TESLA ROBOTAXI UPDATE AND LUCID GRAVITY SUPERCHARGING SPEEDS ANNOUNCED

EV Channels Review

This episode of The Friday Charge covers significant updates in the EV space. The hosts discuss Tesla's decision to phase out Hardware 3 for FSD, necessitating upgrades for owners who purchased the full self-driving package, raising questions about retrofits and eligibility for used car buyers. They also touch upon Tesla's ambitious plans for a robotaxi service launching in Austin in June, expressing a realistic skepticism about the timeline and operational feasibility, especially compared to other ride-hailing services. The cancellation of the Volkswagen ID7 for the US market is analyzed, with the hosts attributing it to the challenging EV climate and the declining popularity of sedans in the US. A major highlight is Lucid's announcement that the Gravity SUV will gain Tesla Supercharger access, detailing how its 926-volt architecture will leverage the rear motor as a voltage booster to achieve 225 kW charging speeds on Tesla's network, a significant feat for non-Tesla EVs. Finally, the hosts share their driving impressions of the Volvo EX30, praising its surprising speed and enjoyable interior, while contrasting it sharply with the dated Nissan Leaf, which they deem suitable only for basic, no-frills commuting despite its surprisingly high price point.