The holidays are closing in, so it is time for the Airing of Grievances. Let's jump in.
Volkswagen says the software is the problem. Issues with basically every aspect of the in-car software have VW and its customers a little annoyed. While the ID.4 crossover performs quite well, the touchscreen controls, infotainment system, smartphone connectivity, charging, and long-delayed over-the-air update are dragging the overall experience down.
Over-the-Air updates have started in some places but not yet in the US.
Tesla's stock says Twitter is the problem. Since Musk bought the social media platform in late October, Tesla has lost 28% of its stock value. Many other automakers have seen value increases in the same period as inflation data shows a slow return of economic stability.
Aging products, Cybertruck setbacks, Autopilot delays, and Musk's ongoing incendiary antics on Twitter have shaken confidence in the EV company's direction.
Redwood Materials says people who don't recycle are the problem. Joining other companies investing in South Carolina, Redwood will invest $3.5B in a battery plant to recycle, refine, and remanufacture cathode and anode materials for EV batteries. It will be among the first facilities to produce such material in North America.
Recycling will begin late next year, with 100 gigawatt-hours of battery production expected by 2025. Enough material for about 1 MM EV batteries a year.