Kilowatt: A Podcast about Electric Vehicles

Summary In this episode of Kilowatt, we dive deep into the shifting landscape of the electric vehicle industry, starting with major structural shakeups and layoffs at Lucid Motors under new CEO Silvio Napoli. We also unpack why Slate Auto is bypassing Canada for its highly customizable, budget-friendly electric pickup, alongside a detailed look at Subaru’s impressive new 2027 EV lineup featuring t...

In this episode, we dive into Tesla's spectacular rebound as they crush Wall Street expectations with their fourth-best quarter ever, driven by a massive 25% surge in Q2 deliveries. We also break down the surprising news of the U.S. government muscling Polestar out of the American market over connected vehicle rules, leading to staggering $25,000 discounts on remaining stock. Plus, Tesla officiall...

In this episode of Kilowatt, we dive into the latest developments shaking up the electric vehicle market, starting with Tesla's surprising decision to open Model S Signature Edition orders in Europe . We also examine the regulatory landscape as the NHTSA updates rules allowing the upcoming Tesla Cybercab to ditch brake pedals entirely, alongside new details on its strict weight limits and recent s...

This episode of Kilowatt delivers a packed legal and technical update on the state of autonomous driving and electric vehicle innovations. We open with a deep dive into the tragic and heavily scrutinized Tesla crash in Texas, tracing how the story evolved from early media reports to a federal NHTSA probe and Tesla’s recent legal settlement. Next, we check in on the global EV landscape, following t...

SUMMARY In this episode of Kilowatt, we sit down for an engaging chat about technology law, ethics, and cyber security with Dr. Steven A. Wright . As an expert in navigating the complex intersection of law and emerging engineering tech, Dr. Wright shares critical insights into the security challenges facing the evolving EV infrastructure and power grids. We discuss the legal responsibilities of de...

In this episode of Kilowatt, we dive into Ford's latest electric vehicle strategy as the automaker begins building low-cost LFP battery cells in the United States . This move is aimed directly at keeping competitors like Rivian at bay while paving the way for a highly anticipated $30,000 EV pickup truck . Meanwhile, autonomous driving hits a bump in the road with Waymo issuing a software recall af...

In this episode, we dive deep into the latest shifting tides of the electric vehicle market, starting with Tesla's political push in New Jersey to safeguard its upcoming Robotaxi fleet against restrictive new legislation. We also examine the regulatory scene down at Giga Texas, where brand-new EPA filings have finally peeled back the curtain on the highly anticipated Cybercab's official battery si...

SUMMARY In this episode, we dive deep into the newly released financial performance details from Ford Motor Company's Q1 2026 earnings call . The discussion centers on the legacy automaker's ongoing transition toward electrification, detailing their latest production strategies, capital allocations, and vehicle manufacturing updates. We break down the technical article updates and analyze what the...

Here's the link to the Car Stuff Podcast https://bleav.com/shows/car-stuff-podcast/ Here's the link for the Car Stuff Podcast Scout Motors Episode: https://bleav.com/shows/car-stuff-podcast/episodes/compact-crossover-comparo-scout-deep-dive-discontinued-car-quiz/ Here's the link for GMs Q1 2026 Earnings Call: https://investor.gm.com/events/event-details/general-motors-company-q1-2026-earnings-conf...

In this episode, host Bodie sits down with David from New Zealand to get an owner's perspective on the Leapmotor C10 electric SUV. David shares his transition from a gas-powered Suzuki Vitara to the C10, highlighting why its exceptional value, rear-wheel-drive dynamics, and spacious layout won him over against competitors like the BYD Atto 3. They dive into real-world range, the local support infr...

In this episode of Kilowatt, host Bodie clears out a massive news queue before heading into a well-deserved family break . We dive deep into Tesla’s self-certification of Level 4 autonomous vehicles in Texas, its dedicated new Robotaxi hub, and the real data behind its actual fleet size . Meanwhile, BYD announces a groundbreaking policy to accept full crash liability when its "God's Eye" driver-as...

Description: In this episode, I sit down with Steve Sheridan to talk about his upgrade from a 2020 Tesla Model Y Performance to the new 2026 Model Y Performance. Steve shares what motivated the change, including the significantly improved ride quality, quieter cabin, and refinements Tesla has made to the vehicle over the last several years. We discuss why the Model Y continues to be the right fit...

