Episode 550: Rivian R2 Gets Glowing First Reviews
About this episode
Rivian's R2 is making waves with glowing early reviews as it approaches its launch. This episode dives into the impressive specs of the R2, including its 655 horsepower and 0-60 time of 3.6 seconds, while also discussing its anticipated price point. Additionally, the show covers Ferrari's first full-B EV with a unique interior designed by Johnny Ive, and Toyota's commitment to electrification with the new Highlander EV. Listeners can also catch updates on Tesla's FSD transfer policy and new supercharger features.
Rivian's first high-volume, more affordable vehicle – the R2 – is getting closer to release, and the initial reviews are extremely positive. Plus: Ferrari's first-ever full-BEV has a very unique interior designed by longtime Apple designer Jony Ive, Toyota gets a bit more serious about electrification with its just-announced Highlander EV, and more!
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Ford F-150 Lightning
"On this week's episode of Ride the Lightning, the Tesla and EV podcast,"
The Ford F-150 Lightning is an electric version of Ford's famous pickup truck. It's important because it shows that electric trucks can be just as useful and powerful as regular gas trucks.
The Ford F-150 Lightning is an all-electric version of the popular F-150 pickup truck, combining the capabilities of a traditional truck with electric efficiency. It is significant for its potential to attract traditional truck buyers to electric vehicles.
BEV
"Plus, Ferrari's first ever full-B EV has a very unique interior designed by longtime Apple designer, Johnny Ive."
BEV means Battery Electric Vehicle, which is a car that only uses electricity and doesn't have a gas engine. It's important to know because many new cars are being made this way.
BEV stands for Battery Electric Vehicle, which is a type of vehicle that runs entirely on electricity stored in batteries, with no internal combustion engine. This category is crucial for understanding the shift towards electric mobility.
Toyota Highlander
"Toyota gets a bit more serious about electrification with its just-announced Highlander EV and more."
The Toyota Highlander EV is an electric version of the Highlander, which is a popular SUV. This shows that Toyota is taking steps to make more electric cars.
The Toyota Highlander EV is an electric version of the popular Highlander SUV, marking Toyota's commitment to expanding its electric vehicle lineup as part of its electrification strategy.
FSD
"The good news or at least let's call it welcome news is that Tesla has quietly updated its rules for the FSD transfer program giving owners a bit more flexibility when upgrading to a new vehicle..."
FSD means Full Self-Driving, which is a feature from Tesla that helps their cars drive themselves. It makes driving easier by handling many tasks automatically.
FSD stands for Full Self-Driving, a package offered by Tesla that includes advanced autonomous driving features. This technology allows Tesla vehicles to navigate and drive themselves under certain conditions, enhancing convenience and safety for drivers.
Tesla Cybertruck
"...also introduces an important exception affecting the Cybertruck and it's soon to be discontinued vehicles..."
The Cybertruck is a new electric truck from Tesla that looks very different from regular trucks. It's designed to be strong and useful for many types of work.
The Cybertruck is an all-electric pickup truck designed by Tesla, featuring a distinctive angular design and made from ultra-hard 30X cold-rolled stainless steel. It aims to offer high performance, durability, and utility for both personal and commercial use.
Tesla Model S
"the Model S and the Model X that were purchased with the Luxe package that included FSD."
The Tesla Model S is an electric car that looks like a luxury sedan. It's known for being fast and having smart technology that helps with driving.
The Tesla Model S is a fully electric luxury sedan known for its high performance and advanced technology features, including autopilot capabilities.
Tesla Model X
"the Model S and the Model X that were purchased with the Luxe package that included FSD."
The Tesla Model X is an electric SUV known for its unique doors that open upwards and its high-tech features, including safety systems and autopilot.
The Tesla Model X is a fully electric SUV that features distinctive falcon-wing doors and advanced safety and technology features, making it a popular choice among electric vehicle enthusiasts.
Cadillac SRX
"...simply cannot imagine anyone with a Luxe package SRX or especially a Cyber Beast because that got the..."
The Cadillac SRX is a fancy SUV that was made by Cadillac. It's known for being comfortable and stylish, making it a good choice for people who want a nice vehicle.
The Cadillac SRX is a luxury crossover SUV that was produced by Cadillac until 2016. It is significant for its combination of comfort, style, and technology, appealing to buyers looking for a premium SUV experience.
supercharger
"Tesla has significantly expanded the number of superchargers with the live site view map feature available."
A supercharger is a special station where electric cars can charge their batteries quickly, so they can drive longer distances without waiting too long.
A supercharger is a high-speed charging station for electric vehicles, allowing them to recharge their batteries much faster than standard chargers.
