The hottest Automotive Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

Reading List 02/15/25

Construction Physics • 8351 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
💼 Business Insurance Automotive Investment Infrastructure Technology
  1. California is facing a homeowners insurance crisis, with the state relying on private insurers for a bailout to support its last-resort fire insurance, leading to increased costs for homeowners.
  2. Tech companies are vastly increasing their investments in AI data centers, with major players like Microsoft and Google planning to spend over $215 billion combined this fiscal year.
  3. Tesla is seeing a decline in sales both in Europe and the US, which may be linked to public perception of Elon Musk and his influence on politics.

Reading List 02/01/2025

Construction Physics • 13779 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Data Centers Energy Automotive Manufacturing
  1. Coal power is declining in the US, with many plants converting to natural gas. This shift is largely due to the cheaper cost of natural gas compared to coal.
  2. India is planning to build a massive data center capable of three gigawatts. This would make it the largest data center in the world, responding to a growing demand for AI processing power.
  3. German car manufacturers are facing tough challenges as competition from Chinese automakers grows. Many companies are cutting jobs and exploring partnerships to stay competitive in the market.

Deep dive in hybrid battery packs

Intercalation Station • 159 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Batteries Energy Electronics Automotive Innovation
  1. Hybrid battery packs mix different battery chemistries to improve performance. This allows for better energy management and potentially raises the accuracy of state-of-charge readings.
  2. These new packs can perform better in low temperatures and support faster charging. By combining different cell types, they can work more efficiently across different conditions.
  3. While hybrid batteries have advantages, they can also be more expensive and heavier. This extra cost might make them less appealing for some applications, though prices for certain battery types are dropping.

More nuggets on BYD ADAS

TP’s Substack • 6 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Automotive Artificial Intelligence Data science Hardware Software
  1. BYD chose a specific chip setup for its DiPilot-100 platform that supports advanced technology better than other options. They prioritized overall performance and future needs rather than just the highest computing power.
  2. The company collects a large amount of driving data daily, which helps constantly improve its ADAS technology. While it's still behind Tesla’s FSD, BYD's hardware is getting better and offers a good range for detection.
  3. BYD is focusing on reducing costs by developing its own chips and increasing production efficiency. This strategy will help them expand smart car technology to more vehicles and compete effectively in the market.

Reading List for 11/30/24

Construction Physics • 9186 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Construction Automotive Technology Environment
  1. High-rise construction is booming in Canada, with many Canadian cities leading in the number of skyscrapers being built compared to US cities.
  2. Mild hybrids, which are cars that use a small electric motor to support a gasoline engine, are becoming popular in Europe due to stricter emissions regulations.
  3. Offshore oil drilling is seeing a revival, as companies invest heavily in new technologies and seek new sources of oil in response to rising energy prices.
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In Praise of Slow Motion

Kneeling Bus • 224 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Automotive Market Trends Consumer behavior Real Estate Finance
  1. People are using rental cars for more than just driving, like napping or storing things. This shows a strange need for flexible space that traditional buildings don't meet.
  2. Many people spend a lot of time in parked cars, which might be surprising. It highlights a mismatch between what people need and what's available.
  3. Cheap money in the past allowed tech products to be offered at low prices, but it made basic needs like housing more expensive. This creates a gap between luxuries and essential needs.

BYD bringing ADAS to everyone

TP’s Substack • 17 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Automotive Software Innovation AI Consumer Tech
  1. BYD has introduced its DiPilot-100 ADAS package for various models without raising prices. This means even lower-cost cars now have advanced driving features.
  2. The launch of DiPilot-100 has disrupted the market, putting pressure on competitors who can't match BYD's pricing or technology. BYD's advantage comes from its large data set and supply of necessary components.
  3. Features like automatic emergency braking and advanced parking modes make BYD's cars safer and more appealing. The continuous updates from their data will likely improve these systems over time.

The Hemi Edition

Why is this interesting? • 422 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Automotive Marketing Branding History Pop culture
  1. The Hemi engine has become a popular and recognized brand name, almost like its own celebrity in the car world. It's known for its strong performance and has fans calling for its return in various vehicles.
  2. Hemi's reputation stems from its long history and impressive performance, especially during the muscle car era of the 1960s. Its success in races helped cement its legendary status among car enthusiasts.
  3. Unlike many car brands, the Hemi name is well-known even outside of car culture, appearing in music and pop culture. This broader recognition is a rare achievement for an engine name.

