Quick Charge

By 9to5MacSociety & Culture Technology Leisure Aviation

Quick Charge episodes

July 30, 2024FSD 12.5, Cybertruck range extender, Cummins on H, and recycled solar
On today's episode of Quick Charge, Elon claims FSD (Full Self Driving) 12.5 can go a full year without interventions, the Cybetruck's range extender is a bit of a letdown, Cummins builds a massive new dyno, and they're recycling solar panels in Texas.
It's a tale of two Teslas as the company takes two steps backwards with HW3's FSD promises and the CT's $16,000 battery upgrade that ruins the trunk/bed while releasing FSD 12.5 to the wider fleet and the Semi factory gets a bit more real. Meanwhile, Cummins is taking alt fuel testing safety seriously with a new, $16 million dyno room.
Source Links
Elon Musk signals reaching limit of Tesla’s HW3 despite self-driving promise
Tesla starts Supervised Full Self-Driving v12.5 wide release
Tesla confirms Cybertruck’s range extender has to be mounted by service
Tesla unveils render of upcoming Semi Factory to build electric trucks
Cummins’ new powertrain test facility proves: hydrogen is super sketchy
This Texas solar panel recycling plant is powered by secondhand panels

Prefer listening to your podcasts? Audio-only versions of Quick Charge are now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, TuneIn, and our RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.
New episodes of Quick Charge are recorded Monday through Thursday (that’s the plan, anyway). We’ll be posting bonus audio content there as well, so be sure to follow and subscribe so you don’t miss a minute of Electrek’s high-voltage daily news!

Got news? Let us know!
Drop us a line at [email protected]. You can also rate us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show!
12 min
July 25, 2024Q2 earnings, Elon bets big on AI, cheap Tesla EVs, and Chevy EV lease deals
On this, extra-dense episode of Quick Charge, we cover Tesla's Q2 earnings call, Elon Musk talks cheap Tesla cars and cheaper 4680 batteries while promising to finally deliver on that new Roadster from 2017.
While Tesla pushes back its Robotaxi launch, Google is powering ahead, beting $5 billion on Waymo's expansion in to Texas. Plus, GM's got some lease deals for new Chevy EVs – some bad, some pretty good, actually! You'll have to listen to see which one is which ... or, you know, just click here to see Equinox EV deals near you.
Source Links
Tesla (TSLA) releases Q2 2024 results: billion-dollar revenue beat
Tesla gives encouraging update on 4680 battery cells
Tesla accelerates plans for cheaper electric vehicles, but not the $25,000 EV
Elon Musk reiterates Tesla Roadster production in 2025
Tesla Robotaxi unveiling now planned for October 10, Elon hints at ‘one more thing’
Elon Musk would be ‘surprised’ if Tesla doesn’t have ‘unsupervised self-driving’ next year
Google’s Alphabet Inc. doubles down on robotaxis, committing another $5 billion into Waymo
The 2024 Chevy Silverado EV lease price costs as much as two Rivian trucks [update]
Chevy’s Equinox EV just got even more affordable to lease
This cute little electric bike-car just may be back from the dead
Starbucks throws its weight behind 6 new community solar farms

Prefer listening to your podcasts? Audio-only versions of Quick Charge are now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, TuneIn, and our RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.
New episodes of Quick Charge are recorded Monday through Thursday (that’s the plan, anyway). We’ll be posting bonus audio content there as well, so be sure to follow and subscribe so you don’t miss a minute of Electrek’s high-voltage daily news!

Got news? Let us know!
Drop us a line at [email protected]. You can also rate us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show!
15 min
July 24, 2024Jaw-dropping Cadillac concept, new Hyundai IONIQ, and Zeem CEO stops by
In this exciting, extra-long episode of Quick Charge, Zeem Solutions' CEO Paul Gioupis stops by to explain how a managed "fleet as a service" solution helps take the uncertainty out of electrifying a commercial vehicle fleet while I talk up the new Cadillac Sollei and Hyundai plans some big updates for its IONIQ 6 (yes, already).
If you haven't seen the jaw-dropping Cadillac Sollei convertible concept that harkens back to the days of Jane Mansfield and Marilyn Monroe, you're in for a treat. I also get to name-drop my favorite new car from the year 1989, we track some of the changes coming to the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 6, Jeep plans a new electric Gladiator to fight off the threat from Rivian and Cybertruck, and there's even some great solar news out in Nevada!
Source Links
Cadillac unveils Sollei all-electric 2+2 convertible concept
Hyundai’s IONIQ 6 is due for an upgrade: Here’s what to expect [Video]
Jeep to challenge Rivan, Tesla Cybertruck with the Gladiator EV pickup
Mack MD Electric semi truck gets to work at PITT OHIO fleet
Zeem Solutions | Transition your fleet, seemlessly
The US’s largest co-located solar + battery storage project is online