Tesla Model 3
"...I think might be his license plate, Black Model 3. Zach posted with photo evidence I might add..."
The Model 3 is a popular electric car made by Tesla. It's known for being more affordable than other Tesla models and has a good driving range.
The Tesla Model 3 is a compact electric sedan that offers a balance of performance, range, and affordability, making it one of the best-selling electric vehicles.
Tesla Roadster
"... car names that I came up with for the new Tesla Roadster. After, of course, we had a Roadster story"
The Tesla Roadster is a super-fast electric car made by Tesla. It's important because it shows how electric cars can be really powerful and fun to drive, just like traditional sports cars.
The Tesla Roadster is an all-electric sports car that represents Tesla's commitment to high-performance electric vehicles. It is significant as it showcases Tesla's advancements in battery technology and acceleration capabilities, making it one of the fastest production cars in the world.
Rivian R2
"...e main story is Rivian. The first reviews of the Rivian R2 are out based on drives using manufacturing vali..."
The Rivian R2 is a new electric SUV that will be more affordable than Rivian's other models. It's important because it will give more people a chance to buy an electric SUV.
The Rivian R2 is an upcoming electric vehicle from Rivian, aimed at providing a more affordable option in the electric SUV market. It is significant as it represents Rivian's expansion of their electric vehicle lineup beyond their R1T truck and R1S SUV.
EV
"...because this vehicle is one of, if not the most anticipated EV right now, the early word here is extremely positive."
EV means electric vehicle. These cars run on electricity instead of gas, making them better for the environment and often cheaper to drive.
EV stands for electric vehicle, which is a type of vehicle that is powered entirely by electricity instead of gasoline or diesel. EVs are known for being more environmentally friendly and often have lower operating costs.
dual motors
"The first R2 variant featuring dual motors"
Dual motors mean the car has two electric motors, which can help it go faster and have better control on the road. It's like having power in both the front and back of the car.
Dual motors refer to a vehicle setup where two electric motors are used, typically one for each axle. This configuration can enhance performance, traction, and control, especially in all-wheel-drive systems.
horsepower
"...has 655 horsepower, yes, and 610 pound feet of torque, love it..."
Horsepower tells you how powerful an engine is. The higher the horsepower, the faster and stronger the car can be.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement that quantifies the power output of an engine. It is a key indicator of a vehicle's performance, indicating how quickly it can accelerate and how much work it can do over time.
torque
"...610 pound feet of torque, love it, and does zero to 60 in 3.6 seconds..."
Torque is the force that helps a car start moving and accelerate. More torque means better pulling power, especially when starting from a stop.
Torque measures the rotational force produced by an engine. It is crucial for acceleration and pulling power, particularly at lower speeds, making it an important factor in how a vehicle feels during driving.
zero to 60 time
"...and does zero to 60 in 3.6 seconds. Love that as well, that is all super impressive..."
Zero to 60 time shows how fast a car can go from a standstill to 60 miles per hour. It's a way to measure how quickly a car can speed up.
Zero to 60 time refers to the duration it takes for a vehicle to accelerate from a complete stop to 60 miles per hour. It is a common performance metric used to evaluate a car's acceleration capabilities.
Tesla Model Y
"...So it's probably gonna be closer in price to the Model Y performance. Now, the Model Y performance, as we..."
The Tesla Model Y is a small electric SUV that can carry more people and stuff than a regular car. It's popular because it has a lot of cool technology and can drive a long way on a single charge.
The Tesla Model Y is a compact electric SUV that shares many components with the Model 3 sedan. It is significant for its spacious interior, advanced technology, and impressive range, making it a popular choice among electric vehicle buyers.
Rivian R1S
"Doug had previously given the R1T and the R1S his Car of the Year award in separate years. So he awarded them separately."
The Rivian R1S is an electric SUV that is similar to the R1T truck but has more space for passengers and cargo. It's made for people who like to explore and go on adventures.
The Rivian R1S is an all-electric SUV that shares many components with the R1T pickup truck. It is designed for adventure and offers a spacious interior along with advanced technology features.
Rivian R1T
"Doug had previously given the R1T and the R1S his Car of the Year award in separate years. So he awarded them separately."
The Rivian R1T is a new electric truck that can drive off-road and has many cool features. It's designed to be strong and high-tech, making it different from regular trucks.
The Rivian R1T is an all-electric pickup truck known for its impressive performance and innovative features. It has gained attention for its off-road capabilities and advanced technology, making it a standout in the electric vehicle market.
