

Ride the Lightning: Tesla and EV Podcast
Ryan McCaffrey
Ride the Lightning: The Tesla Unofficial Podcast is the world's longest-running weekly Tesla show, made for Tesla fans and owners by Tesla community veteran Ryan McCaffrey. Each week we'll discuss and analyze everything happening with the Cybertruck, Model 3, Model S, Model X, Model Y, Roadster, and more!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 14, 2025 • 1h 32min
Episode 528: Robotaxi Gearing Up to Launch in 2 More States
Tesla is gearing up to launch its Robotaxi service in Arizona and Nevada. Exciting news comes with a new pilot program making non-Tesla chargers more accessible for owners. The podcast discusses the scarcity of the long-range rear-wheel drive Cybertruck, alongside features for enhanced EV charging. Listener experiences with Full Self-Driving spark interesting conversations, while a new achievement system aims to boost customer engagement. Innovations in Tesla's color options, along with the competitive EV market landscape, highlight ongoing developments in the industry.

9 snips
Sep 7, 2025 • 1h 45min
Episode 527: My First Robotaxi Ride!
The host shares their exhilarating first experience riding in a robotaxi, detailing the technology and comfort involved. They dive into Tesla's Master Plan Part Four, which outlines ambitious sustainability goals and technological advancements. Excitement builds around the upcoming Roadster and the implications of Elon Musk's massive compensation package. Additionally, the challenges surrounding the Full Self-Driving rollout in Australia spark engaging listener participation, revealing regional frustrations and hopes for the future of electric mobility.

14 snips
Aug 31, 2025 • 1h 47min
Episode 526: New Model Y Performance Is Here and It’s Even Better Than We’d Hoped
Discover the newly unveiled Model Y Performance, featuring exciting enhancements and powerful upgrades. Tesla is making waves globally, from the expansion of full self-driving technology to potential returns of the Model S and X in Europe. The buzz around Robotaxi services continues, with cities like Phoenix in the spotlight for future rollouts. Plus, get an inside look at the Tesla Diner's evolving menu and hear listener feedback on full self-driving features. Join the community excitement surrounding Tesla's innovations!

19 snips
Aug 24, 2025 • 1h 30min
Episode 525: Tons of New Model Y L Details Revealed
The launch of the six-seat Model Y L in China introduces exciting new features and enhanced comfort. Innovations like extendable leg supports and ventilated captain's chairs are game-changers. The Model 3 sees a welcome interior update while luxury packages are introduced for the Model S, X, and Cybertruck. Discussions on the theft resistance of Tesla vehicles and insights into recent price changes add intrigue. Plus, listeners share valuable tips for purchasing and optimizing their Tesla experience!

16 snips
Aug 17, 2025 • 1h 37min
Episode 524: New Patent Suggests Next-Gen Roadster Might Be ‘Fan’-tastic
A new patent hints that the next-gen Roadster may incorporate innovative technology to outshine other supercars. The updated Cybertruck is now equipped with a robust off-road armor package, attracting interest from the military for its durability. Exciting updates are on the way for Full Self-Driving software, while Tesla faces challenges related to its driver assistance technology. The shift to advanced camera technology is also in the spotlight, enhancing safety and user experience in Tesla vehicles.

12 snips
Aug 10, 2025 • 1h 24min
Episode 523: Special Guest: Tesla Tipster Sawyer Merritt
This week, Tesla tipster Sawyer Merritt, a dedicated source for Tesla news on X, shares his journey into the Tesla community and the motivation behind his passion. He discusses the potential for Tesla to explore advertising, the significance of social media in the industry, and the evolving landscape of EVs. Sawyer also touches on the balance between maintaining integrity in content creation while connecting with the growing Tesla community. Prepare for insights on brand loyalty, competition, and the future of electric vehicles!

10 snips
Aug 3, 2025 • 1h 34min
Episode 522: More Affordable Model Y Spied Up Close – Here’s What We Know
Lars Moravey, Tesla's Vice President of Engineering and a keynote speaker at the Tesla takeover event, discusses the newly spotted affordable Model Y, which could become Tesla's lowest-priced vehicle. He shares insights on its key features, including a lack of a glass roof and standard cloth seating. The conversation also touches on the exciting return of the Tesla Roadster and a revamped Robotaxi service. Listeners get a glimpse into Tesla's innovative advancements and strategic moves regarding AI technology and upcoming models.

18 snips
Jul 27, 2025 • 1h 51min
Episode 521: Q2 Earnings Call Recap, Highlights, and Analysis
Franz von Holzhausen, Tesla's Chief Designer, shares exciting insights following the Q2 earnings call. He discusses key developments like the launch of a robo-taxi service and highlights the demand for Tesla's energy products. Franz also dives into the challenges faced in global markets and how upcoming innovations will impact production efficiency. The conversation includes updates on the expanding supercharger network and ambitions for Full Self-Driving technology, setting the stage for Tesla's future growth.

7 snips
Jul 20, 2025 • 1h 22min
Episode 520: Tesla Reveals Longer, Six-Seat Model Y L
Tesla has unveiled a six-seat Model Y variant in China, boasting an extended wheelbase and exciting new features. Speculation swirls around a potential re-reveal of the Tesla Roadster while the latest summer software update enhances AI capabilities. The hosts analyze EV sales trends, highlighting the Model Y's success and discussing the Cybertruck's performance hiccups. Upcoming events like TeslaCon Florida 2025 are previewed, alongside useful tips for Tesla owners, ensuring a vibrant community of enthusiasts.

Jul 13, 2025 • 1h 26min
Episode 519: The New King of Supercharging Stations Opens
Tesla’s latest gigantic Supercharging station is online and it’s incredibly impressive. I’ll tell you all about it. Plus: the new Model 3 scores a huge safety rating in Europe, Tesla’s European FSD Supervised push continues, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/teslapodcast and consider a monthly or annual pledge. Every little bit helps and there are stacking bonuses in it for you at each pledge level, like early access to each episode at the $5 tier and the weekly Lightning Round bonus mini-episode (AND the early access!) at the $10 tier! And NO ADS at every tier! And don't forget to leave a message on the Ride the Lightning hotline anytime with a question, comment, or discussion topic for next week's show! The toll-free number to call or Skype is 1-888-989-8752. INTERESTED IN AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR YOUR TESLA? Be a part of the future of transportation with XCare, the first extended warranty designed & built exclusively for EV owners, by EV owners. Use the code Lightning to get $100 off their “One-time Payment” option! Go to www.xcelerateauto.com/xcare to find the extended warranty policy that's right for you and your Tesla. P.S. Get 15% off your first order of awesome aftermarket Tesla accessories at AbstractOcean.com by using the code RTLpodcast at checkout. Grab the SnapPlate front license plate bracket for any Tesla at https://everyamp.com/RTL/ (don't forget the coupon code RTL too!). BONUS: If you're in or going to be in the greater San Francisco Bay Area, bring your car to Immaculate Reflections! They're offering a Summer special: $200 off of any paint correction service, $500 off of any ceramic coating package, and 15% off of any PPF package. And I realize that 15% may not sound like a lot, but on a front end PPF that’s a solid couple hundred bucks off, and if you go full-body PPF like me you’re saving over $1000 right there. Thank you Jeff for offering these generous discounts to my audience! Check out his website at irdetailing.com