Sup. This is Plugged In. We're the EV newsletter air fryer - the no-brainer method to dish out juicy EV insights with zero guesswork.

Here’s what we’ve got for you today:

• Volkswagen Buys $700M Xpeng Stake 📈

• Cybertruck Hits The Streets As A Ford F-150 🛻

• Honda About To Unveil Electric Sports Car? ⚡️

• Everything About Electric Car Fires 🔥

Also… We’d love to hear from you below! Let us know your thoughts 🧐

It's an age-old wisdom, "If you can’t beat 'em, join 'em", and Volkswagen seems to have taken that to their wannabe-battery-powered heart. The German auto giant is pulling out its sizeable checkbook, signing off $700 million to invest in Chinese EV whizz-kid XPeng. This cross-continental bromance is not just a cash boost for XPeng, but a serious eyebrow raiser for traditional auto makers.

XPeng's CEO, Xianpeng He, couldn't be happier, envisioning a beautiful friendship where each party brings their unique talents to the table. Following this exciting news, XPeng's shares decided to strap on a rocket, launching by 30%. In contrast, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite acted like grumpy old men, slipping down by 0.1%, while Volkswagen's stock took a 1.8% dive.

Other EV stocks decided to hop onto the merry-go-round. Li Auto and NIO shares decided to hit the gym, bulking up by about 3.9% and 11%, respectively. Seems like traditional car companies investing in Chinese EV champions could be the new golden goose.

Yet among these three EV musketeers, only Li Auto has the magic money tree forecasted to bear fruit consistently from 2023. Meanwhile, Tesla, the EV superstar, managed a modest 1% share price rise, and BYD, China's EV top dog, gained a respectable 2.4%.

Now, the plot thickens. Volkswagen, having suffered a minor setback with a 2% sales decline in China, is betting big on this partnership turning their fortunes around. XPeng, despite being the belle of the ball with this new investment, has its own share of headaches, seeing a 20% stock slump over the past year. But hey, who knows? With Volkswagen in the passenger seat, the road ahead could just turn out to be a highway to the future.

CYBERTRUCK HITS THE STREETS WRAPPED AS A FORD F-150 🛻

Oh boy, the internet is buzzing and this time, it's all about a Tesla Cybertruck sporting a Ford F-150 vinyl wrap. The mighty Cybertruck is strutting around, masquerading as a Ford F-150. A bold fashion statement. If there were a yearbook for automakers, Tesla would probably win the title for 'Best Troll'.

The “Tesla-Ford Truck Inception” shenanigans began inside a Tesla facility where the snapshots were originally taken, including a less flattering angle of the Cybertruck's frunk that appeared a bit more petite compared to the Ford F-150 Lightning's.

This high-level trolling comes on the heels of Ford Motor Company CEO Jim Farley's criticism of the Cybertruck, suggesting it's more a flashy showpiece than a proper work truck. "It's [the Cybertruck] like a cool high-end product parked in front of a hotel. But I don't make trucks like that. I make trucks for real people who do real work," Farley quipped in a CNBC interview, pointing to the Cybertruck's unibody construction compared to the F-150's body-on-frame setup.

So there you have it, Tesla's Cybertruck, the unapologetic disruptor of the automotive world, now seen masquerading in a Ford F-150's attire. This unconventional move, clearly meant for a good-natured joust with Ford, exhibits Tesla's knack for stealing the limelight in the most unexpected ways… This whole situation is unmistakably Tesla.

HONDA ABOUT TO UNVEIL ELECTRIC SPORTS CAR? ⚡️

Put on your party hats because Honda's turning 75 and its birthday present to the world? Its first electric sports car! Remember that showstopper, the S2000, from their 50th birthday? Now imagine that, but with a lot more spark!

This electrifying newbie will take center stage on Honda's latest e:n platform, which is set to first roll out on the Honda e:Ny1. Come 2030, expect to see 30 new electric car models rocking this platform, including two beefed-up sports cars, an NSX rebirth, and a new GT. Word on the street is that one might even rock a Type R badge.

Honda's technical wizard, Kotaro Yamamoto, claims electric cars can deliver the exhilarating rush that Type R stands for. The stats and price tags are under wraps, but Honda UK's Head of Automobiles, Rebecca Adamson, hints at a costlier ride than the MG Cyberster, thanks to their 75 years of engineering expertise.

