Kilowatt: A Podcast about Electric Vehicles

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Kilowatt is a podcast about electric vehicles (EVs) that covers various topics related to EVs, including the latest news and developments, the benefits and challenges of EVs, and the future of transportation. The podcast features interviews with experts in the field and provides in-depth analysis and information about EVs. It aims to educate and inform listeners about the latest trends and innovations in the EV industry.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/kilowatt. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 1d ago

    One for the Plug and One for the Load

    One for the Plug and One for the Load This short edition of Kilowatt pairs a tiny electric car with a very large workforce. Bodie revisits the Fiat Topolino and its move from private-property transportation to a street-legal low-speed vehicle for the 2027 model year. He discusses its new 25 mph top speed, the complimentary upgrade for existing owners, and where a small neighborhood EV might fit. Then, BYD’s workforce passes one million employees, prompting a comparison with Volkswagen, Toyota, and Tesla. Bodie looks at changes in BYD’s headcount and the vehicles sold per employee at each company, sharing the numbers as an interesting comparison rather than drawing a conclusion about efficiency. Support the Show My Podcasts: Beyond the Post YouTube Beyond the Post Podcast Shuffle Playlist 918Digital Website Publications: InsideEVs Electrek News Links: Fiat's Tiny $15,000 EV Can Finally Hit American Streets BYD now has 1.02 million workers, more than Toyota, GM, Ford, and Tesla combined Show Art Created By Dall-e Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    One for the Plug and One for the Load

  2. 6d ago

    New Magnets, Bigger Font, and Skipped Questions

    Description Bodie covers BYD’s new Han EV, Rivian’s acquisition of Third Dimension, and the best-selling EVs in the United States through the third quarter of 2026. The sales countdown highlights Tesla’s share of the market and a few surprising entries. Tesla news includes canceled Cybertruck plans for Australia and New Zealand, an updated app for larger screens, and a planned option for bigger touchscreen text. Bodie also discusses the Hardware 3 upgrade question Tesla skipped during its earnings call and why owners who paid for Full Self-Driving need a clearer explanation of what comes next. The episode wraps up with Ferrstron’s prototype electric powertrain using ferrite magnets and its potential to reduce reliance on rare earth materials. Bodie also recommends the Car Stuff Podcast’s conversation with Jennifer Newman about car seat safety. Support the Show Support Kilowatt My Podcasts Beyond the Post Podcast Shuffle Playlist 918Digital Website Publications Electrek InsideEVs Not a Tesla App News Links General EV News BYD launches luxury Han EV with 1,000+ km of range for $35,000 Rivian Buys Synthetic Data Startup To Boost Its Autonomy Ambitions These are the top 10 best-selling EVs in the US through Q3 Tesla News Tesla Promised To Bring The Cybertruck To Australia And New Zealand. But It’s Never Coming Tesla Launches iPad and iPhone Duo App Tesla skipped the most important shareholder question on its earnings call Mentioned in This Episode Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast NosillaCast with Allison Sheridan Art Created By Dall-e Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    New Magnets, Bigger Font, and Skipped Questions

  3. Oct 22

    Tesla's Q3 2026 Earnings Call

    In this episode of Kilowatt, I cover Tesla's Q3 2026 earnings call, including updates on Full Self-Driving, Robotaxi, CyberCab, Optimus, and Tesla's energy business. Elon Musk discusses Tesla's plans to increase vehicle production to five million annually by 2030, expand autonomous driving into additional markets, and ramp up Megapack production. I take a closer look at Tesla's Robotaxi expansion plans, including the company's goal of reaching 30 cents per paid mile and what that could mean for owners hoping to earn money by putting their vehicles on the network. We also get updates on Optimus, including manufacturing challenges, AI training, improvements to the robot's hands, and Tesla's timeline for delivering robots to outside customers. Tesla executives share new information about FSD subscriptions, future unsupervised driving capabilities, and plans to expand CyberCab availability beyond Austin. Along the way, I discuss Tesla's ambitious timelines, the importance of actual Robotaxi fleet numbers, and why I'd like to see more transparency around FSD subscription retention. Support the Show Other Podcasts: Beyond the Post YouTube Beyond the Post Podcast Shuffle Playlist 918Digital Website Publications: Tesla News Links: Cold Gas Physics Lab: Tesla Roadster Physics Calculator Tesla Q3 2026 Financial Results and Q&A Webcast *Show Art Created By Dall-e Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Tesla's Q3 2026 Earnings Call