Prefer listening to your podcasts? Audio-only versions of Quick Charge are now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, TuneIn, and our RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.
New episodes of Quick Charge are recorded Monday through Thursday (that’s the plan, anyway). We’ll be posting bonus audio content there as well, so be sure to follow and subscribe so you don’t miss a minute of Electrek’s high-voltage daily news!

Got news? Let us know!
Drop us a line at [email protected]. You can also rate us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show!
19 min
July 23, 2024Elon delays Optimus, Hyundai gets nervous, and a REAL work truck
On today's episode of Quick Charge, the Cybertruck gets homolgated in Canada, Elon delays the Optimus robot for up to a full year, Hyundai's feeling skittish about a possible victory for Donald Trump this November, and a Club Car shows off a real MAN's truck – finally!
Now that the Tesla Cybertruck has become the best-selling electric pickup in the US and is on its way to dominating Canada, I think it’s high time that we begin to ask ourselves what makes a truck a truck … because the slab-sided, low-poly, post-apocalyptic wedge thing ain’t it for me.
Source Links
Tesla obtains exemption for Cybertruck from Transport Canada ahead of launch
Tesla ramps up its self-driving transfer incentive
Elon Musk delays Tesla Optimus humanoid robot timeline
Kia’s new EV5 electric SUV faces delays as latest Tesla Model Y rival
Hyundai worries growing over a Trump EV disrupt at its new $7.6B Georgia Metaplant
E-quipment Highlight: Club Car Urban is the most practical electric pickup in US

Prefer listening to your podcasts? Audio-only versions of Quick Charge are now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, TuneIn, and our RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.
New episodes of Quick Charge are recorded Monday through Thursday (that’s the plan, anyway). We’ll be posting bonus audio content there as well, so be sure to follow and subscribe so you don’t miss a minute of Electrek’s high-voltage daily news!

Got news? Let us know!
Drop us a line at [email protected]. You can also rate us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show!
10 min
July 19, 2024Elon’s MAGA millions, Cybertruck gets a fancy blanket, and a new $30K VW EV
Quick Charge is back to report on this week's biggest EV stories – but I didn't expect to read that Elon Musk was committing $45 million per month to get convicted felon, adulterer, and all-around terrible person Donald Trump re-elected!
Meanwhile: Tesla's 4680 batteries don't work, the Cybertruck gets a fancy blanket to make sure bike tires don't damage its "super tough" stainless steel tailgate, VW launches a new, $30,000 SUV in China with 385 miles of range, China is cleaning up its act, and the Formula Sun Grand Prix is underway!
Source Links
Just after his huge stock grant, Elon Musk commits $45M/month to harm EVs
Elon Musk might give up on Tesla’s 4680 battery cell by the end of the year
Tesla launches new Cybertruck tailgate shield and jumpseats
Check out Volkswagen’s new ID.UNYX electric SUV, starting under $30,000 in China
China is on track to reach its clean energy targets this month… six years ahead of schedule
First Solar to build the Western Hemisphere’s largest solar R&D center
Tesla secures absurdly large multi-billion Megapack contract
Electrek Formula Sun Grand Prix 2024: Day 2 results

Prefer listening to your podcasts? Audio-only versions of Quick Charge are now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, TuneIn, and our RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.
New episodes of Quick Charge are recorded Monday through Thursday (that’s the plan, anyway). We’ll be posting bonus audio content there as well, so be sure to follow and subscribe so you don’t miss a minute of Electrek’s high-voltage daily news!

