This episode of Kilowatt dives into the staggering engineering and questionable economics of BYD’s luxury powerhouse, the Denza Z9 GT. Originally born from a partnership with Mercedes-Benz, the Denza brand is now striking out on its own with a 1,140-horsepower "shooting brake" that boasts some of the most advanced chassis tech on the planet. We explore its incredible ability to "crab walk" and pivot, its massive 1.5-megawatt charging capability, and why it might just be the fastest-charging EV in the world. However, the real conversation starts with the sticker shock: why does a car that costs roughly $40,000 in China command a staggering $134,000 price tag in Europe? We break down the impact of EU tariffs, shipping costs, and BYD’s aggressive strategy to pivot from a budget brand to a premium Porsche competitor. Plus, a special thank you to David for joining our Patreon family.

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Other Podcasts:

• Beyond the Post YouTube
• Beyond the Post Podcast
• Shuffle Playlist
• 918Digital Website

News Links:

• DTNS Episode
• EU Sets Final Tariffs on China-Made Electric Vehicle Imports
• The $100,000 Markup: Why BYD’s $40k EV Costs $134k in Europe
• Meet the BYD Denza Z9 GT: The Fastest-Charging Car in the World

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Description:

This week on Kilowatt, we have some tips for maintaining lithium battery health to ensure your EV stays on the road longer. We examine Volkswagen's decision to stop producing the ID.4 for the Atlas SUV. On a brighter note, Polestar is celebrating record-breaking sales and aggressive pricing tactics, including a massive incentive designed to win over Tesla loyalists. Tesla enthusiasts will also want to hear about the new "Zen Grey" interior option for the Model Y and the latest safety-focused updates in Full Self-Driving (FSD) v14.3. We wrap up with a critical look at the "hacked" FSD features popping up in over 100,000 vehicles and what this means for the future of autonomous driving safety.

Support the Show https://www.supportkilowatt.com/

Other Podcasts:

• Beyond the Post YouTube
• Beyond the Post Podcast
• Shuffle Playlist
• 918Digital Website

News Links:

• Tesla Starts Rolling Out FSD (Supervised) in the Netherlands
• Tesla Adds New Safety Restrictions in FSD v14.3
• Polestar Just Had Its Best First Quarter Ever
• VW replaces US ID.4 production with 18mpg Atlas SUV as gas prices spike
• Elon Musk: FSD 10x Parameter Upgrade Now Coming With v15
• Musk says Tesla FSD v15 will ‘far exceed’ human safety
• Tesla Replaces White Model Y Interior With Zen Grey Option
• Tesla Disables Hacked FSD as Over 100,000 Cars Use Illegal Mods
• Polestar Wants Tesla Owners To Jump Ship With A Massive $21,000 Discount

*Show Art Created By Gemini

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Description:

In this episode of Kilowatt, I feature Allison Sheridan from NosillaCast interviewing Ron Burch, who shares his experience with maintaining a decade-old Tesla Model S. Ron's decision to replace his aging battery instead of buying a new car sheds light on electric vehicle ownership and maintenance longevity. We explore the specifics of his Model S, its impressive condition after ten years, and the battery replacement process, including cost comparisons between reconditioned and new cells. Ron offers insights on battery degradation, his driving habits, and the enhancements in charging efficiency with the new battery. This conversation not only uncovers the technicalities of battery replacement but also emphasizes sustainability in vehicle ownership amidst the evolving electric vehicle landscape.

Support the Show: https://www.supportkilowatt.com/

Other Podcasts:

• Beyond the Post YouTube
• Beyond the Post Podcast
• Shuffle Playlist
• 918Digital Website

Links:

• Chit Chat Across the Pond: CCATP 832
• NosillaCast: NC 1091
• Podfeet Blog

*Show Art Created By Gemini

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