Kilowatt: A Podcast about Electric Vehicles – Details, episodes & analysis

Episode Description:

In this episode of Kilowatt, I explore the evolving landscape of electric vehicles and renewable energy, with an emphasis on Tesla's full self-driving technology in Austin. Initially focusing on full self-driving, I soon uncover compelling topics such as in-wheel hub motors and extended range electric vehicles (EREVs). I discuss the advantages of in-wheel hub motors, including increased efficiency and the potential for easier EV conversions, while also addressing challenges such as ride quality and durability. The conversation then shifts to EREVs, which utilize a gas generator to charge the battery, providing a practical solution for those hesitant to fully adopt electric vehicles. I reflect on the historical origins of this concept and consider its appeal as a middle ground for families. I conclude by teasing future insights into Tesla’s developments, inviting listeners to engage with the complexities of automotive innovation.

Support the Show:

www.supportkilowatt.com

Other Podcasts:

• Beyond the Post YouTube

• Beyond the Post Podcast

• Shuffle Playlist

• 918Digital Website

News Links:

• Picture of EV batteries in the 1900's
• In-Wheel EV Hub Motors
• Extended Range EVs
• Ferdinand Porsche and In-Wheel Hub Motors and E-REV

*episode art created by Dall-e

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Episode Description:

In this episode of Kilowatt, we cover a variety of EV news and updates. Lucid Air owners can now enjoy Android Auto, while Rivian introduces the Maximus drive unit for its upcoming R2 and R3 vehicles. NIO is making moves in Europe with its economy Firefly brand and expansion into seven new countries. We delve into vehicle depreciation stats, revealing how EVs compare to gas-powered counterparts over five years. Chevrolet’s Equinox EV impresses with strong Q1 sales, and Tesla faces scrutiny over unsold inventory and a legal battle involving a former Optimus engineer. We wrap up with Cars.com’s 2025 American-Made Index, highlighting Tesla’s dominance at the top.

Support the Show

www.supportkilowatt.com

Other Podcasts:

• Beyond the Post YouTube

• Beyond the Post Podcast

• Shuffle Playlist

• 918Digital Website

News Links:

• Tesla dominates Cars.com's Made in America Index

• Cars.com 2025 American-Made Index

• NIO Expands into 7 More European Markets

• Tesla Sues Former Optimus Engineer

• Tesla Inventory Overflowing Across the U.S.

• Firefly Likely Coming to UK in October

• Chevy Equinox EV Selling Like Hotcakes

• Rivian R2 Details Unveiled

• Lucid Finally Adds Android Auto

• EVs Depreciate 30% Faster Than Gas Cars

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/kilowatt.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Description:

In this episode of Kilowatt, I explore the latest in electric vehicles, including Tesla’s recruitment of autopilot test engineers and the upcoming RoboTaxi service in Saudi Arabia. I discuss the scrutiny of Elon Musk's compensation package and a controversial report about vandalism faced by Tesla owners. Additionally, I cover the potential of lithium manganese-rich (LMR) batteries and their impact on the automotive industry, while addressing production challenges and pricing strategies. I wrap up with a teaser for an upcoming episode featuring special guests.

Support the Show:

• Patreon
• Acast+

Other Podcasts:

• Beyond the Post YouTube
• Beyond the Post Podcast
• Shuffle Playlist
• 918Digital Website

Sources: 

• GM Hires Tesla's Former Head of Autopilot
• LMR Battery - Science Direct
• GM and Ford tease LMR Batteries
• GM's LMR Press Release
• Elon's Pay Package
• Elon confirms RoboTaxi headed to Saudi Arabia
• Almost half of Tesla's Owners say their cars have been damaged intentionally.

*Show Art Created By Dall-e

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/kilowatt.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Description:

In this episode of Kilowatt, I cover a range of Tesla updates, from potential new company directions hinted by Elon Musk to staffing changes and legal challenges faced by the company. We delve into topics such as Tesla's workforce reduction, collaborations with Revel for EV charging stations, free full self-driving transfers, lower delivery projections for the quarter, and the possibility of Michelin airless tires for Tesla vehicles.

Support the Show:

• Patreon
• Acast+

New Podcast:

• Beyond the Post YouTube
• Beyond the Post Podcast

News:

• Masterplan Part 4
• Mercedes to get access to Supercharger Network
• FSD Transfer
• Tesla's workforce
• Revel Team
• Airless Tires
• Tesla Owners Lawsuit
• Tesla sues former supplier
• Tesla trade secrets
• Tesla battery degradation
• Tesla expected to have a down quarter
• Most American made cars
• Cybertruck Charging
• Cybertruck Recall
• Cybertrucks Vandalized

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/kilowatt.

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Description:

In this episode of Kilowatt, we dive into the latest electric vehicle (EV) news with a focus on NIO's EL8 SUV launch in Europe and Ford's updates on autonomous driving and dealer certification programs. We also explore developments such as the investigation of the UAW President, GM's Ultium battery plant contract, Cruise's fine for an autonomous vehicle accident, Rivian's layoffs and partnerships with Volkswagen, and Volkswagen's integration of ChatGPT's voice assistant. Join us for a comprehensive discussion on the dynamic EV industry landscape.

