Ride the Lightning: Tesla and EV Podcast
A weekly podcast dedicated to Tesla news and electric vehicles, hosted by Ryan McCaffrey. It covers all Tesla models including the Cybertruck, Model 3, Model S, Model X, Model Y, and Roadster. Aimed at Tesla fans and owners, it provides analysis and discussions about the latest developments in the EV industry.
Episodes
Episode 577: Cybercab's Official Launch Date Confirmed
The Tesla Cybercab's official launch date gets confirmed mid-podcast, while I recorded this episode. But there's a lot more to talk about regarding the Cybercab besides just that. Plus: the Tesla Semi gets its largest customer order yet, Tesla introduces a certified pre-owned vehicle sales program, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon
Episode 576: The First Starlink-Equipped Tesla Is Born
Tesla unveils its first vehicle with Starlink built-in. Plus: more next-gen Roadster teases from multiple Tesla executives, there's a new Tesla on the road…kinda …but not really (but it's still quite interesting), and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/teslapodcast and consider a monthly or (10% discounted!) a
Episode 575: FSD Max Speed vs. FSD Speed Profiles
Tesla takes a stand against giving FSD users control over their maximum speed, and many Tesla owners are not thrilled about the change. Plus: Tesla resolves its Cybertruck supplier emergency (for now), Ford gives the name and starting price for its upcoming affordable EV pickup built on its next-gen platform, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out
Episode 574: Model 3 and Model Y Will Soon Get a Bit "Cooler"
A new report says that the Model 3 and Model Y will soon get a "cooler" part that will make passengers happy. Plus: Tesla hits another production milestone, a supplier issue is threatening Cybertruck customer deliveries, Rivian turns a profit, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/teslapodcast and consider a
Episode 573: Tesla Q2 Earnings Call Recap + FSD v14 Lite Goes Wide
Tesla held its quarterly earnings call for its huge second quarter. I've got highlight clips from what the Tesla executive team said on the call, plus all of the biggest news to come out of it, my FSD v14 Lite impressions now that the long-awaited update for the Hardware 3 cars has gone wide, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon at ht
Episode 572: Tesla Planning New Wheelchair-Accessible Autonomous Vehicle?
Tesla appears to be planning a new autonomous vehicle specifically aimed at wheelchair accessibility. Plus: Cybercab rides for the public get one step closer to reality, Lucid waves off bankruptcy rumors, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/teslapodcast and consider a monthly or (10% discounted!) annual ple
Episode 571: FSD v14 Lite (Hardware 3) First Impressions
I got to experience the long-awaited FSD v14 Lite for the older Hardware 3 cars, and I want to tell you all about it. Plus: the Model Y gets a "cool" new accessory, California offers up a new EV incentive, the US market gets a very affordable new EV (but there's a catch), and more! Oh, and if you'd like to watch the FSD v14 (AI4) vs. FSD v14 Lite (HW3) comparison video I did with Tesla Raj, here i
Episode 570: Model Y L Announced for US Market
Tesla has confirmed the Model Y L for the US market, with deliveries beginning in September. Plus: FSD v14 Lite arrives for Hardware 3 cars, Tesla announces huge Q2 vehicle production and delivery numbers, Rivian R2 reservation holders now have a much clearer idea of when their spot in the line will come up, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out
Episode 569: Teslas Are the Most American Cars, 6 Years Running
Tesla once again tops the annual list of cars made with the most American parts, the Cybertruck earns a top safety rating, the Slate EV pickup truck confirms its $25k starting price and first deliveries this year, and more! Also, don't forget to leave a message on the Ride the Lightning hotline anytime with a question, comment, or discussion topic for next week's show! The toll-free number to call
Episode 568: Tesla CEO Teases Upcoming FSD Improvements
Tesla CEO Elon Musk teased a couple of different quality-of-life improvements for FSD Supervised that he says are on the way soon. Plus: some Cybercab specs have been revealed, BMW reveals a concept for its upcoming quad motor M3 EV, and more! Also, don't forget to leave a message on the Ride the Lightning hotline anytime with a question, comment, or discussion topic for next week's show! The toll
Episode 567: Tesla Adds Yet Another New Paint Color
Tesla introduces its fourth new currently available blue paint option, the Model 3 crushes a popular consumer website's range test, Lucid introduces a major new software update, Mitsubishi announces a new EV for the North American market, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/teslapodcast and consider a month
Episode 566: FSD's Latest Feat, Waymo's Next-Gen Vehicle Rollout, and More!
