TESLA AND GOOGLE MAPS BREAKTHROUGH! KIA DROPS PRICES AND WAYMO TAKES OVER MORE CITIES

EV Channels Review

This episode of The Friday Charge covers several significant developments in the EV space. A key highlight is Tesla's Supercharger network now appearing on Google Maps, a move that simplifies charging for non-Tesla owners and further integrates Tesla into the broader EV ecosystem. The hosts also discuss Tesla's new rental program, which offers a unique opportunity to experience their vehicles with free Supercharging and FSD for 3-7 days, though questions remain about fleet management and vehicle turnover. Waymo's expansion into freeway driving in the Bay Area is noted as a major step towards faster, more efficient autonomous transport, with plans for further city rollouts. The discussion also touches on Toyota's new battery plant in North Carolina, a substantial investment signaling commitment to US auto production, and the surprising price cuts from Kia on its EV lineup, including $10,000 customer cash, which the hosts speculate is primarily a strategy to move inventory. Finally, the potential addition of Apple CarPlay to Teslas is debated, with hosts questioning its necessity given Tesla's robust native software but acknowledging user demand.