Podcast

Kilowatt: A Podcast about Electric Vehicles

News, Tech News, Technology

Kilowatt is a podcast about electric vehicles (EVs) that covers various topics related to EVs, including the latest news and developments, the benefits and challenges of EVs, and the future of transportation. The podcast features interviews with experts in the field and provides in-depth analysis and information about EVs. It aims to educate and inform listeners about the latest trends and innovations in the EV industry.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/kilowatt. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tech News chart
#179
Episodes
756
Releases
Twice a week
Typical length
33 min
On air since
2016
Latest episode
2 days ago

Episodes

756 episodes, newest first

  1. Rivian's Q3 2026 Earnings Call

    Episode 757

    Show notes

    Bodie breaks down Rivian’s Q3 2026 earnings call, covering the R2 production ramp, delivery growth, and the company’s path toward improved automotive margins. The discussion includes upcoming lower-priced R2 variants, supplier constraints, and Rivian’s decision to position the R1 lineup further upmarket. Software and services revenue, the Volkswagen joint venture, growing demand for commercial vans, and a CFO transition round out the business updates. Autonomy takes center stage as Rivian outlines its supervised point-to-point driving plans, Uber partnership, and acquisition of Third Dimension AI to support simulation and development. Bodie also shares recent experiences with Tesla FSD and considers the value of paid driving assistance, subscription retention, and how autonomy pricing could evolve. Finally, the episode explores Rivian’s brand awareness challenges and whether features like its Ghostbusters Halloween mode can help introduce the company to a broader audience.

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    • Beyond the Post YouTube
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    Earnings Call

    • Rivian Q3 2026 Earnings Call Webcast

    Art created by Grok and resized by Dall-E (Thanks Obie)

    Original artwork by Obi; adapted for this episode.

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    1 hr 18 min
  2. One for the Plug and One for the Load

    Episode 756

    Show notes

    One for the Plug and One for the Load

    This short edition of Kilowatt pairs a tiny electric car with a very large workforce. Bodie revisits the Fiat Topolino and its move from private-property transportation to a street-legal low-speed vehicle for the 2027 model year. He discusses its new 25 mph top speed, the complimentary upgrade for existing owners, and where a small neighborhood EV might fit. Then, BYD’s workforce passes one million employees, prompting a comparison with Volkswagen, Toyota, and Tesla. Bodie looks at changes in BYD’s headcount and the vehicles sold per employee at each company, sharing the numbers as an interesting comparison rather than drawing a conclusion about efficiency.

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    My Podcasts:

    • Beyond the Post YouTube
    • Beyond the Post Podcast
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    Publications:

    • InsideEVs
    • Electrek

    News Links:

    • Fiat's Tiny $15,000 EV Can Finally Hit American Streets
    • BYD now has 1.02 million workers, more than Toyota, GM, Ford, and Tesla combined

    Show Art Created By Dall-e

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    13 min
  3. New Magnets, Bigger Font, and Skipped Questions

    Episode 755

    Show notes

    Description

    Bodie covers BYD’s new Han EV, Rivian’s acquisition of Third Dimension, and the best-selling EVs in the United States through the third quarter of 2026. The sales countdown highlights Tesla’s share of the market and a few surprising entries. Tesla news includes canceled Cybertruck plans for Australia and New Zealand, an updated app for larger screens, and a planned option for bigger touchscreen text. Bodie also discusses the Hardware 3 upgrade question Tesla skipped during its earnings call and why owners who paid for Full Self-Driving need a clearer explanation of what comes next. The episode wraps up with Ferrstron’s prototype electric powertrain using ferrite magnets and its potential to reduce reliance on rare earth materials. Bodie also recommends the Car Stuff Podcast’s conversation with Jennifer Newman about car seat safety.

