Ride the Lightning: Tesla and EV Podcast

Episode 560: Tesla Q1 Earnings: HW3 Retrofit Update, v14 Lite Release Date, and More!

13 snips

Apr 26, 2026

A deep dive into Tesla's Q1 announcements, focusing on plans to retrofit Hardware 3 cars and what that means for FSD payers. Timing for a pared-down v14 "Lite" release for HW3 is discussed. Listeners also get hints about the next-gen Roadster reveal and Tesla's micro-factory upgrade approach.

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INSIGHT

V15 Is A Major Architectural Overhaul

Tesla expects Version 15 to be a full software architecture overhaul running on AI4, boosting safety and performance beyond version 14.
Elon estimated V15 could arrive by year-end or early next year and drive major safety gains.

ANECDOTE

Dismantling Model S/X Line For Optimus Production

Elon described dismantling the Model S/X GA1 line to install Optimus production, noting it takes months and doing it in four months would be 'insanely fast.'
Ryan admitted feeling sad about tearing down the S/X line but relayed the logistics Elon explained.

INSIGHT

Cautious RoboTaxi Rollout This Year

Tesla aims to have unsupervised FSD/robo-taxi operating in roughly a dozen states by year-end but revenue will be modest this year.
Elon emphasized a cautious rollout prioritizing safety and validation.

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Tesla held its quarterly earnings call for Q1 2026, and we got a big update on Tesla's plan to upgrade the Hardware 3 cars for people that paid for FSD. Plus: we now have a better idea of when to expect the upcoming v14 "Lite" release for HW3 and the next-gen Roadster reveal, and more! Watch Jason Cammisa's Model S video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwnJzP0TlCk

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