Plenty of happenings with Tesla's FSD around the world as well as Waymo's next-generation vehicle rollout dominate a week of autonomous-driving news. Plus: more evidence of the Model YL's imminent arrival in the United States, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/teslapodcast and consider a monthly or (10% d
Episode 565: A Tesla-SpaceX Merger? What Would it Mean for Tesla Vehicles?
Rumblings of a Tesla-SpaceX merger have begun, Tesla's new camera-cleaning patent resembles the human eye, Ferrari fully unveils the Luce EV and gets, uh...quite the public reaction, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/teslapodcast and consider a monthly or (10% discounted!) annual pledge. Every little bit
Episode 564: Special Guests Franz and Lars Discuss Model S and X's Legacy
Tesla Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen and Engineering VP Lars Moravy both join me to discuss the legacy and history of the Model S and Model X as both cars are officially retired this week. Plus: my recap of the Model S and X Celebration event. Stay tuned! 00:12:18 Interview Start 00:13:30 How the Decision to Discontinue S and X Happened 00:18:02 S and X Would Need a Complete Redesign to Conti
Episode 563: A Long-Awaited Supercharging Feature Debuts
Tesla has begun an initial rollout of a long-asked-for Supercharging feature. Plus: Tesla expands battery production at Giga Berlin, BMW hits an EV milestone, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/teslapodcast and consider a monthly or (10% discounted!) annual pledge. Every little bit helps, and you can suppo
Episode 562: FSD v14 Lite Will Go Global for Hardware 3 Owners
Tesla confirms that the upcoming FSD v14 Lite for Hardware 3 vehicles will be rolling out globally. Plus: Tesla introduces not one but two new blue paint options for Model 3 and Model Y, Rivian had a better-than-expected first quarter, Nissan becomes the latest legacy automaker to pull the plug on EVs in the US market, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please
Episode 561: Meet the Model X Owner Driving From the Arctic Circle to the Southernmost Tip of South America
I'd like you to meet Sandro, a Model X owner who has made some epic journeys in his Tesla, and is currently driving from the northernmost point of our continent at the Arctic Circle to the southernmost tip of South America. It's an incredible story, so stay tuned for that interview! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon at https://www.patreon.co
Episode 560: Tesla Q1 Earnings: HW3 Retrofit Update, v14 Lite Release Date, and More!
Tesla held its quarterly earnings call for Q1 2026, and we got a big update on Tesla's plan to upgrade the Hardware 3 cars for people that paid for FSD. Plus: we now have a better idea of when to expect the upcoming v14 "Lite" release for HW3 and the next-gen Roadster reveal, and more! Watch Jason Cammisa's Model S video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwnJzP0TlCk If you enjoy the podcast a
Episode 559: Model S and X Get Signature Edition Sendoff
Tesla sends the Model S and Model X off with an exclusive new Signature Edition run, and I've got all the details about what makes them special. Plus: Tesla has announced the new features coming in its Spring software update, a Tesla cofounder is partnering up with Rivian for a new battery recycling initiative, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check o
Episode 558: Tesla's More Affordable 'Model 2' Might Be Happening After All
Just when it looked like Tesla was abandoning affordable EVs in favor of purely autonomous vehicles, a new report says the company is planning to produce a smaller, more affordable SUV – with a steering wheel and pedals. Plus: a major partner signs on to Tesla's moonshot Terafab project, the Rivian R2's official EPA-rated range beats the company's original estimates, and more! If you enjoy the pod
Episode 557: Model S and X Custom Orders Have Ended
Tesla stops taking new custom orders for the Model S and X, marking the true beginning of the end for these historic EVs. Plus: Tesla reports its first-quarter vehicle production and delivery numbers, Kia has announced a promising new entry-level EV for the North American market, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon at https://www.pat
Episode 556: Tesla CEO: "Something Way Cooler Than a Minivan Is Coming"
Tesla CEO Elon Musk is teasing a new vehicle that may or may not match the "Cyburban" I told you about in a recent episode. Plus: more evidence that the Model Y L's arrival in the United States is imminent, FSD Supervised takes a crucial step closer to rolling out in Europe, Sony's PlayStation car will not be going into production, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my ef
Episode 555: Tesla Model Y L Launches…in Australia and New Zealand