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    My Podcasts

    • Beyond the Post Podcast
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    Publications

    • Electrek
    • InsideEVs
    • Not a Tesla App

    News Links

    General EV News

    • BYD launches luxury Han EV with 1,000+ km of range for $35,000
    • Rivian Buys Synthetic Data Startup To Boost Its Autonomy Ambitions
    • These are the top 10 best-selling EVs in the US through Q3

    Tesla News

    • Tesla Promised To Bring The Cybertruck To Australia And New Zealand. But It’s Never Coming
    • Tesla Launches iPad and iPhone Duo App
    • Tesla skipped the most important shareholder question on its earnings call

    Mentioned in This Episode

    • Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast
    • NosillaCast with Allison Sheridan

    Art Created By Dall-e

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    29 min
  4. Tesla's Q3 2026 Earnings Call

    Episode 754

    Show notes

    In this episode of Kilowatt, I cover Tesla's Q3 2026 earnings call, including updates on Full Self-Driving, Robotaxi, CyberCab, Optimus, and Tesla's energy business. Elon Musk discusses Tesla's plans to increase vehicle production to five million annually by 2030, expand autonomous driving into additional markets, and ramp up Megapack production. I take a closer look at Tesla's Robotaxi expansion plans, including the company's goal of reaching 30 cents per paid mile and what that could mean for owners hoping to earn money by putting their vehicles on the network. We also get updates on Optimus, including manufacturing challenges, AI training, improvements to the robot's hands, and Tesla's timeline for delivering robots to outside customers. Tesla executives share new information about FSD subscriptions, future unsupervised driving capabilities, and plans to expand CyberCab availability beyond Austin. Along the way, I discuss Tesla's ambitious timelines, the importance of actual Robotaxi fleet numbers, and why I'd like to see more transparency around FSD subscription retention.

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    • Beyond the Post YouTube
    • Beyond the Post Podcast
    • Shuffle Playlist
    • 918Digital Website

    Publications:

    • Tesla

    News Links:

    • Cold Gas Physics Lab: Tesla Roadster Physics Calculator
    • Tesla Q3 2026 Financial Results and Q&A Webcast

    *Show Art Created By Dall-e

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    1 hr
  5. A Potpourri of Nonsense

    Episode 753

    Show notes

    In this episode of Kilowatt, I revisit my comments about whether Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) should be free and clarify why my issue isn't with Tesla charging for the technology, but with Elon Musk's messaging about the potential loss of life if regulators don't approve it. I also respond to listener feedback, discuss Tesla's safety claims, and explain why I'd like to see more independent verification of FSD's safety data.

    After subscribing to FSD for $99 a month, I share my experiences with versions 12.6 and 14.3 Lite while driving around Phoenix and Tucson. While FSD has improved significantly since I last used it, I've encountered some frustrating behavior, including questionable highway routing, unnecessary detours, and a tendency to linger in semi-truck blind spots. I also discuss where FSD works well, how it compares to Rivian's driver-assistance technology, and why I don't think it's worth $99 a month for my driving needs.

    Finally, I share my experience riding in one of Waymo's new Ojai autonomous vehicles, including its spacious interior, sliding doors, and how the ride compares to Waymo's Jaguar I-PACE vehicles.

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    • Beyond the Post YouTube
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    • Shuffle Playlist
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    *Show Art Created By Dall-e

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    27 min
  6. 2026 Tesla Roadster Event

    Episode 751

    Show notes

    Tesla finally unveiled its updated Roadster on October 15, nearly nine years after its original announcement, and the event featured some remarkable demonstrations of engineering. In this episode, we compare the new Roadster with the version Tesla promised in 2017, including changes to its design, performance, range, and production timeline. We break down the vehicle's different configurations, from the standard rear-wheel-drive model to the Rocket version equipped with cold-gas thrusters capable of launching the car into the air. We also explore the technology behind its ground-effect suction fans, the Venturi effect, and how that same principle has been used in firefighting equipment. Beyond the demonstrations, we discuss Tesla's collaboration with SpaceX, speculation about a potential merger, and what the Roadster's development means for the company's future. Finally, we examine the reservation agreement, refundable deposits, uncertain pricing, and what customers who reserved a Roadster back in 2017 might expect as Tesla targets production in 2028.

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    Other Podcasts:

    • Beyond the Post YouTube
    • Beyond the Post Podcast
    • Shuffle Playlist
    • 918Digital Website

    Publications:

    • Get Car Curious
    • Feedspot
    • Electrek
    • Ars Technica
    • Not a Tesla App
    • InsideEVs
    • Teslarati

    News Links:

