Kilowatt Holiday Special 2025: Naughty Lists, EV Poems, and AI Tunes

In this festive and satirical holiday special, Bodiei mixes electric vehicle news with creative flair. He kicks things off with a witty "EV Naughty and Nice List," calling out range anxiety myths, opportunistic dealers, and software-locked horsepower, while celebrating Rivian, Lucid, and automakers finally chasing affordability. The show features original AI-assisted music tracks like Math Beats Vibes, Prophets and Margins, and A Mouthful of Promises But Nothing to Chew, all written and crafted by Bodhi using tools like Suno and ChatGPT. He also performs a clever EV parody poem, “Twas the Night Before the Write-Down,” skewering Ford’s shifting EV strategy. To close, Bodhi roasts himself with a tongue-in-cheek AI-generated song about his podcasting quirks and habits. It’s a humorous, heartfelt, and musically inventive end-of-year celebration packed with insight and originality.

Support Children's Miracle Network

🎧 www.DCStreamaThon.org

💖 www.DCStreamaThon.org/donate

🎮 www.extra-life.org

Support the Show

🙏 Support Kilowatt

Other Podcasts by the Host

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

*ART PROVIDED BY DALL-e

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

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

In this episode of Kilowatt, Bodie wraps up the year with a wide-ranging look at the latest EV news just ahead of Christmas. He breaks down a notable 34% drop in Tesla registrations in the European Union, while pointing out that overall battery-electric vehicle registrations were still up 44%, signaling a shift in the market rather than a collapse. The show also explores BYD’s new peer-to-peer home charging feature, which lets owners share and monetize their chargers through the BYD app. Bodie then covers the Cybertruck earning an IIHS Top Safety Plus rating, pushing back against early skepticism. He explains why Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz isn’t coming to the U.S. in 2026, and why that doesn’t mean it’s canceled. The episode rounds out with a Ford recall affecting over 270,000 vehicles, a look at Elon Musk’s evolving pay package, and a holiday message inviting listeners to share their EV stories as the show heads into 2026.

https://www.supportkilowatt.com/

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

• Tesla Registrations Dropped 34.2% in November in European Union
• https://cleantechnica.com/2025/12/23/tesla-registrations-dropped-34-2-in-november-in-european-union/
• BYD Now Lets Owners Share Home Chargers Through Their App
• https://electrek.co/2025/12/21/byd-now-lets-owners-share-home-chargers-through-their-app/
• Tesla Cybertruck Earns Top Safety Rating—After Everyone Said It Couldn't
• https://www.autoblog.com/news/tesla-cybertruck-earns-top-safety-rating-after-everyone-said-it-couldnt
• Tesla Cybertruck Is Top Rated Pickup Truck in Safety Crash Tests
• https://www.notateslaapp.com/news/3434/tesla-cybertruck-is-top-rated-pickup-truck-in-safety-crash-tests-ratings
• Volkswagen Shelves Its Electric Minibus for the U.S., but Not Forever
• https://electrek.co/2025/12/19/volkswagen-shelves-electric-minibus-for-us-not-forever/
• Ford Recalls Over 270,000 Vehicles That Could Roll Away After Parking
• https://www.autoblog.com/news/recall-ford-rollaway-f150-lightning-maverick-mustang-mach-e

Show art created by DALL·E

*ART PROVIDED BY DALL-e

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

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

Episode Summary

In this episode of Kilowatt, Brad Taris, founder of The Building Train, joins the show to discuss innovative ways to empower tradespeople and elevate the construction industry. Brad shares his unique career journey from architecture to fieldwork and how those experiences inspired him to launch The Building Train. He delves into the platform’s mission to create career pathways, offer mentorship, and connect skilled workers to long-term success. Brad and Bodie also explore systemic issues in construction, such as workforce shortages and misaligned incentives, and how storytelling and digital tools can be used to drive cultural and economic change. The episode offers deep insights for anyone interested in workforce development, entrepreneurship, or the future of skilled trades.

Support the Show

👉 Support Kilowatt

Other Podcasts:

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

Guest Links – Brad Taris:

• 🌐 The Building Train Website
• 💼 Brad Taris on LinkedIn
• 🏗️ The Building Train on LinkedIn

*ART PROVIDED BY DALL-e

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

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

https://linktr.ee/lamarrwilson

*ART PROVIDED 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, Tesla makes major moves in Austin as their Robotaxi fleet begins driving solo without safety drivers. But is the tech really ready? Ford officially axes the all-electric F-150 Lightning, pivoting instead to an extended-range hybrid version—and takes a $19.5 billion hit in the process. We also look at Ford’s controversial EV battery repair costs and a new extended battery and drive unit warranty from Tesla. Plus, Scout Motors takes a significant step toward selling its EVs directly in Colorado. Get the latest insights and analysis from the EV world in this week's roundup.