Tesla's longer and more luxurious Model Y L has launched in Australia and New Zealand, putting it one step closer to going global. Plus: Lucid announces not one but three new more affordable midsize vehicles, Tesla's V3 Superchargers have been retired, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/teslapodcast and co
Episode 554: Rivian R2 Pricing Revealed
Rivian announces pricing for the hotly anticipated R2. Plus: the Model Y L comes to another market (no, it's not the US…yet), Tesla files a patent for some interesting new seats on the next-gen Tesla Roadster, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/teslapodcast and consider a monthly or (10% discounted!) annua
Episode 553: Rivian Gets RAD
Rivian has announced a new performance/skunkworks division of the company that aims to deliver a lot more fun to Rivian owners. Plus: Tesla reclaims the top sales spot in EV-dominant Norway, BYD has a battery breakthrough, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/teslapodcast and consider a monthly or (10% disco
Episode 552: The $60,000 Cybertruck Seems to Be a Hit
The newly offered $60,000 Cybertruck seems to be generating plenty of demand – but its price is already going up. Plus: Model Y's recent interior changes appear to be imminent for the Model 3, Lamborghini abandons its EV plans, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/teslapodcast and consider a monthly or (10%
Episode 551: A $60k Cybertruck Arrives
Tesla unveils a new $60,000 trim of the Cybertruck, and while it does make some sacrifices, it's pretty darn appealing. I'll tell you all about it on this episode. Plus: one option on the outgoing Model S and X has already been retired, Ford talks up their Tesla-like next-gen EV platform, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon at https:
Episode 550: Rivian R2 Gets Glowing First Reviews
Rivian's first high-volume, more affordable vehicle – the R2 – is getting closer to release, and the initial reviews are extremely positive. Plus: Ferrari's first-ever full-BEV has a very unique interior designed by longtime Apple designer Jony Ive, Toyota gets a bit more serious about electrification with its just-announced Highlander EV, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to suppo
Episode 549: Tesla Introduces New Model Y Variant
Tesla has introduced a new variant of the Model Y in the US, but sadly it's not the Model Y L. At least not yet. Plus: Apple CarPlay is reportedly still on the way for Teslas, Consumer Reports gives the Model Y a major accolade, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/teslapodcast and consider a monthly or (10%
Episode 548: Model S and X Discontinued in Earnings Call Shocker
Tesla's Q4 2025 earnings call opens with news that is somehow both not surprising and shocking all at the same time: the Model S and Model X are being discontinued. It's the end of an era for Tesla as the company looks to redefine itself in the coming decade. I've got so much to say about this, plus more highlights and analysis from the call. Join me! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to sup
Episode 547: A Wild Week of FSD News
It's been a wild week of FSD news, from Tesla discontinuing basic Autopilot on new car purchases to Tesla's CEO saying the price of FSD will go up as unsupervised arrives to unsupervised actually arriving – for the first couple of test cars in the Austin robotaxi fleet, at least. Plus: one insurance company wants to drastically lower the rates of Tesla owners who make frequent use of FSD, the Cybe
Episode 546: Tesla's FSD Is Going Subscription-Only
Tesla will soon remove the option to purchase FSD outright. Plus: Model Y's design changes from last week – plus a couple more – come to the United States even sooner than expected this week, a California Supercharger station will soon expand to a record number of posts, Polestar shows some impressive growth, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out
Episode 545: Model Y Gets 2 Design Updates in China (That Should Go Global)
As we've seen in the past, Tesla China rolled out a couple of design updates to the Shanghai-built Model Y's. I'll tell you all about them and why we'll probably see them in North America and Europe as well, sooner rather than later. Plus: Tesla's CEO says the Model Y topped global sales charts again in 2025, a Model 3 on FSD successfully completes full coast-to-coast drive with zero interventions
Episode 544: My 10 Tesla and EV Predictions for 2026
I make my annual Tesla predictions for the new year, bringing other EVs into the conversation this year as well. Plus: Tesla posts its Q4 and full-year 2025 numbers, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/teslapodcast and consider a monthly or (10% discounted!) annual pledge. Every little bit helps, and you ca
