Toyota is recalling roughly 10,000 2026 C-HR EVs because a regenerative-braking software issue could lead to a loss of power while driving. Audi is bringing back the A2 name for a compact new EV, with three battery sizes, bidirectional charging, and up to 401 miles of WLTP range, although a U.S. launch doesn't appear to be in the cards. The UK new-car market had an unusually strong August, with battery-electric registrations climbing 27.7% year over year and the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y taking the top two spots among EVs. On the Tesla side, FSD V14 Lite appears to be getting closer for Hardware 3 Model S and Model X owners. Code discovered in Tesla's mobile app also suggests the company is preparing to offer Robotaxi rides as a transportation option for customers having their vehicles serviced. Finally, more code points to Tesla service centers potentially using some non-OEM replacement parts, along with notices telling customers when those parts have been installed.

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Tesla’s Cybercab is now carrying passengers in Austin, and this episode takes a comprehensive look at what Tesla revealed about the purpose-built robotaxi and how it works in the real world. The Cybercab introduces Tesla’s unboxed manufacturing process, reaction-injection-molded body panels, a smaller and lighter drive unit without rare-earth materials, a 48 kWh structural battery pack, electronic brakes, and a camera-only sensor suite. The updated Robotaxi experience lets riders choose between a Cybercab and Model Y, carries preferences between rides, and offers controls through the vehicle’s 22-inch display, the Tesla app, and voice commands. The episode also looks at accessibility, Tesla’s plans for fleet operators and mobility hubs, and the economics of putting privately owned Cybercabs onto the Robotaxi network. Other details include DC-only charging, possible support for game consoles, upcoming Cybercab displays in Asia, and the addition of the vehicle to Tesla’s 3D Supercharger maps. Finally, NHTSA is examining whether a vehicle without a steering wheel, pedals, or side mirrors complies with federal motor vehicle safety standards and whether Tesla should have sought an exemption before putting the Cybercab into commercial service.

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EV sales are approaching total market dominance in Norway, while China’s July numbers show battery electric vehicles growing even as every other major powertrain category declined. Toyota’s upcoming three-row Highlander EV has reportedly been delayed again, with its launch now expected sometime in 2027 or later. Kia is recalling more than 21,000 EV9s because of an issue with the occupant detection system that could prevent the passenger airbag from deactivating when a child or child seat is in the front seat. The Kia EV3 brings another relatively affordable electric option with up to 321 miles of range, while the Hyundai IONIQ 3 offers a similarly compact EV package for buyers in the UK and Europe. The IONIQ 3 also introduces Hyundai’s Pleos Connect infotainment system, offers up to 308 miles of range, and uses a 400-volt architecture to help keep costs down. Before getting into the news, Bodhi also corrects a point from the previous episode about Tesla’s manual door release and passes along a free virtual EV engineering conference recommended by Neil from Dandy Fun House.

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This week, we start with Lucid’s recall of more than 27,000 Air sedans over a low-voltage exterior lighting issue and the software update that addresses the potential fire risk, along with a broader look at how often “park outside” warnings involve gas-powered vehicles. Hyundai is moving further into extended-range EVs, with plans that include the Santa Fe and Genesis models offering more than 600 miles of combined electric and gas range. We also look at Schneider Electric’s approach to home EV charging, which uses dynamic load management as a possible alternative to an expensive electrical panel upgrade. Tesla news includes the end of its in-house vehicle wrap program, the discontinuation of Solar Roof, FSD v14 Lite development for Australia and New Zealand, and a Model 3 range improvement in Europe that comes from new wheels and tires. Tesla Semi is headed toward Europe while the new Nevada factory prepares for an upcoming event, and Cybertruck prices are going up another $5,000. We wrap up with possible additions to Tesla Theater’s streaming options and a recall affecting nearly 3 million Teslas in China over emergency door-release concerns.

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Bodie sits down with IONNA CEO Seth Cutler to talk about what it takes to build an EV charging network around reliability, customer experience, and the places drivers actually want to stop. Seth explains how lessons from his time at GE, Electrify America, and EV Connect have shaped IONNA's approach, from purpose-built Rechargeries and driver lounges to retail partnerships and the company's upcoming Beacon locations. They discuss the work happening behind the scenes to keep chargers and payment systems working, including IONNA's in-house software, proactive maintenance, and use of AI to identify potential problems before drivers encounter them. Seth also breaks down the differences between Rechargeries, Rechargery Relays, and Beacons, and explains why amenities like bathrooms, food, canopies, and even trash cans are part of the charging experience. The conversation also covers IONNA's rapid growth, its relationships with EV clubs and communities, and the challenge of building a profitable charging business without compromising reliability or the driver experience. Finally, Seth discusses IONNA's internal culture, its "driver first" philosophy and "IONNA Speed," and why he hopes EV charging reliability eventually becomes something nobody needs to talk about anymore.