To compromise or not to compromise in battery technology

Intercalation Station • 79 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Battery tech Energy Storage Manufacturing Automotive Innovation
  1. Battery technology is evolving, and it’s important to understand different types like NMC and LFP. These choices affect cost, safety, and how much energy batteries can hold.
  2. Moving to larger battery cells can save costs and increase energy storage but brings challenges in heat management and monitoring cell health. Better systems are needed to keep everything safe and efficient.
  3. Companies are adapting to use LFP batteries due to their safety and lower costs, even if it means sacrificing some energy capacity. The goal is to find new ways to make these batteries even better in the future.

🤖🚘 Even as GM retreats, self-driving cars continue to advance

Faster, Please! • 639 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Automation Transportation Automotive Innovation
  1. Self-driving cars are still making progress, even as some big companies like GM pull back on their investments in this technology.
  2. Predictions about self-driving cars have often been overly optimistic, and the industry hasn't yet transformed the way many expected.
  3. As GM moves away from robotaxis, other companies like Waymo and Zoox are still pushing forward with their driverless vehicles.

The Dazzle Camo Edition

Why is this interesting? • 482 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art Design History Photography Automotive
  1. Dazzle camo is a design technique that started in World War I to confuse enemy targeting, using bold geometric patterns. It helps to break up the shape of an object, making it harder to see and aim at.
  2. Car manufacturers adopted a modern version of dazzle camo to protect their prototype vehicles from spy photography. Even though these prototypes look attention-grabbing, the patterns are meant to confuse potential onlookers about the actual design.
  3. Today, prototypes often embrace their visibility with eye-catching patterns and even QR codes. This shift turns a potential exposure risk into a marketing opportunity, generating public interest instead of hiding away.

The Minivan Stigma Edition

Why is this interesting? • 904 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Automotive Identity Consumer behavior Market Trends Family Dynamics
  1. Minivans used to be very popular for family travel, but now they're often seen as uncool. This change is more about their image than their usefulness because they are still very practical vehicles.
  2. Despite the stigma, there's a growing trend of people using different types of vans for adventure, like those converted for #vanlife. These vans are seen as cool and can still be practical for families.
  3. There's a big opportunity for automakers to redesign minivans to make them more appealing. If they can combine the useful features of a minivan with a cooler look, they could attract more buyers again.

BYD has some interesting models in 2025

TP’s Substack • 22 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
💼 Business Automotive Technology Market Trends Product Launches
  1. BYD is launching many exciting new models in 2025, including the powerful Han L and Tang L. These cars offer impressive performance and fast charging.
  2. There are significant improvements coming to existing models, like better interiors and advanced driver-assistance systems, enhancing the driving experience.
  3. Denza, a BYD brand, will release a new flagship SUV, the N9, along with other models to compete in the premium market. They are focusing heavily on technology and performance.

What Does It Mean For a Brand To Be Radical?

The Ruffian • 294 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
💼 Business Branding Marketing Automotive Consumer behavior Luxury goods
  1. Jaguar is undergoing a major rebranding and switching to an all-electric vehicle lineup, but they won't have new cars to sell until 2026. This means they are promoting themselves as a brand without tangible products.
  2. The new branding has sparked a lot of negative reactions, suggesting that their attempt to modernize may be seen as losing their identity rather than revitalizing it.
  3. Jaguar is aiming to target wealthier consumers with fewer, more expensive vehicles, moving towards a luxury market rather than competing with mainstream car brands.

Tesla: Now, It Feels Desperate

lawrence’s Substack • 758 implied HN points • 21 Apr 24
💼 Business Automotive Corporate Governance Stock Market
  1. Tesla's recent actions have caused a shift in sentiment for the worse, leading to skepticism and concern about the company's future.
  2. The attempt to restore Musk's 2018 compensation package is under scrutiny and may face legal challenges, impacting Tesla's financial standing.
  3. Questions surrounding Tesla's Model 2 development, autonomy achievements, robotaxi plans, earnings, staff departures, and production decisions are crucial for understanding the company's direction.

The NHTSA Has Finally Exposed Musk's Lies About Tesla Safety

lawrence’s Substack • 459 implied HN points • 29 Apr 24
💼 Business Automotive Safety Regulations Legal issues Technology Investigation
  1. The NHTSA's report exposed Musk and Tesla's false claims about Tesla's safety and autonomous driving capabilities.
  2. Personal injury and class action attorneys may benefit from the NHTSA findings against Tesla, possibly leading to legal action.
  3. Tesla's Autopilot system has shown significant flaws according to the NHTSA, potentially impacting safety and engagement of drivers.

