its-below-17/ http://livelaughlovedo.com/should-you-buy-rivian-stock-while-its-below-17/#respond Mon, 11 Aug 2025 05:16:49 +0000 http://livelaughlovedo.com/2025/08/11/should-you-buy-rivian-stock-while-its-below-17/ [ad_1]

The electric vehicle maker still has a lot to prove.

Rivian (RIVN -2.28%) posted its second-quarter earnings report on Aug. 5. The electric vehicle maker’s revenue rose 13% year over year to $1.3 billion, exceeding analysts’ expectations by $10 million. Its total deliveries declined 23% to 10,661 vehicles, but it offset that pressure with rising software and service revenues.

Unfortunately, its gross margin — which turned green in the first quarter of 2025 — turned red again in the second quarter. It only produced 5,979 vehicles during the quarter, which marked a 38% drop from a year ago. It narrowed its net loss from $1.5 billion to $1.1 billion, but its loss of $0.80 per share still missed the consensus forecast by $0.16.

Rivian's R2 SUV.

Image source: Rivian.

Rivian’s mixed numbers didn’t impress the market, and the stock remains 30% below its 52-week high of $17.15 on May 20. Should you buy it before it bounces back?

Why isn’t Rivian impressing investors?

Rivian sells three types of EVs: the R1T pickup, the R1S full-size SUV, and electric delivery vans for its top investor Amazon and other customers. Before its IPO in November 2021, Rivian claimed it could produce 50,000 vehicles in 2022. But this is what actually happened over the the past three and half years:

Metric

2022

2023

2024

1H 2025

Vehicles produced

24,337

57,232

49,476

20,590

Vehicles delivered

20,332

50,122

51,579

19,301

Revenue

$1.66 billion

$4.43 billion

$4.97 billion

$2.54 billion

Net loss

($6.75 billion)

($5.43 billion)

($4.75 billion)

($1.66 billion)

Data source: Rivian.

Rivian grappled with supply chain constraints in 2022. Its production and deliveries accelerated in 2023 as it overcame those challenges, but its expansion stalled out again in 2024 as rising interest rates chilled the high-end EV market, more competitors carved up the market, and it temporarily shut down its main plant to upgrade its production lines.

For 2025, it expects to only deliver 40,000 to 46,000 vehicles. Analysts expect its revenue to rise 6% to $5.29 billion as it slightly narrows its net loss to $3.7 billion. It blames that slowdown on ongoing supply chain challenges, higher tariffs on raw materials and batteries, and another shutdown of its main plant as it gears up for the rollout of its smaller R2 SUV in 2026. That dim near-term outlook is weighing down Rivian’s stock.

Could Rivian be a deep value play?

Rivian is struggling to scale up its business, but it expects the R2’s launch to attract a much broader range of customers. It also plans to keep selling its regulatory credits to other automakers while expanding its software and services segment to boost its gross margin.

At the end of the second quarter, it still had $8.52 billion in total liquidity — including $7.51 billion in cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments. That cash should carry it through the launch of the R2 and help it ramp up production as the macro environment improves. If it can pull that off, analysts expect Rivian’s revenue to rise 34% to $7.1 billion in 2026 and grow another 52% to $10.8 billion in 2027. They also expect it to gradually narrow its net losses.

With an enterprise value of $13.2 billion, Rivian trades at just 2 times next year’s sales. That makes it look like a value play compared to Tesla, which trades at 9 times next year’s sales. Therefore, any positive news could cause Rivian’s stock to double or triple — and it would still be considered reasonably valued relative to its growth potential. That might be why insiders bought slightly more shares than they sold over the past 12 months. Amazon also hasn’t sold any of its shares in Rivian since its IPO, and Rivian is still supported by other big investors like Porsche and the Saudi Arabian conglomerate Abdul Latif Jameel.

Rivian is still a highly speculative stock, and there’s no guarantee it can overcome its growing pains and evolve into another EV giant like Tesla. But if it gets its act together, expands its addressable market with the R2, and ramps up production, it could eventually command a much higher valuation. So if you have faith in Rivian’s long-term growth plans, then it’s worth accumulating while it trades so far below its 52-week high.

