Elon Musk speaks at the Tesla Giga Texas factory grand opening party in Austin, Texas, in April last year. AFP
Elon Musk speaks at the Tesla Giga Texas factory grand opening party in Austin, Texas, in April last year. AFP
Elon Musk speaks at the Tesla Giga Texas factory grand opening party in Austin, Texas, in April last year. AFP
Elon Musk speaks at the Tesla Giga Texas factory grand opening party in Austin, Texas, in April last year. AFP

Tesla Investor Day: Elon Musk hints at new Teslas and unveils 'renewable future' plan


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Elon Musk on Wednesday spoke to stakeholders about his "master plan" towards a "sustainable energy future" at Tesla Investor Day in Austin, Texas, while hinting at new Tesla vehicles for the year ahead.

"Earth can and will move to a sustainable energy economy and will do so in your lifetime," Mr Musk said.

He laid out ways to make the transition including renewable power, electric vehicles, switching to heat pumps and sustainable fuel for planes.

Mr Musk revealed a presentation slide with two disguised future models, and executives said the Cybertruck pickup was also coming this year.

Tesla has become the world's most valuable car company by far, and the billionaire chief executive has aspirations of cracking the mass market and turning the EV maker into a company that can create a more climate-friendly world.

Mr Musk said two years ago he hoped to introduce a $25,000 Tesla, making the vehicle accessible to millions of drivers.

But he said last year that has been put on hold as he has not yet figured out the battery technology that would make producing the third-generation model possible.

Mr Musk also recently teased the idea of a robotaxi — a fully autonomous vehicle. And he predicted that production of an autonomous vehicle would start next year, The Verge reported.

He has floated the ability of Tesla drivers to make money by turning their vehicles into robotaxis when they are not using them.

On Wednesday, executives spoke about technology for Tesla owners to "share" their vehicles with others through texts and the Tesla app.

Mr Musk's latest master plan follows two others previously unveiled, the ambitions of which — such as “true self-driving” — remain unachieved.

  • Tesla chief executive Elon Musk speaks during the opening day of the Tesla Gigafactory in Gruenheide, Germany. EPA
    Tesla chief executive Elon Musk speaks during the opening day of the Tesla Gigafactory in Gruenheide, Germany. EPA
  • Musk speaks next to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and the prime minister of Brandenburg state, Dietmar Woidke, during the opening ceremony. AFP
    Musk speaks next to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and the prime minister of Brandenburg state, Dietmar Woidke, during the opening ceremony. AFP
  • The Tesla chief, right, was cheered as he oversaw the handover of the car maker's first German-made cars at the Gruenheide plant. EPA
    The Tesla chief, right, was cheered as he oversaw the handover of the car maker's first German-made cars at the Gruenheide plant. EPA
  • Musk described the opening as "another step in the direction of a sustainable future". EPA
    Musk described the opening as "another step in the direction of a sustainable future". EPA
  • Tesla is likely to launch a test version of its new "full self-driving" software in Europe, possibly next year, the chief executive said. EPA
    Tesla is likely to launch a test version of its new "full self-driving" software in Europe, possibly next year, the chief executive said. EPA
  • Musk dances as he hands over the first Teslas from the new factory. Getty Images
    Musk dances as he hands over the first Teslas from the new factory. Getty Images
  • Musk said battery production will be a "challenge" next year and a "limiting factor" in the coming years. Reuters
    Musk said battery production will be a "challenge" next year and a "limiting factor" in the coming years. Reuters
  • Tesla cars are parked at the site of the new Tesla Gigafactory in Gruenheide, Germany. Reuters
    Tesla cars are parked at the site of the new Tesla Gigafactory in Gruenheide, Germany. Reuters
  • Tesla was handing over the first Model Y cars made at its €5 billion Gruenheide plant to clients on March 22, the company said. Getty Images
    Tesla was handing over the first Model Y cars made at its €5 billion Gruenheide plant to clients on March 22, the company said. Getty Images
  • The new Tesla Gigafactory is the company's first European production centre. Getty Images
    The new Tesla Gigafactory is the company's first European production centre. Getty Images
  • Newly completed Tesla Model Y electric cars parked at the site near Gruenheide. Getty Images
    Newly completed Tesla Model Y electric cars parked at the site near Gruenheide. Getty Images
  • The new factory is the largest investment in a German car factory in recent history. Getty Images
    The new factory is the largest investment in a German car factory in recent history. Getty Images
  • A road sign reading 'water protection area' next to the Tesla logo at the site of the Tesla factory. EPA
    A road sign reading 'water protection area' next to the Tesla logo at the site of the Tesla factory. EPA
  • A road sign reading 'Tesla Street' at the new plant. EPA
    A road sign reading 'Tesla Street' at the new plant. EPA
  • A building under construction at the Tesla factory. EPA
    A building under construction at the Tesla factory. EPA
  • At full capacity, the factory will produce 500,000 cars annually. EPA
    At full capacity, the factory will produce 500,000 cars annually. EPA
  • Tesla plans to hire 12,000 workers at the plant. Bloomberg
    Tesla plans to hire 12,000 workers at the plant. Bloomberg

He also set a goal of selling 20 million electric vehicles annually by 2030, but the company's four factories only produce 1.9 million a year.

