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Episode #1164: Today we’re talking America’s EV charging boom just as electric sales cool, previewing Tesla’s October tease for a cheaper Model Y, and diving headfirst into Sora 2.

Show Notes with links:

• Just as EV sales start to sputter, America’s charging network is finally finding its rhythm. After years of false starts and government delays, billions in private investment and public funding have sparked a nationwide buildout—making it easier than ever to find a fast charger, even if fewer drivers need one.
  • EV sales are projected to drop 25% next quarter after the expiration of the $7,500 federal tax credit.
  • The number of U.S. fast-charging ports has jumped 80% in two years to more than 60,000.
  • Private companies and retailers like Walmart have poured over $9.5 billion into new charging sites since late 2023.
  • “Charging deserts” are slowly disappearing, but reliability issues and software hiccups still frustrate some EV owners.
  • “The charging industry is really maturing at a time when the rest of the EV industry is in this period of uncertainty,” said Nick Nigro, founder of Atlas Public Policy.

• Tesla is teasing an October 7 reveal, sparking investor excitement about what could be its long-awaited affordable EV. With slowing sales, an aging lineup, and the loss of federal tax credits, the Elon Musk-led automaker is hoping a lower-cost Model Y can recharge its momentum—and Wall Street’s faith.
  • Tesla released a nine-second teaser video on X showing illuminated headlights and the date “10/7.”
  • The new vehicle is expected to be a lower-cost Model Y, roughly 20% cheaper to produce than the refreshed version.
  • Tesla plans to scale production to 250,000 units annually in the U.S. by 2026.
  • Analysts project deliveries could hit 1.85 million vehicles next year, with the new model driving growth.
  • “Tesla has to prove it can stay exciting without the tax credit boost—and this new model may be its best shot,” one analyst said.

• OpenAI’s new app Sora 2 has exploded to the top of the App Store, blurring the line between creation and chaos. Part TikTok, part AI video generator, and part deepfake machine, it’s turning anyone with a phone into a filmmaker — and sending media pros into existential meltdown.
  • Sora 2 is being called “ChatGPT for creativity,” letting users star in AI-generated short videos.
  • The app quickly hit #1 in the U.S. App Store and follows Meta’s competing “Vibes” AI video feed.

0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier
0:45 Congrats to Nashville SC on winning the US Open Cup
1:49 Upcoming ASOTU Edge Webinar with Uber for Business
3:04 US Fast Charger Number Grows to 60K
6:11 Tesla Teases October 7 Reveal
9:22 Sora 2 Climbs To #1 On the

Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.

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