  4. Oct 21

    A Potpourri of Nonsense

    In this episode of Kilowatt, I revisit my comments about whether Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) should be free and clarify why my issue isn't with Tesla charging for the technology, but with Elon Musk's messaging about the potential loss of life if regulators don't approve it. I also respond to listener feedback, discuss Tesla's safety claims, and explain why I'd like to see more independent verification of FSD's safety data. After subscribing to FSD for $99 a month, I share my experiences with versions 12.6 and 14.3 Lite while driving around Phoenix and Tucson. While FSD has improved significantly since I last used it, I've encountered some frustrating behavior, including questionable highway routing, unnecessary detours, and a tendency to linger in semi-truck blind spots. I also discuss where FSD works well, how it compares to Rivian's driver-assistance technology, and why I don't think it's worth $99 a month for my driving needs. Finally, I share my experience riding in one of Waymo's new Ojai autonomous vehicles, including its spacious interior, sliding doors, and how the ride compares to Waymo's Jaguar I-PACE vehicles. Support the Show Other Podcasts: Beyond the Post YouTube Beyond the Post Podcast Shuffle Playlist 918Digital Website *Show Art Created By Dall-e Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    A Potpourri of Nonsense

  5. Oct 17

    2026 Tesla Roadster Event

    Tesla finally unveiled its updated Roadster on October 15, nearly nine years after its original announcement, and the event featured some remarkable demonstrations of engineering. In this episode, we compare the new Roadster with the version Tesla promised in 2017, including changes to its design, performance, range, and production timeline. We break down the vehicle's different configurations, from the standard rear-wheel-drive model to the Rocket version equipped with cold-gas thrusters capable of launching the car into the air. We also explore the technology behind its ground-effect suction fans, the Venturi effect, and how that same principle has been used in firefighting equipment. Beyond the demonstrations, we discuss Tesla's collaboration with SpaceX, speculation about a potential merger, and what the Roadster's development means for the company's future. Finally, we examine the reservation agreement, refundable deposits, uncertain pricing, and what customers who reserved a Roadster back in 2017 might expect as Tesla targets production in 2028. Support the Show Other Podcasts: Beyond the Post YouTube Beyond the Post Podcast Shuffle Playlist 918Digital Website Publications: Get Car Curious Feedspot Electrek Ars Technica Not a Tesla App InsideEVs Teslarati News Links: Get Car Curious: Automotive Podcasts Feedspot: Electric Vehicle Podcast Rankings Tesla Roadster Event Video Tesla Unveils Cyberfied New Roadster That Can Kickflip Tesla Turns to 50-Year-Old Stunt Technology as It Tries to Roadster Again New Tesla Roadster Specs: Battery, Range, Speed, Trims, and More The Tesla Roadster Has 1,341 HP and Half the Range Elon Musk Once Promised. Here Are the Full Specs Tesla Roadster: Three Configs, One Can Fly, 0–60 in 0.8 Seconds Tesla 'Cannot Guarantee' Your Roadster Pre-Order Will Ever Be Delivered *Show Art Created By Dall-e Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    2026 Tesla Roadster Event

  6. Oct 14

    Kim Lundgren: One Big Thing at a Time

    Kim Lundgren of Kim Lundgren Associates returns to Kilowatt to talk about electric vehicles, sustainability, and why going 100% electric isn't always the best approach. Kim starts by sharing how she chose a Hyundai IONIQ 5 for her teenage daughter's first car, comparing it with Volvo's electric offerings and explaining why charging, technology, safety, and long-term reliability influenced her decision. The conversation then shifts to municipal fleets and whether cities should be pushing to electrify every vehicle, including fire trucks, garbage trucks, and public works equipment. Kim explains why a more practical approach, replacing vehicles as needed and prioritizing applications where electric vehicles make sense, can be more effective than an all-or-nothing strategy. Bodie and Kim also discuss extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs), fleet maintenance, infrastructure costs, and the challenges of transitioning away from fossil fuels. Kim shares her One Big Thing approach to climate action, encouraging people to make meaningful changes when it's time to replace a vehicle or home equipment. And toward the end, Bodie discovers that something he's believed about the ozone layer and global warming since childhood isn't quite what he thought. Support the Show Other Podcasts: Beyond the Post YouTube Beyond the Post Podcast Shuffle Playlist 918Digital Website Guest Links: Kim Lundgren Associates (KLA) All Access With Andy Garcia: Kim Lundgren Associates Kim Lundgren on LinkedIn KLA on LinkedIn KLA on Instagram KLA on YouTube Vehicle Discussed: Hyundai IONIQ 5 Volvo EX30 Volvo XC40 Recharge/EX40 Kia EV 6 Cadillac LYRIQ Ford F-150 Lightning Scout Terra Pickup Truck  *Show Art Created By Dall-e Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Kim Lundgren: One Big Thing at a Time

  7. Oct 12

    If FSD Saves Lives, Why Isn't It Free?

