Kilowatt: A Podcast about Electric Vehicles

Description:In this episode, I share insights from my hectic week that disrupted my usual podcast schedule, exploring the balance of work, studies, and personal responsibilities. I recount a humorous yet frustrating car incident involving a flat tire caused by a razor blade, reflecting on the importance of processing emotional reactions before making statements, particularly in the context of technology discussions. I discuss significant news in the electric vehicle sector, including Nikola Motors’ bankruptcy, Lucid Motors' factory acquisition, NIO's battery swap partnership with CATL, and BYD's innovative advancements like their humanoid robot and EV price cuts. Finally, I pose a thought-provoking question about the future of electric vehicle refueling methods—rapid charging versus battery swap stations—encouraging listeners to consider their preferences and the evolving landscape of EV technology.Support the Show:PatreonAcast+Other Podcasts:Beyond the Post YouTubeBeyond the Post PodcastShuffle Playlist918Digital WebsiteSources: Lucid to Buy Nikola's Factory and HeadquartersNIO and CATL Partner UpCATL and 10,000 New Battery Swap StationsBYD Seagull Gets a Price CutBYD 5 minute charging 1BYD 5 minute charging 2BYD 5 minute charging 3BYD Han L's New Lower Price

Description:In this episode of Kilowatt, I explore recent trends in electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy with Alison Sheridan. We analyze Tesla's Q1 2023 delivery numbers, noting a decline that raises questions about production methods and market dynamics. Our discussion delves into potential alternatives to Tesla, considering factors like range anxiety and personal preferences in EV selection. We evaluate various models from manufacturers like Honda and Kia, highlighting the significance of what a vehicle represents to its owner. Additionally, we introduce Plug P2P, a service connecting EV owners to charging solutions, and discuss HERE Technologies' advancements in mapping and navigation for seamless charging experiences. The episode concludes with reflections on the future of the EV landscape and its implications for consumer behavior.Support the Show:PatreonAcast+New Podcast:Beyond the Post YouTubeBeyond the Post PodcastLinks:Podfeet WebsiteSteve's Youtube ChannelHerePlugP2PTesla's Q1 2024 Numbers*The episode art was probably created by ChatGPT.

Description:In this episode of Kilowatt, I explore Tesla's full self-driving (FSD) software with enthusiast Allison Sheridan. We discuss her journey as a Tesla driver, detailing her experiences with the FSD system and the significant changes she’s noticed with recent updates. Allison reflects on her previous encounters with FSD's erratic performance and contrasts them with her latest experiences, highlighting both alarming incidents and Tesla's ongoing improvements. We also touch on the future of autonomous driving with anticipated hardware upgrades and the impact of electric innovations on environmental sustainability, including Allison's insights from an interview about an electric dredger at CES. This conversation delves into the evolving landscape of electric vehicles and the technology that shapes our future.Support the Show:PatreonAcast+New Podcast:Beyond the Post YouTubeBeyond the Post PodcastLinks:Podfeet WebsiteSteve's Youtube Channel*The episode art was probably created by ChatGPT.

Description:Why are Chinese EVs so cheap? In this episode of Kilowatt, we break down the price gap between EVs in the U.S., Europe, and China, exploring how China’s dominance in battery production, supply chains, and government subsidies created the world’s largest and cheapest EV market. Plus, we dig into price wars, tech-packed interiors, and why Western automakers are struggling to keep up.Support the Show:PatreonAcast+Other Podcasts:Beyond the Post YouTubeBeyond the Post PodcastShuffle Playlist918Digital WebsiteSources: Kelly Blue Book - How Much Are Electric CarsForbes - European EV Sales Forecast CutStatista - Electric Vehicles AsiaStatista - Projected battery cost 2016 - 2030CleanTechnica - Top 10 EV battery producersVox - Why China is winning the EV warReuters - China’s auto worker bear the brunt of price war as fallout widensWorld Economic Forum - China has an EV advantage but can it maintain its edgeGC.Auto - 6 reasons why Chinese EVs are so cheapCNN - A brutal elimination round is reshaping the world's biggest market for EVsReuters - What’s behind China’s failed “truce” in EV price warMarketWatch - How can China make EVs for less than $20,000