Honda’s plans of 30 EV models by 2030 depends on their new e: Architecture rolling out in 2026, which is set to make their EVs as competitive as their petrol counterparts. So, buckle up, because Honda's electrifying future is zooming towards us at full speed!

EVERYTHING ABOUT ELECTRIC CAR FIRES 🔥

Picture this: a Tesla on fire, lighting up the streets, a spectacle so grand you'd think you're at a rock concert. But is it the opening act for our electric future or an encore for gas-guzzling automobiles? Let’s find out as we dive into everything about electric car fires.

So let's talk about why our rockstar Tesla might have gone full "This Is Spinal Tap". Electric vehicles, like our flaming Tesla, use lithium-ion batteries - the same ones that power your phone, laptop, or that camera you swear you'll start using. Only in the EVs, they are super-sized, like your fast-food meal.

Now, sometimes, these batteries can turn into little metal divas, demanding the spotlight and catching fire. Why? Two reasons - manufacturing issues and external damage. Battery producers, in their pursuit of lighter, cheaper, and more powerful batteries, sometimes accidentally skip a safety check or two.

External factors like pressure, heat, and punctures from damage can also make the batteries throw a fiery tantrum. One time, LG Chem, one of the top battery producers, had a production issue, and guess what? It led to 82,000 Hyundai vehicles being recalled. Big yikes.

Alright, now that we understand why EVs can light up like a Fourth of July barbeque, let's talk about their gas-chugging counterparts - internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. These big boys have their share of flaws too. Last year, Nissan had to recall almost 700,000 gasoline vehicles due to a potential fire hazard. So same same but different.

So let’s breakdown the numbers. Ever since Tesla's have been playing their flaming solos, they've been keeping a track of their pyrotechnics. From 2012 to 2020, there's been roughly one Tesla fire for every 205 million miles traveled. About the same as traveling to the moon and back 428 times. On the other hand, the U.S. average is a car fire for every 19 million miles. Suddenly, Tesla doesn't look so bad, does it?

Now, while the odds of EV fires may be comparable to getting struck by lightning… while riding a unicycle… while getting a text back from that girl who only likes you as a friend… when they do catch fire, it's a whole different ball game. Picture trying to put out a volcano with a Super Soaker. Once a battery pack is on fire, it can smolder for hours and even reignite, like a magic trick no one asked for.

In conclusion, yes, EVs can catch fire. But they are statistically less likely to do so than their old-school ICE buddies. Plus, the world is steadily shifting towards these futuristic chariots, with the EU proposing to ban fossil-fuel car sales by 2035. Even though this might feel like jumping from the frying pan into the fire for some, it's a necessary step towards a cleaner, more energy-efficient future.

But like any good rock concert, we need a safety plan. Firefighters and first responders need to be ready to handle this new breed of automotive divas. Recognizing an electric vehicle isn't as easy as spotting a mohawk in a crowd anymore. These new-age rides look eerily similar to their ICE counterparts, so our emergency services need to be well-prepared. After all, the future of cars isn't going to be all guns & roses now is it?

THE JUICE 🔋

CATL Establishes Aviation Division EVs might eventually include airplanes.

GM Has Strong Q2, Profit Up 52% And confirms a new Chevy Bolt!

Legacy Auto Teams Up to Build Charging Network The more the merrier.

Get smarter about decarbonization with Acclimate. (sponsored)
Not all climinate news is doomerism and shame. Join 3,000+ people starting their day with Acclimate - the daily email covering what matters in climate business, tech, and policy.

PLUGGED IN WEEKLY MEME

Want a $100 Amazon Gift Card? Of course you do. Simply refer a friend using the details below and you’ll go into the draw to win $100! Easy money.

Our AirPods Giveaway is also being drawn on August 26th! Winners will be announced in the August 26 Newsletter Issue - Good luck and see you then!

INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING ON PLUGGED IN?

Fill out this survey and we'll get back to you soon!

DISCLAIMER: None of this is financial advice. This newsletter is strictly educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions. Please be careful and do your own research.