    • Get Car Curious: Automotive Podcasts
    • Feedspot: Electric Vehicle Podcast Rankings
    • Tesla Roadster Event Video
    • Tesla Unveils Cyberfied New Roadster That Can Kickflip
    • Tesla Turns to 50-Year-Old Stunt Technology as It Tries to Roadster Again
    • New Tesla Roadster Specs: Battery, Range, Speed, Trims, and More
    • The Tesla Roadster Has 1,341 HP and Half the Range Elon Musk Once Promised. Here Are the Full Specs
    • Tesla Roadster: Three Configs, One Can Fly, 0–60 in 0.8 Seconds
    • Tesla 'Cannot Guarantee' Your Roadster Pre-Order Will Ever Be Delivered

    *Show Art Created By Dall-e

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    33 min
  7. Kim Lundgren: One Big Thing at a Time

    Episode 750

    Show notes

    Kim Lundgren of Kim Lundgren Associates returns to Kilowatt to talk about electric vehicles, sustainability, and why going 100% electric isn't always the best approach. Kim starts by sharing how she chose a Hyundai IONIQ 5 for her teenage daughter's first car, comparing it with Volvo's electric offerings and explaining why charging, technology, safety, and long-term reliability influenced her decision. The conversation then shifts to municipal fleets and whether cities should be pushing to electrify every vehicle, including fire trucks, garbage trucks, and public works equipment. Kim explains why a more practical approach, replacing vehicles as needed and prioritizing applications where electric vehicles make sense, can be more effective than an all-or-nothing strategy. Bodie and Kim also discuss extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs), fleet maintenance, infrastructure costs, and the challenges of transitioning away from fossil fuels. Kim shares her One Big Thing approach to climate action, encouraging people to make meaningful changes when it's time to replace a vehicle or home equipment. And toward the end, Bodie discovers that something he's believed about the ozone layer and global warming since childhood isn't quite what he thought.

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    • Beyond the Post YouTube
    • Beyond the Post Podcast
    • Shuffle Playlist
    • 918Digital Website

    Guest Links:

    • Kim Lundgren Associates (KLA)
    • All Access With Andy Garcia: Kim Lundgren Associates
    • Kim Lundgren on LinkedIn
    • KLA on LinkedIn
    • KLA on Instagram
    • KLA on YouTube

    Vehicle Discussed:

    • Hyundai IONIQ 5
    • Volvo EX30
    • Volvo XC40 Recharge/EX40
    • Kia EV 6
    • Cadillac LYRIQ
    • Ford F-150 Lightning
    • Scout Terra Pickup Truck

    *Show Art Created By Dall-e

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    51 min
  8. If FSD Saves Lives, Why Isn't It Free?

    Episode 749

    Show notes

    Volkswagen is recalling more than 22,000 ID.4s over a potential battery fire risk, while Einride has deployed fully autonomous electric trucks in Ohio. Rivian is getting into the Halloween spirit with a Ghostbusters-themed software update, complete with a special Ecto-1-inspired R1S, and BYD has filed a patent for a new battery cooling system that submerges battery modules in a specialized liquid. In Tesla news, the company has officially adopted the name "Dumb Summon" for its original Summon feature as part of a broader rebranding effort in Europe. Tesla has also renamed Full Self-Driving to Tesla Assisted Driving following discussions with German regulators, who are now supporting the company's push for broader European approval. A Reuters investigation examines Tesla's campaign to pressure European regulators and raises questions about the safety evidence supporting its claims. The episode closes with a personal discussion about Tesla's argument that delaying FSD approval could cost lives, and whether a company making that claim should charge customers for the technology.

    Click Here to Support the Show

    Other Podcasts:

    • Beyond the Post YouTube
    • Beyond the Post Podcast
    • Shuffle Playlist
    • 918Digital Website

    Publications:

    • InsideEVs
    • CleanTechnica
    • Electrek
    • Battery Industry
    • Not a Tesla App

    News Links:

    EV News

    • VW ID.4 Recalled Over Fire Risk, Owners Told Not To Charge Past 80%
    • Pssst! Wanna See A Driverless Electric Truck?
    • Rivian brings Ghostbusters to its vehicles in 2026 Halloween update
    • BYD puts battery cells directly in cooling liquid in new patent

    Tesla News

    • Tesla Officially Renames Original Summon to ‘Dumb Summon’
    • Tesla drops ‘Full Self-Driving’ name in Europe after Germany pushback
    • How Tesla Is Pressuring European Regulators To Approve FSD

    *Show Art Created By Dall-e

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    37 min
  9. From Budget EV to Luxury Spaceship

