PODCAST: TESLA RECORD QUARTER, AUDI Q8 E-TRON, KIA EV9 UNVEILING, AND MORE

EV Channels Review

This episode of the Electrek Podcast covers a range of significant EV news. The hosts highlight Tesla's strong performance, anticipating a record quarter driven by production ramps at Gigafactories Berlin and Texas, and bolstered by recent price cuts. They also discuss the ongoing challenges with Tesla's 4680 battery cells, particularly the dry electrode issue, and the hiring of a new director to address it. The podcast touches on the slower-than-expected rollout of Tesla's Solar Roof. Key unveilings include the Audi Q8 e-tron, with its substantial 114 kWh battery and US pricing starting at $74,500, and the highly anticipated Kia EV9 seven-seat SUV. The EV9 offers battery options up to 99.8 kWh and is expected to have a range of around 300 miles, though pricing is still unconfirmed. The F-150 Lightning's order books are reopening with significant price increases, raising concerns about affordability. Finally, the review of Ford's BlueCruise 1.2 on the Mustang Mach-E is positive, praising its hands-free capabilities and lane-keeping features, while also noting areas for improvement. The discussion on Faraday Future's FF91 finally starting production after years of turmoil concludes the main news segment.