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Artwork for Ride the Lightning: Tesla and EV Podcast

Ride the Lightning: Tesla and EV Podcast

Ryan McCaffrey
Tesla
Cybertruck
Model Y
Elon Musk
Model 3
Electric Vehicles
Robotaxi
Full Self-Driving
Cybercab
Tesla Roadster
California
Rivian
Tesla Model Y
Giga Berlin
Model 3 Performance
Referral Program
FSD
Model X
Optimus
Model S

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!

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes567Founded11 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
NewsAutomotiveBusiness NewsLeisure

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Artwork for Ride the Lightning: Tesla and EV Podcast

Latest Episodes

Tesla Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen and Engineering VP Lars Moravy both join me to discuss the legacy and history of the Model S and Model X as both cars are officially retired this week. Plus: my recap of the Model S and X Celebration event. S... more

Tesla has begun an initial rollout of a long-asked-for Supercharging feature. Plus: Tesla expands battery production at Giga Berlin, BMW hits an EV milestone, and more!

If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out... more

YouTube

Tesla confirms that the upcoming FSD v14 Lite for Hardware 3 vehicles will be rolling out globally. Plus: Tesla introduces not one but two new blue paint options for Model 3 and Model Y, Rivian had a better-than-expected first quarter, Nissan becomes... more

YouTube

I'd like you to meet Sandro, a Model X owner who has made some epic journeys in his Tesla, and is currently driving from the northernmost point of our continent at the Arctic Circle to the southernmost tip of South America. It's an incredible story, ... more

YouTube

Key Facts

Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Franz von Holtzhausen
Introduces the Ride the Lightning Hotline segment
Episode: Episode 554: Rivian R2 Pricing Revealed
Carson Gallo
A Tesla van lifer for the past eight years, two-time Tesla employee, president of the Tesla Owners Club of Florida, and a military veteran.
Episode: Episode 539: Meet the Tesla Owner Who Loves Living Out of His Model X
Taylor Robinette
Former head of Tesla referral program and a friend of the host, who participated in the ride experience.
Episode: Episode 527: My First Robotaxi Ride!
Sawyer Merritt
Prominent Tesla tipster and influencer
Episode: Episode 523: Special Guest: Tesla Tipster Sawyer Merritt
Jose Garza
The recipient of Tesla's first autonomously delivered vehicle
Episode: Episode 518: Talking to the Owner of the First Autonomously Delivered Tesla
Kim Java
A longtime Tesla community friend and YouTuber covering EVs
It's Kim Java (YouTube channel)
Episode: Episode 517: Interview With a Robotaxi User
JB Straubel
Co-founder of Tesla and current CEO of Redwood Materials, focusing on battery recycling and sustainability efforts in the EV sector.
Redwood Materials
Episode: Episode 501: Special Guest: Tesla Co-Founder JB Straubel
Lars Moravy
Vice President of Engineering at Tesla
Tesla
Episode: Episode 499: Special Guest: Tesla Engineering VP Lars Moravy
Nathan Degusto
Director of Vehicle Engineering for the Model 3 and Model Y platform
Tesla
Episode: Episode 497: New Model Y – My First Hands-On Impressions

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 1.6k ratings
  • My favorite podcast

    The best podcast I’ve ever listened to!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    🫪!
    United Statesa month ago
  • Loss of the S and X

    I am sorry to see the S and the X go away. I do feel that part of the reason for this is that the 3 and the Y have gotten so good that there really is less reason to have these vehicles.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    philbikes
    United States3 months ago
  • Not fun anymore

    It used to be fun to listen to, but now Its so pessimistic it just makes it not fun anymore

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    ybotrobot
    United States4 months ago
  • Good but rambling

    I appreciate the news, updates, and the occasional Tesla executive interviews. Some people say that Ryan rambles, which is true. But I think it’s more accurate to say he’s sometimes painfully repetitive. He’ll rephrase things that don’t need to be rephrased, as if we didn’t understand plain English the first time he said it. Ryan, you’re great, but you don’t need to use every synonym for a particular word; please just say it ONCE. Or he’ll make a point, then rewind in his own brain and mak... more

