🚔19: The Tesla Project, VW Strike, Power Electronic, Battery Tech, and more!

Uh Oh

If you noticed anything weird with last week's newsletter, it's because I messed up a lil bit! Don't we all 😂

I recently updated our newsletter writing platform (it's custom and inbuilt btw), and some things were not yet sharp and tack as they were before.

So I accidentally hit publish instead of a second button that we use internally to send a test email to the writer

And that's how y'all got a not-fully-baked newsletter with some typos, extra lines, some missing pictures etc. My apologies!

I promise to hit the right button today :)

One Man's Tesla Transformation

Mike, a car enthusiast from X, recently shared his exciting journey of reviving a 2013 Tesla Model S he bought for just $3,500. 

When he first got the car, it was in rough shape. The hood had a dent, the car wouldn’t start, and both rear axles were completely shot. The suspension was out, three door handles didn’t work, and the headliner was full of mold. 

Despite all these problems, Mike saw something special in the car and decided to fix it up.

He started by getting the car running again. This meant replacing the high-voltage fuse and the 12V battery. 

He also replaced the half shafts with better ones from a Tesla Model S Plaid and upgraded the wheel hubs for better efficiency. 

The door handles were fixed, the air suspension was reconnected, and he even replaced the moldy headliner with a new black Alcantara one, complete with a custom starliner that could flash or strobe to music.

Mike’s work didn’t stop there. He personalized the car by installing a custom yoke steering wheel made from black Alcantara and carbon fiber. He swapped out the wood trim for carbon fiber, tinted the windows, and replaced the lug nuts with black titanium ones. 

He's also in the process of fixing other damages, like the rear bumper guard and missing turn signal covers, and plans to install a chrome delete kit.

Looking to the future, Mike has big plans for his Tesla. He wants to install a new front fascia system, side skirts, a rear spoiler, and even swap the hood for a carbon fiber one. 

He’s also considering wrapping the car in a light blue chameleon finish and upgrading the suspension.

This project has been a labor of love for Mike, with its share of challenges. He's had trouble finding the right replacement seats and has had to save up money for parts over time. But his dedication shows that with passion and effort, even a car in poor condition can become something extraordinary.

Here are some pictures that mike took of his car, before and after.

Personally, I like such stories. While they can be reliably told on X, I feel that a dedicated platform for sharing such stories would be of better help. 

You could just search for the specific car and be able to find a collection of such stories from different people over the years. 

This is where I want to take Autohaven. Does it sound like a good idea?

Volkswagen Workers Strike

This week, Volkswagen workers across Germany walked off the job in a massive strike, affecting nine factories. 

The strikes are a direct response to Volkswagen's plans to slash wages by 10% and possibly close at least three of its German plants for the first time in the company's 87-year history. 

The union, IG Metall, has described this as potentially "the toughest wage dispute Volkswagen has ever seen."

Details of the dispute:
  • The strikes began with two-hour stoppages at key sites like Wolfsburg, Hanover, and Zwickau, slowing production significantly. Each strike means several hundred cars can't be built, especially at Wolfsburg where the iconic Golf is made.
  • The workers are protesting against Volkswagen's strategy to combat a slowing European car market, high production costs, and stiff competition from Chinese manufacturers.

Repercussions:
  • Volkswagen has already struggled with declining deliveries and profits. These strikes could further dent output, adding to the financial strain on the company.
  • Given Volkswagen's significant role in Germany's economy, the strikes could have broader economic implications, particularly in regions where the factories are located.

Next Steps:
  • The next round of negotiations between Volkswagen management and the union is scheduled for December 9th. If no agreement is reached, the union has warned of escalating to 24-hour or even indefinite strikes.
  • Union leaders have emphasized that the length and intensity of the conflict will depend on Volkswagen's willingness to negotiate a fair deal that protects jobs and maintains current wage levels.

Power Electronics and Battery Technology in EVs


In the latest issue of our automotive engine series, we have written about the latest developments in Power Electronics and Battery Technology. 

We've taken a closer look at how advancements in battery chemistry and fast-charging solutions are not only making EVs more efficient and practical but are also expanding their appeal to a broader audience. 

We also talk about consumer behavior and the plethora of opportunities this kind of innovation opens for investments and careers in the sector of electric mobility.

Join in!

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Thanks for reading today's piece.

Until next time, ciao!

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Kaka Ruto