Tesla's Autonomous Fleet Might be Misleading, Toyota Expands EVs, Escalade Goes Far: TWC Podcast 229

By Phil Royle — June 26, 2025

Tesla finally made a deadline! Or did it? Yes, autonomous Teslas are driving around Austin by the date promised, but with safety passengers riding shotgun ready to hit the “oh crap” button and back-seat passengers being invite only, is this the future we were promised? In other news, Toyota plans for multiple three-row EV SUVs, the Escalade IQ goes the extra mile, and more!

Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Spotify, PocketCasts, iHeartRadio, Podbean, and more! Or heck, use your favorite podcast application.

Perhaps you prefer to listen only:

SHOW NOTES
Tesla Robotaxi service “officially” launches in Austin, initially available on an invite-only basis: https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-officially-launches-robotaxi-service-with-no-driver/

Toyota reportedly planning two three-row EV SUVs for North American market: https://electrek.co/2025/06/24/toyota-tweaks-ev-plans-again-with-two-new-3-row-electric-suvs/

Tom Moloughney tests Escalade IQ. Achieves 482 miles of range: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icrG3KQwSwE

National Electrical Code to require home EVSE installation by professional electricians: https://www.motortrend.com/news/nec-2026-diy-home-ev-charger-install-ban

Senate considering dropping C.A.F.E. standard requirement: https://www.autoblog.com/news/us-senate-might-kill-automotive-fuel-economy-rules

This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. Sanchez
Episode art courtesy Tesla
Music courtesy Twisterium at Pixabay
Website: https://www.thewattcar.com
Buy merch: https://www.thewattcar.com/store
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar