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
Brake Fluid and Broken Timelines [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:56
Summary:Tesla headlines this week: Model 3/Y recall over brake line corrosion, Semi production pushed to 2026, Dojo shut down for AI pivot, contractor payment issues, SF robo-taxi pilot, Autopilot legal woes, and mixed s…
Interview with an AI Vampire [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Description:In this episode, I share my firsthand experience with Grok, the AI chatbot now integrated into my vehicle. Initially skeptical, I've explored its features, including language learning assistance and personali…
Episode 1 Re-Dux: 9 Year Anniversary [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:56
To celebrate 9 years of Kilowatt, we’re going back to where it all started — Episode 1. In this re-release, we revisit Tesla’s Master Plan: Part Deux and the vision Elon Musk laid out back in 2016.We’ll cover:The key poi…
Factory Flips and EV Trips [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:54
Description:In this episode, we celebrate the ninth anniversary of the Kilowatt podcast while reflecting on our 625th episode milestone. To mark the occasion, I'm re-releasing the inaugural episode alongside our latest n…
GM's Q2 2025 Earnings Call [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:08
Episode Summary:In this episode, we analyze General Motors’ Q2 2025 earnings call with insights from CEO Mary Barra and CFO Paul Jacobson. We explore GM's leadership in the electric vehicle market, highlighting the succe…
ADAS Apocalypse [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:50
Description:In this episode of Kilowatt, we cover a wide range of developments from the EV world. Volkswagen is doubling down on solid-state battery tech with a $131 million investment in QuantumScape, bringing their tot…
Tesla's Q2 2025 Earnings Call [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:38
Episode Summary:In this episode, Bodie dives into Tesla's Q2 2025 earnings call, offering real-time reactions and analysis. Elon Musk announced the successful launch and expansion of Tesla's Robotaxi service in Austin, w…
Lamarr Wilson on the Model Y and BMW iX [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:45
Kilowatt 621: Lamarr Wilson on EV Choices, Leasing Decisions, and Content CreationIn this episode, content creator Lamarr Wilson joins us to talk about his decision-making process around EVs—specifically whether to stick…
Uber's Great Robotaxi Rollout [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:32
Description:In this episode, we dive deep into Uber's ambitious expansion into autonomous mobility and delivery services. The company is partnering with a host of tech innovators, including Cartken for robotic food deliv…
Robotaxis, Retro Diners & Ridiculous Prices [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:10
Episode 619: Tesla's Wild Rides, GM's Battery Gambit & EcoFlow's Home Backup BeastWe dive into the latest headlines electrifying the EV and clean tech world. Tesla plans to offer FSD transfers in Europe, giving longtime…