Ride the Lightning: Tesla and EV Podcast

Hosted by Ryan McCaffrey

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590

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Nov 2026

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About the show

Ride the Lightning: The Tesla Unofficial Podcast is the world's longest-running weekly Tesla show, made for Tesla fans and owners by Tesla community veteran Ryan McCaffrey. Each week we'll discuss and analyze everything happening with the Cybertruck, Model 3, Model S, Model X, Model Y, Roadster, and more!

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60 recent

November 1, 20261 hr 29 min

Episode 587: New FSD Safety Report Reveals Impressive Numbers

Tesla released its latest FSD Supervised safety report, and the data is becoming quite conclusive in favor of Tesla's driver-assistance technology. Plus: the Cybercab begins to take over Austin, Tesla rolls out a new FSD referral program, GM has some curious words about Tesla's vision-only approach to autonomy, and more! Oh, and my FSD referral link if you'd like to get a free month of FSD on your Tesla is https://tesla.com/get-app/referral?code=ryan73014 If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/teslapodcast and consider a monthly or (10% discounted!) annual pledge. Every little bit helps, and you can support for just $5 per month. And there are stacking bonuses in it for you at each pledge level, like early access to each episode at the $5 tier and the 200+ weekly Lightning Round bonus mini-episodes (AND the early access!) at the $10 tier! And NO ADS at any Patreon tier ! INTERESTED IN A FLEXIBLE EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR YOUR TESLA? Be a part of the future of transportation with XCare, the first extended warranty designed & built exclusively for EV owners, by EV owners. Use the code RTL250 to get $250 off your XCare Premium or Battery & Drive Unit Protection Plan using the one-time payment option! Go to https://xcare.com to find the extended warranty policy that's right for you and your Tesla. Also, don't forget to leave a message on the Ride the Lightning hotline anytime with a question, comment, or discussion topic for next week's show! The toll-free number to call is 1-888-989-8752. P.S. Get 15% off your first order of awesome aftermarket Tesla accessories at AbstractOcean.com by using the code RTLpodcast at checkout. Grab the SnapPlate front license plate bracket for any Tesla at https://everyamp.com/RTL/ (don't forget the coupon code RTL too!). And make your garage door foolproof with the Infinity Shield – get yours at https://www.infinity-shield.com and use the promo code RTL at checkout for a $25 discount.

October 25, 20262 hr 15 min

Episode 586: Roadster Follow-Ups + Tesla Q3 Earnings Call Highlights

Tesla released a bunch of new information about the next-gen Roadster since my last episode, so I'll catch you up on all of that. Plus: highlights and analysis from Tesla's Q3 earnings call, bad news for Cybertruck fans in Australia and New Zealand, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/teslapodcast and consider a monthly or (10% discounted!) annual pledge. Every little bit helps, and you can support for just $5 per month. And there are stacking bonuses in it for you at each pledge level, like early access to each episode at the $5 tier and the 200+ weekly Lightning Round bonus mini-episodes (AND the early access!) at the $10 tier! And NO ADS at any Patreon tier ! NEW: Level up your business with NetSuite by Oracle! Get NetSuite's free business guide, Aligning for the Agentic Era: How AI Is Changing Everyday Work, at https://www.netsuite.com/lightning INTERESTED IN A FLEXIBLE EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR YOUR TESLA? Be a part of the future of transportation with XCare, the first extended warranty designed & built exclusively for EV owners, by EV owners. Use the code RTL250 to get $250 off your XCare Premium or Battery & Drive Unit Protection Plan using the one-time payment option! Go to https://xcare.com to find the extended warranty policy that's right for you and your Tesla. Also, don't forget to leave a message on the Ride the Lightning hotline anytime with a question, comment, or discussion topic for next week's show! The toll-free number to call is 1-888-989-8752. P.S. Get 15% off your first order of awesome aftermarket Tesla accessories at AbstractOcean.com by using the code RTLpodcast at checkout. Grab the SnapPlate front license plate bracket for any Tesla at https://everyamp.com/RTL/ (don't forget the coupon code RTL too!). And make your garage door foolproof with the Infinity Shield – get yours at https://www.infinity-shield.com and use the promo code RTL at checkout for a $25 discount.

October 18, 20261 hr 56 min

Episode 585: Tesla Roadster Finally Re-Revealed – and I Was There!

