Ride the Lightning: Tesla and EV Podcast Episode 545: Model Y Gets 2 Design Updates in China (That Should Go Global)
Jan 11, 2026
Tesla's Model Y just received sleek updates in China, including a larger screen and a stylish black headliner, with expectations they'll hit global markets soon. Elon Musk proudly claims the Model Y remains the best-selling car worldwide. In a thrilling achievement, a coast-to-coast drive using Tesla's Full Self-Driving tech was completed with zero driver interventions. The episode also highlights a Motor Trend accolade for FSD as the best tech of 2026 and teases upcoming innovations in robotaxis and luxury partnerships.
AI Snips
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Transcript
Episode notes
Praise Coast-to-Coast FSD, But Stay Skeptical
- Celebrate long-distance FSD achievements but keep context; they don't prove full autonomy.
- Treat David Moss's 10,000+ miles with zero interventions as a strong data point, not definitive proof.
Driver Completes Cross-Country FSD Run
- David Moss drove coast-to-coast in a 2025 Model 3 on FSD with zero interventions over 2,732 miles.
- Ryan highlights Moss's achievement and applauds both the driver and the Tesla AI team.
China Debuts Subtle Model Y Interior Refresh
- Tesla Shanghai introduced a 16-inch touchscreen and switched Model Y headliners to black across trims in China.
- Ryan expects these interior updates to roll out globally to premium Model Y trims within months.