    Episode 748

    Show notes

    Affordable EVs are back in the spotlight with the Kia EV3, which starts under $30,000 and offers up to 321 miles of range with its larger battery pack. The show also looks at the updated Pebble Flow electric travel trailer, with its 45 kWh battery, expanded solar setup, powered wheels, and a price tag that puts all that camping convenience firmly into luxury territory. Jaguar takes things in a completely different direction with the Type 01, a four-seat electric GT packing more than 1,000 horsepower, a claimed 400 miles of range, and a design that feels equal parts retro and futuristic. Tesla's Q3 2026 production and delivery numbers are also in, with strong Model 3 and Model Y deliveries alongside much smaller numbers from the rest of the lineup. Tesla is expanding Powershare Home Backup to new Model 3 and Model Y vehicles when paired with a Powerwall 3, giving owners another source of backup power during an outage. Finally, Tesla adds an Emergency Drive Away feature for Supercharging situations and passes another charging milestone with more than 85,000 Supercharger stalls across 9,000 locations worldwide.

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    Other Podcasts:

    • Beyond the Post YouTube
    • Beyond the Post Podcast
    • Shuffle Playlist
    • 918Digital Website

    Publications:

    • Electrek
    • InsideEVs
    • Ars Technica
    • Not a Tesla App

    News Links:

    EV News

    • Kia EV3 first drive: the affordable EV we have been waiting for
    • Is The $30,000 Kia EV3 The Best Affordable EV Yet?
    • All-electric camping gets a solar upgrade: The 2027 Pebble Flow
    • The Jaguar Type 01 Is A 1,000-horsepower Beast. But It Isn’t For Everyone

    Tesla News

    • Tesla Sales Are Down. But They're Doing A Lot Better Than Some Competitors
    • Tesla Announces Q3 2026 Vehicle Deliveries — Beating Analyst Estimates
    • Cybertruck sales in free fall as Tesla reports mediocre sales for Q3
    • Tesla Model 3 and Model Y can finally power your home
    • Tesla Introduces Emergency Supercharger Breakaway Feature
    • Tesla Hits 85,000 Superchargers at 9,000 Locations Worldwide

    *Show Art Created By Dall-e

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    27 min
  10. Renewable Energy: Recycling, Rooftops, and Tight Spaces

    Episode 747

    Show notes

    Bodie checks in from the Big Island of Hawaii with a couple of unexpected connections, including a visit to Kona Sea Salt and an introduction to Root & Rise Hawaiʻi, an organization using nature, art, and community to support mental health and well-being. Then it’s an all-renewable-energy episode, starting with what happens to solar panels when they reach the end of their useful lives and why recycling them is still an economic challenge. Sweden is preparing for a future where tens of thousands of metric tons of solar panels could be retired every year, while researchers and recyclers look for better ways to recover valuable materials and give usable panels a second life. Bodie also looks at free software that can estimate how many solar panels will fit on a rooftop using photos or roof plans. Finally, a community solar project in Illinois shows how high-density mounting systems can squeeze significantly more solar generation onto difficult, irregular pieces of land. It’s a look at some of the less flashy problems renewable energy has to solve as solar continues to scale.

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    • Beyond the Post YouTube
    • Beyond the Post Podcast
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    Mentioned in the Episode:

    • Kona Sea Salt
    • Root & Rise Hawaiʻi

    Publications:

    • PV Magazine
    • CleanTechnica

    News Links:

    • Sweden could face 150,000 metric tons of end-of-life panels annually
    • Free software calculates how many solar modules fit on a rooftop from a photo
    • Space Squeeze Forces Solar Developers To Get Creative

    *Show Art Created By Dall-e

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    27 min
  11. VinFast Goes Wild, Tesla Goes Full Robot

    Episode 746

    Show notes

    In this episode of Kilowatt, Bodie starts with Europe’s first fully driverless robotaxi rides as Verne and Pony.ai put modified Arcfox Alpha T5s on the streets of Zagreb. ProLogium is moving its solid-state battery technology closer to automotive use, with Gen 3.5 cells in mass production and Mercedes-Benz securing priority access to its upcoming Gen 4 cells. Cyclic Materials has opened a new rare-earth recycling facility in Mesa, Arizona, while VinFast has turned its VF Wild pickup concept into an extended-range EV with around 155 miles of battery-only range.