Tesla has four car factories, in Texas, California, China and Germany. On Tuesday, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said Tesla would build a new plant in the city of Monterrey

The company also invested $3.6 billion to produce its “first high-volume Semi factory” in Reno, Nevada.

Indonesia's President Joko Widodo said his administration has been in talks with Tesla over a factory as well.

Mr Musk briefly discussed AI and the prospect of humanoid robots after showing a video of his highly anticipated Tesla Optimus. He claimed Tesla had the most advanced real world AI.

"I think we might exceed a one-to-one ratio of humanoid robots to humans," he said.

  • Tesla's AI Day 2022 livestream introduced the humanoid robot Optimus as it walks on stage in Palo Alto, California. All photos: AFP
    Tesla's AI Day 2022 livestream introduced the humanoid robot Optimus as it walks on stage in Palo Alto, California. All photos: AFP
  • Optimus waves to guests at Tesla's AI Day in Calfornia.
    Optimus waves to guests at Tesla's AI Day in Calfornia.
  • Humanoid robot Optimus was on stage as Tesla set out its plans for an AI future.
    Humanoid robot Optimus was on stage as Tesla set out its plans for an AI future.
  • Tesla chief executive Elon Musk explains how the Optimus humanoid robot project will evolve.
    Tesla chief executive Elon Musk explains how the Optimus humanoid robot project will evolve.
  • The event took place in Tesla's office in Palo Alto, California.
    The event took place in Tesla's office in Palo Alto, California.
  • “There's still a lot of work to be done to refine Optimus and prove it,” Mr Musk told guests at the event.
    “There's still a lot of work to be done to refine Optimus and prove it,” Mr Musk told guests at the event.
  • Elon Musk said Optimus would be an 'extremely capable robot' that Tesla would aim to produce in the millions and perhaps cost less than $20,000 per unit.
    Elon Musk said Optimus would be an 'extremely capable robot' that Tesla would aim to produce in the millions and perhaps cost less than $20,000 per unit.

Agencies contributed to this report

Tax authority targets shisha levy evasion

The Federal Tax Authority will track shisha imports with electronic markers to protect customers and ensure levies have been paid.

Khalid Ali Al Bustani, director of the tax authority, on Sunday said the move is to "prevent tax evasion and support the authority’s tax collection efforts".

The scheme’s first phase, which came into effect on 1st January, 2019, covers all types of imported and domestically produced and distributed cigarettes. As of May 1, importing any type of cigarettes without the digital marks will be prohibited.

He said the latest phase will see imported and locally produced shisha tobacco tracked by the final quarter of this year.

"The FTA also maintains ongoing communication with concerned companies, to help them adapt their systems to meet our requirements and coordinate between all parties involved," he said.

As with cigarettes, shisha was hit with a 100 per cent tax in October 2017, though manufacturers and cafes absorbed some of the costs to prevent prices doubling.

How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less

THE SPECS

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo

Power: 275hp at 6,600rpm

Torque: 353Nm from 1,450-4,700rpm

Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto

Top speed: 250kph

Fuel consumption: 6.8L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: Dh146,999

Cinco in numbers

Dh3.7 million

The estimated cost of Victoria Swarovski’s gem-encrusted Michael Cinco wedding gown

46

The number, in kilograms, that Swarovski’s wedding gown weighed.

1,000

The hours it took to create Cinco’s vermillion petal gown, as seen in his atelier [note, is the one he’s playing with in the corner of a room]

50

How many looks Cinco has created in a new collection to celebrate Ballet Philippines’ 50th birthday

3,000

The hours needed to create the butterfly gown worn by Aishwarya Rai to the 2018 Cannes Film Festival.

1.1 million

The number of followers that Michael Cinco’s Instagram account has garnered.

ICC Intercontinental Cup

UAE squad Rohan Mustafa (captain), Chirag Suri, Shaiman Anwar, Rameez Shahzad, Mohammed Usman, Adnan Mufti, Saqlain Haider, Ahmed Raza, Mohammed Naveed, Imran Haider, Qadeer Ahmed, Mohammed Boota, Amir Hayat, Ashfaq Ahmed

Fixtures Nov 29-Dec 2

UAE v Afghanistan, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Hong Kong v Papua New Guinea, Sharjah Cricket Stadium

Ireland v Scotland, Dubai International Stadium

Namibia v Netherlands, ICC Academy, Dubai

Januzaj's club record

Manchester United 50 appearances, 5 goals

Borussia Dortmund (loan) 6 appearances, 0 goals

Sunderland (loan) 25 appearances, 0 goals

WITHIN%20SAND
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Moe%20Alatawi%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStarring%3A%20Ra%E2%80%99ed%20Alshammari%2C%20Adwa%20Fahd%2C%20Muhand%20Alsaleh%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Gifts exchanged
  • King Charles - replica of President Eisenhower Sword
  • Queen Camilla -  Tiffany & Co vintage 18-carat gold, diamond and ruby flower brooch
  • Donald Trump - hand-bound leather book with Declaration of Independence
  • Melania Trump - personalised Anya Hindmarch handbag
How to protect yourself when air quality drops

Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.