Listen to True North EVs

• True North EVs

Support the Show

www.supportkilowatt.com

Other Podcasts:

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

News Links:

• Tesla Is Finally Letting Robotaxis Drive Solo In Austin. Now Comes The Hard Part
• Tesla CEO Elon Musk claims driverless Robotaxis coming to Austin in 3 weeks
• Ford reveals new F-150 Lightning EREV plans, kills off EV version
• Ford cancels all-electric F-150 Lightning, announces $19.5 billion in charges
• Ford Accused of Paying $600 for $22,600 EV Battery Repairs
• Tesla Introduces New Extended Battery and Drive Unit Warranty
• Scout Motors Just Got A Big Step Closer To Actually Selling EVs

*ART PROVIDED BY DALL-e

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

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

Description:

Rivian recently unveiled their autonomous vehicle technology, and in this episode, we dive deep into what was presented. We explore the various levels of autonomy, Rivian's approach to AI-driven features like hands-free highway driving, and how the company's autonomy stack is being developed entirely in-house. You'll hear insights into the hardware powering Rivian's self-driving capabilities, including their custom compute platform. Plus, there's a candid discussion about the business implications, safety priorities, and how Rivian plans to roll out these features in phases. Whether you're a Rivian fan or curious about the future of autonomous vehicles, this episode breaks down everything you need to know.

Support the Show

www.supportkilowatt.com

Other Podcasts:

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

News Links:

• Rivian Autonomy

*ART PROVIDED BY DALL-e

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

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

In this episode of Kilowatt, Elon Musk stirs excitement with claims that Tesla would remove the Robotaxi safety monitors within three weeks. Tesla Shanghai hits a major milestone by producing its 4 millionth vehicle. We also break down Tesla’s 2025 Holiday Update, featuring Grok voice commands, a new Santa Mode, and an FSD dashcam overlay, but still no CarPlay. A new "Eyes-Off" feature allows texting while driving under FSD supervision, but you shouldn't use it. VW's Scout brand is shifting focus to range-extended EVs due to consumer preferences. Lastly, Waymo is expanding its autonomous vehicle service to four new cities.

Support Kilowatt

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

• Tesla CEO Elon Musk Claims Driverless Robotaxis Coming to Austin in 3 Weeks
• Tesla Announces Major Milestone at Gigafactory Shanghai
• Tesla Announces 2025 Holiday Update: Grok Commands, New Santa Mode, Dashcam FSD Overlay, But Lacks CarPlay
• Tesla Introduces Early Eyes-Off Feature; Allows to Text and Drive
• VW’s Scout is Making a Hard Pivot Towards Range-Extended EVs Amid Consumer Demand
• Waymo Speeds Into More Cities!

*ART PROVIDED 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, I analyze the latest safety findings on autonomous vehicles, particularly Waymo's report that showcases the effectiveness of their driverless cars. I discuss critical insights from Dr. Jonathan Slotkin's analysis and highlight that Waymo has driven over 100 million miles in autonomous mode, reporting significant reductions in injuries compared to human drivers. I address the broader context of road safety, noting the annual toll of vehicle accidents in the U.S. and the complexities of relying solely on autonomous technology to mitigate these issues. I also examine the challenges of implementing self-driving cars in unpredictable driving conditions and emphasize the ethical considerations around public safety and data sharing in the evolving landscape of transportation. Ultimately, I call for a balanced view of the advancements in autonomous driving, advocating for a comprehensive approach to enhancing road safety that encompasses technology, infrastructure, and driver education.

Support the Show:

www.supportkilowatt.com

Other Podcasts:

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

News Links:

• FACT SHEET: Road Safety – UN
• Car Crashes Are A Public Health Crisis. Autonomous Cars Are The Cure. – CleanTechnica
• New York Times - Opinion Piece - The Data on Self-Driving Cars Is Clear. We Have to Change Course

*ART PROVIDED BY DALL-e

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

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

If you’d like to see the board and us in video, please enjoy the Thankgiving Extravaganza at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5QPUj0uGdc

Description:

In this episode of Kilowatt, I host our 19th and a half annual Thanksgiving trivia extravaganza alongside Allison and Steve Sheridan. We dive into a lively, Jeopardy-style game featuring electric vehicles, renewable energy, and pop culture, filled with playful banter and spirited debates. Categories like "Culture Surge" and "Warp Speed" blend fun facts with safety tips, showcasing our dynamic chemistry. As we conclude, we reflect on our performances and share personal updates, capturing the community spirit and excitement that defines Kilowatt.

Other Podcasts:

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

News Links:

• Allison Sheridan’s Website – Podfeet
• Steve Sheridan’s YouTube Channel

*ART PROVIDED BY DALL-e

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

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

Kilowatt 659: Rivian’s Runway and the UK’s EV Surge

In this episode, Mark dives into Rivian’s Q3 2025 earnings call and explores what the numbers mean for the company’s long-term viability. He breaks down Rivian’s cost-cutting strategies, production milestones, and the implications of their Georgia plant pause. Mark also covers a big development in the UK’s EV market, where battery electric vehicles now make up over a third of new car sales. He wraps up by sharing thoughts on Ford's surprising rise in UK BEV rankings and what this might signal for legacy automakers globally.

Support the Show: 

• www.supportkilowatt.com

Other Podcasts:

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

News Links:

• Rivian Q3 2025 Earnings Call
• UK: EVs Hit 37.6% Market Share, Ford Leads in BEVs

*ART PROVIDED BY DALL-e

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

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