Advertise on podcast: Kilowatt: A Podcast about Electric Vehicles

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. Support the Show Other Podcasts: 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. Support the Show Other Podcasts: Beyond the Post YouTube Beyond the Post Podcast Shuffle Playlist 918Digital Website *Show Art Created By Dall-e Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. Support the Show 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. Support the Show Other Podcasts: 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. Support the Show 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. Support the Show Other Podcasts: Beyond the Post YouTube Beyond the Post Podcast Shuffle Playlist 918Digital Website 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. Support the Show Support Kilowatt Other Podcasts 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. Support the Show 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. Support the Show Other Podcasts: Beyond the Post YouTube Beyond the Post Podcast Shuffle Playlist 918Digital Website Review Links: Snuuzu — Tesla Camping Mattresses 918Digital YouTube Channel *Show Art Created By Dall-e Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. Support the Show Other Podcasts: Beyond the Post YouTube Beyond the Post Podcast Shuffle Playlist 918Digital Website 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 *Show Art Created By Dall-e Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.