Ride The Lightning: Tesla Motors Unofficial Podcast

Tesla Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen joins me for his second interview on this show! Our almost hour-long discussion covers the Cybertruck, next-gen Roadster, the new Model S, and much more! Plus: after the interview I analyze Tesla’s huge across-the-board price cuts that happened this week as well. TIMECODES: 0:47 Podcast intro 3:02 Franz interview begins 3:29 Petersen Auto Museum's Tesla exhibit 6:51 Was the Cybertruck inspired by the DeLorean? 8:39 Removing scratches from the Cybertruck's stainless steel finish 10:54 Customizing the finish of a Cybertruck? 13:56 Cybertruck Easter egg 17:51 Did Franz expect the reactions to the Cybertruck's design? 20:38 No other car company would greenlight something like the Cybertruck 22:06 Will there be a Cybercar? 22:58 Is the Cybertruck design done? 24:15 The Cybertruck's doors 24:49 Yoke steering on the Cybertruck 25:23 Are there features on the Cybertruck we don't know about yet? 26:39 What Franz thinks of the other EV pickup trucks 28:08 Next-gen Roadster stat

Tesla’s Q4 production and delivery numbers are in, and I’ve got reactions and analysis. Plus: Tesla announces its first event of the year, Hertz’s big Model 3 investment is already paying off, the Model S and X get a steering wheel option as well as a few other tweaks, 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 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. 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 Sn

I make my annual New Year’s predictions for all things Tesla as 2023 gets started, including predictions on Cybertruck, Model 3, and Roadster. Plus: Tesla hits an important production milestone for the 4680 battery cells, California will no longer allow Tesla to market Full Self-Driving as Full Self-Driving, 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 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. P.S. Get 15% off your first order of awesome aftermarket Tesla accessories at AbstractOcean.com by using the

Mexico emerges as a new frontrunner to get Tesla’s next Gigafactory, Tesla launches Tesla Electric in Texas, the first pieces of the 9,000-ton Gigapress needed to build the Cybertruck have arrived at Giga Texas, 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 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. P.S. Find the right Xcelerate Xcare extended warranty plan for your Tesla at https://www.xcelerateauto.com/xcare and use the promo code LIGHTNING to get $100 off your policy. Get 15% off your first order of

A picture of the Cybertruck’s frame leaks, and none other than Sandy Munro has some thoughts on it. Plus: the holiday software update arrives earlier than expected for the Tesla fleet and brings with it some really fun new features, Tesla rolls out more Megachargers for the Tesla Semi, 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 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. P.S. Find the right Xcelerate Xcare extended warranty plan for your Tesla at https://www.xcelerateauto.com/xcare and use the promo c

A follow-up to last week’s big Model 3 revamp story sheds some light on when we might see the updated sedan in the United States, we’ve got out first intel on what new goodies are due to be included in the imminent holiday software update, another country vies for a Gigafactory, 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 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. P.S. Find the right Xcelerate Xcare extended warranty plan for your Tesla at https://www.xcelerateauto.com/xcare and use the promo code LIG

Tesla makes a couple of noteworthy revelations while delivering the first production Semi trucks, a new report suggests that a “revamped” Model 3 is on the way next year, Tesla Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen gives a rare interview and discusses the Cybertruck, 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 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 that plus the weekly Lightning Round bonus mini-episode at the $10 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. P.S. Find the right Xcelerate Xcare extended warranty plan for your Tesla at https://www.xcelerateauto.com/xcare and use the promo code LIGHTNING to get $100 off your policy.

A number of new in-car entertainment features are on the way for your Tesla, a new report sheds light on the technical side of Autopilot Hardware 4.0, Tesla hits a Supercharger milestone, 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 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 that plus the weekly Lightning Round bonus mini-episode at the $10 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. P.S. Find the right Xcelerate Xcare extended warranty plan for your Tesla at https://www.xcelerateauto.com/xcare and use the promo code LIGHTNING to get $100 off your policy. Get 15% off your first order of awesome aftermarket Tesla accessories at Abstr

The long-awaited version 11 of the FSD Beta finally arrives, bringing with it the highly anticipated merging of the highway and city-streets stacks. Plus: Tesla might produce a whole lot of Tesla Semi trucks before the year is out, Elon Musk has told the Tesla board who he’d want to replace him if he’s ever not the CEO anymore, 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 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 that plus the weekly Lightning Round bonus mini-episode at the $10 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. P.S. Find the right Xcelerate Xcare extended warranty plan for your Tesla at https://www.xcelerateauto.com/xcar

It looks like the first Model Y with 4680 battery cells is about to go national. Plus: your Tesla is about to get a new productivity app, Tesla sets its sights on making its charging port the national standard, 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 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 that plus the weekly Lightning Round bonus mini-episode at the $10 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. P.S. Find the right Xcelerate Xcare extended warranty plan for your Tesla at https://www.xcelerateauto.com/xcare and use the promo code LIGHTNING to get $100 off your policy. Get 15% off your first order of awesome aftermarket Te

An exclusive report from Reuters gives us a key update on Cybertruck production. Plus: we’ve got new updates on production and expansion projects from both Giga Texas and Giga Berlin, a huge new museum exhibit features some of the rarest Tesla prototypes ever, 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 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 that plus the weekly Lightning Round bonus mini-episode at the $10 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. P.S. Find the right Xcelerate Xcare extended warranty plan for your Tesla at https://www.xcelerateauto.com/xcare and use the promo code LIGHTNING to get $100 off your policy. Get 1

Two dazzling new paint colors debut in Giga Berlin, Autopilot Hardware 4.0 may already be shipping to Tesla from suppliers, the tiniest Tesla gets a recall, 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 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 that plus the weekly Lightning Round bonus mini-episode at the $10 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. P.S. Find the right Xcelerate Xcare extended warranty plan for your Tesla at https://www.xcelerateauto.com/xcare and use the promo code LIGHTNING to get $100 off your policy. Get 15% off your first order of awesome aftermarket Tesla accessories at AbstractOcean.com by using the code

Tesla held its quarterly earnings call for the third quarter, and as usual I’ve got all of the highlights from Elon Musk and the Tesla executive team, plus a recap and analysis of the event – including news about the Cybertuck beta vehicles and a Tesla Semi battery surprise – as well as the most notable excerpts from the shareholder letter. 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 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 that plus the weekly Lightning Round bonus mini-episode at the $10 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. P.S. Find the right Xcelerate Xcare extended warranty plan for your Tesla at https://www.xcelerateauto.com/x

Tesla tops the sales charts in Germany, Giga Shanghai has beaten its own production record, the Cybertruck gets its first aftermarket wheel option from Unplugged Performance and Christian von Koenigsegg, 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 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 that plus the weekly Lightning Round bonus mini-episode at the $10 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. P.S. Find the right Xcelerate Xcare extended warranty plan for your Tesla at https://www.xcelerateauto.com/xcare and use the promo code LIGHTNING to get $100 off your policy. Get 15% off your first order of awesome aftermarket Tesla acce

The Model 3 and Model Y are changing in appearance (but you’ll never guess how), Tesla announces another record-breaking quarter of production and deliveries, the Tesla Semi finally gets a launch date, 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 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 that plus the weekly Lightning Round bonus mini-episode at the $10 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. P.S. Find the right Xcelerate Xcare extended warranty plan for your Tesla at https://www.xcelerateauto.com/xcare and use the promo code LIGHTNING to get $100 off your policy. Get 15% off your first order of awesome aftermarket Tesla access

Tesla held its second and now annual AI Day, and I’ve got a recap and analysis of the Optimus bot reveal and the big updates on the team’s progress on Full Self-Driving. Plus: Elon Musk talks up a new Cybertruck “feature,” the Fremont Factory expands again, 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 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 that plus the weekly Lightning Round bonus mini-episode at the $10 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. P.S. Find the right Xcelerate Xcare extended warranty plan for your Tesla at https://www.xcelerateauto.com/xcare and use the promo code LIGHTNING to get $100 off your policy. Get 15%

Giga Texas hits a significant production milestone, and Elon Musk gives an update on Tesla’s big plans for the factory. Plus: Elon returns to Jay Leno’s Garage, Smart Summon and Autopark are about to get upgraded, 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 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 that plus the weekly Lightning Round bonus mini-episode at the $10 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. P.S. Find the right Xcelerate Xcare extended warranty plan for your Tesla at https://www.xcelerateauto.com/xcare and use the promo code LIGHTNING to get $100 off your policy. Get 15% off your first order of awesome aftermarket

Tesla continues on its relentless path of vertical integration by planning a potential lithium refinery in Texas. Plus: Tesla is finally happy with its battery supply situation, radar might be making a return in the next version of Autopilot hardware, 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 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 that plus the weekly Lightning Round bonus mini-episode at the $10 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. P.S. Find the right Xcelerate Xcare extended warranty plan for your Tesla at https://www.xcelerateauto.com/xcare and use the promo code LIGHTNING to get $100 off your policy. Get 15% off yo

Model Y earns major accolades in its recent crash-safety tests in Europe, the Model 3 might be getting a power frunk pretty soon, rumors of Giga Canada heat up, 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 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 that plus the weekly Lightning Round bonus mini-episode at the $10 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. P.S. Find the right Xcelerate Xcare extended warranty plan for your Tesla at https://www.xcelerateauto.com/xcare and use the promo code LIGHTNING to get $100 off your policy. Get 15% off your first order of awesome aftermarket Tesla accessories at AbstractOcean.com by using the c

A new rumor suggests that a big change is coming for the Model 3 and Y in the 2023 model year: a new steering wheel with push-button turn signals and no stalks, similar to the new S and X. Plus: a Cybertruck is spotted doing some serious road testing, Tesla has plans to add another battery production facility in Fremont, 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 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 that plus the weekly Lightning Round bonus mini-episode at the $10 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. P.S. Find the right Xcelerate Xcare extended warranty plan for your Tesla at https://www.xcelerateauto.com/xcare and u