Got news? Let us know!
Drop us a line at [email protected]. You can also rate us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show!
10 min
July 18, 2024Diesel is down, restomods are fun (these are probably not related)
On this episode of Quick Charge, we explore the wide range of electric conversions and restomods out there bringing classic style to the ultra modern world of electric vehicles ... even if there aren't that many of them around.
Would you rather have a new Taycan, or an all-electric 901? A Demon-powered Hemi Charger, or a Ludicrous Tesla driven '72 Plymouth Satellite? See them all here, then let us know which one you'd like to drive home in the comments!
Source Links
This is a Tesla Model 3… no really
Current classics: MINI Recharged muscles in on the restomod racket
Current classics: this 1980 Subaru Brat is your new silent surf buddy
Current Classics: electric 911 restomod captures the desired aesthetic
Watch Zero Labs convert an old rusty truck into an EV in 24 hours
Current Classics: take this drop-top electric Range Rover on a stylish safari
Electrogenic brings the DeLorean DMC-12 Back to the Future with a ‘drop-in’ EV conversion kit
Current Classics: This ’72 Plymouth Satellite packs Ludicrous heat
This $2,000 kit from China will convert a classic VW Beetle to electric

Prefer listening to your podcasts? Audio-only versions of Quick Charge are now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, TuneIn, and our RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.
New episodes of Quick Charge are recorded Monday through Thursday (that’s the plan, anyway). We’ll be posting bonus audio content there as well, so be sure to follow and subscribe so you don’t miss a minute of Electrek’s high-voltage daily news!

Got news? Let us know!
Drop us a line at [email protected]. You can also rate us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show!
15 min
July 17, 2024More EVs = more mining = more equipment, but not necessarily more miners
In this special, second vacation episode of Quick Charge, we explore the historic dive in global diesel demand, and how the proliferation of EVs large and small is driving growth in the global mining industry – which, in turn, is driving growth in both the electric & autonomous mining equipment markets.
In this episode, we’ll focus on how the continued push for more lithium, silicon, and phosphate is driving demand for electric mining equipment – and how, in turn, the need for bigger batteries is driving demand for more mined materials. That, and the biggest, baddest electric vehicles you've ever seen.
Give it a watch, then let us know what you think of the role EVs are playing the diesel demand drop in the comments.
Source Links
Winning: diesel demand hits 26-year low as EV, hydrogen sales boom
Electric, autonomous tech + EV demand driving mining equipment market growth
EV battery maker SK On to buy 100k metric tons of Arkansas lithium from ExxonMobil
North America’s largest lithium mine is full steam ahead – it just got a $2.26B loan
SafeAI builds first-ever electric, autonomous Caterpillar haul truck conversion
Caterpillar brings electric equipment ecosystem to CES2024
Caterpillar is putting MASSIVE 240-ton electric haul truck to work in Vale mine
This 240t electric mining haul truck can charge in 30 minutes
Liebherr converted this massive mining excavator to electric power
Liebherr electric excavator reaches million ton milestone, scores more orders

Prefer listening to your podcasts? Audio-only versions of Quick Charge are now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, TuneIn, and our RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.
New episodes of Quick Charge are recorded Monday through Thursday (that’s the plan, anyway). We’ll be posting bonus audio content there as well, so be sure to follow and subscribe so you don’t miss a minute of Electrek’s high-voltage daily news!

Got news? Let us know!
Drop us a line at [email protected]. You can also rate us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show!
14 min
July 16, 2024Diesel demand drops while commercial EV, electric semi markets grow
In this special vacation episode of Quick Charge, we explore the historic dive in global diesel demand, and whether it's being caused inflation and a slowing economy or the rapid rise in EV sales displacing millions of gallons of oil demand.
In this episode, we'll focus on the rapid growth of the commercial EV market as one of the leading contributors to the global drop in diesel demand, coming perilously close to asking the question: has peak oil come and gone?
Give it a watch, then let us know what you think of the role EVs are playing the diesel demand drop in the comments.
Source Links
Winning: diesel demand hits 26-year low as EV, hydrogen sales boom
What EV sales slump? Commercial EV deployments are soaring!
McDonald’s puts 10 Volvo VNR Electric class 8 semi trucks to work
Sysco takes delivery of 10 Freightliner electric semi trucks, plans to buy 800
Einride orders 150 Peterbilt 579EV electric semi trucks for US fleet
DHL puts 50 Orange EV yard trucks to work, plans to add 50 more
MAN CEO: “impossible” for hydrogen to compete with BEVs
MAN to build 200 hydrogen trucks — to prove that hydrogen doesn’t work?
Volvo Trucks have logged over 50 million battery electric miles (!)
Daimler eCascadias are now to Coke as Tesla Semi electric trucks are to Pepsi