Episode 543: Tesla Patent Aims to Give FSD 'Sunglasses'
A new Tesla patent aims to tackle the issue of sun glare affecting FSD at low light angles by giving the system, in my words, sunglasses. Plus: Tesla boosts battery production efforts at Giga Berlin, a deeper look at tire manufacturer's warranties and how they might be able to benefit EV drivers, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon a
Episode 542: Six-Seat Model Y L Seems One Step Closer to Going Global
Tesla's more luxurious, longer-wheelbase, six-seat Model Y L looks set to enter another new region, setting it up for a potential global rollout sooner rather than later. Plus: Cybertruck earns a top safety rating, Ford sadly discontinues the fantastic F-150 Lightning, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/te
Episode 541: Tesla Holiday Software Update Arrives
Tesla has delivered a stuffed stocking to its customers in the form of this year's holiday software update that adds over a dozen new features to the cars. Plus: more clear indications that the new Tesla Roadster is finally going to get built, Rivian unveils its new custom full-self-driving chip, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon a
Episode 540: Teslas Among Most Reliable Cars, Says Consumer Reports
New Consumer Reports data puts Tesla in the top ten most reliable car brands. Plus: a Tesla higher-up teases a possible Robovan-based RV platform, Rivian launches a bold new limited-edition paint color option, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/teslapodcast and consider a monthly or (10% discounted!) annua
Episode 539: Meet the Tesla Owner Who Loves Living Out of His Model X
A special guest joins me to tell me his fascinating story of living out of his Tesla – by choice – for the past eight years. I hope you enjoy the conversation! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/teslapodcast and consider a monthly or (10% discounted!) annual pledge. Every little bit helps and there are stacking bonu
Episode 538: Tesla's AI5 Chip Delayed
Tesla's radically advanced AI5 FSD chip has been delayed, so I'll discuss what that means for prospective Tesla buyers and for the Cybercab. Plus: Tesla fights another US state's direct-sales ban, Porsche unveils an impressive new EV, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/teslapodcast and consider a monthly o
Episode 537: Apple CarPlay Reportedly Coming to Teslas
In a surprise, Tesla is reportedly working on adding Apple CarPlay to its vehicles. Plus: Tesla sweeps the global EV sales charts for September, Ford CEO Jim Farley says his company was "shocked" when they took apart a Tesla Model 3, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/teslapodcast and consider a monthly or
Episode 536: Tesla Shareholder Meeting Recap, Highlights, and Analysis (2025)
Tesla held its annual shareholder meeting for 2025, and there's a lot to talk about, from the record-breaking CEO compensation package to the next markets for Robotaxi to a re-reveal date for the next-generation Tesla Roadster and much more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/teslapodcast and consider a monthly or (
Episode 535: A Cybercab…With a Steering Wheel? It Could Happen
In a surprising turn of events, Tesla says that it would be willing to build the Cybercab with a steering wheel and pedals – if regulators require it. Plus: we get our first real indication that Tesla is finally gearing up to build the next-gen Roadster, Rivian readies an Autonomy Day, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon at https://w
Episode 534: Tesla Q3 Earnings Call Highlights and Analysis
Tesla held its Q3 earnings call, and as always I've got a recap, highlight clips, and analysis of everything the Tesla executives talked about on the call. Plus: Model S and X return to Europe, Cybercab gets a production start window, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/teslapodcast and consider a monthly o
Episode 533: Special Guest: Franz von Holzhausen (Yes, Again!)
Tesla Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen sits down with me – yes, again! – to discuss Master Plan Part 4, his role as the company evolves, Tesla's rarest paint colors, and so much more! TIMECODES: 8:00 Interview start 9:25 Discussing Master Plan Part 4 13:26 Will Tesla be making new vehicles in new segments in the next five years? 14:38 Will there be new Tesla vehicles other than the new Roadster
Episode 532: Cheaper Model Y and Model 3 Officially Revealed
Tesla reveals not just a more affordable Model Y but also a cheaper Model 3! I'll tell you all about these Standard trim cars and what I think of them. Plus: good news at Lucid, better news at GM, bad news at Nissan, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/teslapodcast and consider a monthly or (10% discounted!