Leo Sun has positions in Amazon. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon and Tesla. The Motley Fool recommends Porsche Automobil Se. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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Rivian vs. Lucid: 1 Reason Jim Cramer Likes One Stock Over the Other http://livelaughlovedo.com/rivian-vs-lucid-1-reason-jim-cramer-likes-one-stock-over-the-other/ http://livelaughlovedo.com/rivian-vs-lucid-1-reason-jim-cramer-likes-one-stock-over-the-other/#respond Mon, 28 Jul 2025 03:22:13 +0000 http://livelaughlovedo.com/2025/07/28/rivian-vs-lucid-1-reason-jim-cramer-likes-one-stock-over-the-other/ [ad_1]

Lucid’s deal with Uber is promising. But a Rivian partnership looks superior.

Lucid Group (LCID -2.34%) soared in value following the announcement of its partnership with Uber Technologies. According to the deal’s terms, Uber will invest $300 million in the electric vehicle (EV) maker. Uber also committed to purchase 20,000 vehicles from Lucid to kick-start its robotaxi division.

Wall Street veteran Jim Cramer recently weighted in on the deal, and his take was surprising to many. He compared Lucid’s deal with Uber to a partnership Rivian Automotive (RIVN 1.38%), another EV stock, made earlier this year.

If you’re invested in either Lucid or Rivian, you’ll want to give Cramer’s comments some consideration.

How big is the Uber and Lucid partnership in reality?

The details of Lucid’s partnership with Uber are fairly straightforward. The latter says it is expecting to launch a robotaxi service later next year in a major U.S. city.

To power this launch, Uber plans to order 20,000 Lucid Gravity SUVs over the next six years. According to a press release, the vehicles will be owned and operated by Uber or its third-party fleet partners and made available to riders exclusively via the Uber platform.

To help Lucid scale up enough to produce this many vehicles, Uber also agreed to invest $300 million into the business. Around the same time, Lucid announced a 1-for-10 reverse stock split, but it’s not clear how connected these two events are.

While all of this looks promising on paper, there are two obvious problems. First, Uber’s robotaxi division remains in its infancy. Whether it can actually grow big enough to acquire 20,000 Lucid vehicles remains a huge open question.

Second, $300 million won’t do much to keep Lucid financially viable over the next six years. While it ended 2024 with more than $6 billion in liquidity, the company also posted a net loss of $2.7 billion, roughly the same net loss it posted in 2023. A $300 million cash infusion is helpful, but it will hardly cure its ongoing financial challenges.

Image source: Getty Images.

Lucid aims to provide the vehicles for Uber’s new service. Image source: Getty Images.

Jim Cramer thinks Rivian’s deal with Volkswagen is superior

When Jim Cramer was asked about Lucid’s partnership with Uber last week, he called the deal a “dalliance.” In other words, he views it more as a short-term arrangement than a bona fide long-term partnership. “I think that you need a commitment, like the Volkswagen commitment to Rivian is extraordinary,” Cramer said. “That’s an open-ended check from one of the biggest car companies.”

He is referring to a joint venture between Volkswagen and Rivian that was announced in November 2024. The German automaker will receive crucial access to Rivian’s software operating platform and technological back end. In exchange, Rivian receives up to $5.8 billion in funding.

It’s not hard to see the difference in commitments here. Uber is investing just $300 million into Lucid, with the promise of buying vehicles over the next six years. Rivian, meanwhile, is receiving up to $5.8 billion in funding by the end of 2027, starting with an immediate $1 billion convertible note.

To be clear, Lucid’s deal with Uber is still very exciting. ARK Investment CEO Cathie Wood eventually sees the robotaxi market being worth up to $10 trillion by 2030. But Rivian’s deal with Volkswagen gives more credence to Rivian’s tech stack and differentiation.

If you’re excited about the Uber-Lucid tie-up, be sure to dive into Rivian’s and Volkswagen’s partnership, as Cramer correctly points out.