    Volkswagen is recalling more than 22,000 ID.4s over a potential battery fire risk, while Einride has deployed fully autonomous electric trucks in Ohio. Rivian is getting into the Halloween spirit with a Ghostbusters-themed software update, complete with a special Ecto-1-inspired R1S, and BYD has filed a patent for a new battery cooling system that submerges battery modules in a specialized liquid. In Tesla news, the company has officially adopted the name "Dumb Summon" for its original Summon feature as part of a broader rebranding effort in Europe. Tesla has also renamed Full Self-Driving to Tesla Assisted Driving following discussions with German regulators, who are now supporting the company's push for broader European approval. A Reuters investigation examines Tesla's campaign to pressure European regulators and raises questions about the safety evidence supporting its claims. The episode closes with a personal discussion about Tesla's argument that delaying FSD approval could cost lives, and whether a company making that claim should charge customers for the technology. Click Here to Support the Show Other Podcasts: Beyond the Post YouTube Beyond the Post Podcast Shuffle Playlist 918Digital Website Publications: InsideEVs CleanTechnica Electrek Battery Industry Not a Tesla App News Links: EV News VW ID.4 Recalled Over Fire Risk, Owners Told Not To Charge Past 80% Pssst! Wanna See A Driverless Electric Truck? Rivian brings Ghostbusters to its vehicles in 2026 Halloween update BYD puts battery cells directly in cooling liquid in new patent Tesla News Tesla Officially Renames Original Summon to ‘Dumb Summon’ Tesla drops ‘Full Self-Driving’ name in Europe after Germany pushback How Tesla Is Pressuring European Regulators To Approve FSD *Show Art Created By Dall-e Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    If FSD Saves Lives, Why Isn't It Free?

  8. Oct 7

    From Budget EV to Luxury Spaceship

    Affordable EVs are back in the spotlight with the Kia EV3, which starts under $30,000 and offers up to 321 miles of range with its larger battery pack. The show also looks at the updated Pebble Flow electric travel trailer, with its 45 kWh battery, expanded solar setup, powered wheels, and a price tag that puts all that camping convenience firmly into luxury territory. Jaguar takes things in a completely different direction with the Type 01, a four-seat electric GT packing more than 1,000 horsepower, a claimed 400 miles of range, and a design that feels equal parts retro and futuristic. Tesla's Q3 2026 production and delivery numbers are also in, with strong Model 3 and Model Y deliveries alongside much smaller numbers from the rest of the lineup. Tesla is expanding Powershare Home Backup to new Model 3 and Model Y vehicles when paired with a Powerwall 3, giving owners another source of backup power during an outage. Finally, Tesla adds an Emergency Drive Away feature for Supercharging situations and passes another charging milestone with more than 85,000 Supercharger stalls across 9,000 locations worldwide. Support the Show Other Podcasts: Beyond the Post YouTube Beyond the Post Podcast Shuffle Playlist 918Digital Website Publications: Electrek InsideEVs Ars Technica Not a Tesla App News Links: EV News Kia EV3 first drive: the affordable EV we have been waiting for Is The $30,000 Kia EV3 The Best Affordable EV Yet? All-electric camping gets a solar upgrade: The 2027 Pebble Flow The Jaguar Type 01 Is A 1,000-horsepower Beast. But It Isn’t For Everyone Tesla News Tesla Sales Are Down. But They're Doing A Lot Better Than Some Competitors Tesla Announces Q3 2026 Vehicle Deliveries — Beating Analyst Estimates Cybertruck sales in free fall as Tesla reports mediocre sales for Q3 Tesla Model 3 and Model Y can finally power your home Tesla Introduces Emergency Supercharger Breakaway Feature Tesla Hits 85,000 Superchargers at 9,000 Locations Worldwide *Show Art Created By Dall-e Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    From Budget EV to Luxury Spaceship
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About

Kilowatt is a podcast about electric vehicles (EVs) that covers various topics related to EVs, including the latest news and developments, the benefits and challenges of EVs, and the future of transportation. The podcast features interviews with experts in the field and provides in-depth analysis and information about EVs. It aims to educate and inform listeners about the latest trends and innovations in the EV industry.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/kilowatt. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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