Ride the Lightning: Tesla and EV Podcast

Tesla will expand FSD v14 Lite worldwide for Hardware 3 cars, with regulatory caveats and timeline questions. New Frost Blue and Marine Blue paint options replace Deep Blue. Rivian posts stronger Q1 results and gains VW as a major shareholder. Nissan halts planned US EV models, and a huge Tesla Semi order highlights freight electrification.

A Model X owner describes driving from the Arctic Circle down to the southern tip of South America. He explains hood-mounted solar panels, Starlink connectivity, and how solar powers a slide-out kitchen and induction cooking. Modifications, overland living routines, navigation limits in remote regions, and financing the trip via YouTube and Patreon are also explored.

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.

A final Signature Edition run for the Model S and X gets detailed, from garnet red paint to gold accents and limited invite-only ordering. New Spring software features are previewed, including a self-driving app, Hey Grok voice, improved visuals, and immersive audio. A Rivian and Redwood second-life battery project is announced alongside rollout and hardware caveats.

Discussion of a possible smaller, more affordable Tesla SUV that may still include steering and pedals. Intel joins Tesla's ambitious TeraFab chip fabrication plan. New FSD v14.3 supervised updates and their implications for lighter FSD builds are reviewed. Rivian R2's EPA-rated range tops expectations. Waymo and Waze pilot pothole data sharing with cities is explained.

Tesla stops new custom orders for Model S and X, signaling a big shift in the lineup. Q1 production and delivery figures are unpacked with model breakdowns. A new affordable Kia EV for North America is revealed. Discussion includes Optimus Gen 3 progress, Rivian and Volkswagen news, and a curious Australia showroom fire investigation.

They dig into Elon Musk's tease about a mysterious vehicle that could upend family transport. Sightings and shipping clues hint that a new Model Y L variant is arriving in the US soon. Regulatory progress for FSD Supervised in Europe and new 500 kW Supercharger openings get coverage. Patent filings point to Roadster updates, and Sony-Honda Afila's cancellation is unpacked.

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.