    On the Tesla side, FSD v14.2 Lite is beginning to reach Hardware 3 Model S and Model X vehicles. Tesla has also built its first Cybercab using cathode active material produced at Giga Texas as the company continues bringing more of its battery manufacturing in-house. Tesla is working with Irish authorities on FSD approval while an EU-wide decision has been pushed back, and Optimus production has reportedly climbed to several hundred robots per week while manufacturing and general-purpose capability remain works in progress.

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    Beyond the Post YouTube

    Beyond the Post Podcast

    Shuffle Playlist

    918Digital Website

    Friends of the Show

    Live With It

    Bodie joined Sarah Lane to talk about the surprisingly complicated technology packed into modern fire trucks.

    Fire Truck Tech: It’s Complicated - Live With It - Podcast

    Fire Truck Tech: It's Complicated - Live With It - YouTube

    Publications

    InsideEVs

    Electrek

    Not a Tesla App

    News Links

    EV News

    InsideEVs: Europe’s First Truly Driverless Robotaxi Just Started Rides In Croatia

    Electrek: Mercedes-Benz Gets First Dibs on ProLogium’s Gen4 Solid-State EV Battery Cells

    Electrek: A New Arizona Plant Is Going After the Rare Earth Supply Crunch

    Electrek: Trucks Gone Wild! VinFast Launches VF Wild EREV Pickup

    Tesla News

    Not a Tesla App: Tesla Starts Rolling Out FSD v14.2 Lite to HW3 Model S and Model X

    Not a Tesla App: Tesla Builds First Cybercab Using In-House Battery Materials

    Not a Tesla App: Tesla in Talks for FSD Approval in Ireland as EU Delays Vote

    Electrek: Tesla Ramps Optimus to Hundreds a Week, but the Robots Can’t Generalize

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    21 min
  12. Tesla Semi: The Sequel I Meant to Make

    Episode 745

    Show notes

    Episode Description

    I recorded an entire episode about what I thought was Tesla’s 2026 Semi event. It turns out I had watched the earlier event, so I’m releasing both recordings. In the first episode, I cover Tesla’s presentation of the truck, including its drivetrain, range demonstration, charging system, driver features, and delivery to Pepsi. In the second, I cover the actual 2026 event and the changes Tesla says it made after getting feedback from fleets and drivers. That includes updated efficiency figures, a redesigned thermal system, changes inside the cab, service plans, and the Megacharger rollout. Together, the episodes let us hear what Tesla was saying then and what it reported in 2026.

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    • Support Kilowatt

    Other Podcasts

    • Beyond the Post on YouTube
    • Beyond the Post Podcast
    • Shuffle Playlist
    • 918Digital Website

    Publications

    • Tesla

    News Links

    • Earlier Tesla Semi event
    • 2026 Tesla Semi Rollout

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    41 min
  13. Tesla Semi: The Accidental Prequel

    Episode 744

    Show notes

    Episode Description

    I recorded an entire episode about what I thought was Tesla’s 2026 Semi event. It turns out I had watched the earlier event, so I’m releasing both recordings. In the first episode, I cover Tesla’s presentation of the truck, including its drivetrain, range demonstration, charging system, driver features, and delivery to Pepsi. In the second, I cover the actual 2026 event and the changes Tesla says it made after getting feedback from fleets and drivers. That includes updated efficiency figures, a redesigned thermal system, changes inside the cab, service plans, and the Megacharger rollout. Together, the episodes let us hear what Tesla was saying then and what it reported in 2026.

    Support the Show

    • Support Kilowatt

    Other Podcasts

    • Beyond the Post on YouTube
    • Beyond the Post Podcast
    • Shuffle Playlist
    • 918Digital Website

    Publications

    • Tesla

    News Links

    • Earlier Tesla Semi event
    • 2026 Tesla Semi Rollout

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    37 min
  14. Will the Roadster Fly? Obi Has a Theory

    Episode 743

    Show notes

    Kilowatt Show Notes

    EVs made up a growing share of August car sales in several European countries, with Norway still far ahead. Bodie covers Waymo’s $2.85 credit for riders connecting to public transit, Toyota’s planned extended-range EV for China, and Rivian’s expectation that the R3 will cost substantially less than the R2. He also weighs the practical value of Scania’s longer-range electric semi, looks at the Silverado EV’s starting price, and discusses a survey showing more Americans are willing to consider an EV despite concerns about cost. In Tesla news, he covers Czechia’s approval of Full Self-Driving (Supervised) for public roads. An airspace restriction around the planned Roadster event then leads to speculation about the reveal, including listener Obi’s upside-down Roadster theory.