Autos deepdive 🚗

Genuine Impact - Charting Finance, Investing & Tech • 982 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
💼 Business Automotive Financial reports Electric Vehicles Revenue
  1. 2022 saw a significant rise in the electric vehicle market, with companies like Tesla and BYD achieving impressive results.
  2. Tesla's revenue in 2022 hit $81.5 billion, showing a 51% increase from the year before, with net income growing by 128%.
  3. BYD, a Chinese company, reported a remarkable 319% year-on-year increase in net profit in 2022 due to the expansion of the new energy vehicle industry.

Will you turn down the darn lights?

Something to Consider • 59 implied HN points • 10 Aug 24
🕹 Technology Automotive Safety Lighting Regulation Innovation
  1. Modern headlights are much brighter than before, making it hard for drivers to see at night. This change is mainly due to safety standards that encourage brighter lights.
  2. The bright lights create a problem called negative externality, where too many bright headlights make it harder for everyone to see. Lowering the brightness can help improve safety and comfort for all drivers.
  3. New technology can help adjust headlights automatically based on other cars' positions. Advocating for softer lights and using adaptive headlights can make nighttime driving safer and more pleasant.

🚘 Tesla: AI & Robotics

How They Make Money • 628 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🕹 Technology AI Robotics Automotive Electric Vehicles
  1. Elon Musk envisions Tesla becoming the most valuable company in the world, emphasizing the need for flawless execution.
  2. Elon Musk wants to increase his voting control at Tesla to focus on expanding AI and robotics initiatives.
  3. Tesla's recent earnings report highlights challenges such as missed expectations in Q4 FY23 and a slowdown in vehicle sales, along with key financial metrics like revenue growth and margin trends.

Massachusetts Chevy dealership's A.I. chatbot predicts Chiefs to win and also Niners to win

Read Max • 1238 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🕹 Technology AI Chatbot Sports Business Automotive
  1. A Chevy dealership's A.I. chatbot predicted both the Chiefs and Niners to win the Super Bowl.
  2. The chatbot's analysis included inaccuracies like thinking Brock Purdy still plays for Iowa State and Jimmy Garoppolo is still with the Niners.
  3. Despite limitations, Quirk Chevrolet's chatbot predicted the Chiefs to win 31-27 in one conversation.

Generative AI Cars Coming Soon

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 499 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🕹 Technology AI Automotive Innovation Software Music
  1. Mercedes-AMG launched a new car feature called MBUX SOUND DRIVE at CES 2024. This feature lets drivers create music based on their driving actions.
  2. The system uses sensors and advanced software to turn driving dynamics like acceleration and braking into musical sounds.
  3. This technology allows drivers to have a unique and immersive experience while driving, blending music with their driving style.

Why Tesla Robotaxis Are a Fantasy

lawrence’s Substack • 159 implied HN points • 22 Apr 24
🕹 Technology Automotive Artificial Intelligence Investing Social media
  1. Tesla robotaxis may not be a feasible reality, according to informed commentators. Full Self-Driving is far from being ready for autonomy tests.
  2. Michael McGrath explains why Tesla's Full Self-Driving is technically infeasible and flawed as a business model, offering a critical perspective.
  3. Matthew Enthoven and Edward Niedermeyer also provide valuable insights and critiques on Tesla's autonomous driving ambitions.

Vượng In Control

Vietnam Weekly • 353 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
💼 Business Automotive Finance International
  1. Vietnamese carmaker VinFast is expanding to India and other countries.
  2. The subscription price for Vietnam Weekly is increasing from $5/month to $8/month.
  3. VinFast has made significant announcements, including a leadership transition, plans for India, CES presentation, and facing challenges with bad press.

Two cheers for looser self-driving regulations

Alex's Personal Blog • 65 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Self-driving cars Regulation Automotive Business impact AI Development
  1. Looser regulations for self-driving cars could be beneficial. Robots generally drive better than humans, so easing rules might help get safer self-driving cars on the road faster.
  2. Self-driving technology is making progress and has already proven to be a safer alternative to human drivers in many cases. It's a good time to support its expansion and keep improving safety.
  3. The current political climate may shift focus toward tech regulations, but it's important to balance safety with innovation in areas like self-driving vehicles.

