News
Tesla’s lithium mining plans in Nevada are spawning their first skeptics
It appears that the first roadblocks to Tesla’s plans to produce its own lithium are beginning to emerge, with critics noting that the electric car maker’s initiatives may very well be mired in several challenges. These include a potentially exhausting permitting process, as well as pervading questions about the company’s planned lithium-producing technologies.
During Tesla’s Battery Day event, CEO Elon Musk told shareholders that the company had acquired rights to 10,000 acres in Nevada where lithium could be produced. Musk noted that Tesla will be producing lithium from clay deposits using an internally-developed process. If successful, Tesla would be the first company in the market to commercially produce the white metal from clay.
Lithium is commonly produced from brine, which is typically found in South America. The material is also produced from spodumene hard rock, which is commonly found in Australia.
Tesla’s plans for lithium production are quite ambitious. As noted in a Reuters report, Tesla plans to mix clay with table salt and water, causing a reaction where the salt would leach out with lithium that’s ready to be extracted. The leftover clay from the process would be put back into the earth to mitigate environmental damage. “It’s a very sustainable way of obtaining lithium,” Musk said.
Inasmuch as Tesla’s plans are ambitious, however, the plan promptly drew backlash from critics, some of whom argued that the electric car maker provided far too little details on its lithium production initiatives. Among these critics is Chris Berry, an independent lithium industry consultant, who noted that Tesla’s plan and proposed process are questionable.
“This plan from Tesla brings up a lot more questions than it answers. Are we just supposed to take Elon Musk’s word for it that the cost will be lower than existing lithium projects?… If producing lithium in commercial amounts at battery quality grades from clay was feasible, why isn’t it already being done?” the consultant said.
Pedro Palandrani of the Global X Lithium & Battery Technology ETF was more optimistic about Tesla’s plans, though he warned that lithium mining could be a very tedious process for the electric car maker. This is especially notable since any lithium mining operations require an extensive application process, whose permit approvals could last for a very long time. Palandrani, for his part, stated that he would not be surprised if it takes Tesla several years before it could begin lithium operations in Nevada.
“Mining lithium is very challenging. If Tesla really wants to fly solo, we’re talking about four to five years to really see any kind of lithium production,” Palandrani noted.
News
Tesla Semi completes 5,000-mile winter trial with thyssenkrupp
The test covered nearly 5,000 miles in winter conditions.
thyssenkrupp Supply Chain Services has completed a three-week pilot of the Tesla Semi at one of its California logistics hubs, marking a new step in the company’s sustainability push. The test covered nearly 5,000 miles in winter conditions and focused on evaluating the electric Class 8 truck’s efficiency, transparency, and operational performance.
Tesla Semi offers efficiency gains and real-time logistics visibility
During the pilot, the Tesla Semi was used for active freight delivery, including routes over the Altamont Pass. thyssenkrupp evaluated the vehicle’s ability to reduce downtime, enhance delivery speed, and offer greater real-time supply chain visibility, the company noted in a press release.
Live diagnostics and performance monitoring allowed the logistics provider to track metrics such as speed, routes, and overall efficiency—data that supports smarter and more transparent logistics operations.
“The Tesla Semi aligns with our ongoing commitment to sustainability and operational excellence,” said Bob Denehy, Chief Commercial Officer at thyssenkrupp Supply Chain Services. “Its efficiency and diagnostic features, and low environmental impact make it a natural fit for our evolving logistics strategy.”
Pilot builds on long-term partnership with Tesla and green energy goals
A logistics partner to Tesla since 2015, thyssenkrupp Supply Chain Services was one of the first companies selected to test the Tesla Semi in a real-world setting. The trial reinforces the company’s push into renewable energy logistics and reflects its long-term goal of integrating alternative-fuel technologies across its operations.
Plans are now underway to begin adding electric Semis to its fleet as part of a wider emissions-reduction effort. The pilot is thus the latest example of how logistics providers are embracing next-generation transport technologies to meet environmental goals and enhance supply chain performance.
News
Tesla Semi shows strong results in ArcBest’s real-world freight trial
The truck handled varied terrain, including a 7,200-foot climb over Donner Pass.
ArcBest has successfully wrapped up a three-week pilot program testing a Class 8 Tesla Semi in over-the-road applications. The trial was conducted through ArcBest’s ABF Freight division, and it covered routes between Reno and Sacramento and regional operations around the Bay Area.