Support the Show:

• Patreon
• Acast+

New Podcast:

• Beyond the Post YouTube
• Beyond the Post Podcast

News:

• NIO EL8
• NIO EL8 Specs
• NIO Power Swap Station 4.0
• NIO Q2 Delivery Target
• Ford Cancels Model e Dealership Program
• Ford BlueCruise L3 Autonomous Driving
• UAW President Under Federal Investigation
• GM Ultium Battery Factory Rarifies Union Contract
• GM Cruise to Pay Maximum Fine
• Rivian Announced Another Round of Layoffs
• Rivian and VW Group Partner on Software
• VW Adds ChatGPT's Voice Assistant to ID.4 Vehicles

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/kilowatt.

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Description:

In this episode, I delve into Tesla's 2024 shareholder meeting, shedding light on the proposed items and responses. As we navigate through the shareholder proposals, one advocates for shorter director terms for enhanced accountability, while the other pushes for a simple majority vote. I present both sides of the argument to offer a comprehensive view of the discussions shaping Tesla's governance and future. We highlight Tesla's commitment to shareholder engagement, juxtaposed with criticisms regarding voting requirements and transparency on workplace harassment and collective bargaining policies.

The complex relationship between labor unions and Tesla is discussed, emphasizing fair negotiations, employee rights, and the delicate balance between labor and management dynamics. Elon Musk's viewpoints on unions and regulatory responses to his statements are explored, stressing the significance of respecting labor rights and fostering transparent workplace practices. Concerns about electromagnetic radiation and wireless technologies in Tesla vehicles are addressed through a shareholder proposal calling for annual risk reports. While Tesla defends its safety measures and compliance, the need for transparency and safety is underscored in the ongoing discussions at the annual meeting.

I also address various stockholder proposals concerning Tesla's transparency, executive compensation, sustainability metrics, and deep-sea mining. I emphasize the importance of transparency in Tesla's reporting and the value of third-party evaluations of technologies. The issue of executive compensation is explored, suggesting a link to employee pay. Proposals on incorporating sustainability metrics into compensation plans and imposing a moratorium on deep-sea mining are discussed, stressing the need for informed decision-making in evaluating these proposals. I provide a summary of the stockholder vote results on Tesla's proposals and highlight the intricacies of producing this episode while emphasizing the significance of understanding Tesla's stance for future coverage.

Support the Show:

• Patreon
• Acast+

New Podcast:

• Beyond the Post YouTube
• Beyond the Post Podcast

News:

• Tesla's 2024 Shareholder Meeting
• Proxy Statement

Additional Links:

• Elon on unions
• Elon has to delete his union tweet

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/kilowatt.

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Description:

In this episode of Kilowatt, we delve into Tesla's 2024 shareholder meeting Q&A session part two. We touch on Tesla's advancements with 4680 battery cells, cost parity, and challenges faced in the EV market. Elon Musk provides insights on topics like the Cybertruck's global launch, FSD software enhancements, neural net scaling laws, and the development of Tesla's humanoid robot, Optimus. Musk shares his vision for Optimus in various settings by 2026 and discusses lithium refining, geopolitical risks, and Tesla's lithium supply strategy. Special recognition is given to Jessica Kirsch for her parking solutions proposal during Starship launches at the shareholder meeting.

Support the Show:

• Patreon
• Acast+

New Podcast:

• Beyond the Post YouTube
• Beyond the Post Podcast

News:

• Tesla's 2024 Shareholder Meeting
• Proxy Statement

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/kilowatt.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Description:

Part 2 of Tesla's 2024 shareholder meeting. This episode will cover Q&A with Elon Musk. Discussions include free speech, FSD trials, referral program tweaks, Musk's safety, and driverless cars. I offer analysis and insights, providing a snapshot of diverse perspectives on tech, safety, and affordability in the EV industry.

Support the Show:

• Patreon
• Acast+

New Podcast:

• Beyond the Post YouTube
• Beyond the Post Podcast

News:

• Tesla's 2024 Shareholder Meeting
• Proxy Statement

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/kilowatt.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Description:

In this episode, we discuss Tesla's 2024 annual shareholder meeting, focusing on Elon Musk's presentation covering sustainability goals, Model Y success, Full Self-Driving, and advancements in chip design. We delve into corporate governance dynamics, Tesla's operations including battery innovations and software engineering, and future plans like expanding the supercharger network. The episode also highlights Tesla's developments in AI chips, autonomous driving technology, and humanoid robots, offering insights into their economic potential and market impact.

Support the Show:

• Patreon
• Acast+

New Podcast:

• Beyond the Post YouTube
• Beyond the Post Podcast

News:

• Tesla's 2024 Shareholder Meeting
• Proxy Statement

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/kilowatt.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Kilowatt, we discussed Qmerit's new Powerhouse service offering bi-directional charging for homes. I touched on VinFast's potential delay in North Carolina and Faraday Future's challenges with FF91 EV deliveries. I also discussed General Motors' supercharger network access and upcoming EV releases like the Chevy Bolt and Blazer. Insight was given on the environmental impact of EVs versus ICE vehicles, showing EVs have a lower carbon footprint. I covered the Eco Car Challenge, European tariffs on Chinese EVs, and previewed Tesla's shareholders meeting, ending with an invite for engagement with our Patreon community.

Support the Show:

• Patreon
• Acast+

New Podcast:

• Beyond the Post YouTube
• Beyond the Post Podcast

Community Contributions

• ECO Car Challenge
• EU to impose tariffs on Chinese EVs
• NIO warns against political tariffs
• Are EVs greener than ICE cars

News:

• Qmerit PowerHouse
• Faraday Future 2023 deliveries
• VinFast factory delay
• GM's Supercharger access
• Chevy Bolt
• Blazer EV lease price
• GM lowers sales targets for 2024
• $25,000 Jeep

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/kilowatt.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.