    Publications

    • The Driven
    • Electrek
    • InsideEVs
    • Not a Tesla App
    • Teslarati

    News Links

    • EVs set new sales records across Europe in August, reach 98.7% of new car deliveries in Norway
    • Waymo riders can now get $2.85 back when pairing a ride with public transit
    • Toyota joins the extended-range EV race, but not as you’d expect
    • Rivian R3 Will Be Priced ‘Materially Lower’ Than R2, CEO Says
    • Scania’s extended-range electric truck
    • The Chevy Silverado EV is the most affordable full-size EV pickup
    • More And More Americans Are Interested In EVs: Study
    • Tesla FSD (Supervised) Approved for Launch in Czechia
    • Tesla Roadster event requires restricted airspace, and the FAA obliges

    Art by Dall-e

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    33 min
  15. The Roadster Unveil Again.....Again

    Episode 742

    Show notes

    BYD is expanding its European manufacturing plans with three EV factories and a battery factory, while its first European plant in Hungary prepares to ramp up production. Lucid and Bolt are teaming up on a fleet of autonomous EVs for Europe using Lucid’s upcoming midsize platform, with NVIDIA Hyperion technology playing a role in the Level 4 autonomy effort. Kia’s purpose-built EV lineup is also growing, with the PV5 passing 50,000 global sales and the larger PV7 offering passenger and cargo configurations. Tesla says its Robotaxi service is expected to move toward 24/7 operation alongside FSD V15, while customer vehicles should eventually receive the new FSD version as well. Tesla has also reopened Roadster reservations with a $50,000 deposit ahead of the October 1 event. The episode wraps up with the 2026 Model 3 earning a five-star overall NHTSA safety rating and Tesla adding passkey support to help secure Tesla accounts.

    Support the Show

    Other Podcasts:

    • Beyond the Post YouTube
    • Beyond the Post Podcast
    • Shuffle Playlist
    • 918Digital Website

    Live With It:

    • Live With It on YouTube
    • Live With It Podcast

    Publications:

    • CleanTechnica
    • Electrek
    • Yonhap News Agency
    • CAR Magazine
    • Not a Tesla App

    News Links:

    • BYD Planning 4 Factories in Europe
    • Lucid and Bolt to deploy 25,000 autonomous EVs across Europe
    • Kia’s PV5 sales surpass 50,000 units in 13 months
    • Kia’s new PV7 EV van shows up in the US [Image]
    • Kia’s new EV van is 17.5 ft long and can haul 9 people [Images]
    • Spy Shots: Kia PV7 electric van
    • Tesla Robotaxis to Get FSD V15, Start 24/7 Rides Next Month
    • Tesla reopens $50,000 Roadster reservations ahead of October 1 unveil
    • Tesla Model 3 Earns 5-Star Safety Rating from NHTSA

    *Show Art Created By Dall-e

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    23 min
  16. NHTSA Would Like a Word

    Episode 741

    Show notes

    Kia is offering substantial discounts on the 2026 EV9, including $10,000 in customer cash and even larger discounts at some dealers. CATL unveiled its TECTRANS II commercial vehicle battery platform, designed to make heavy-duty electric trucks easier to integrate while offering up to 621 miles of claimed range, megawatt charging, and a long service life. GM is showing off a new infotainment interface on upcoming gas-powered Sierra and Silverado models that puts Apple CarPlay or Android Auto alongside vehicle controls, raising the possibility that the setup could eventually make its way to GM’s EVs. Tesla has added insurance estimates to its vehicle order page, including a comparison of estimated rates with and without FSD usage. Tesla is also trying to speed up Supercharger construction with its new pre-assembled “Accordion” Supercharger system, which arrives at the site largely wired and ready to unfold into place. Finally, NHTSA has escalated its inquiry into the Cybercab with a Special Order requiring Tesla to explain how the vehicle was certified despite lacking traditional controls such as a steering wheel and pedals.