Ryan Vanzo has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Uber Technologies. The Motley Fool recommends Volkswagen Ag. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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Where Will Lucid Group Be in 1 Year? http://livelaughlovedo.com/where-will-lucid-group-be-in-1-year/ http://livelaughlovedo.com/where-will-lucid-group-be-in-1-year/#respond Tue, 15 Jul 2025 05:01:45 +0000 http://livelaughlovedo.com/2025/07/15/where-will-lucid-group-be-in-1-year/ [ad_1]

The company’s flagship electric vehicle is setting records.

Is there a new clubhouse leader in the electric vehicle industry?

Lucid Group (LCID -1.09%) recently made an impressive headline. Its flagship vehicle, a premium all-electric sedan called the Lucid Air, set a new world record for the longest journey by an electric car on a single charge. The Grand Touring model of the Air traveled a whopping 1,205 kilometers, or approximately 749 miles. It’s an impressive feat, to say the least.

But is it enough to turn the stock around? Shares of Lucid Group have been a horrendous investment, dropping over 95% from their peak in 2021.

Here is what lies ahead for Lucid Group, and what that could mean for the stock a year from now.

Block-numbered sign saying 2026.

Image source: Getty Images.

Lucid’s technology may be awesome, but the company’s finances are not

The tricky thing about the electric vehicle business is that having a good product is a must-have, but it doesn’t solve all of your problems.

It’s costly to lay the groundwork for a successful automotive business, and you need to sell a lot of vehicles before you can manufacture them profitably. Tesla may have opened the door to opportunities for the rest of the electric vehicle industry, but companies must still get off the ground and build up to a point where the business can sustain itself.

Lucid Group reported impressive growth for the second quarter of 2025, delivering 38% more vehicles than it did the prior year. Unfortunately, that growth is from a small number. Lucid has delivered just 6,418 vehicles over the first half of 2025. As a result, the company operates at significant losses:

LCID Revenue (TTM) Chart

LCID Revenue (TTM) data by YCharts

The good news for the business is that Lucid has partnered with some deep-pocketed allies. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is the company’s largest shareholder, and Lucid has established operations in the country. That likely means financial stability for as long as the company has that support. The flip side, and the bad news for other investors, is that Lucid Group’s share count has increased by nearly 80% over the past three years. The aggressive share dilution has contributed to the stock’s miserable performance.

Yet, the stock commands a premium over most of its peers

Despite the stock’s steep decline, its valuation isn’t all that appetizing. Lucid Group’s enterprise value is currently 6.3 times its trailing-12-month sales. That’s higher than almost every one of Lucid Group’s peers or direct competitors:

TSLA EV to Revenues Chart

TSLA EV to Revenues data by YCharts

Tesla may not be an entirely suitable comparison, given the company’s size, market share, and involvement in additional businesses, including energy storage, autonomous vehicle technology, and humanoid robotics. Sure, Lucid Group is growing faster than legacy automotive manufacturers, but it’s also much smaller and deeply unprofitable.

Rivian Automotive is likely the closest comparison, and Lucid Group’s valuation is more than double Rivian’s. Both companies are currently deeply unprofitable and are working toward bringing new, more affordable models to market in hopes of achieving the sales volume that will sustain them financially.

So, where will Lucid Group be trading in one year?

That playbook worked for Tesla. Today, Tesla’s more affordable Model 3 and Model Y account for the majority of its sales. Lucid Group is developing a mid-sized SUV called the Lucid Earth, and it may be the smash hit that solidifies Lucid’s business, much like the Model 3 did for Tesla. But with the Lucid Earth unlikely to arrive before late next year or 2027, investors won’t find that out within the next year.

I suspect that Lucid Group may struggle to sustain enough growth to support the stock’s current valuation, especially now that the federal electric vehicle tax credit will end at the end of September. The stock’s valuation could easily retreat lower, closer to that of Rivian and other automotive companies, unless some unexpected and dramatic positive developments occur.

It’s only a prediction, but given Lucid’s short-term circumstances and steep price tag, it seems likely that Lucid Group will trade at a lower price in one year than it is now.