Tesla finally re-revealed the new Tesla Roadster and showed off its insane capabilities – and I was lucky enough to be there to see it with my own eyes. I can't wait to tell you all about this moment I've been waiting years for. Stay tuned! And if you want to skip straight to the Roadster reactions, that starts at the 8:15 mark. If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/teslapodcast and consider a monthly or (10% discounted!) annual pledge. Every little bit helps, and you can support for just $5 per month. And there are stacking bonuses in it for you at each pledge level, like early access to each episode at the $5 tier and the 200+ weekly Lightning Round bonus mini-episodes (AND the early access!) at the $10 tier! And NO ADS at any Patreon tier ! Also, don't forget to leave a message on the Ride the Lightning hotline anytime with a question, comment, or discussion topic for next week's show! The toll-free number to call is 1-888-989-8752. INTERESTED IN A FLEXIBLE EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR YOUR TESLA? Be a part of the future of transportation with XCare, the first extended warranty designed & built exclusively for EV owners, by EV owners. Use the code RTL250 to get $250 off your XCare Premium or Battery & Drive Unit Protection Plan using the one-time payment option! Go to https://xcare.com to find the extended warranty policy that's right for you and your Tesla. P.S. Get 15% off your first order of awesome aftermarket Tesla accessories at AbstractOcean.com by using the code RTLpodcast at checkout. Grab the SnapPlate front license plate bracket for any Tesla at https://everyamp.com/RTL/ (don't forget the coupon code RTL too!). And make your garage door foolproof with the Infinity Shield – get yours at https://www.infinity-shield.com and use the promo code RTL at checkout for a $25 discount.

October 11, 20261 hr 45 min

Episode 584: 'Tesla-Assisted Driving' Finally Imminent for Europe

Full Self Driving (Supervised) appears to finally be imminent for Europe, albeit under a different name. Plus: US-built Model 3's and Y's finally get Powershare Home Backup, Rivian beats delivery expectations, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/teslapodcast and consider a monthly or (10% discounted!) annual pledge. Every little bit helps, and you can support for just $5 per month. And there are stacking bonuses in it for you at each pledge level, like early access to each episode at the $5 tier and the 200+ weekly Lightning Round bonus mini-episodes (AND the early access!) at the $10 tier! And NO ADS at any Patreon tier ! Also, don't forget to leave a message on the Ride the Lightning hotline anytime with a question, comment, or discussion topic for next week's show! The toll-free number to call is 1-888-989-8752. NEW: Level up your business with NetSuite by Oracle! Get your free business guide, Demystifying AI, at https://www.netsuite.com/lightning INTERESTED IN A FLEXIBLE EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR YOUR TESLA? Be a part of the future of transportation with XCare, the first extended warranty designed & built exclusively for EV owners, by EV owners. Use the code RTL250 to get $250 off your XCare Premium or Battery & Drive Unit Protection Plan using the one-time payment option! Go to https://xcare.com to find the extended warranty policy that's right for you and your Tesla. P.S. Get 15% off your first order of awesome aftermarket Tesla accessories at AbstractOcean.com by using the code RTLpodcast at checkout. Grab the SnapPlate front license plate bracket for any Tesla at https://everyamp.com/RTL/ (don't forget the coupon code RTL too!). And make your garage door foolproof with the Infinity Shield – get yours at https://www.infinity-shield.com and use the promo code RTL at checkout for a $25 discount.

October 4, 20261 hr 38 min

Episode 583: Model 3 Gets Better and Supercharging Gets Safer

The re-reveal of the next-generation Tesla Roadster got delayed again, but this time Mother Nature is to blame. Plus: Tesla releases its impressive Q3 production and delivery numbers, the Model 3 gets some fun new changes, the Tesla Supercharging team rolls out a fantastic new safety feature, and more! And here's the YouTube video mentioned in this week's Pro Tip of the Week: https://youtu.be/uqhgXC-xbT8?si=VkdZGpbcTqnKKG09 If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/teslapodcast and consider a monthly or (10% discounted!) annual pledge. Every little bit helps, and you can support for just $5 per month. And there are stacking bonuses in it for you at each pledge level, like early access to each episode at the $5 tier and the 200+ weekly Lightning Round bonus mini-episodes (AND the early access!) at the $10 tier! And NO ADS at any Patreon tier ! Also, don't forget to leave a message on the Ride the Lightning hotline anytime with a question, comment, or discussion topic for next week's show! The toll-free number to call is 1-888-989-8752. INTERESTED IN A FLEXIBLE EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR YOUR TESLA? Be a part of the future of transportation with XCare, the first extended warranty designed & built exclusively for EV owners, by EV owners. Use the code RTL250 to get $250 off your XCare Premium or Battery & Drive Unit Protection Plan using the one-time payment option! Go to https://xcare.com to find the extended warranty policy that's right for you and your Tesla. P.S. Get 15% off your first order of awesome aftermarket Tesla accessories at AbstractOcean.com by using the code RTLpodcast at checkout. Grab the SnapPlate front license plate bracket for any Tesla at https://everyamp.com/RTL/ (don't forget the coupon code RTL too!). And make your garage door foolproof with the Infinity Shield – get yours at https://www.infinity-shield.com and use the promo code RTL at checkout for a $25 discount.