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    Other Podcasts:

    • Beyond the Post YouTube
    • Beyond the Post Podcast
    • Shuffle Playlist
    • 918Digital Website

    Publications:

    • Electrek
    • Interesting Engineering
    • InsideEVs
    • Not a Tesla App
    • Teslarati

    News Links:

    • Kia offers big EV9 discounts with over $15,000 off at some dealers
    • CATL launches 170 Wh/kg battery platform for heavy-duty transport with 621-mile range
    • CATL's New Electric Truck Battery Is Coming For Diesel's Biggest Advantage
    • Tesla Adds Insurance Estimates to Order Page, Highlighting FSD Savings
    • Tesla's new 'Accordion' Supercharger could speed up its slow buildout
    • NHTSA just escalated its Tesla Cybercab investigation in a big way
    • *Show Art Created By Dall-e

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    34 min
  17. Product Review: Snuuzu Model Y Mattress

    Episode 740

    Show notes

    Bodie reviews the Snuuzu mattress designed for sleeping in a Tesla, testing the Model Y version for comfort, setup, storage, and everyday usability. The mattress combines an inflatable base with foam and breathable layers, includes a removable USB-C rechargeable pump, and is shaped to make use of the Model Y's available sleeping space. Bodie walks through inflating and deflating the mattress, packing it back into its duffel bag, and the different places it can be stored in the car. He also tests how well the mattress supports the gap created when the rear seats are folded and how comfortable it is across the entire sleeping surface. There are a few compromises, including the slight incline created by the Model Y's folded seats and, more significantly for Arizona summers, the mattress blocking the rear climate vents. At $899 for the mattress or $998 with two pillows, Bodhi discusses who might get enough use out of it to justify the price and why frequent road-trippers and Tesla campers are likely to get the most value from it.

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    • Beyond the Post YouTube
    • Beyond the Post Podcast
    • Shuffle Playlist
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    Review Links:

    • Snuuzu — Tesla Camping Mattresses
    • 918Digital YouTube Channel

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    19 min
  18. Nine Years Later… Tesla to Unveil the Roadster

    Episode 739

    Show notes

    Toyota says reports of another Highlander EV delay are incorrect, while Ford sets an ambitious first-year sales target for its upcoming $30,000 Fathom electric pickup. BYD continues the rapid expansion of its ultra-fast charging network in China, and Waymo has accumulated more than 8,300 San Francisco parking tickets since the beginning of 2025. We also look at just how many EV models are currently available in the United States before moving into Tesla news. Tesla’s latest stories include a built-in browser ad blocker, European Semi specifications, Cybertruck and Powerwall home backup support, and a Model 3 taxi that has reached 250,000 miles with relatively little maintenance. Grok may soon gain the ability to send text messages from Tesla vehicles using natural-language requests. Finally, Tesla has set an October 1 event in Waco, Texas, for the next-generation Roadster, nearly nine years after the car was first unveiled.

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    Other Podcasts:

    • Beyond the Post YouTube
    • Beyond the Post Podcast
    • Shuffle Playlist
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    Friends of the Show:

    • Car Stuff Podcast
    • Steve Sheridan’s YouTube Channel

    Publications:

    • Electrek
    • InsideEVs
    • Apple News
    • Not a Tesla App
    • Teslarati

    News Links:

    • Toyota denies it’s delaying the Highlander EV SUV again Update
    • Ford Wants Its $30,000 EV Truck To Do Something Only Tesla Has Done
    • BYD Is Building Its Ultra-Fast Flash Charging Network At A Ferocious Pace
    • Waymo racked up 8,300+ SF parking tickets and nearly $1M in fines
    • Your guide to all 73 EVs on sale in America (plus, everything coming soon)
    • Tesla Adds Built-In Ad Blocker to Browser in Update 2026.32
    • Tesla Officially Announces Semi for Europe: What’s Different
    • Tesla reveals European Semi specs: 550 km range, 800 kW charging
    • The Tesla Cybertruck Finally Gets A Feature That Was Promised Three Years Ago
    • Tesla’s most delayed Cybertruck feature is finally here
    • This Tesla Model 3 Just Hit 250,000 Miles With Only One Minor Part Failure
    • Tesla to Add Grok Text Messaging Support
    • Tesla Sets October 1 Event for Roadster Reveal, Sends Invites

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    33 min
  19. Jimmy’s Bait Shop and Discount EV Battery Cells