BYD approach toward Global South market

TP’s Substack • 22 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
💼 Business Automotive Market Trends International Trade Consumer behavior Product Development
  1. Cars in Global South countries tend to be smaller and more fuel-efficient compared to those in the United States. This is important for companies like BYD to consider when entering these markets.
  2. BYD's current models may be too large for many consumers in the Global South, where smaller vehicles are preferred. They need to develop smaller cars and hybrids to better fit local preferences.
  3. The charging infrastructure in these regions is lagging behind, meaning that practical and affordable vehicles are crucial. BYD should focus on making adaptations for local markets to increase sales.

Just how much battery is needed by China alone?

TP’s Substack • 19 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Energy Automotive Sustainability Manufacturing Electronics
  1. China needs a huge amount of batteries for electric cars, with estimates suggesting around 1.3 terawatt-hours just for passenger vehicles. This shows a big shift towards electric cars in the country.
  2. The demand for batteries isn't just from cars; commercial vehicles also need a lot, with predictions of roughly 1 terawatt-hour for all types of trucks and other commercial vehicles. This means a lot of growth in the electric vehicle sector.
  3. To support a greener energy grid, China might need around 10 terawatt-hours of battery storage for renewable energy. This highlights that as they move to renewable energy, battery production has to increase significantly to meet these needs.

Can Vingroup Upgrade Vietnam’s Auto Industry?

The Asianometry Newsletter • 1269 implied HN points • 17 May 23
💼 Business Automotive Real Estate Diversification Challenges Global expansion
  1. Vingroup started as an instant noodle company and quickly diversified into real estate, healthcare, education, and more.
  2. Vingroup's venture into electric vehicles with VinFast faces big challenges in the global EV market and technical expertise.
  3. Vingroup's diversification strategy into multiple industries like electronics mirrors other successful conglomerates but comes with risks and challenges.

BYD operates on a different pace than everyone else

TP’s Substack • 27 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
💼 Business Automotive Technology Innovation Market Trends Economic Impact
  1. BYD is launching many new models quickly, with around 8 new ones expected soon. This shows they are operating at a fast pace compared to other car makers.
  2. They are introducing exciting features like Lidar and powerful motors on their vehicles, which will improve performance and technology. This means buyers will have more options for advanced features.
  3. Legacy car manufacturers need to speed up their development processes to keep up with BYD and other Chinese companies. If they don't adapt quickly, they risk being left behind in the evolving auto industry.

China On Track To Pass Japan in Auto Exports

Japan Economy Watch • 479 implied HN points • 25 Apr 23
💼 Business Automotive Technology Market Industry Competition
  1. China is set to overtake Japan in auto exports, driven largely by the rise of EVs.
  2. Japanese automakers risk repeating the decline of the Detroit Three by resisting the shift to electric vehicles (EVs).
  3. The dominance of Japanese automakers is being challenged by Chinese brands, mirroring a historical pattern of established companies failing to adapt to technological shifts.

Investors grade Tesla's self-driving event, and why you shouldn't compare OpenAI to Google

Alex's Personal Blog • 65 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🕹 Technology AI Automotive Investment Startups Market Trends
  1. Tesla's latest self-driving event didn't impress investors, suggesting they expected more excitement or better features. The company aims to roll out full self-driving cars soon, but many wonder if it will be enough to justify its high stock value.
  2. OpenAI is experiencing rapid growth, but comparisons with older tech giants like Google and Meta may not be fair. These companies were already profitable when they achieved significant growth, unlike OpenAI, which is still figuring out its financial footing.
  3. The success of companies like OpenAI could skew perceptions of growth in the tech sector. While OpenAI's growth is impressive, the context of its competition and market conditions is important to understand its value.

How we built a business out of recession - chapter 26 - the worst and best of times

The ZIPster • 35 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Startups Sales Technology Automotive
  1. CitNOW was founded during tough economic times but managed to grow successfully. The company started from a small kitchen table and grew into a significant player in the automotive industry.
  2. The launch of CitNOW Workshop was a game changer. By providing video inspections, they built trust with customers and improved the approval rate for repairs.
  3. Finding the right partners and aligning on vision is crucial for a startup's success. Alistair's tech enthusiasm and risk-taking nature were key in driving CitNOW forward.

BS-TBS News Interviews Me On Japan's EV Problem

Japan Economy Watch • 259 implied HN points • 25 May 23
💼 Business Automotive Innovation Economic Analysis Market Strategy
  1. Japanese automakers are resistant to adopting Electric Vehicles (EVs), leading to a loss in sales and risk of falling behind other countries like China.
  2. Successful companies can struggle to adapt to changing times, similar to how the Detroit Big Three faced challenges in the 1970s-80s.
  3. Japan's automakers need to prioritize entering the EV market successfully before exploring other options like hydrogen fuel cells. Shifting to Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs) is crucial for future competitiveness.

