Kilowatt: A Podcast about Tesla

25 minutes 4 seconds

Proposed $130 EV Tax, Waymo Pulls Back, and Tesla Expands European FSD

This week, we dive into the news as Tesla's Full Self-Driving (Supervised) platform expands its European footprint into a second country, moving closer to widespread adoption while transitioning away from one-time purchase options in the region. On the hardware front, we look at Tesla’s ambitious efficiency assertions regarding the futuristic CyberCab, alongside a new monitoring program addressing charging failures to support early Cybertruck buyers with free Supercharging. Looking at legacy automakers, Chevrolet is stepping up its game for 2027 by introducing key updates for the Equinox EV and Blazer EV lineups. Meanwhile, safety concerns have prompted Waymo to temporarily suspend its freeway driving operations in certain conditions. Stellantis is also charting a massive $70 billion comeback strategy heavily featuring affordable LFP batteries, a dedicated Tesla FSD challenger, and production partnerships to manufacture EVs for Dongfeng in France. Finally, we break down the high-stakes debate surrounding a newly proposed annual $130 federal EV registration road tax fee in the United States and weigh its implications for modern clean vehicle owners.

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24 May 2026, 2:36 am

1 hour 6 minutes

Rivian's Q1 2026 Earnings Call

In this episode of Kilowatt, host Bodie breaks down Rivian’s highly anticipated Q1 2026 earnings call, shifting the spotlight from raw financial data to the groundbreaking vehicle technology driving the brand forward. The headline milestone is the official start of saleable R2 production in Normal, Illinois, with early midsize SUVs already hitting the road as employee daily drivers. Listeners will discover how Rivian managed to cut the R2's bill of materials in half through massive structural die castings, an integrated high-voltage electronics enclosure, and a streamlined electrical architecture that strips out miles of heavy copper wiring. The episode also dives into Rivian's massive multi-billion dollar liquidity pipeline from the Department of Energy, Volkswagen, and Uber, which is funding a 50% capacity boost at its upcoming greenfield plant in Georgia. Finally, Bodie details CEO RJ Scaringe’s progressive autonomy roadmap, charting the course from Autonomy Plus subscriptions to Level 4 "eyes-off" consumer vehicles and robotaxis hitting complex urban domains by 2028.

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Rivian Q1 2026 Earnings Webcast Registration

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20 May 2026, 11:43 pm

36 minutes 36 seconds

Robotaxi Crashes and A School Bus Driver’s Verdict on Going Electric

Description:

In this episode of Kilowatt, we dive into the EV news, starting with Aptera’s massive milestone of assembling its first five production-intent validation models to prove the solar EV movement is very real. We also explore the newly live Rivian R2 configurator, breaking down the diverse trim options, initial pricing structures, and the agonizing wait for the brand's best colors. Tesla dominates much of our discussion as we dissect the unredacted NHTSA logs detailing 17 "Robotaxi" crashes, exposing what really happens behind the scenes with teleoperator interventions and minor collision data. Additionally, we analyze driver feedback on the controversial Tesla FSD 14.3.2 update to see if the system's performance is truly taking a step backward. Finally, we take a look at a massive Cybercab car wash being erected under the lights of Las Vegas, and share an inspiring story from an electric school bus driver who vows never to return to diesel.

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17 May 2026, 4:56 pm

53 minutes 24 seconds

Lucid Motor's Q1 2026 Earnings Call

This episode dives into the details of Lucid Group’s first quarter 2026 earnings call, featuring the debut of incoming CEO Silvio Napoli. Napoli outlines his core priorities for the company: a relentless focus on the customer, enhanced accountability, and strict cost and capital discipline. A major highlight of the call is the expansion of Lucid’s partnership with Uber, alongside a review of the company's strengthened liquidity position following new capital raises. Listeners will also get the latest updates on the mid-size platform, which remains on track for a 2027 production ramp with a target price point below $50,000. Additionally, the company provides progress reports on its autonomy program with Uber and Nuro, aiming for a commercial launch by the end of the year. Despite acknowledging execution risks, Lucid maintains that its primary growth targets and international expansions remain on schedule.

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Lucid Group First Quarter 2026 Financial Results

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14 May 2026, 3:14 am

35 minutes 16 seconds

High Gas Prices are Giving Used EVs a Glow-Up

Description:

In this episode of Kilowatt, we chat about Volkswagen significantly increasing its stake in Rivian. We also take a global look at adoption, from the historic rise of electric vehicles in Australia to the growing demand for used EVs in the UK. The discussion highlights innovation and market strategy, covering Slate Auto’s vision for a $20,000 electric pickup and the Chevy Bolt EUV’s surprising performance in Brazil. Additionally, we break down critical tech updates, including leaks regarding the Tesla Semi’s battery capacity and the safety milestones achieved by the Tesla Model Y. Join us for an in-depth analysis of the trends and technology driving the future of transportation.