About Okadoc

Date started: Okadoc, 2018

Founder/CEO: Fodhil Benturquia

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: Healthcare

Size: (employees/revenue) 40 staff; undisclosed revenues recording “double-digit” monthly growth

Funding stage: Series B fundraising round to conclude in February

Investors: Undisclosed

Skoda Superb Specs

Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol

Power: 190hp

Torque: 320Nm

Price: From Dh147,000

Available: Now

Tips to avoid getting scammed

1) Beware of cheques presented late on Thursday

2) Visit an RTA centre to change registration only after receiving payment

3) Be aware of people asking to test drive the car alone

4) Try not to close the sale at night

5) Don't be rushed into a sale 

6) Call 901 if you see any suspicious behaviour

West Indies v India - Third ODI

India 251-4 (50 overs)
Dhoni (78*), Rahane (72), Jadhav (40)
Cummins (2-56), Bishoo (1-38)
West Indies 158 (38.1 overs)
Mohammed (40), Powell (30), Hope (24)
Ashwin (3-28), Yadav (3-41), Pandya (2-32)

India won by 93 runs

Company profile

Name: Back to Games and Boardgame Space

Started: Back to Games (2015); Boardgame Space (Mark Azzam became co-founder in 2017)

Founder: Back to Games (Mr Azzam); Boardgame Space (Mr Azzam and Feras Al Bastaki)

Based: Dubai and Abu Dhabi 

Industry: Back to Games (retail); Boardgame Space (wholesale and distribution) 

Funding: Back to Games: self-funded by Mr Azzam with Dh1.3 million; Mr Azzam invested Dh250,000 in Boardgame Space  

Growth: Back to Games: from 300 products in 2015 to 7,000 in 2019; Boardgame Space: from 34 games in 2017 to 3,500 in 2019

Coffee: black death or elixir of life?

It is among the greatest health debates of our time; splashed across newspapers with contradicting headlines - is coffee good for you or not?

Depending on what you read, it is either a cancer-causing, sleep-depriving, stomach ulcer-inducing black death or the secret to long life, cutting the chance of stroke, diabetes and cancer.

The latest research - a study of 8,412 people across the UK who each underwent an MRI heart scan - is intended to put to bed (caffeine allowing) conflicting reports of the pros and cons of consumption.

The study, funded by the British Heart Foundation, contradicted previous findings that it stiffens arteries, putting pressure on the heart and increasing the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke, leading to warnings to cut down.

Numerous studies have recognised the benefits of coffee in cutting oral and esophageal cancer, the risk of a stroke and cirrhosis of the liver. 

The benefits are often linked to biologically active compounds including caffeine, flavonoids, lignans, and other polyphenols, which benefit the body. These and othetr coffee compounds regulate genes involved in DNA repair, have anti-inflammatory properties and are associated with lower risk of insulin resistance, which is linked to type-2 diabetes.

But as doctors warn, too much of anything is inadvisable. The British Heart Foundation found the heaviest coffee drinkers in the study were most likely to be men who smoked and drank alcohol regularly.

Excessive amounts of coffee also unsettle the stomach causing or contributing to stomach ulcers. It also stains the teeth over time, hampers absorption of minerals and vitamins like zinc and iron.

It also raises blood pressure, which is largely problematic for people with existing conditions.

So the heaviest drinkers of the black stuff - some in the study had up to 25 cups per day - may want to rein it in.

Rory Reynolds

THE SPECS

Engine: 3.6-litre V6

Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Power: 285bhp

Torque: 353Nm

Price: TBA

On sale: Q2, 2020

MATCH INFO

Champions League quarter-final, first leg

Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City, Tuesday, 11pm (UAE)

Matches can be watched on BeIN Sports

PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES

Saturday (UAE kick-off times)

Watford v Leicester City (3.30pm)

Brighton v Arsenal (6pm)

West Ham v Wolves (8.30pm)

Bournemouth v Crystal Palace (10.45pm)

Sunday

Newcastle United v Sheffield United (5pm)

Aston Villa v Chelsea (7.15pm)

Everton v Liverpool (10pm)

Monday

Manchester City v Burnley (11pm)

Profile

Company: Justmop.com

Date started: December 2015

Founders: Kerem Kuyucu and Cagatay Ozcan

Sector: Technology and home services

Based: Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai

Size: 55 employees and 100,000 cleaning requests a month

Funding:  The company’s investors include Collective Spark, Faith Capital Holding, Oak Capital, VentureFriends, and 500 Startups. 

Updated: March 01, 2023, 11:29 PM