China Replaces Japan As Top Auto Exporter in Jan-June 2023

Japan Economy Watch • 199 implied HN points • 03 Aug 23
💼 Business Automotive Exports Manufacturing Market Share Electric Vehicles
  1. China has replaced Japan as the top auto exporter in the first half of 2023, showcasing an increase in auto exports and a decline in Japanese global auto production share.
  2. The importance of auto exports for the Japanese economy is significant, with implications for manufacturing shipments, capital investment, and employment.
  3. The rise of Chinese automakers and their shift towards upscale markets like Europe and Southeast Asia pose challenges to Japanese automakers, especially in markets where Japanese brands traditionally dominated.

How will Li Auto do going forward?

TP’s Substack • 15 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
💼 Business Automotive Market Analysis Sales trends Product Development Competition
  1. Li Auto has a strong sales and product design team, but it faces tough competition from other automakers. Its sales have dropped recently, showing it might struggle to keep growing.
  2. Other companies, like BYD and Huawei, are releasing new models that might outperform Li Auto's offerings. This increased competition can make it harder for Li Auto to attract customers.
  3. Li Auto may have trouble keeping its costs down because it's unlikely to access the same high-performing batteries that competitors use. This could make it difficult for them to price their vehicles competitively.

Want to play AAA Games in Your Car?

More Than Moore • 233 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Computing Automotive Gaming AI Hardware
  1. At CES, AMD announced new automotive APUs for in-car entertainment, driver safety, and autonomous driving.
  2. The new AMD chips support a gaming experience in cars, with potential for multiple displays and better graphics performance.
  3. AMD's acquisition of Xilinx enhances their presence in automotive technology, particularly in ADAS with their Versal AI Edge processors.

From Smartphones to Smart Cars: Xiaomi's Automotive Business and Its Strategic Implications

Tech Buzz China Insider • 79 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Automotive Investment Strategy Electric Vehicles Artificial Intelligence
  1. Xiaomi aims to rival Porsche and Tesla in the automotive industry and be among the top five global car manufacturers within 15 to 20 years.
  2. Lei Jun, the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Xiaomi Group, took inspiration from a meeting with Elon Musk in 2013, which led to Xiaomi's venture into car manufacturing.
  3. Xiaomi has made continuous investments in the automotive field since 2014, covering everything from auto components to complete vehicles and aftermarkets.

An Ode to BYD

Kartick’s Blog • 35 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Automotive Design Innovation Electric Vehicles Consumer Electronics
  1. BYD cars have a really unique and stylish design. They stand out on the road and feel like they are from the future.
  2. Most car companies play it safe with their designs, which can make many cars look very similar. BYD took a chance and created a standout vehicle that works well.
  3. The shift to electric cars often favors new companies like BYD. Established brands struggle to adapt, which gives BYD a chance to grow and attract drivers looking for innovative options.

South Bay LA is Ground Zero for the Hard Tech Wave and Here's Why

Nathan’s Substack • 79 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Startups Aerospace Automotive Networking Hardware
  1. South Bay LA, including areas like Redondo Beach, El Segundo, and Torrance, is experiencing a boom in hard tech innovation. The region is home to a growing number of young founders and engineers leveraging decades of experience and innovative tools from companies like SpaceX.
  2. The concentration of talent in South Bay is reminiscent of Richard Florida's theory on talent clusters, where talent attracts more talent, leading to a cycle of innovation and success. The region's history in aerospace has also played a significant role in shaping this talent pool.
  3. The alumni networks of SpaceX and Tesla have significantly contributed to the entrepreneurial spirit in South Bay, with many new hard tech companies emerging from these connections. The presence of these networks has made South Bay a hub for hard tech innovation and collaboration.

NVIDIA, BYD, Figure, 1x, Sanctuary, Apptronik, OpenAI, Intuitive Machines, Groq & Google

Robots & Startups • 39 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24
🕹 Technology AI Automotive Robotics Innovation Events
  1. The global robotics and AI landscape is rapidly evolving with companies like NVIDIA, BYD, Figure, OpenAI, and others making significant advancements.
  2. BYD's disruptive entry in the electric vehicle market is causing concern among legacy automakers due to their low production costs and competitive pricing.
  3. Groq and Google are making waves in the AI sector with Groq showcasing impressive speed on their inference API and Google introducing a new family of open-source AI models.