Justin Pope has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Tesla. The Motley Fool recommends General Motors and Volkswagen Ag. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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Slate Auto drops ‘under $20,000’ pricing http://livelaughlovedo.com/slate-auto-drops-under-20000-pricing-after-trump-administration-ends-federal-ev-tax-credit/ http://livelaughlovedo.com/slate-auto-drops-under-20000-pricing-after-trump-administration-ends-federal-ev-tax-credit/#respond Fri, 04 Jul 2025 05:05:41 +0000 http://livelaughlovedo.com/2025/07/04/slate-auto-drops-under-20000-pricing-after-trump-administration-ends-federal-ev-tax-credit/ [ad_1]

Slate Auto, the electric vehicle startup backed by Jeff Bezos, has stopped promoting that its upcoming pickup truck will start “under $20,000” following passage of President Trump’s tax cut bill. The bill, which is expected to be signed into law by Trump on July 4, will cause the federal EV tax credit to end in September — a $7,500 incentive that Slate had counted on to help its all-electric pickup clear that mark.

When Slate came out of stealth mode in April, the startup heavily promoted that its all-electric pickup would start at “under $20,000” with the $7,500 federal EV tax credit. That language was still on Slate’s website as recently as yesterday according to the Web Archive.

The change is a potential blow to the young company’s attempt to make a radically affordable electric vehicle.

Slate didn’t provide a precise price for the EV at its launch event; and it has yet to say what the actual starting price of its vehicle will be, sans-credit. A Slate spokesperson declined to comment on the change.

The company won’t start building the truck until the end of 2026 at the earliest. Slate’s business is also built around making this vehicle highly customizable, which means it’s possible that few people will buy the base model to begin with.

The sub-$20,000 price had been a big attraction point for the brand new company’s product, and it was a major focus following its April launch event.

The auto industry has “driven prices to a place that most Americans simply can’t afford,” chief commercial officer Jeremy Snyder said during the event. “But we’re here to change that.”

“We are building the affordable vehicle that has long been promised but never been delivered,” CEO Chris Barman added at the time.

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Tesla Just Achieved a Big Milestone With Its Robotaxi http://livelaughlovedo.com/tesla-just-achieved-a-big-milestone-with-its-robotaxi-launch-but-theres-another-potential-speed-bump-fast-approaching/ http://livelaughlovedo.com/tesla-just-achieved-a-big-milestone-with-its-robotaxi-launch-but-theres-another-potential-speed-bump-fast-approaching/#respond Tue, 24 Jun 2025 01:58:22 +0000 http://livelaughlovedo.com/2025/06/24/tesla-just-achieved-a-big-milestone-with-its-robotaxi-launch-but-theres-another-potential-speed-bump-fast-approaching/ [ad_1]

Tesla (TSLA 8.19%) and its CEO Elon Musk recently achieved a big milestone — they launched the company’s first self-driving robotaxis for paying customers in Austin, Texas. It’s an initiative that Musk first discussed in 2016. While it looks more like a soft launch, it’s still a big step for Tesla, which plans to launch a fully autonomous robotaxi fleet. Many investors think that could be a massive new business for the company that will justify Tesla’s monster valuation.

Still, Tesla has a lot going on right now. Remember, the company’s core business is still electric vehicles (EVs), and that business is facing a critical event in just a few weeks’ time.

Q2 EV Deliveries to soon be announced

Tesla is expected to announce its second-quarter EV delivery figures in the first week of July. As many investors likely recall, first-quarter deliveries came in at roughly 337,000, its lowest quarterly number in over two years. Many investors have been concerned that Musk’s close ties to President Donald Trump and his period of leading Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have alienated a significant portion of Tesla’s potential customer base.

Person in self-driving car.

Image source: Getty Images.

While Musk has stepped down from his work with DOGE to refocus on his businesses, data thus far on Tesla’s sales in the second quarter has been less than encouraging. Monthly sales data from Europe showed that Tesla’s sales once again faltered in April in countries including the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Denmark, Portugal, Sweden, and France.