September 27, 20261 hr 40 min

Episode 582: Tesla Semi Rolls Out + Another Roadster Teaser

Tesla held its long-awaited Semi truck rollout event, detailing all of the improvements they've made to the class-8 vehicle since the original 2017 version. Plus: Tesla teases the new Roadster again ahead of this week's re-reveal, new Grok functionality lets your car get closer and closer to becoming K.I.T.T. from Knight Rider in real life, and more! P.S. The Semi Rollout presentation runs from 41:46-1:10:35 if you'd like to skip it. If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/teslapodcast and consider a monthly or (10% discounted!) annual pledge. Every little bit helps, and you can support for just $5 per month. And there are stacking bonuses in it for you at each pledge level, like early access to each episode at the $5 tier and the 200+ weekly Lightning Round bonus mini-episodes (AND the early access!) at the $10 tier! And NO ADS at any Patreon tier ! Also, don't forget to leave a message on the Ride the Lightning hotline anytime with a question, comment, or discussion topic for next week's show! The toll-free number to call is 1-888-989-8752. INTERESTED IN A FLEXIBLE EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR YOUR TESLA? Be a part of the future of transportation with XCare, the first extended warranty designed & built exclusively for EV owners, by EV owners. Use the code RTL250 to get $250 off your XCare Premium or Battery & Drive Unit Protection Plan using the one-time payment option! Go to https://xcare.com to find the extended warranty policy that's right for you and your Tesla. UPGRADE YOUR TESLA TODAY: RPM Tesla has been the go-to accessory brand for Tesla owners since 2013, with over 1,000 accessories covering every Tesla model and year. Think carbon interior upgrades, carbon fiber spoilers, full carbon body kits, mirror caps, lighting upgrades, yoke steering wheels, and even full coilover suspension upgrades — whatever you want to upgrade, they've got it. RTL listeners get an exclusive 5%-10% off at RPM Tesla on top of their current sale. Head to https://www.rpmtesla.com/RTLPod P.S. Get 15% off your first order of awesome aftermarket Tesla accessories at AbstractOcean.com by using the code RTLpodcast at checkout. Grab the SnapPlate front license plate bracket for any Tesla at https://everyamp.com/RTL/ (don't forget the coupon code RTL too!). And make your garage door foolproof with the Infinity Shield – get yours at https://www.infinity-shield.com and use the promo code RTL at checkout for a $25 discount.

September 20, 20261 hr 47 min

Episode 581: Tesla Roadster Re-Reveal FINALLY Announced

Tesla finally announces a date for the long, long, long-awaited re-reveal and demonstration of the next-generation Roadster. Plus: Cybertruck's lead engineer publicly posts a list of small but interesting changes made to the truck so far, my firsthand impressions of the Model Y L after my recent test drive, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/teslapodcast and consider a monthly or (10% discounted!) annual pledge. Every little bit helps, and you can support for just $5 per month. And there are stacking bonuses in it for you at each pledge level, like early access to each episode at the $5 tier and the 200+ weekly Lightning Round bonus mini-episodes (AND the early access!) at the $10 tier! And NO ADS at any Patreon tier ! Also, don't forget to leave a message on the Ride the Lightning hotline anytime with a question, comment, or discussion topic for next week's show! The toll-free number to call is 1-888-989-8752. INTERESTED IN A FLEXIBLE EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR YOUR TESLA? Be a part of the future of transportation with XCare, the first extended warranty designed & built exclusively for EV owners, by EV owners. Use the code RTL250 to get $250 off your XCare Premium or Battery & Drive Unit Protection Plan using the one-time payment option! Go to https://xcare.com to find the extended warranty policy that's right for you and your Tesla. P.S. Get 15% off your first order of awesome aftermarket Tesla accessories at AbstractOcean.com by using the code RTLpodcast at checkout. Grab the SnapPlate front license plate bracket for any Tesla at https://everyamp.com/RTL/ (don't forget the coupon code RTL too!). And make your garage door foolproof with the Infinity Shield – get yours at https://www.infinity-shield.com and use the promo code RTL at checkout for a $25 discount.

