Solid-State Hype or Solid-State Breakthrough?

Solid-State Hype or Solid-State Breakthrough?

Author: 918Digital January 8, 2026 Duration: 31:22
Kilowatt 670 — Show NotesIn this episode, I share my experiences from CES, including the unexpected luxury of staying at Resorts World and the realities of recording from a hotel laundry room. I dive into one of the most exciting announcements at the show: the solid-state battery partnership between Donut Labs and Verge Motorcycles, a collaboration that could mark a major leap forward in EV technology. We explore the difference between semi-solid-state and true solid-state batteries, the technical challenges Donut Labs claims to have solved, and what this could mean for Verge’s first production motorcycle equipped with the new battery tech. Additional conversations with industry representatives at CES reinforce expectations for near-term deployment of these innovations. I wrap up by recapping the Daily Tech News Show meetup and reflecting on the value of connecting with the tech community.Support the Showhttps://www.supportkilowatt.com/Other PodcastsBeyond the Post YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/@beyondthepostfmBeyond the Post Podcast — https://www.beyondthepost.fm/Shuffle Playlist — https://shows.acast.com/shuffle-playlist918Digital Website — https://www.918digital.com/News LinksDonut Labs Solid-State Battery Overview (Jalopnik)Donut Labs Solid-State Battery OEM Announcement for Verge Motorcycles (Interesting Engineering)Industry Analysis: Can Donut Lab Deliver Production-Ready Solid-State Batteries? (Battery Tech Online)Donut Lab – Official WebsiteVerge Motorcycles – Official WebsiteShow Art Created by DALL·E*ART PROVIDED BY DALL-eSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/kilowatt. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tune into Kilowatt: A Podcast about Electric Vehicles for a straightforward conversation that goes beyond the hype and headlines. Created by 918Digital, this series sits at the intersection of daily news, automotive culture, and the technology reshaping how we get around. Each episode digs into the practical realities of EV ownership, from charging logistics and battery life to the genuine environmental impact, while also keeping an eye on the horizon where the future of transportation is being decided. You’ll hear from engineers, industry analysts, and everyday drivers who share their experiences, offering a balanced perspective on both the advantages and the hurdles that come with this shift. The goal isn’t just to report updates but to provide meaningful context, helping you understand the forces driving change in your garage and on the global stage. Whether you’re a curious observer, a potential buyer weighing the options, or a longtime enthusiast, this podcast delivers thoughtful analysis without the jargon, making a complex topic accessible and genuinely engaging. It’s a resource for anyone looking to navigate the accelerating world of electric mobility with a clearer, more informed point of view.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Kilowatt: A Podcast about Electric Vehicles
Podcast Episodes
Batteries, Bots, and Big Decisions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:38
In this episode of Kilowatt, Bodie breaks down major shifts in the EV world, from Jeep and GM pulling back on electric vehicles to rapid advancements in battery tech from BYD and CATL. He also explores Tesla’s expanding…
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Duration: 51:28
This episode explores the shifting landscape of the EV industry, from the surprising collapse of the Sony-Honda vehicle plans in favor of AI development to the growing controversy over Donut Lab's solid-state battery cla…
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Duration: 35:18
This episode examines the high-stakes arrival of the 1,140-horsepower Denza Z9 GT and the massive price discrepancy between its Chinese and European launches. We break down the cutting-edge tech and heavy tariffs that se…
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Duration: 31:04
This episode explores Tesla move to disable over 100,000 vehicles running hacked FSD. Polestar simultaneously launches an aggressive campaign to lure Tesla owners away with massive discounts. You will also get essential…
Ron Burch Chose a New Battery Over a New Model S [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:52
In this episode, Allison Sheridan interviews Ron Burch about his decision to invest in a new battery for his decade-old Tesla Model S rather than replacing the vehicle. They explore the technical realities of long-term E…
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Duration: 35:56
This episode breaks down the critical Q1 2026 delivery data, contrasting Tesla’s growing inventory challenges with Rivian’s surprising production strength. We also explore practical Tesla maintenance tips and the latest…
Kerry Murphey Talks EVs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:46
Kerry Murphey Talks EVs Episode SummaryIn this episode, Kerry Murphey joins the show to talk EVs. Support the Showwww.supportkilowatt.com Other Podcasts: Beyond the Post YouTube Beyond the Post Podcast Shuffle Playlist 9…
The Rise of Waymo and the Fall of AFEELA [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:12
Description:In this episode of Kilowatt, Bodie breaks down the latest developments in the EV world, highlighting both progress and growing pains across the industry. He discusses Tesla and Elon Musk teasing a mysterious…
Toyota Drops $800M on EVs While the Legacy Automakers Pull Back [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:18
Toyota takes center stage with a massive $800M investment in U.S. EV production, signaling a major shift in its electrification strategy. Meanwhile, the rest of the industry delivers a mixed bag of safety wins, recalls,…
Brian Makse Talks Leaf and EV4 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:24
Brian Makse joins the show to talk about his journey in automotive journalism and how car culture is evolving in the EV era. I also break down the latest EV news, including Tesla updates, charging expansion, and shifting…