Other data suggests that its sales in China have struggled in the second quarter as well. Aside from politics and brand image, Tesla may also be struggling there as a result of increasing competition from competitors like BYD, which has grabbed a dominant market share in China. BYD’s EVs are cheaper and its newest tech can charge faster than Tesla’s. These factors, in my opinion, will pose a bigger problem for Tesla than its brand or political issues, which are likely to fade over time.

Wall Street analysts are modeling for second-quarter deliveries of roughly 400,000, which would be an improvement from the first quarter, but a 10% year-over-year decline. However, some analysts don’t expect investors to care much if Tesla misses estimates.

“The Tesla narrative has increasingly turned to AV/Robotaxi, with investors likely more focused on the planned June 22 Robotaxi launch and Tesla’s path to scaling AV than on 2Q deliveries/overall fundamentals,” wrote Barclays analyst Dan Levy in a recent research note. Levy is modeling for 375,000 Tesla EV deliveries in the second quarter.

Other analysts are more concerned.

In early June, Wells Fargo analyst Colin Langan posted a research note suggesting Tesla’s deliveries in the second quarter were down 21% year-over-year on a quarter-to-date basis. Langan has a sell rating on the stock and a price target that implies a downside of more than 60%.

It’s also worth noting that Tesla has become a battleground stock, with some analysts extremely negative and others like Wedbush’s Dan Ives very bullish.

Will anyone care if Tesla disappoints?

At this point, there have been many negative headlines about Tesla’s EV deliveries in the second quarter, but the stock is up close to 24% quarter to date as of June 20.

As Levy mentioned, most Tesla shareholders at this point appear to be focused on future initiatives like robotaxis and Optimus humanoid robots. If Tesla does underperform on EV deliveries, I think it could suggest that the core EV business has a real problem and is being undermined by more than just Musk’s politics, which would present a fundamental problem for the EV business.

The stock may not fall much, but then investors will be heavily dependent on the performance of the robotaxi fleet, and reliant upon the Optimus robot business to scale up quickly as well. With Tesla trading at 168 times forward earnings, that bet is only becoming riskier for investors.

Bram Berkowitz has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Tesla. The Motley Fool recommends BYD Company and Barclays Plc. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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With Growth Poised to Explode, Is Lucid Stock Finally a Buy? http://livelaughlovedo.com/with-growth-poised-to-explode-is-lucid-stock-finally-a-buy/ http://livelaughlovedo.com/with-growth-poised-to-explode-is-lucid-stock-finally-a-buy/#respond Sun, 22 Jun 2025 13:47:06 +0000 http://livelaughlovedo.com/2025/06/22/with-growth-poised-to-explode-is-lucid-stock-finally-a-buy/ [ad_1]

Lucid Group (LCID -1.13%) appears to be one of the benefactors of Tesla‘s recent stumble and fall. Lucid management noted an uptick in customers trading in their Teslas for a possibly less politically charged ride. And while the broader U.S. electric vehicle (EV) industry is struggling to grow as many anticipated, Lucid has set itself up extremely well for growth over the coming year.

But does all this make it a buy finally? Let’s find out.

Setting records

The broader EV industry might be sputtering right now, and investors might be grappling with the impact of tariffs, but Lucid has been on fire, in a good way. Lucid delivered 3,109 vehicles during the first quarter, a solid 58% jump compared to the prior year.

It marked the sixth straight quarter for record deliveries, and it comes right on the cusp of Lucid accelerating production and deliveries for its most recent launch, the Gravity SUV. Lucid had only recently become satisfied with producing all the inventory needed for employees, studios, and test driving, and can now accelerate production for mainstream consumers.

For investors who have grown accustomed to Lucid’s strong delivery performance after years of disappointments, the good news is that the Gravity SUV should easily drive the company’s results going forward. In fact, the Gravity SUV is estimated to have a market size six times that of Lucid’s Air sedan. Analysts expect Lucid sales to increase 73% in 2025 and another 96% jump in 2026 compared to prior years.