Episode 531: Tesla's Monster Q3 Numbers Are In
Tesla has set a new quarterly record for deliveries as the federal EV tax credit sunsets. I'll walk you through the numbers and what analysis we can take away from it. Plus: the new Model Y Performance debuts in North America with an unexpected bonus, new details on the more-affordable Model Y Standard leak from Tesla's own website, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my e
Episode 530: What Panasonic's Next-Gen Battery Means for Tesla
Panasonic is working on a next-gen battery cell that could bring serious improvements to Tesla vehicles. But how will Tesla choose to utilize it? Plus: more details are seemingly unearthed about the upcoming more-affordable Model Y, Nissan pulls one of its EVs from the US market, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon at https://www.pat
Episode 529: Elon Musk Gives FSD v14 and AI5 Updates
Tesla CEO Elon Musk gives a notable update on both FSD Supervised version 14 as well as the potential power of the upcoming AI5 FSD Computer. Plus: more evidence mounts that the Model 3 will soon get a front bumper camera and a turn signal stalk, Rivian breaks ground on its new assembly plant in Georgia, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my P
Episode 528: Robotaxi Gearing Up to Launch in 2 More States
On this week's episode of Ride the Lightning: The Tesla and EV Podcast, new evidence suggests Tesla's Robotaxi network is about to roll out in two more southwestern US states. Plus: using non-Tesla chargers is about to get easier for Tesla owners in a new pilot program, Tesla Energy unveils the Megablock, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my
Episode 527: My First Robotaxi Ride!
I took my first Robotaxi ride and I'd love to tell you all about my experience. Plus: Tesla published its Master Plan Part 4, then continued its busy week by proposing a massive new CEO compensation package, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/teslapodcast and consider a monthly or (10% discounted!) annual
Episode 526: New Model Y Performance Is Here and It's Even Better Than We'd Hoped
Tesla Europe officially revealed the new Model Y Performance, and it's packing a few surprises that make it even better than anticipated. Plus: Tesla has been making news all around the world this week, from FSD Supervised rolling out in its first new region to Cybertruck launching in a new territory to the possible return of the Model S and Model X to Europe, and much more! If you enjoy the podca
Episode 525: Tons of New Model Y L Details Revealed
The new six-seat, longer-wheelbase Model Y L has officially launched in China, and we've got a ton of new details about the biggest Model Y ever as a result – and some of them are very pleasantly surprising! Plus: Model 3 adds a highly desired part back into the interior in China; the Model S, X, and Cybertruck get a fancy new Luxe Package; and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to su
Episode 524: New Patent Suggests Next-Gen Roadster Might Be 'Fan'-tastic
A new patent applied for by Tesla suggests that the next-gen Roadster might be doing some extra-crazy stuff to make it outperform other supercars. Plus: the Cybertruck's off-road armor package finally arrives, a near-future timeline and big expectations arrive for the upcoming version 14 of FSD Supervised, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out m
Episode 523: Special Guest: Tesla Tipster Sawyer Merritt
I'm joined by perhaps the only person in the Tesla community who pays closer attention to it than I do: Tesla tipster Sawyer Merritt, who I regularly cite on this podcast. We'll talk about how he got into the world of Tesla, what motivates him to do what he does, why he feels Tesla needs to start advertising, and much more. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, plea
Episode 522: More Affordable Model Y Spied Up Close – Here's What We Know
The more affordable version of the Model Y has been spotted in a parking lot and captured on video. I'll tell you about what we now know for sure about what could be Tesla's lowest-price vehicle yet. Plus: it turns out that yes, the new Roadster really is back; a slightly different version of Tesla's Robotaxi service launches in my city, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support
Episode 521: Q2 Earnings Call Recap, Highlights, and Analysis
Tesla held its earnings call for Q2, and I've got highlight clips from Elon Musk and the Tesla executive team, plus a summary and analysis of all the news. Plus: the Tesla Diner is now open – and I got to go eat there! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/teslapodcast and consider a monthly or (10% discounted!) annual
