One for the Plug and One for the Load

Description

In this episode of Kilowatt, I cover Tesla's Q3 2026 earnings call, including updates on Full Self-Driving, Robotaxi, CyberCab, Optimus, and Tesla's energy business. Elon Musk discusses Tesla's plans to increase vehicle production to five million annually by 2030, expand autonomous driving into additional markets, and ramp up Megapack production. I take a closer look at Tesla's Robotaxi expansion plans, including the company's goal...

In this episode of Kilowatt, I revisit my comments about whether Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) should be free and clarify why my issue isn't with Tesla charging for the technology, but with Elon Musk's messaging about the potential loss of life if regulators don't approve it. I also respond to listener feedback, discuss Tesla's safety claims, and explain why I'd like to see more independent verification of FSD's safety data.

Afte...

Tesla finally unveiled its updated Roadster on October 15, nearly nine years after its original announcement, and the event featured some remarkable demonstrations of engineering. In this episode, we compare the new Roadster with the version Tesla promised in 2017, including changes to its design, performance, range, and production timeline. We break down the vehicle's different configurations, from the standard rear-wheel-drive mo...

Kim Lundgren of Kim Lundgren Associates returns to Kilowatt to talk about electric vehicles, sustainability, and why going 100% electric isn't always the best approach. Kim starts by sharing how she chose a Hyundai IONIQ 5 for her teenage daughter's first car, comparing it with Volvo's electric offerings and explaining why charging, technology, safety, and long-term reliability influenced her decision. The conversation then shifts ...

Volkswagen is recalling more than 22,000 ID.4s over a potential battery fire risk, while Einride has deployed fully autonomous electric trucks in Ohio. Rivian is getting into the Halloween spirit with a Ghostbusters-themed software update, complete with a special Ecto-1-inspired R1S, and BYD has filed a patent for a new battery cooling system that submerges battery modules in a specialized liquid. In Tesla news, the company has off...

Affordable EVs are back in the spotlight with the Kia EV3, which starts under $30,000 and offers up to 321 miles of range with its larger battery pack. The show also looks at the updated Pebble Flow electric travel trailer, with its 45 kWh battery, expanded solar setup, powered wheels, and a price tag that puts all that camping convenience firmly into luxury territory. Jaguar takes things in a completely different direction with th...

Bodie checks in from the Big Island of Hawaii with a couple of unexpected connections, including a visit to Kona Sea Salt and an introduction to Root & Rise Hawaiʻi, an organization using nature, art, and community to support mental health and well-being. Then it’s an all-renewable-energy episode, starting with what happens to solar panels when they reach the end of their useful lives and why recycling them is still an ec...

In this episode of Kilowatt, Bodie starts with Europe’s first fully driverless robotaxi rides as Verne and Pony.ai put modified Arcfox Alpha T5s on the streets of Zagreb. ProLogium is moving its solid-state battery technology closer to automotive use, with Gen 3.5 cells in mass production and Mercedes-Benz securing priority access to its upcoming Gen 4 cells. Cyclic Materials has opened a new rare-earth recycling facility in ...

Episode Description

I recorded an entire episode about what I thought was Tesla’s 2026 Semi event. It turns out I had watched the earlier event, so I’m releasing both recordings. In the first episode, I cover Tesla’s presentation of the truck, including its drivetrain, range demonstration, charging system, driver features, and delivery to Pepsi. In the second, I cover the actual 2026 event and the changes...

Episode Description

I recorded an entire episode about what I thought was Tesla’s 2026 Semi event. It turns out I had watched the earlier event, so I’m releasing both recordings. In the first episode, I cover Tesla’s presentation of the truck, including its drivetrain, range demonstration, charging system, driver features, and delivery to Pepsi. In the second, I cover the actual 2026 event and the changes...

Kilowatt Show Notes

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 pa...

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 ...

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, an...

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 be...

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 climbi...

Tesla’s Cybercab is now carrying passengers in Austin, and this episode takes a comprehensive look at what Tesla revealed about the purpose-built robotaxi and how it works in the real world. The Cybercab introduces Tesla’s unboxed manufacturing process, reaction-injection-molded body panels, a smaller and lighter drive unit without rare-earth materials, a 48 kWh structural battery pack, electronic brakes, and a camera-o...