Kilowatt: A Podcast about Electric Vehicles

Description:

In this episode of Kilowatt, we cover a wide range of developments from the EV world. Volkswagen is doubling down on solid-state battery tech with a $131 million investment in QuantumScape, bringing their total stake to nearly half a billion dollars. Over in China, the budget-friendly Geely Xingyuan has taken the crown as the best-selling car of the first half of 2025, outselling the BYD Seagull and Tesla Model Y. We al...

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Bodie dives into Tesla's Q2 2025 earnings call, offering real-time reactions and analysis. Elon Musk announced the successful launch and expansion of Tesla's Robotaxi service in Austin, with ambitious goals to reach half the U.S. population by year-end—pending regulatory approval. Bodie examines the feasibility of this rollout and critiques Elon’s commentary style during earnings calls. He also expl...

Kilowatt 621: Lamarr Wilson on EV Choices, Leasing Decisions, and Content Creation

In this episode, content creator Lamarr Wilson joins us to talk about his decision-making process around EVs—specifically whether to stick with his leased Tesla Model Y, switch to the upcoming Juniper refresh, or jump ship to something entirely different like the BMW iX or the Mercedes-Benz EQB.

We cover:

• What Lamarr loves and doesn’t love about...

Description:

In this episode, we dive deep into Uber's ambitious expansion into autonomous mobility and delivery services. The company is partnering with a host of tech innovators, including Cartken for robotic food delivery, Avride for mobility solutions, and May Mobility for scalable autonomous vehicles. Uber is also collaborating with Baidu and WeRide to accelerate self-driving deployments across numerous cities. Meanwhile, Volks...

Episode 619: Tesla's Wild Rides, GM's Battery Gambit & EcoFlow's Home Backup Beast

We dive into the latest headlines electrifying the EV and clean tech world. Tesla plans to offer FSD transfers in Europe, giving longtime owners a rare win. Robotaxi fares have reached new comedic heights as Tesla expands service areas. In India, Tesla launches the Model Y, but local pricing remains a significant barrier. GM ramps up production of...

Kilowatt 618: Tesla's Shareholder Shake-Up & Robotaxi Push

In this episode of Kilowatt, we dive deep into Tesla's upcoming 2025 shareholder meeting, which has been pushed back to November 6th. We explore the reasons behind the delay and the expectations surrounding the event. Also on the agenda: Tesla’s clearing in the Canadian EV rebate investigation and the company’s accelerating robotaxi certification efforts in Arizona. ...

Episode Description:

In this episode of Kilowatt, Bodie dives into the latest EV and Tesla news, including some promising developments and a few red flags. Kia teases a sub-$30,000 electric vehicle, while Ford unveils a bold new EV promotion featuring $0 down and 0% interest. Bodie also unpacks critical updates to federal EV tax credits under new legislation that could significantly reshape buyer incentives. Tesla makes waves with a...

Description:

In this episode of Kilowatt, we discuss EV myths. We dive into the future of the U.S. EV tax credit & Tesla’s fluctuating market dominance as the Model Y is no longer the world’s best-selling car. We cover Rivian’s new billion-dollar investment from Volkswagen, and Tesla’s launch of a new LFP battery factory & updates on its virtual Supercharger queue testing. Finally, Elon Musk shares insight into Tesla Robotax...

Episode Summary:

I messed up and didn't post this on Wednesday.

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Other Podcasts:

• Beyond the Post YouTube

• Beyond the Post Podcast

• Shuffle Playlist

• 918Digital Website

Sources:

• Tesla confirms Cybertruck sales are down to just ~5,000 units
• XPENG Sales Soar 242%!
• Tesla (TSLA) confirms 384,000 deliveries in Q2 2025, right on expectations
• NIO Sales Up 26% Year Ov...

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the Kilowatt podcast, I explore the challenges of RoboTaxis, referred to as "Robo Oopsies." I assess listener Peter's experience with his Ford Escape hybrid and how driving habits affect electric range. We discuss Tesla’s regulatory hurdles in Europe, including recent scrutiny over its marketing terms, and halted autonomous testing in Stockholm. I also highlight Elon Musk's fully autonomous M...

Episode Description:

In this episode of Kilowatt, I explore the intricacies of Tesla's Robotaxi initiative and the broader implications of autonomous driving technology. I begin with a discussion on hydrogen vehicles, addressing production challenges and recent advancements in green hydrogen technology. Transitioning to Robotaxi, I provide an overview of its rollout, including new regulatory guidelines that could expedite its deploy...

Episode Description:

In this episode of Kilowatt, I explore the evolving landscape of electric vehicles and renewable energy, with an emphasis on Tesla's full self-driving technology in Austin. Initially focusing on full self-driving, I soon uncover compelling topics such as in-wheel hub motors and extended range electric vehicles (EREVs). I discuss the advantages of in-wheel hub motors, including increased efficiency and the potent...

Episode Description:

In this episode of Kilowatt, we cover a variety of EV news and updates. Lucid Air owners can now enjoy Android Auto, while Rivian introduces the Maximus drive unit for its upcoming R2 and R3 vehicles. NIO is making moves in Europe with its economy Firefly brand and expansion into seven new countries. We delve into vehicle depreciation stats, revealing how EVs compare to gas-powered counterparts over five years. ...

Description:

In this episode, I explore the emerging landscape of RoboTaxis, focusing on Tesla's driverless Model Y and its implications for the autonomous vehicle market. I discuss Tesla's vision-based technology, the planned unmodified taxi fleet, and the transparency concerns that arise with Tesla's claims. We compare Tesla's strategy with competitors like Waymo and Zoox, while also addressing Elon Musk's ambitious scaling goals ...

Description:

In this episode, I engage with Sloane Paul and Tom Chep, the founders of Arc Motors, a pioneering company in the conversion of classic internal combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles. Sloane, the CEO, shares her passion for classic cars and the inspiration behind Arc Motors, which began with her own 1969 Ford Bronco. We delve into the challenges and successes of their conversion process, exploring how they educ...

Description:

In this episode of Kilowatt, I cover the launch of the 2026 Polestar 4 in the U.S., and discuss Ford's F-150 Lightning recall and Chevy's competitive Silverado EV. We celebrate GM's growth in EV sales while addressing BYD's labor violation allegations in Brazil and dealership closures in China. I also examine a proposed annual fee for U.S. EV owners and Tesla's efforts to localize its battery supply chain. Lastly, I pre...

Description:

In this episode, we analyze Rivian's Q1 2025 earnings call with insights from VP of Finance Derek Mulvey, CEO RJ Scaringe, CFO Claire McDonough, and COO Javier Varela. Rivian reported a gross profit of $206 million, achieving positive margins for the second consecutive quarter. RJ highlighted their focus on cost efficiency and product advancements, particularly the best-selling R1S SUV and updates to their second-genera...

Description:

In this episode, we talk about the environmental benefits of electric vehicles (EVs) compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, highlighting a study that shows EVs can reduce brake dust emissions by 83% through regenerative braking. I discuss advancements in in-car technology, specifically the differences between Android Auto and Android Automotive, along with upcoming features that enhance the driving expe...

Description:

In this episode of Kilowatt, We dive into the pressing issues surrounding electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, particularly focusing on the challenges and frustrations that drivers face when their charging stations fail to operate effectively. We recount typical scenarios where drivers are left stranded when multiple chargers fail during their attempts to power up their vehicles. This experience not only dimin...