Episode 520: Tesla Reveals Longer, Six-Seat Model Y L
Tesla introduces a six-seat, longer Model Y variant in China. Plus: a new X post by Tesla CEO Elon Musk has many wondering if the new Tesla Roadster might finally be ready for a re-reveal, Tesla's summer software update delivers a bunch of fun new features, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/teslapodcast a
Episode 519: The New King of Supercharging Stations Opens
Tesla's latest gigantic Supercharging station is online and it's incredibly impressive. I'll tell you all about it. Plus: the new Model 3 scores a huge safety rating in Europe, Tesla's European FSD Supervised push continues, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/teslapodcast and consider a monthly or annual p
Episode 518: Talking to the Owner of the First Autonomously Delivered Tesla
I talk to the recipient of Tesla's – and automotive history's – first-ever autonomously delivered vehicle about his experience (interview starts at the 35:03 mark). Plus: I'll go over Tesla's Q2 production and delivery numbers, the fate of the EV federal tax credit, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/tesla
Episode 517: Interview With a Robotaxi User
I talk to a Robotaxi user who took lots of rides in phase one of Tesla's autonomous ride-hailing service in Austin. Plus: the first self-delivering Tesla has found its new owner, Tesla is currently testing a virtual queuing system for Supercharging, and more! And don't forget to leave a message on the Ride the Lightning hotline anytime with a question, comment, or discussion topic for next week's
Episode 516: Happy Tesla Robotaxi Launch!
Tesla's robotaxi service officially launches in Austin, marking a major milestone in the company's decade-long quest to achieve autonomous driving. Plus: Tesla might be making another new Model Y variant, we may have just gotten a sneak peek at Tesla's AI5 FSD Computer, and more! Thank you to all Patreon backers for your generous pledges! I hope you enjoy your ad-free early access to this one, and
Episode 515: Updated Model S and X Officially Announced
Tesla has finally launched the updated Model S and X. I'll tell you about all the changes and what I think of them. Plus: another new Model Y variant appears to be coming very soon, we've got a few new robotaxi updates to discuss, and more! Thank you to all Patreon backers for your generous pledges! I hope you enjoy your ad-free early access to this one, and thanks for your continued support on Pa
Episode 514: Three New Model 3 Updates
Tesla makes three very unique updates to the Model 3 that have absolutely nothing to do with each other but are nevertheless interesting. Plus: the state of New Jersey makes a baffling decision that forces Tesla to decommission Superchargers along the New Jersey Turnpike, Volkswagen plans to go big with Rivian's software, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, ple
Episode 513: Tesla Robotaxis Get Ready in Austin
We've got a reported date for the first driverless robotaxi rides in Austin, Texas, along with a long-ago autonomy forecast that might finally be on the cusp of coming true. Plus: Tesla's letting you take a two-day test drive of any car you like, Rivian takes a big step towards the R2 going into full production, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check
Episode 512: New Model Y Performance, Updated S and X Spotted!
The new Model Y Performance, an updated Model S, and an updated Model X were all spotted out in the wild – separately! – suggesting that the debuts of those vehicles are imminent. Plus: owners of the refreshed Model 3 and Model Y can now get a subtle but premium upgrade to their dashboards, new details on the upcoming robotaxi rollout in Austin, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to
Episode 511: First Responders and Teachers Now Get a Tesla Discount
Tesla expands its military discount program to include additional American heroes, Tesla's 'Robotaxi' and 'Cybercab' trademarks hit roadblocks, FSD is finally set to (partially) roll out in Europe, Toyota gets a bit more serious about EVs, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/teslapodcast and consider a mont
Episode 510: A Cheaper Model Y Arrives
Tesla has reintroduced the Long-Range Rear-Wheel Drive Model Y, and the Juniper version of it offers incredible value. Plus: there's good news and bad news for Cybertruck owners, Rivian ramps up in Illinois to prepare for the R2, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/teslapodcast and consider a monthly pledge
Episode 509: Tesla Working on Longer-Wheelbase, 3-Row Model Y?