That’s not even taking into account the upcoming midsize platform that will underpin numerous models at a more affordable price tag.

Lucid's Gravity SUV on an open highway in an arid landscape.

Lucid’s Gravity SUV. Image source: Lucid.

Lucid’s surge also comes at a good time as once-dominant EV player Tesla is facing consumer backlash due to CEO Elon Musk’s brief stint in politics, which has resulted in the downward spiral of sales in key markets. In fact, Lucid’s interim CEO, Marc Winterhoff, even noted there was a dramatic uptick in recent months in orders from former Tesla drivers.

Is Lucid a buy now?

With momentum seemingly in Lucid’s corner in the near-term, despite a stagnating U.S. EV market, it might look like a good time for long-term investors to jump in. But there are a few things to consider.

The first red flag came after reporting a near $400 million fourth-quarter loss when the EV maker announced that CEO Peter Rawlinson, who led the company for 12 years, would be stepping down. Lucid did its best to downplay the situation, but analysts weren’t buying it, going as far to say product development could stall, consumer demand could be dampened, and additional funding opportunities could be at risk.

It’s also true that one of the biggest risks facing Lucid investors is the company’s access to funding. The young company is rapidly burning through cash; its shareholder dilution is accelerating; and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) owns roughly 60% of Lucid through multiple investments throughout the company’s life.

On one hand, this is a substantially well-funded partner that gives Lucid access to much needed capital. On the other hand, being so reliant on one investor is never a good thing. Should Saudi’s PIF pull support, it would be a massive overhang on the stock and make accessing funding more challenging and expensive.

Ultimately, for as much momentum and potential as Lucid has, , there’s too much uncertainty facing the company right now for most investors to buy in. The company needs to find the right leadership to lead the company and reassure investors.

It also needs to reduce its cash burn while improving scale and margins. Plus, it needs to navigate potential industry supply disruptions, broader EV demand decline, and potential price increases due to tariffs. Lucid needs to execute the production ramp of the Gravity SUV and have it be a hit with consumers.

If Lucid does all of those things, then it might be time to buy before the company goes into its next growth phase driven by a new midsize platform and more affordable price tag of around $50,000.

Daniel Miller has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Tesla. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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Why Netflix Should Replace Tesla in the “Magnificent Seven” http://livelaughlovedo.com/why-netflix-should-replace-tesla-in-the-magnificent-seven/ http://livelaughlovedo.com/why-netflix-should-replace-tesla-in-the-magnificent-seven/#respond Sun, 15 Jun 2025 00:42:15 +0000 http://livelaughlovedo.com/2025/06/15/why-netflix-should-replace-tesla-in-the-magnificent-seven/ [ad_1]

Looking back over the past decade and beyond, I don’t think there are many folks out there who would deny just how impressive Tesla‘s success has been. This innovative business, led by polarizing CEO Elon Musk, disrupted the global auto industry with its electric vehicles (EVs).

While the EV stock trades 32% below its peak (as of June 10), that’s still a gain of 1,810% in the past 10 years. That long-term performance made it one of the world’s largest tech companies, which is why Bank of America analyst Michael Hartnett gave it a spot in the “Magnificent Seven” when he introduced the idea of the group in 2023. However, I think it’s time to swap the EV maker out of this unofficial grouping and replace it with the more-deserving Netflix (NFLX -0.35%).

left hand holding remote watching streaming TV.

Image source: Getty Images.

Tesla’s struggles are hard to ignore

Over the years, Tesla shareholders grew used to seeing the company register jaw-dropping sales growth. The picture isn’t so rosy anymore, though. Its automotive revenue declined 20% year over year in Q1. In 2024, it reported its first-ever year-over-year drop in deliveries. And the company’s profitability has continued to slide as higher interest rates and a more competitive environment have put downward pressure on demand for its vehicles.

Musk’s push in the political arena might at first have been viewed positively by some investors, as he was positioning himself to have more influence in Washington, D.C., which could have benefited Tesla from a regulatory perspective. But both his time in President Donald Trump’s inner circle and his more recent exit from politics, as well as his highly public spat with Trump, have been huge distractions that have certainly damaged Tesla’s brand instead.