Tesla Model S Plaid
"...Marquez has had a Plaid in his life and he recently reviewed the new Model Y Performance..."
The Tesla Plaid is a super-fast version of Tesla's cars, built for speed and performance. It's designed to show how powerful electric cars can be.
The Tesla Plaid is a high-performance version of Tesla's vehicles, featuring advanced electric powertrains that deliver exceptional acceleration and speed. It represents Tesla's push towards performance in electric cars, with models like the Model S Plaid showcasing impressive capabilities.
$45,000 version
"I don't know if their margins are amazing on the $45,000 version, but I do feel like from $45,000 to $55,000, this is a very compelling vehicle."
The $45,000 version is the starting price for a specific model of the Tesla Model Y, making it more affordable for many buyers.
Referring to the base model of the Tesla Model Y, priced at $45,000, which is aimed at making electric vehicles more accessible to a wider audience.
Ford Mustang
"...emely encouraging. I mean, with apologies to the Mustang Mach-E, the Volkswagen ID4, the Chevy Equinox EV..."
The Ford Mustang is a classic American sports car that people love for its speed and cool looks. It's been around for a long time and is often seen as a symbol of freedom and fun driving.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car known for its powerful performance and distinctive styling. It has a rich history dating back to the 1960s and continues to be a symbol of American automotive culture.
Volkswagen Id4
"... apologies to the Mustang Mach-E, the Volkswagen ID4, the Chevy Equinox EV, there in my opinion,"
The Volkswagen ID.4 is a new electric SUV that has a lot of space and is good for the environment. It's important because it's one of the first electric SUVs from Volkswagen and is designed for everyday use.
The Volkswagen ID.4 is an all-electric SUV that marks Volkswagen's entry into the electric vehicle market. It is significant for its spacious interior, practicality, and commitment to sustainability, appealing to a wide range of consumers.
Chevrolet Equinox
"...he Mustang Mach-E, the Volkswagen ID4, the Chevy Equinox EV, there in my opinion,"
The Chevrolet Equinox is a small SUV that has a lot of space for passengers and cargo. It's a good option for families because it's comfortable and has useful features.
The Chevrolet Equinox is a compact SUV that offers a balance of comfort, technology, and fuel efficiency. It is significant in the market for its versatility and family-friendly features, making it a popular choice among consumers.
all-wheel drive
"This first version, though, dual motor, all-wheel drive, ton of horsepower, and so as I was saying before I played you those two clips, likely to cost a good bit more than $45,000..."
All-wheel drive means the car can send power to all four wheels at the same time. This helps the car grip the road better, especially in bad weather.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is a drivetrain configuration that provides power to all four wheels of a vehicle simultaneously. This enhances traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions or off-road situations.
fully electric car
"...continuing in other EV news, Ferrari has officially announced, but not yet fully revealed its first fully electric car."
A fully electric car is a car that runs only on electricity and doesn't use gas at all. It helps reduce pollution because it doesn't produce exhaust fumes.
A fully electric car is a vehicle that runs entirely on electricity, using batteries as its power source, with no internal combustion engine. This type of car produces zero tailpipe emissions and is part of the growing trend towards sustainable transportation.
Ferrari Luce
"...ed its first fully electric car. It's called the Luce, L-U-C-E. The Luce formally codenamed the Electr..."
The Ferrari Luce is a new electric car from Ferrari, a brand famous for fast sports cars. It's important because it's their first electric model, showing they are moving towards greener technology.
The Ferrari Luce is Ferrari's first fully electric car, marking a significant shift for the brand known for its high-performance gasoline sports cars. It is significant as it represents Ferrari's commitment to sustainability while maintaining their performance heritage.
electric mobility
"...as it moves towards electric mobility."
Electric mobility is about using electric cars and having the places to charge them. It's important for making transportation cleaner and better for the planet.
Electric mobility refers to the use of electric vehicles and the infrastructure that supports them, including charging stations and battery technology. It is a key part of the transition to sustainable transportation.
instrument cluster
"...the three small round instrument cluster screens very much look like analog gauges..."
The instrument cluster is the part of the car in front of the driver that shows how fast you're going and other important information. It can have both digital and analog displays.
The instrument cluster is the panel in front of the driver that displays important information about the vehicle, such as speed, fuel level, and engine temperature. In modern cars, this can include digital screens and various gauges.
launch mode
"...to activate the car's launch mode. There's even an analog clock"
Launch mode helps cars start quickly from a stop. It makes sure the car uses the right amount of power to get moving fast without spinning the wheels.
Launch mode is a feature in performance cars that optimizes acceleration from a standstill. It adjusts various settings, such as throttle response and traction control, to help the driver achieve the best possible start without wheel spin.