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Cuatro01
    United States4 months ago
  • Loved the long S&X rant

    Super enjoyed the long rant on the S and X discontinuation, great to hear another long time fan discuss historical context

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    David_S8324
    United States4 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The host is knowledgeable and engaging for EV enthusiasts.
Listeners appreciate in-depth Tesla coverage and community calls.
Some reviews note rambling at times but overall strong, consistent content.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#8
United States/Leisure/Automotive
Apple Podcasts
#63
United States/Leisure
Apple Podcasts
#7
Canada/Leisure/Automotive
Apple Podcasts
#28
Canada/Leisure
Apple Podcasts
#34
United Kingdom/Leisure/Automotive
Apple Podcasts
#213
United Kingdom/Leisure

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Episode 564: Special Guests Franz and Lars Discuss Model S and X's Legacy
Q: Was there a total redesign of the S/X ever on the table, or was the plan always to iterate on the existing platform?
There was early talk of a complete refresh in 2020, but the rapid adoption of Optimus and the need for a home for manufacturing led to focusing on evolving the existing platform rather than a ground-up rebuild, with the ongoing decision to eventually move toward newer architectures.
Episode 561: Meet the Model X Owner Driving From the Arctic Circle to the Southernmost Tip of South America
Q: What inspired you to hit the road in the model X and pursue this polar-to-tips journey?
I was inspired by a friend's Model Y kitchen project he built and a curiosity to experience the world from a different perspective, which led me to buy a Model 3 first and then upgrade to the Model X for longer, more self-sufficient trips, using solar and community networks to keep going.
Episode 552: The $60,000 Cybertruck Seems to Be a Hit
Q: What is driving the price volatility around the $60,000 Cybertruck?
The host points to official price notations, supply and demand dynamics, and Elon Musk's comments about demand influencing pricing, plus the stated price increase after February 28th, creating a moving target for buyers.
Episode 540: Teslas Among Most Reliable Cars, Says Consumer Reports
Q: Do you think the 2026 Model Y has the hardware to reach unsupervised FSD?
It's better to stick with the subscription model rather than purchase FSD outright due to uncertainty regarding the hardware's capabilities and lease considerations.
Episode 536: Tesla Shareholder Meeting Recap, Highlights, and Analysis (2025)
Q: Will Tesla build something that can accommodate a wheelchair?
Musk stated that Tesla is considering creating a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, though it may take a few years.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ride the Lightning: Tesla and EV Podcast

What is Ride the Lightning: Tesla and EV Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show centers on Tesla and broader EV news, delivering weekly analysis of product updates, software advances, and industry shifts. Listeners get deep dives into hardware iterations (like Autopilot and FSD developments), vehicle lineups (Model S/X/Y/M3, Roadster), charging infrastructure, and strategic moves from automakers and tech partners. The host weaves in listener calls, sponsor messages, and practical tips for owners and enthusiasts, creating a community-driven cadence that blends news, commentary, and hands-on insights. A standout trait is its long-running, devoted coverage of Tesla ecosystems and future mobility concepts, which attracts a dedicated audience of owners and followers who want thorough context and thoughtful forecas... more

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These podcasts share a similar audience with Ride the Lightning: Tesla and EV Podcast:

1. Electrek
2. EV News Daily - Technology and Business of EVs
3. Batteries Included
4. InsideEVs Plugged-In Podcast
5. Everything Electric Podcast

How many episodes of Ride the Lightning: Tesla and EV Podcast are there?

Ride the Lightning: Tesla and EV Podcast launched 11 years ago and published 567 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Ride the Lightning: Tesla and EV Podcast?

Recent guests on Ride the Lightning: Tesla and EV Podcast include:

1. Franz von Holtzhausen
2. Carson Gallo
3. Taylor Robinette
4. Sawyer Merritt
5. Jose Garza
6. Kim Java
7. JB Straubel
8. Lars Moravy

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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