EV Daily | Tesla Leadership Changes Amid Layoffs; Rivian and Jeep Expand Global EV Strategies

【Tesla】

Tesla is losing a key vehicle program manager, David Zhang, who has been with the company since 2015. Zhang, responsible for the Model S, Model X, Cybertruck, and more, left the company in July. His departure coincides with layoffs and other executive exits, including the Chief Information Officer and a top European executive. Additionally, former Tesla program leader Daniel Ho has joined Waymo, just as Tesla prepares to unveil its Robotaxi. Ho, who led the Model 3 and Model Y programs, departed after Tesla's recent layoffs, joining Waymo as Program Director.

【Others】

Jeep's electric transformation is underway as it teases the first images of the electric Compass, a globally popular model. The Compass EV will join Jeep's range with hybrid and gas options under the "Freedom of Choice" strategy. Built on the STLA Medium platform, it promises a range of up to 435 miles. The model will be produced in Italy and globally by 2026, with the official unveiling next month. Additional models include the Wrangler-inspired Recon EV and an electric Renegade. Rivian is progressing with its $5 billion EV plant in Georgia, applying for a federal loan. The plant will begin operations in 2027, focusing on the R2, R3, and R3X models. Rivian plans to launch the R2 in Illinois first to reduce costs. The Georgia plant aims to produce 400,000 EVs annually by 2029. Rivian's production guidance for 2024 has been adjusted due to recent lower delivery figures. Chevy has announced the 2025 Silverado EV with improved range and lower prices. The new model offers up to 492 miles of range, with three trims: Work Truck, LT, and RST. Starting at $57,095, it qualifies for federal EV tax credits. Features include a 17.7" infotainment screen, towing capacity up to 12,500 lbs, and a new LT trim with a 300 kW DC fast charger. A joint venture, ChargeScape, focused on vehicle-to-grid integration, has added Nissan as a partner along with Ford, BMW, and Honda. Nissan will use ChargeScape's platform to offer energy-saving solutions to EV drivers, allowing them to contribute stored energy back to the grid. This initiative aims to reduce CO2 emissions and optimize renewable energy usage. The WindFloat Atlantic offshore wind farm in Portugal, the first of its kind, continues to break power output records four years after its launch. With a capacity of 25 megawatts, the floating wind farm provides electricity to thousands of households, reduces CO2 emissions, and supports marine life conservation.