Kilowatt: A Podcast about Electric Vehicles

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. DTNS Episode: Vibe Coding the News (Audio) Vibe Coding the News (Video) Support the Show https://www.supportkilowatt.com/ Other Podcasts: Beyond the Post YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@beyondthepostfm) Beyond the Post Podcast (https://www.beyondthepost.fm/) Shuffle Playlist (https://shows.acast.com/shuffle-playlist) 918Digital Website (https://www.918digital.com/) News Links: InsideEVs: Is A $130 Fee For EV Drivers Really Fair? Plus, We Review The Volvo EX60 Not a Tesla App: U.S. Proposes Annual $130 Federal Road Tax for EV Owners Ars Technica Cars: EV drivers will pay $130 a year under Congress' 2026 transportation bill InsideEVs: Congress Wants You To Pay $130 A Year Just To Drive An Electric Car Electrek: Chevy Equinox and Blazer EVs gain a few key updates for 2027: Here’s what to expect Not a Tesla App: Tesla Says Cybercab is the Most Efficient EV Ever Built The Verge: Waymo suspends freeway driving amid safety concerns InsideEVs: Tesla Drops One-Time Purchase For Full Self-Driving In Europe Teslarati: Tesla Full Self-Driving expands in Europe, entering its second country Electrek: Tesla launches FSD in second European country Not a Tesla App: Tesla in Talks for FSD Approval in Ireland Teslarati: Tesla Full Self-Driving gains momentum in Europe with new country mulling approval Electrek: Jeep and Ram vehicles are about to get more affordable with prices under $40,000 Electrek: Jeep maker reveals plans for a new ‘groundbreaking’ EV that will start at under $18,000 InsideEVs: Stellantis Plans $70 Billion Comeback With LFP Batteries And A Tesla FSD Challenger CleanTechnica: Stellantis to Build EVs for Dongfeng in France Not a Tesla App: Tesla Is Now Monitoring Cybertrucks for Charging Failures and Offering Free Supercharging *Show Art Created By Gemini 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, 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. Support the Show https://www.supportkilowatt.com/ Other Podcasts: Beyond the Post YouTube Beyond the Post Podcast Shuffle Playlist 918Digital Website News Links: Rivian Q1 2026 Earnings Webcast Registration *Show Art Created By Gemini Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. Support the Show https://www.supportkilowatt.com/ Other Podcasts: Beyond the Post YouTube Beyond the Post Podcast Shuffle Playlist 918Digital Website News Links: Wooshn YouTube Channel: Really How Bad Is Tesla's FSD 14.3.2 Update? InsideEVs: The Rivian R2 Configurator Is Live. But You'll Have To Wait Until 2027 For The Best Color Electrek: Rivian opens R2 configurator: here are all the options and pricing Electrek: Tesla finally reveals what happened in 17 ‘Robotaxi’ crashes CleanTechnica: Electric School Bus Driver Will Not Go Back To Diesel Teslarati: Tesla is building a massive Cybercab car wash in Las Vegas Ars Technica Cars: Vaporware or not? Aptera assembles its first five validation models. *Show Art Created By Gemini Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. Support the Show https://www.supportkilowatt.com/ Other Podcasts: Beyond the Post YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@beyondthepostfm) Beyond the Post Podcast (https://www.beyondthepost.fm/) Shuffle Playlist (https://shows.acast.com/shuffle-playlist) 918Digital Website (https://www.918digital.com/) News Links: Lucid Group First Quarter 2026 Financial Results *Show Art Created By Gemini Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. Support the Show https://www.supportkilowatt.com/ Other Podcasts: Beyond the Post YouTube Beyond the Post Podcast Shuffle Playlist 918Digital Website News Links: Pump price increase fuelling rise in demand for used electric vehicles Australian EV adoption jumps from 1.9% to 27.5% in four years New Chevy Spark EUV is the best selling electric SUV in Brazil Tesla's 4680 battery cells are underperforming frustrating buyers Tesla crushes NHTSA's brand-new ADAS safety tests Tesla Semi battery sizes confirmed: 822 kWh and 548 kWh officially revealed Tesla 4680 Battery Falls Short On Range And Charging After Years Of Hype Slate Auto Gets One Step Closer To Building Its Affordable EV Truck Tesla Semi's official battery capacity leaked by California regulators Tesla Model Y Becomes the First Car to Pass NHTSA’s New ADAS Test Volkswagen Group Just Overtook Amazon as Rivian’s Biggest Investor Volkswagen Says Its EVs Won't Make Gas-Car Money Until 2030 Tesla gets a massive order for the Semi: 370 units and $100M *Show Art Created By Gemini Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.