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
Doors, Departures, and Distant Launches [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:34
Description:In this episode of Kilowatt, we unpack Tesla’s latest moves, from expanding its Robotaxi presence to addressing door handle issues amidst a new NHTSA probe. We also examine the departure of Tesla’s Optimus AI…
From Austin to Nevada: The Robotaxi Expansion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:34
Description:In this episode of Kilowatt, we explore several major developments in the EV and autonomous vehicle space. Tesla resolves the mystery behind a confusing Cybertruck trim, while also making strategic adjustment…
High Performance Floor Mats and the Sexy New BMW [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:44
In this episode of Kilowatt, Bodie dives into a whirlwind of EV news, touching on updates from Volkswagen, Lucid, and BMW. Volkswagen is reintroducing physical controls in the 2026 ID.4 and phasing out its confusing ID-n…
The Trillionaire's Gambit [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:18
In this episode of Kilowatt, we dive into Elon Musk’s ambitious new Tesla pay package that could reach an unprecedented $1 trillion in value—if the company hits its lofty goals. We discuss what this means for Tesla’s fut…
Rivian's Q2 2025 Earnings Call [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:05
Episode SummaryIn this episode, we cover several key developments in the EV and clean energy world. We start with a look at Tesla’s latest software updates and how they could change the driving experience for owners. The…
Better Late Than Never [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:20
Description:In this episode of Kilowatt, we dive into Tesla’s latest moves and other industry updates. Tesla has officially launched the Cybertruck in South Korea, marking a bold step into a new market. We also explore a…
Lucid Motor's Q2 2025 Earnings Call [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:57
Episode Summary:In this episode of Kilowatt, we analyze Lucid Group's Q2 2025 earnings call, featuring insights from interim CEO Mark Winterhoff and CFO Tawfiq Usaid. We explore key updates, including a remarkable 38% in…
Autonomy, Affordability, and Angry Rants [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:55
Description:In this episode, Bodie dives into the latest EV headlines with his usual humor and insight. He discusses California’s potential plan to replace the federal EV tax credit with a state-level alternative, NIO's…
Ford's Q2 2025 Earnings Call [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:56
Episode Summary:In this episode, I explore Ford Motor Company's Q2 2025 earnings call, focusing on their $50 billion revenue and the impact of tariffs on their financial strategies. I highlight Ford's leadership in elect…
Ford’s Model T Moment, Now With 3 Oil Lamps [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:49
Episode Summary:In this episode of Kilowatt, I discuss the latest in electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy, starting with Lucid Motors' teaser for a new off-road EV concept. I share the unfortunate closure of Sono…