[DigitalToday reporter Jinju Hong] Tesla is moving in earnest to build a massive artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, making a new bet. With the “Terafab” project at the centre and the possibility of a capital increase being discussed, Elon Musk (일론 머스크) presented a blueprint mobilising key companies he owns, including SpaceX and xAI.

As it seeks to pivot beyond electric vehicles into an AI infrastructure company while taking on the burden of large-scale investment, Tesla’s strategy is being seen as a mega-sized bet.

• Tesla’s mega-sized AI gamble, “Terafab”… weighing a capital increase card • Tesla, SpaceX, xAI all mobilised… Elon Musk’s “Terafab blueprint”

Tesla’s other technology roadmap is also wavering amid expectations and variables. As regulatory uncertainty continues due to delays in European approval for FSD, Musk previewed the unveiling of a next-generation Tesla Roadster, raising expectations. A patent to extend Cybertruck driving range has also added to the mix, highlighting innovation and risk at the same time.

• Tesla FSD, European approval delayed again… targeting April 10 • Elon Musk: “Next-generation Tesla Roadster to be unveiled in April, look forward to it”… is it real? • Tesla to mount a battery on a trailer… Cybertruck “driving-range innovation” patent

Assessments are also mixed around Tesla’s electric truck, the Semi. Some say it met expectations on performance such as weight and driving range, but the market reaction remains cautious. Regardless of technical completeness, the key will ultimately be the speed of mass production and commercialisation, according to an analysis.

• Tesla Semi was touted as innovation… market reaction is “cold” • Tesla Semi nailed weight and driving range… what remains is mass production

Competitors are also stepping up attacks targeting Tesla’s core business areas. Lucid Motors is moving to target Model S and X customers as it seeks to expand its presence in the EV market. Renault has launched production innovation using humanoid robots, throwing down a challenge to Tesla’s robot strategy represented by “Optimus.”

• Model S and X are disappearing… Lucid’s counterattack to take 350,000 customers Tesla abandoned • Eyes on Tesla Optimus… Renault launches production innovation with humanoid robots

Global robotaxi competition is also intensifying. Rivian is working with Uber to develop a robotaxi based on the R2 SUV. Uber’s former CEO said Waymo is in the lead and pointed out Tesla needs “ChatGPT-level innovation.”

• Rivian partners with Uber to enter the autonomous driving market… develops R2 SUV-based robotaxi • Uber former CEO: “Waymo leads the robotaxi market… Tesla needs ChatGPT-level innovation”

China’s push is shaking up the global EV market landscape. As Chinese electric trucks enter Europe and challenge the diesel-centred structure, the fortunes of BYD and Tesla are diverging and the competitive landscape is being reshaped. With even Ford’s CEO acknowledging the price competitiveness of Chinese-made trucks, talk is also emerging of a potential “Nokia moment” for the Western auto industry.

• Chinese electric trucks enter the European market in earnest… will they topple diesel’s stronghold? • BYD cried and Tesla smiled… China’s EV market reshuffled • Auto industry hegemony shift… is the West facing a “Nokia moment”? • Ford CEO: “Chinese trucks are on a completely different level… their value for money is astonishing”

South Korea’s mobility industry is pushing technological shifts and service upgrades at the same time. Kakao Mobility is moving to secure robotics and physical AI capabilities and autonomous driving talent. Socar is pursuing service differentiation with premium car sharing.

• Kakao Mobility accelerates transition into a robotics company… physical AI business speeds up • Kakao Mobility begins hiring autonomous driving R&D talent • Socar launches premium car-sharing “Black Label”

With international oil prices topping $100 a barrel and the burden of maintaining internal combustion engine vehicles surging to around five times that of EVs, pressure is rising to shift to EVs. In the United States, a controversy has erupted in some regions over “fixed-fee bombs” for EVs. Diesel prices have also topped $5 a gallon, further highlighting the need to shift to electric trucks.

In 2025, the global expansion of EV adoption is expected to cut oil demand by about 1.7 million barrels, and major manufacturers including BYD, Kia and Volkswagen are accelerating efforts to expand EV market share in Europe and North America.

• Era of $100 oil… burden of maintaining internal combustion engine cars is five times that of EVs • Pay more if you drive an EV?… noisy debate over U.S. “fixed-fee bombs” • Era of $5 diesel… pressure grows in U.S. to shift to electric trucks • EVs to cut oil demand by 1.7 million barrels in 2025… Iran exports at 70 percent level • BYD, Kia, Volkswagen expand dominance in EV market… step up push into Europe and North America

In the electric bicycle market, competition over weight reduction and performance is fierce. Laf unveiled the ultra-light electric MTB “e-Elsa,” emphasising simplicity and efficiency. Velotric introduced a new “Tampo” model that it said delivers both performance and price.

• Laf unveils its first electric MTB “e-Elsa”… bets on ultra-light weight and simplicity • Velotric unveils a lighter electric bicycle “Tampo”… nailed performance and price