Description:In this episode of Kilowatt, we break down the latest EV battery tech, including the pros and cons of LFP vs. NMC batteries, different battery cell form factors, and how BYD's Blade Battery is shaking things up. We’ll also discuss whether the Blade Battery is as fireproof as BYD claims (spoiler: probably not), and what’s coming next in battery innovation. Buckle up—it's time to geek out on EV power!Support the Show:PatreonAcast+Other Podcasts:Beyond the Post YouTubeBeyond the Post PodcastShuffle Playlist918Digital WebsiteSources: QuantumScape - EV Battery Cell FormatsAutomotive Manufacturing Solutions - Top  5 EV battery chemistriesUfine Battery - BYD Blade Battery Comprehensive Guide

Description:Your car is spying on you—and not just in the ways you’d expect. From contact info and driving behavior to biometric data and facial recognition, modern vehicles are collecting more data than ever. In this episode, we dive into how automakers and even governments are using this data, including a lawsuit against GM for allegedly selling driver data to insurance companies. Plus, we explore security vulnerabilities in key fobs, EV chargers, and even Tesla’s software, where hackers have demonstrated alarming access to vehicle functions. Stay tuned to learn how to protect yourself from privacy risks and potential cyber threats in your own car.Support the Show:PatreonAcast+Other Podcasts:Beyond the Post YouTubeBeyond the Post PodcastShuffle Playlist918Digital WebsiteSources: AP - In China, your car could be talking the governmentQuartz - A Chinese official explained how the country’s electric-car surveillance worksCar Scoops - More Venues Across China are Banning Tesla EVs over Security ConcernsWired - How Your New Car Tracks YouVPR - VehiclePrivacyReportTexas lawsuit - State of Texas v. GMCBS News - GM is selling driver data to insurers w/o consumers’ knowledge. Reuters - Tesla workers shared sensitive images recorded by customer carsUNR - Can EVs be hackedDark Reading - Tesla Gear Gets Hacked Multiple Times in Pwn2Own Contest

Description:In this episode, I talk with Chris Ashley, an electric vehicle enthusiast and food truck owner who uses the Ford F-150 Lightning to power his barbecue business. We discuss his transition from gasoline to electric energy, including the benefits and challenges of using anchor batteries and solar panels. Chris shares his culinary insights, blending Jamaican and regional barbecue styles, and highlights his engagement with the community through catering. We also touch on his podcasting ventures, illustrating the connection between technology and food in his entrepreneurial journey.Support the Show:PatreonAcast+Other Podcasts:Beyond the Post YouTubeBeyond the Post PodcastShuffle PlaylistChris's Previous Episodes:Episode 297: Allison Sheridan with Chris Ashley – Ford F150 Lightning EVEpisode 460: Chris Ashley's F-150 Lightning Towing AdventureLinks:BBQ and Tech WebsiteBBQ and Tech InstagramBBQ and Tech FaceBook

Description:In this episode, I analyze General Motors Company's fourth quarter earnings call for 2024, highlighting CEO Mary Barra and CFO Paul Jacobson's insights on the shift in focus to Super Cruise technology and the discontinuation of RoboTaxi funding. I discuss GM's strong EV performance, achieving variable profit and reducing dealer inventory, along with the projected $2 billion in annual subscription revenue from Super Cruise. The episode also addresses the impact of political changes on EV strategies and GM’s commitment to advancing autonomous vehicle technology. I conclude with reflections on GM's flexibility in the market and their promising outlook for 2025.Support the Show:PatreonAcast+Other Podcasts:Beyond the Post YouTubeBeyond the Post PodcastShuffle Playlist918Digital WebsiteNews:GM's Q4 2024 Earnings Call

Description:In this episode of Kilowatt, I talk with Bart Bouchotts about his journey to find the perfect electric vehicle, leading to his choice of the 2025 Polestar 2. Bart highlights the Polestar's sleek design, driving dynamics, and user-friendly technology, which enhance his driving experience compared to his previous Tesla Model 3. Bart concludes by emphasizing the importance of selecting an EV that truly meets the needs of electric vehicle drivers.Support the Show:PatreonAcast+Other Podcasts:Beyond the Post YouTubeBeyond the Post PodcastShuffle PlaylistBarts Previous Episodes:Ford Explorer EVVW ID.7BYD SealBart's EV JourneyBYD Atto 3Bart Needs a New CarBarts Links:Bart's Polestar Blog PostBart's WebsiteBartificer CreationsLets Talk (Bart's Apple and Photography Podcasts)Security Bits with Bart Busschots and Allison Sheridan