Tesla continues to solidify its position as the leading electric vehicle (EV) producer in the United States, achieving a new internal record in the second quarter of the year. The company reported that it built a total of 479,700 vehicles, with 466,140 of them delivered. This represents a remarkable 87 percent year-over-year increase in deliveries.
In addition to its impressive production numbers, Tesla made headlines during Q2 by opening its previously-proprietary charging port design to the rest of the industry. Several major automakers, including Mercedes, Volvo, Rivian, and GM, have announced plans to adopt Tesla’s EV charging standard for their North American models starting in the 2024 model year. Even the state of Texas has taken steps to require its state-funded EV charging stations to accommodate this standard. Tesla’s charging network also experienced significant growth, with a 33 percent increase in station capacity compared to the previous year, resulting in a total of 48,082 chargers spread across 5,265 stations worldwide.
The second quarter of 2022 also marked a significant milestone for Tesla, as the first production Cybertruck rolled off the assembly line. Although the official release photo provided limited visibility of the vehicle, the company confirmed that the Cybertruck line has entered tooling and is expected to commence steady production sometime in the coming year. Tesla highlighted the uniqueness of the Cybertruck, acknowledging that it involves trialing and testing new technologies.
While Tesla’s achievements in Q2 are notable, the company has not been without its share of scandals. Executives were recently accused of being overpaid by a staggering $735 million since 2017. Furthermore, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has faced allegations of misappropriating company funds to construct a glass house. The controversies surrounding the company have undoubtedly garnered attention and raised questions about corporate governance.
Amidst these events, Tesla’s investor deck for Q2 emphasized the company’s commitment to artificial intelligence (AI) development. The deck mentioned the start of production for Dojo training computers, which will aid Autopilot developers in iterating future designs and features. Although details were limited, it is expected that Tesla executives will provide further insight into this initiative during the Q2 investors call.
As the investor call approaches, there is anticipation for both updates on Tesla’s overall performance and the possibility of Elon Musk making unconventional and attention-grabbing statements. Engadget will be closely monitoring the call and providing up-to-the-minute breaking news.
In conclusion, Tesla’s latest internal records reinforce its position as the top EV producer in the United States. The company’s substantial increase in vehicle production and deliveries demonstrates its continued growth and success. Furthermore, the opening of Tesla’s charging port design to other automakers and the progress in Cybertruck production signify the company’s willingness to collaborate and innovate within the industry. Despite recent scandals, Tesla remains at the forefront of AI development, highlighting its commitment to advancing technology. As the Q2 investors call approaches, it will be interesting to see how Tesla addresses its recent challenges and sets its course for future success.