September 13, 20261 hr 37 min

Episode 580: Cybercab Launch Follow-Ups + Lots of Good Model Y News

I've got a few Cybercab follow-ups to share with you after last week's launch event in Austin, Texas. Plus: multiple pieces of good Model Y news, some good news for Cybertruck owners on a feature they've been waiting years for, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/teslapodcast and consider a monthly or (10% discounted!) annual pledge. Every little bit helps, and you can support for just $5 per month. And there are stacking bonuses in it for you at each pledge level, like early access to each episode at the $5 tier and the 200+ weekly Lightning Round bonus mini-episodes (AND the early access!) at the $10 tier! And NO ADS at any Patreon tier ! Also, don't forget to leave a message on the Ride the Lightning hotline anytime with a question, comment, or discussion topic for next week's show! The toll-free number to call is 1-888-989-8752. INTERESTED IN A FLEXIBLE EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR YOUR TESLA? Be a part of the future of transportation with XCare, the first extended warranty designed & built exclusively for EV owners, by EV owners. Use the code RTL250 to get $250 off your XCare Premium or Battery & Drive Unit Protection Plan using the one-time payment option! Go to https://xcare.com to find the extended warranty policy that's right for you and your Tesla. UPGRADE YOUR TESLA TODAY: RPM Tesla has been the go-to accessory brand for Tesla owners since 2013, with over 1,000 accessories covering every Tesla model and year. Think carbon interior upgrades, carbon fiber spoilers, full carbon body kits, mirror caps, lighting upgrades, yoke steering wheels, and even full coilover suspension upgrades — whatever you want to upgrade, they've got it. RTL listeners get an exclusive 5%-10% off at RPM Tesla on top of their current sale. Head to https://www.rpmtesla.com/RTLPod P.S. Get 15% off your first order of awesome aftermarket Tesla accessories at AbstractOcean.com by using the code RTLpodcast at checkout. Grab the SnapPlate front license plate bracket for any Tesla at https://everyamp.com/RTL/ (don't forget the coupon code RTL too!). And make your garage door foolproof with the Infinity Shield – get yours at https://www.infinity-shield.com and use the promo code RTL at checkout for a $25 discount.

September 6, 20262 hr 20 min

Episode 579: Cybercab Launch Event Recap – I Was There and I Rode in the Cybercab!

Tesla officially launched the Cybercab, and I was lucky enough to be there and take a whole bunch of rides in it. I'll tell you all about my experience, and there is a lot to tell. Stay tuned! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/teslapodcast and consider a monthly or (10% discounted!) annual pledge. Every little bit helps, and you can support for just $5 per month. And there are stacking bonuses in it for you at each pledge level, like early access to each episode at the $5 tier and the 200+ weekly Lightning Round bonus mini-episodes (AND the early access!) at the $10 tier! And NO ADS at any Patreon tier ! NEW: Level up your business with NetSuite by Oracle! Get your free business guide, Demystifying AI, at https://www.netsuite.com/lightning Also, don't forget to leave a message on the Ride the Lightning hotline anytime with a question, comment, or discussion topic for next week's show! The toll-free number to call is 1-888-989-8752. INTERESTED IN A FLEXIBLE EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR YOUR TESLA? Be a part of the future of transportation with XCare, the first extended warranty designed & built exclusively for EV owners, by EV owners. Use the code RTL250 to get $250 off your XCare Premium or Battery & Drive Unit Protection Plan using the one-time payment option! Go to https://xcare.com to find the extended warranty policy that's right for you and your Tesla. P.S. Get 15% off your first order of awesome aftermarket Tesla accessories at AbstractOcean.com by using the code RTLpodcast at checkout. Grab the SnapPlate front license plate bracket for any Tesla at https://everyamp.com/RTL/ (don't forget the coupon code RTL too!). And make your garage door foolproof with the Infinity Shield – get yours at https://www.infinity-shield.com and use the promo code RTL at checkout for a $25 discount.

August 30, 20261 hr 41 min

Episode 578: Tesla Announces Another Big Event…But Not for the Roadster

Tesla has announced another big product event in September to follow the Cybercab launch, but it's not the next-gen Roadster demo. Plus: the Cybertruck gets a price increase, Hyundai's Genesis brand announces a luxurious new EV, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/teslapodcast and consider a monthly or (10% discounted!) annual pledge. Every little bit helps, and you can support for just $5 per month. And there are stacking bonuses in it for you at each pledge level, like early access to each episode at the $5 tier and the 200+ weekly Lightning Round bonus mini-episodes (AND the early access!) at the $10 tier! And NO ADS at any Patreon tier ! Also, don't forget to leave a message on the Ride the Lightning hotline anytime with a question, comment, or discussion topic for next week's show! The toll-free number to call is 1-888-989-8752. INTERESTED IN A FLEXIBLE EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR YOUR TESLA? Be a part of the future of transportation with XCare, the first extended warranty designed & built exclusively for EV owners, by EV owners. Use the code RTL250 to get $250 off your XCare Premium or Battery & Drive Unit Protection Plan using the one-time payment option! Go to https://xcare.com to find the extended warranty policy that's right for you and your Tesla. P.S. Get 15% off your first order of awesome aftermarket Tesla accessories at AbstractOcean.com by using the code RTLpodcast at checkout. Grab the SnapPlate front license plate bracket for any Tesla at https://everyamp.com/RTL/ (don't forget the coupon code RTL too!). Enhance your car with cool carbon-fiber upgrades from RPMTesla.com . And make your garage door foolproof with the Infinity Shield – get yours at https://www.infinity-shield.com and use the promo code RTL at checkout for a $25 discount.