    Episode 738

    Show notes

    Toyota is recalling roughly 10,000 2026 C-HR EVs because a regenerative-braking software issue could lead to a loss of power while driving. Audi is bringing back the A2 name for a compact new EV, with three battery sizes, bidirectional charging, and up to 401 miles of WLTP range, although a U.S. launch doesn't appear to be in the cards. The UK new-car market had an unusually strong August, with battery-electric registrations climbing 27.7% year over year and the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y taking the top two spots among EVs. On the Tesla side, FSD V14 Lite appears to be getting closer for Hardware 3 Model S and Model X owners. Code discovered in Tesla's mobile app also suggests the company is preparing to offer Robotaxi rides as a transportation option for customers having their vehicles serviced. Finally, more code points to Tesla service centers potentially using some non-OEM replacement parts, along with notices telling customers when those parts have been installed.

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    Publications:

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    • InsideEVs
    • SMMT
    • Not a Tesla App
    • pv magazine

    News Links:

    • Toyota is recalling about 10,000 C-HR EVs
    • Audi reveals its new entry-level EV with over 400 miles of range starts at about $45,000
    • The A2 E-Tron Is Audi's Cheapest EV Yet. But It Doesn't Skimp On Range
    • EVs lift August new car market but September is key test
    • Tesla FSD V14 Lite Coming Soon to Model S and Model X
    • Tesla to Offer Robotaxis During Service Instead of Loaners
    • Tesla Service Centers May Start Using Some Non-OEM Parts
    • Sweden could face 150,000 metric tons of end-of-life panels annually

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    23 min
  20. The Cybercab Event: You Can Ride One, But Not Own One

    Episode 737

    Show notes

    Tesla’s Cybercab is now carrying passengers in Austin, and this episode takes a comprehensive look at what Tesla revealed about the purpose-built robotaxi and how it works in the real world. The Cybercab introduces Tesla’s unboxed manufacturing process, reaction-injection-molded body panels, a smaller and lighter drive unit without rare-earth materials, a 48 kWh structural battery pack, electronic brakes, and a camera-only sensor suite. The updated Robotaxi experience lets riders choose between a Cybercab and Model Y, carries preferences between rides, and offers controls through the vehicle’s 22-inch display, the Tesla app, and voice commands. The episode also looks at accessibility, Tesla’s plans for fleet operators and mobility hubs, and the economics of putting privately owned Cybercabs onto the Robotaxi network. Other details include DC-only charging, possible support for game consoles, upcoming Cybercab displays in Asia, and the addition of the vehicle to Tesla’s 3D Supercharger maps. Finally, NHTSA is examining whether a vehicle without a steering wheel, pedals, or side mirrors complies with federal motor vehicle safety standards and whether Tesla should have sought an exemption before putting the Cybercab into commercial service.

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    • Beyond the Post YouTube
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    Publications:

    • CleanTechnica
    • Not a Tesla App
    • Electrek
    • InsideEVs
    • Teslarati
    • Ars Technica
    • The Verge

    News Links:

    • Watch Replay of Tesla's Cybercab Event
    • Out of Spec YouTube
    • 10 Facts About The Tesla Cybercab
    • The Tesla Cybercab Has No Brake Lines Or Brake Fluid. Here’s How It Stops
    • Tesla’s new rare-earth-free EV motor is a big deal, but not THAT big a deal
    • Tesla Updates Robotaxi App to Add Support for Cybercab Rides
    • Tesla Robotaxi riders will face the best dilemma when booking a ride
    • Cybercab Joins Tesla's Robotaxi Fleet With Cheaper Fares
    • Tesla Cybercab Can Be Driven Using Just the Screen [VIDEO]
    • Help Us Build Our Robotaxi Network
    • Tesla opens search for Cybercab fleet sales, but FSD owners are still left out
    • Tesla Cybercab is coming to Asia this month as US service officially begins
    • Tesla Adds Cybercab to Its 3D Supercharger Site Maps
    • Forget Charging the Tesla Cybercab at Home, As It Doesn't Support AC Charging
    • Musk: You'll Be Able to Plug Xbox or PlayStation Into Cybercab
    • Tesla’s Cybercab has been deployed, and it’s already under investigation
    • Tesla Cybercab launch catches NHTSA’s attention who wants to know more
    • Tesla Cybercab is barely on the road and it’s already under investigation
    • Tesla Cybercab is already under NHTSA investigation after launch

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    52 min