A new report suggests that Tesla might be readying a three-row Model Y with a longer wheelbase in China, but if it's true, might it make its way to the US as well? Plus: Tesla's regulatory path to getting the Cybercab approved just got easier, a newly announced EV pickup truck is taking a unique strategy to be as affordable as possible, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support
Episode 508: Analyzing Tesla's Q1 Earnings Call
Tesla held its quarterly earnings call for Q1 2025, and there was plenty covered, from the robotaxis launching in the near future to Optimus to the more affordable Teslas and more. I'll have highlight clips from the Tesla executive team plus my recap and analysis. If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/teslapodcast and
Episode 507: Cheaper Tesla Reportedly Delayed
The more affordable Tesla that I've been calling the 'Model 2.5' is reportedly delayed, one Indiana police department has five years of fleet data that shows that using Teslas as police cars saves taxpayers a ton of money, the largest free EV charging park in the world is at Giga Berlin, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon at https:/
Episode 506: A Cheaper Cybertruck Finally Arrives
Tesla has finally rolled out the rear-wheel drive Cybertruck, but it's VERY different from the one they first announced. I'll tell you all about what you get and what you don't on this cheaper version of Tesla's stainless steel truck. Plus: Tesla's imminent Spring software update brings a much-requested new feature that should keep a lot of Model Y rear liftgates from getting dented, and more! If
Episode 505: Analyzing Tesla's Q1 Production and Delivery Numbers
Tesla announces its first-quarter vehicle production and delivery numbers, and the news isn't the best – with fellow EV automakers Rivian and Lucid largely in the same boat. Plus: Tesla's found its chef for its upcoming drive-in diner Supercharger in Hollywood, the regular version of the new Model Y is now available, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please c
Episode 504: Special Guest: Unplugged Performance's Ben Schaffer
Tesla mod shop Unplugged Performance's president and founder Ben Schaffer joins me for an interview about the company's approach to modifying the Cybertruck, the new Model 3 and new Model Y, as well as their big bet on making Tesla police vehicles through their UPfit program. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon at https://www.patreon.co
My Thoughts on What's Happening Around Tesla Right Now
I've given this a lot of thought and wanted to talk to you about how I feel regarding what's happening around Tesla right now. If you're not interested in this, feel free to skip this one, as the regular episodes will remain on their normal schedule. If you listen and then choose to respond, I hope you'll be considerate towards me and your fellow listeners in the comments. Thank you.
Episode 503: Tesla Reportedly Readying a Smaller, Cheaper Model Y
A new report out of China says that Tesla is planning a smaller version of the Model Y. Plus: a new software update lets you check on your car's battery health, the Cybercab gets one step closer to operating on public streets in California, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/teslapodcast and consider a mon
Episode 502: Out With the Old (Model Y), in With the New (Model Y)
Tesla is no longer offering custom orders for the classic Model Y, signaling the end of the line for the first generation of the world's best-selling vehicle and the beginning of its second generation. Plus: Model 3 gets an impressive financing incentive, Cybertruck might finally be heading Down Under, Rivian is extending a hand to orphaned Fisker Ocean owners, and more! NOTE: The non-Tesla EV seg
Episode 501: Special Guest: Tesla Co-Founder JB Straubel
Tesla co-founder, current board member, and former Chief Technical Officer JB Straubel joins me to discuss Tesla's early days, his interest in batteries, building the first Gigafactory, his battery recycling efforts at Redwood Materials, and more. Enjoy! TIMECODES 10:45 Interview starts 11:33 More of a car guy or engineering guy? 12:14 Origin of his interest in batteries 12:47 Building his first E
Episode 500: Special Guest: Tesla Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen
Tesla's Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen joins me for the third time to celebrate my 500th episode. We discuss his longevity at Tesla, the new Model Y, paint colors, wheel design, the next-gen Roadster, and more. Enjoy! Timecodes: 8:28 Start of interview 10:02 What Franz worked on the day I came in for the interview 11:38 Why he has stayed at Tesla so long (16+ years so far) 12:20 His longevity
Episode 499: Special Guest: Tesla Engineering VP Lars Moravy
Tesla's Vice President of Engineering Lars Moravy joins me for a candid conversation spanning a wide-ranging number of topics, from the new Model Y to his memories of pivotal moments in Tesla history to the next-gen Roadster and even the upcoming more-affordable cars. Enjoy! Timecodes: 6:39 Interview begins 7:36 Lars on when he first got into cars 9:42 Remembering his first job in the auto industr
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