SUMMARY In this episode, we sit down with Allison Sheridan from PodFeet.com to discuss the GM EV1 and the SPRUCE GOOSE! Support the Show https://www.supportkilowatt.com/ Other Podcasts: Beyond the Post YouTube ( https://www.youtube.com/@beyondthepostfm ) Beyond the Post Podcast ( https://www.beyondthepost.fm/ ) Shuffle Playlist ( https://shows.acast.com/shuffle-playlist ) 918Digital Website ( http...

This week, we dive into the news as Tesla's Full Self-Driving (Supervised) platform expands its European footprint into a second country, moving closer to widespread adoption while transitioning away from one-time purchase options in the region. On the hardware front, we look at Tesla’s ambitious efficiency assertions regarding the futuristic CyberCab, alongside a new monitoring program addressing...

In this episode of Kilowatt, host Bodie breaks down Rivian’s highly anticipated Q1 2026 earnings call, shifting the spotlight from raw financial data to the groundbreaking vehicle technology driving the brand forward. The headline milestone is the official start of saleable R2 production in Normal, Illinois, with early midsize SUVs already hitting the road as employee daily drivers. Listeners will...

Description: In this episode of Kilowatt, we dive into the EV news, starting with Aptera’s massive milestone of assembling its first five production-intent validation models to prove the solar EV movement is very real. We also explore the newly live Rivian R2 configurator, breaking down the diverse trim options, initial pricing structures, and the agonizing wait for the brand's best colors. Tesla...

This episode dives into the details of Lucid Group’s first quarter 2026 earnings call, featuring the debut of incoming CEO Silvio Napoli. Napoli outlines his core priorities for the company: a relentless focus on the customer, enhanced accountability, and strict cost and capital discipline. A major highlight of the call is the expansion of Lucid’s partnership with Uber, alongside a review of the c...

Description: In this episode of Kilowatt, we chat about Volkswagen significantly increasing its stake in Rivian. We also take a global look at adoption, from the historic rise of electric vehicles in Australia to the growing demand for used EVs in the UK. The discussion highlights innovation and market strategy, covering Slate Auto’s vision for a $20,000 electric pickup and the Chevy Bolt EUV’s su...

In this episode of Kilowatt, automotive journalist Jill Ciminillo joins the show to share her extensive expertise on the rapidly changing vehicle market. Jill provides an insider's look at the New York Auto Show, highlighting the impressive Kia EV3 and its potential to make electric vehicles truly affordable for more families. The conversation dives deep into the strategic challenges Western autom...

In this episode of Kilowatt, we sit down with Max Patten from EVs for All America to chat about the political dynamics surrounding electric vehicle adoption in the United States. Max tells us the history of this politicization, examining how early marketing strategies inadvertently created consumer divides that persist today. Max provides unique insights into the shifting perceptions among Republi...

In this episode, we chat with Kim Lundgren, the founder of Kim Lundgren Associates (KLA). Kim shares her journey from being an pioneer in municipal climate planning to driving an original GM EV1 as a city official in the early 2000s. We explore the role local governments play in decarbonizing our communities, the evolution of clean school bus programs, and why "right-sizing" municipal fleets is a...

Description: In this episode, we take a deep dive into Tesla's Q1 2026 earnings call, featuring critical insights from Elon Musk and Vaibhav Taneja. The conversation centers on the technical limitations of Hardware 3 for unsupervised Full Self-Driving (FSD) and Tesla’s massive $25 billion capital investment strategy. We explore the production roadmap for the highly anticipated CyberCab and semi-tr...

In this episode of Kilowatt, I dive into Jeep's decision to pause the Wagoneer S EV and GM’s indefinite halt of its next-gen electric truck production. We explore CATL’s new LFP battery, which promises a full charge in just 6.5 minutes. Tesla's global expansion of FSD and the introduction of robotaxi-only Supercharger stations in Arizona. I also break down a critical NHTSA report on autonomous veh...

Description: In this episode of Kilowatt, Bodie dives into a whirlwind of EV news, starting with the surprising pivot of the Sony-Honda joint venture away from EV production and toward AI assistants. We explore the shifting market dynamics in the UK, where EV prices have officially dipped below those of gas cars, and examine Ford CEO Jim Farley’s warnings about the "existential threat" of Chinese...

This episode of Kilowatt dives into the staggering engineering and questionable economics of BYD’s luxury powerhouse, the Denza Z9 GT. Originally born from a partnership with Mercedes-Benz, the Denza brand is now striking out on its own with a 1,140-horsepower "shooting brake" that boasts some of the most advanced chassis tech on the planet. We explore its incredible ability to "crab walk" and piv...