Porsche Taycan
"...elf sees how poorly the fairly fantastic Porsche Taycan has sold by basically just trying to be a Porsch..."
The Porsche Taycan is a fancy electric car that goes really fast and handles well. It's important because it shows that electric cars can be just as exciting to drive as traditional sports cars.
The Porsche Taycan is an all-electric luxury sports sedan that combines Porsche's performance heritage with cutting-edge electric technology. It is significant for its impressive acceleration, handling, and range, setting a new standard in the electric vehicle market.
electric vehicle
"...probably going to reject this simply by virtue of it being an electric vehicle..."
An electric vehicle is a type of car that runs on electricity instead of gasoline, making it more environmentally friendly.
An electric vehicle (EV) is a car that is powered entirely or partially by electricity, using electric motors instead of traditional internal combustion engines.
Lucid Air
"...Model S Plaid at just over $100,000, there's the Lucid Air Sapphire at the top end of their lineup for $250..."
The Lucid Air is a high-end electric car that is designed to be very comfortable and have a long driving range. It's important because it competes with other expensive electric cars and offers a lot of luxury.
The Lucid Air is a luxury electric sedan that aims to compete with high-end electric vehicles like the Tesla Model S. It is significant for its impressive range, performance, and luxurious features, representing a new player in the electric vehicle market.
Toyota Prius
"...an, actually I will say, I actually like the new Prius. I think it's a nice looking car."
The Toyota Prius is a car that uses both gas and electricity to drive, which helps it save fuel. It's known for being very good on gas and is often seen as a green car that helps the environment.
The Toyota Prius is a pioneering hybrid vehicle that combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency. It is significant for popularizing hybrid technology and remains a symbol of eco-friendly driving.
Bmw Ix
"... they just announced. It's a little bit like the BMW IX, but in my opinion, it's got a nicer front end"
The BMW iX is a luxury electric SUV that has a lot of high-tech features and a comfortable interior. It's important because it shows how BMW is moving towards electric cars while still being fancy.
The BMW iX is an all-electric SUV that showcases BMW's innovation in electric mobility and luxury. It is significant for its advanced technology, spacious interior, and performance, representing the future of BMW's electric lineup.
Toyota Supra
"Good for them. Yes, the Supra is fun. I love that they brought it back."
The Toyota Supra is a fun sports car that people love for its speed and handling. It's been brought back recently, and many car fans are excited about it because it looks great and drives really well.
The Toyota Supra is a sports car that has a storied history and is known for its performance and tuning potential. The recent revival of the Supra has generated excitement among enthusiasts, as it combines modern technology with classic styling.
Toyota GR GT
"... credit there. And yes, they did just unveil the GR GT, a legit Supra car, which is on the cover"
The Toyota GR GT is a new sports car that is designed for people who love to drive fast and have fun. It's part of Toyota's special line of cars that are made for racing and performance.
The Toyota GR GT is a new sports car that emphasizes performance and driving enjoyment, building on the legacy of the Toyota Supra. It is significant as part of Toyota's GR (Gazoo Racing) lineup, which focuses on sporty and performance-oriented vehicles.
Tesla Semi
"...sla reveals final production specs for the Tesla Semi ahead of the first deliveries. Saw this one on D..."
The Tesla Semi is a big electric truck that is made for transporting goods. It's important because it can help reduce pollution and save money on fuel for companies that move products.
The Tesla Semi is an all-electric truck designed for freight transport, aiming to revolutionize the trucking industry with lower operating costs and zero emissions. It is significant for its potential impact on logistics and sustainability in transportation.
Subaru Uncharted
"...ut for better or for worse, Tesla's heading into uncharted territory here with the cyber cab."
The Subaru Uncharted is a new idea for a car that is made for adventure and off-roading. It's important because it shows Subaru's focus on making cars that are great for outdoor activities.
The Subaru Uncharted is a concept vehicle that emphasizes adventure and off-road capability, reflecting Subaru's brand identity. It is significant for showcasing Subaru's commitment to outdoor lifestyles and rugged performance.
Tesla Cybercab
"... unusable. There have been sightings recently of cybercabs and Model Y robotaxies with washer jets"
The Tesla Cybercab is a planned self-driving taxi that will use the Tesla Cybertruck. It's important because it could change how we get around in cities by using electric cars.
The Tesla Cybercab is a proposed autonomous taxi service based on the Tesla Cybertruck, designed to revolutionize urban transportation. It is significant for its potential to change how people think about ride-sharing and electric vehicles.
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