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10 May 2026, 2:42 am

45 minutes 41 seconds

A Chat with Jill Ciminillo

In this episode of Kilowatt, automotive journalist Jill Ciminillo joins the show to share her extensive expertise on the rapidly changing vehicle market. Jill provides an insider's look at the New York Auto Show, highlighting the impressive Kia EV3 and its potential to make electric vehicles truly affordable for more families. The conversation dives deep into the strategic challenges Western automakers face from Chinese competitors and how legacy brands are adapting through platform-sharing. Jill also recounts her experiences in the Rebelle Rally and previews her upcoming journey in the Trinity Road Rally behind the wheel of a high-performance Lucid Air Sapphire.

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3 May 2026, 1:53 pm

39 minutes 16 seconds

A Chat with Max Patten

In this episode of Kilowatt, we sit down with Max Patten from EVs for All America to chat about the political dynamics surrounding electric vehicle adoption in the United States. Max tells us the history of this politicization, examining how early marketing strategies inadvertently created consumer divides that persist today. Max provides unique insights into the shifting perceptions among Republican politicians, particularly as the economic benefits of local EV manufacturing plants begin to hit home. We also discuss recent polling data that suggests growing acceptance across political lines, even as infrastructure challenges remain a key hurdle. Finally, Max emphasizes the critical role of consumer education and facilitated dialogue in driving broader EV ownership and national progress.

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1 May 2026, 4:30 am

39 minutes 40 seconds

A Chat with Kim Lundgren

In this episode, we chat with Kim Lundgren, the founder of Kim Lundgren Associates (KLA). Kim shares her journey from being an pioneer in municipal climate planning to driving an original GM EV1 as a city official in the early 2000s. We explore the role local governments play in decarbonizing our communities, the evolution of clean school bus programs, and why "right-sizing" municipal fleets is a low-hanging fruit for sustainability. Kim provides a grounded perspective on why we aren't just "saving the planet," but rather ensuring humanity can continue to thrive on it.

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28 April 2026, 12:23 pm

1 hour 6 minutes

Tesla's Q1 2026 Earnings Call

Description:

In this episode, we take a deep dive into Tesla's Q1 2026 earnings call, featuring critical insights from Elon Musk and Vaibhav Taneja. The conversation centers on the technical limitations of Hardware 3 for unsupervised Full Self-Driving (FSD) and Tesla’s massive $25 billion capital investment strategy. We explore the production roadmap for the highly anticipated CyberCab and semi-trucks, alongside the surging demand for Megapack energy storage. The team also breaks down the complexities of the Optimus robot project and the delicate balance Tesla must strike between futuristic innovation and investor expectations. Finally, we look ahead to upcoming discussions on bipartisan EV initiatives and practical urban carbon footprint solutions.

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Tesla Q1 2026 Earnings Call Livestream

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25 April 2026, 1:23 am

23 minutes 38 seconds

Batteries, Bots, and Big Decisions

In this episode of Kilowatt, I dive into Jeep's decision to pause the Wagoneer S EV and GM’s indefinite halt of its next-gen electric truck production. We explore CATL’s new LFP battery, which promises a full charge in just 6.5 minutes. Tesla's global expansion of FSD and the introduction of robotaxi-only Supercharger stations in Arizona. I also break down a critical NHTSA report on autonomous vehicle safety, calling for more transparency in how we measure road safety across the board. To wrap up, we preview the upcoming Tesla Q1 2026 earnings call and what it means for the future of the market. Join me for a comprehensive look at the tech and policy driving the EV revolution today.

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22 April 2026, 6:38 pm

51 minutes 28 seconds

Hubris, Broken Promises, and an AI Pivot

Description:

In this episode of Kilowatt, Bodie dives into a whirlwind of EV news, starting with the surprising pivot of the Sony-Honda joint venture away from EV production and toward AI assistants. We explore the shifting market dynamics in the UK, where EV prices have officially dipped below those of gas cars, and examine Ford CEO Jim Farley’s warnings about the "existential threat" of Chinese automakers. The episode also covers Slate Auto’s massive funding round for its modular electric pickup and the growing controversy surrounding Donut Lab’s solid-state battery claims. Finally, we look at Tesla’s latest Spring Update and the legal stir caused by FSD trials in the Netherlands for Hardware 3 owners. It’s an action-packed look at the friction between legacy auto and the next generation of tech.

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19 April 2026, 5:19 pm