Tesla Semi pilot sees strong performance and positive driver feedback
The Tesla Semi logged 4,494 miles during the pilot, averaging 321 miles per day with an energy efficiency of 1.55 kWh per mile. The Tesla Semi handled varied terrain, including a 7,200-foot climb over Donner Pass, and delivered performance comparable to diesel counterparts.
Drivers who participated in the pilot also gave positive feedback to the Tesla Semi, citing the Class 8 all-electric truck’s comfort, safety, and visibility thanks to features like a center seating position and intuitive controls. Matt Godfrey, president of ABF Freight, shared his thoughts on the pilot in a press release.
“We’re not looking for a truck that performs well ‘for an EV.’ It must meet or exceed the performance and total cost of ownership targets of our most efficient diesel units. This pilot gives us great insight into the potential of EV semis in our operations,” he said.
ArcBest highlights need for more charging infrastructure
While the pilot met expectations, ArcBest noted that broader deployment of Class 8 all-electric trucks like the Tesla Semi will still depend on improvements in charging infrastructure. This way, longer-haul operations become more than feasible.
The pilot marks another step in ArcBest’s investment in sustainable logistics technologies. In addition to testing the Tesla Semi, the company operates a small fleet of EVs, including nine electric yard tractors, two electric forklifts, and two Class 6 electric straight trucks. Dennis Anderson, ArcBest chief innovation officer, noted that vehicles like the Tesla Semi are notable developments in the transportation sector.
“Freight transportation is a vital part of the global economy, and we know it also plays a significant role in overall greenhouse gas emissions. While the path to decarbonization presents complex challenges — such as infrastructure needs and alternative fuel development — it also opens the door to innovation. Vehicles like the Tesla Semi highlight the progress being made and expand the boundaries of what’s possible as we work toward a more sustainable future for freight,” he stated.
Investor's Corner
Tesla could save $2.5B by replacing 10% of staff with Optimus: Morgan Stanley
Jonas assigned each robot a net present value (NPV) of $200,000.
Tesla’s (NASDAQ:TSLA) near-term outlook may be clouded by political controversies and regulatory headwinds, but Morgan Stanley analyst Adam Jonas sees a glimmer of opportunity for the electric vehicle maker.
In a new note, the Morgan Stanley analyst estimated that Tesla could save $2.5 billion by replacing just 10% of its workforce with its Optimus robots, assigning each robot a net present value (NPV) of $200,000.
Morgan Stanley highlights Optimus’ savings potential
Jonas highlighted the potential savings on Tesla’s workforce of 125,665 employees in his note, suggesting that the utilization of Optimus robots could significantly reduce labor costs. The analyst’s note arrived shortly after Tesla reported Q2 2025 deliveries of 384,122 vehicles, which came close to Morgan Stanley’s estimate and slightly under the consensus of 385,086.
“Tesla has 125,665 employees worldwide (year-end 2024). On our calculations, a 10% substitution to humanoid at approximately ($200k NPV/humanoid) could be worth approximately $2.5bn,” Jonas wrote, as noted by Street Insider.
Jonas also issued some caution on Tesla Energy, whose battery storage deployments were flat year over year at 9.6 GWh. Morgan Stanley had expected Tesla Energy to post battery storage deployments of 14 GWh in the second quarter.
Musk’s political ambitions
The backdrop to Jonas’ note included Elon Musk’s involvement in U.S. politics. The Tesla CEO recently floated the idea of launching a new political party, following a poll on X that showed support for the idea. Though a widely circulated FEC filing was labeled false by Musk, the CEO does seem intent on establishing a third political party in the United States.
Jonas cautioned that Musk’s political efforts could divert attention and resources from Tesla’s core operations, adding near-term pressure on TSLA stock. “We believe investors should be prepared for further devotion of resources (financial, time/attention) in the direction of Mr. Musk’s political priorities which may add further near-term pressure to TSLA shares,” Jonas stated.
Tesla Semi completes 5,000-mile winter trial with thyssenkrupp
Tesla Semi shows strong results in ArcBest’s real-world freight trial
Tesla could save $2.5B by replacing 10% of staff with Optimus: Morgan Stanley
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