Prefer listening to your podcasts? Audio-only versions of Quick Charge are now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, TuneIn, and our RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.
New episodes of Quick Charge are recorded Monday through Thursday (that’s the plan, anyway). We’ll be posting bonus audio content there as well, so be sure to follow and subscribe so you don’t miss a minute of Electrek’s high-voltage daily news!

Got news? Let us know!
Drop us a line at [email protected]. You can also rate us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show!
15 min
July 12, 2024Elon delays Robotaxi, Tesla union squabbles, Goodwood, & a retro restomod
On today's episode of Quick Charge: a new report indicates that Elon will delay the launch of Tesla's Robotaxi, Giga Berlin squabbles with unions, Polestar rolls out a go-fast convertible at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, and a retro-tastic Mercedes restomod that's more Model 3 than 300 breaks cover.
We wrapping up this week's Quick Charge cycle with some fun stories involving IKEA coffee mugs, President Biden's big cash giveaways, Rimac stealing Tesla's best ideas, and a convertible Polestar with about 50% more power than it needs.
All this PLUS a shameless plug for my other podcast, too – enjoy!
Source Links
Tesla to delay Robotaxi unveiling, report says
Rimac launches new autonomous level 4 electric car brand Verne
Biden awards $1.7B to bring auto manufacturing back to 8 states
Union threatens strike at Tesla Giga Berlin after contentious meeting
The Heavy Equipment Podcast
Polestar’s new Concept BST to make global debut at Goodwood and 6 Concept will do a hillclimb
This is a Tesla Model 3… no really!

Prefer listening to your podcasts? Audio-only versions of Quick Charge are now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, TuneIn, and our RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.
New episodes of Quick Charge are recorded Monday through Thursday (that’s the plan, anyway). We’ll be posting bonus audio content there as well, so be sure to follow and subscribe so you don’t miss a minute of Electrek’s high-voltage daily news!

Got news? Let us know!
Drop us a line at [email protected]. You can also rate us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show!
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
10 min
July 11, 2024“Supervised” FSD update, a rare Roadster, new Ford Capri, & Michigan gets angry
On today's episode of Quick Charge, Tesla launches a new "Supervised" Full Self Driving update, a rare, carbon-bodied Tesla Roadster goes on sale, there's an all-new Ford Capri EV, and the great State of Michigan tells your HOA to stuff it when it comes to home solar and EV charging!
Elon says Tesla's latest FSD update won't require intervention for up to a year – but as we discussed yesterday, he may not be getting the full picture from his dev team. Meanwhile, the new Ford Capri looks more like a Polestar than its 70s namesake, Michigan tells your HOA to stuff it, and I get to say a Chinese car's funny name.
Source Links
Tesla starts pushing new Supervised FSD update
Elon is being lied to, Porsche sales plummet, $15K Hyundai EV, and a $2.5M special
A one-of-a-kind secret Tesla Roadster R&D prototype is for sale
Ford unveils new Capri EV with nearly 400 miles range and sports car performance
Carvana’s new tool makes it easier than ever to buy a used EV with a federal tax credit up front
Michigan gets right-to-solar – now you can tell your HOA to stuff it
BYD’s new luxury electric sedan hits showrooms to challenge Tesla and Porsche

Prefer listening to your podcasts? Audio-only versions of Quick Charge are now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, TuneIn, and our RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.
New episodes of Quick Charge are recorded Monday through Thursday (that’s the plan, anyway). We’ll be posting bonus audio content there as well, so be sure to follow and subscribe so you don’t miss a minute of Electrek’s high-voltage daily news!

Got news? Let us know!
Drop us a line at [email protected]. You can also rate us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show!
11 min