Kilowatt: A Podcast about Electric Vehicles

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.

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. Support the Show Other Podcasts: Beyond the Post YouTube Beyond the Post Podcast Shuffle Playlist 918Digital Website Publications: Electrek 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 *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.