It’s safe to say that a company that was once in the fast lane is now stuck in traffic. Tesla will have a lot of work to do in order to get back to its prior glory.

Netflix just keeps winning

While Tesla faces a battle to get itself back on track, Netflix continues to flourish. The streaming stock is up 1,200% in the last decade. The company added 41 million net new customers in 2024, bringing its total to nearly 302 million at year’s end. While Netflix chose to stop publicly reporting the number of subscribers it has starting this year, it did increase revenue by 12.5% year over year in the first quarter.

It might seem like this streaming platform has saturated its market. However, co-CEO Greg Peters believes there are still “hundreds of millions of folks to sign up.” By continuing to focus on creating compelling content offerings all over the world, Netflix is in a position to keep its expansion going. Wall Street’s consensus analyst estimates are for its revenue to rise at a compound annual rate of 12.3% between 2024 and 2027.

The streaming industry, like the automotive market, is extremely competitive. Netflix co-founder and former CEO Reed Hastings previously said that he counts sleep among the company’s key competitors. I don’t believe this was a stretch. Netflix goes up against all the other activities consumers can do when it’s time to wind down and relax.

But to be more specific, people have an almost unlimited number of viewing options at their fingertips today. Netflix is in the lead, though. Data from Nielsen shows that Netflix commanded 7.5% of video viewing time in the U.S. in April, only behind YouTube, which isn’t necessarily an apples-to-apples comparison due to the latter largely featuring user-generated content.

With its massive subscriber base, and trailing 12-month revenue of $40 billion, Netflix has the financial strength to spend a lot on content and marketing. And it’s still able to bring in billions in free cash flow each year.

It’s important to highlight that the “Magnificent Seven” is not an official index like the S&P 500 is. However, with each passing quarter, Netflix continues to make the case that it deserves to be mentioned with the tech giants in that group. Given the streaming pioneer’s ongoing success, it belongs in that exclusive club instead of Tesla.

Neil Patel has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Netflix and Tesla. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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Why QuantumScape Stock Jumped Almost 10% This Week http://livelaughlovedo.com/why-quantumscape-stock-jumped-almost-10-this-week/ http://livelaughlovedo.com/why-quantumscape-stock-jumped-almost-10-this-week/#respond Thu, 12 Jun 2025 20:27:07 +0000 http://livelaughlovedo.com/2025/06/13/why-quantumscape-stock-jumped-almost-10-this-week/ [ad_1]

Some energy stocks have been soaring as investors look to get in early on new technologies that could help supply growing power demand. With electric vehicle (EV) sales continuing to increase and data centers popping up seemingly everywhere to supply increasing needs for artificial intelligence (AI) compute power, investors want to cash in too.

One name that jumped as much as almost 12% this week was solid-state battery company QuantumScape (QS -3.03%). The stock was still higher by 9.3% as of late Thursday afternoon, according to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence.

Positive and negative poles frame solid-state battery image.

Image source: Getty Images.

Solid-state batteries are for more than just electric vehicles

Much of the recent attention on data center power needs has centered on fuel cells or small modular nuclear reactors. The technology QuantumScape is developing has been focused on the EV market as it scales into prototype production and customer testing phases.

QuantumScape is making progress toward commercializing its battery technology. In its first-quarter report, the company said it is ahead of schedule to bring its next phase of manufacturing solid-state battery cells into baseline production.

EV customers are getting closer to field-testing the product. The higher energy density in solid-state batteries should provide EVs with a safer alternative and better vehicle range, with lower costs and enhanced performance. But QuantumScape will have a market beyond EVs too.

Solid-state batteries can be applied for renewable energy storage, consumer electronics, medical devices, and other applications. Investors see a scarcity of energy sources developing as demand ramps up from AI data centers, robotics, and self-driving car fleets. As QuantumScape gets closer to commercialization, the stock is ticking higher along with other energy names this week.

Howard Smith has positions in QuantumScape. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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