Ride the Lightning: Tesla and EV Podcast

Three intriguing updates to the Model 3 are unveiled, featuring a new puddle light and a factory tow package. Meanwhile, New Jersey's puzzling move to decommission Superchargers on the Turnpike leaves many scratching their heads. Rivian's collaboration with Volkswagen promises exciting advancements in EV software. Enjoy personal anecdotes about the highs and lows of Tesla ownership, and revel in the distinctive joy of driving an electric vehicle compared to traditional cars!

We’ve got a reported date for the first driverless robotaxi rides in Austin, Texas, along with a long-ago autonomy forecast that might finally be on the cusp of coming true. Plus: Tesla’s letting you take a two-day test drive of any car you like, Rivian takes a big step towards the R2 going into full production, 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 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. CHECK OUT COOL NEW WHEELS FOR YOUR TESLA: Get The New Aero's beautiful and aero-efficient wheels designed for Teslas by Tesla owners at www.TNAwheels.com and use the discount code TeslaPodcast for a 10% discount. 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!). 

New sightings of the Model Y Performance along with updates to the Model S and X are stirring excitement for imminent launches. Discover premium dashboard upgrades for refreshed Model 3 and Y owners. The upcoming rollout of Tesla's robo-taxi service in Austin showcases innovative strides in driverless technology. Listeners share insights and experiences, building a vibrant community around Tesla. Plus, there are intriguing speculations about performance enhancements and new color options for the latest models!

Tesla is expanding its military discount program to include first responders, offering $1,000 off on vehicle purchases. The podcast dives into challenges around trademarks for 'Robotaxi' and 'CyberCab.' It highlights the anticipated rollout of Full Self-Driving technology in Europe and updates on the Model Y. Interesting insights on the evolving EV market are shared, especially regarding Toyota's serious approach to electric vehicles. Engaging listener experiences and Tesla features add a personal touch to the discussion.

Tesla brings back the Long-Range Rear-Wheel Drive Model Y, now with impressive features like an acceleration boost. Cybertruck buyers get a bonus with a free year of Full Self-Driving. Rivian is ramping up its R2 production in Illinois while exploring RoboTaxi innovations to tackle urban congestion. Discussions include the political landscape around EV sales in New York and listener insights on quirky Tesla accessories. Personal anecdotes add humor, making for a fun, informative experience!

A new report suggests that Tesla might be readying a three-row Model Y with a longer wheelbase in China, but if it’s true, might it make its way to the US as well? Plus: Tesla’s regulatory path to getting the Cybercab approved just got easier, a newly announced EV pickup truck is taking a unique strategy to be as affordable as possible, 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 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!). 

Tesla held its quarterly earnings call for Q1 2025, and there was plenty covered, from the robotaxis launching in the near future to Optimus to the more affordable Teslas and more. I’ll have highlight clips from the Tesla executive team plus my recap and analysis. 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 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!). 

The anticipated delay of Tesla's more affordable model raises eyebrows among potential buyers. Meanwhile, a police department shares data revealing significant cost savings from using Teslas as police vehicles. Giga Berlin boasts the world's largest free EV charging park, while community votes on new supercharger locations engage listeners. The discussion also touches on Tesla's impact in law enforcement, trends in EV sales, and strategic shifts in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle market. Exciting listener interactions highlight the community's passion for all things Tesla.

The rollout of the rear-wheel drive Cybertruck brings exciting changes, showcasing a more affordable option and exploring what features have been cut. Upcoming software updates promise to enhance Model Y's safety and practicality. Discover insights on Tesla's advancements in battery technology and community initiatives. Plus, there's lighthearted banter about cooking and the challenges of maintaining Tesla vehicles, sprinkled with tech tips and strategies for electric car enthusiasts!

Tesla faces challenges with disappointing Q1 production and delivery numbers, alongside competitors like Rivian and Lucid. Exciting innovations include appointing an executive chef for a drive-in diner at a Hollywood supercharger and the launch of customizable options for the Model Y. New color options for the Model 3 and Y are finally here, while production transitions trigger shifts in sales strategies. The host shares personal experiences with Tesla service improvements and invites community engagement through tips and support, celebrating supporters along the way.