Ride the Lightning: Tesla and EV Podcast

A new longer-wheelbase Model Y L debuts in Australia and New Zealand with family-focused design, bigger screen, cooled wireless pad, and safety upgrades. Tesla retires V3 Superchargers as V4 rolls out. Lucid unveils three more affordable midsize models. Patent news explores air-suspension wireless charging. Industry moves include LFP cell deals, Honda and Volvo lineup shifts, and listener takes on real-world Y L use.

Rivian reveals pricing and trim details for the eagerly awaited R2. New markets and features for a longer-range Model Y variant get discussed. A patented one-piece seat design hints at next-gen Roadster developments. Mega Supercharger expansion and leadership changes at Tesla are covered. The show compares R2 vs Model Y and highlights production and profitability challenges for Rivian.

Rivian unveils a high-performance RAD division and teases race‑derived drive modes and tuning features. Tesla reclaims top sales in EV‑dominated Norway as market trends shift. BYD reveals a next‑gen Blade V2 battery and ultra‑fast flash charging that promise dramatic range and charging changes.

A new $60,000 Cybertruck trim is driving high demand and prompting price shifts and delivery delays. Discussion covers production allocation, removed referral discounts, and whether a $250 deposit is worth it. Teases Model 3 interior updates borrowed from the Model Y and notes Lamborghini pausing EV plans. Also touches on Lucid and Rivian service expansions, an NHTSA ADS workshop, and legal trademark drama.

A new $60K dual-motor Cybertruck trim is unveiled with tradeoffs and pricing drama. Production updates include the first CyberCab from Giga Texas and a limited Lunar Silver run for Model S/X. Industry news covers Apple CarPlay delays, Ford’s Tesla-like $30K EV truck platform, and high rankings for Model 3 and Model Y in reviews and satisfaction surveys.

Early reviews praise Rivian's more affordable R2 and its potential to challenge the Model Y. A surprising Ferrari EV interior by Jony Ive sparks debate over physical controls versus minimalism. Toyota teases a new Highlander EV with U.S. production and V2L features. Tesla updates include FSD transfer rule changes and a live Supercharger site-view rollout.

A new Model Y AWD variant and naming tweak are unveiled, with pricing and range details discussed. Apple CarPlay progress and Tesla trademark moves for future models get attention. Consumer Reports crowns the Model Y a top EV, and China’s new door-handle safety rule could affect Tesla. Updates include longer dashcam history, community-chosen Supercharger sites, and Rivian autonomy pricing news.

A startling earnings call reveals the Model S and X are being phased out and Fremont will shift to robot and autonomy production. Discussion covers Tesla's new mission toward autonomy and Optimus robots. Analysis touches on legacy S/X impact, possible Model YL and Plaid 3/Y replacements, charging and robotaxi rollout plans, and chip and vertical integration strategies.

A fast recap of a chaotic week in FSD and Tesla news. They cover removal of basic Autopilot, looming price and tier changes for FSD, and unsupervised robo‑taxi testing in Austin. Insurance discounts tied to FSD use, a CyberCab camera washer, ANCAP safety wins, tariff shifts for Chinese EVs, and listener calls on subscriptions, dashcam tips, and Waymo school‑bus problems round out the conversation.

Tesla is shifting its Full Self-Driving option to subscription only, sparking concerns about customer choice. The Model Y receives design updates faster than expected. A California Supercharger station is set to expand to a whopping 304 stalls, showcasing Tesla's rapid charging infrastructure growth. Polestar shares impressive sales figures with a 34% increase. The podcast also touches on Model Y aesthetic changes and the potential for Robovans in Las Vegas, blending innovation with real-world use cases.