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In this episode, we cover Lucid Group’s second quarter 2026 earnings call and the company’s new direction under CEO Silvio Napoli. Napoli lays out three priorities for Lucid—cash and cost, customer and quality, and culture and team—as the company works to reduce cash burn, improve liquidity, and better align production with demand. We look at the workforce reductions and changes at Lucid’s Arizona factory, along with efforts to improve the ownership experience through expanded service support, mobile service capacity, and tighter software and quality controls. The call also provides updates on Gravity and several of Lucid’s major projects, including the Uber and Nuro robotaxi program, the AMP-2 factory in Saudi Arabia, and the midsize platform and Cosmos prototype. Lucid isn’t providing formal guidance yet, but the company expects second-half production to be below Q2 levels while deliveries should exceed production as it works through existing inventory. We also hear Napoli’s broader assessment of where Lucid has fallen short and what needs to change if the company is going to turn its technology and products into more consistent execution.

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This week on Kilowatt, we start with Rivian’s R1S and R1T turn-signal recall before looking at the 2027 R1S and its new captain’s chairs. We also cover BYD’s updated Denza N8, growing EV registrations in Ireland, and a U.S. market where new EV sales are struggling while used EV sales set records. In Tesla news, we look at the new $35-per-month Powerwall lease in Texas, plans for an Austin Robotaxi charging facility with wireless charging, the upcoming Cybercab event, and a DIY Hardware 4 retrofit on a 2022 Model 3. Then James Hart from True North EV joins the show to explain Tesla’s lawsuit over Manitoba excluding the company from its provincial EV rebate program. James walks through how Manitoba’s rebate works, why Tesla was excluded, what happened in a similar dispute in Ontario, and who is actually affected when a vehicle no longer qualifies. We also talk about Chinese-built EVs entering Canada, EV pricing and gas prices, and James’s experience owning and driving everything from an older Nissan Leaf to a Chevy Equinox EV.

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Rivian’s second-quarter 2026 earnings call puts the R2 front and center as production ramps in Normal and the company prepares to add a second shift. Bodie shares his own R2 demo-drive impressions, including the interior, ride quality, software, and the current state of Autonomy Plus, while questioning how many R2s Rivian has actually delivered so far. The call also lays out Rivian’s aggressive autonomy roadmap, with point-to-point driving expected later this year, hands-off/eyes-off capability targeted for 2027, and Level 4 capability planned for 2028. RJ Scaringe discusses stronger-than-expected reservation conversions for the R2 Launch Edition, what Rivian learned from the R1 production ramp, and the company’s approach to attracting first-time EV buyers. The episode also covers Amazon’s growing EDV fleet, Rivian’s ambitions for Autonomy Plus pricing, and the company’s developing relationship with Uber around future robotaxi deployments. Along the way, Bodie weighs Rivian’s timelines and expectations against his own experience with the R2 and the broader EV market.

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This week, Bodie covers Volvo’s upcoming EX50, Oregon’s revamped EV rebate program, and Ford’s newly named Fathom electric pickup. On the Tesla side, he discusses whether owners should be able to transfer purchased FSD after a vehicle is totaled, the Roadster’s latest “very soon” promise, Tesla’s new North American map update, and the decision not to bring back a manually adjustable FSD maximum speed. He also looks at extended-range EV maintenance and whether their gas engines may require less attention than you might expect. The second half of the episode turns to a 2023 Chevy Bolt rented for a quick trip through Alaska. Bodie shares what he liked about driving the Bolt, the features that surprised him, and the differences he noticed compared with his Model Y. He also recounts the much less predictable experience of finding working DC fast chargers while traveling between Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula, and what the trip taught him about taking a relatively slow-charging EV through Alaska.

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Description:

Bodie is joined by Tom Appel, publisher of Consumer Guide and co-host of the Car Stuff Podcast, for a wide-ranging conversation about reviewing cars, buying them, and where the EV market is headed. Tom shares his experience driving the Lucid Gravity, including what impressed him and the software glitches that made an otherwise compelling luxury EV difficult to recommend without reservations. The conversation turns to what new cars actually cost today, increasingly long auto loans, and the things Tom and his daughter learned while shopping for a new compact crossover. They also talk about unusual option packaging, three-cylinder engines, Volkswagen diesels, the rise and fall of enthusiasm around the Ford F-150 Lightning, and how quickly consumer expectations can change. Tom and Bodie get into vehicle safety and airbags, including how difficult it can be to design around every possible type of crash or rare safety incident. Finally, they discuss the EV industry's transition from CCS to NACS charging and whether another change in charging standards could add confusion for buyers already hesitant about making the switch to electric.

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