{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"Episode 557: Model S and X Custom Orders Have Ended","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/episode-557-model-s-and-x-custom-orders-have-ended","audioUrl":"https://pscrb.fm/rss/p/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/teslapodcast/Ride_the_Lightning_-_Tesla_and_EV_Podcast_Episode_557.mp3?dest-id=295289","description":"Tesla stops taking new custom orders for the Model S and X, marking the true beginning of the end for these historic EVs. Plus: Tesla reports its first-quarter vehicle production and delivery numbers, Kia has announced a promising new entry-level EV for the North American market, 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 weekly Lightning Round bonus mini-episode (AND the early access!) at the $10 tier! And NO ADS at every 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 Lightning to get $100 off their \"One-time Payment\" option! Go to www.xcelerateauto.com/xcare 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 use the promo code RTL+ for 5-10% off your next purchase. 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 $35 discount."},"annotations":[{"startTime":0.0,"endTime":13.78,"type":"car","title":"Tesla Model S","url":"/cars/tesla/model-s","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9f/20180630_Tesla_Model_S_70D_2015_midnight_blue_left_front.jpg","quote":"On this week's episode of Ride the Lightning, the Tesla and EV podcast, Tesla stops taking new custom orders for the Model S and Model X, marking the true beginning of the end for these historic EVs.","canonicalId":"car:tesla:model-s","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Tesla Model S is Tesla’s flagship battery-electric sedan. It became one of the most influential modern EVs, and custom ordering ending signals a shift in Tesla’s product and sales strategy for that model line.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Tesla Model S is Tesla’s main electric sedan. When Tesla stops taking new orders, it usually means that model’s ordering process is changing or winding down.","imageAttribution":"Granada (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":14.1,"endTime":40.0,"type":"brand","title":"KIA","url":"/glossary/kia","quote":"Plus, Tesla reports its first quarter vehicle production and delivery numbers, KIA has announced a promising new entry-level EV for the North American market and more.","canonicalId":"brand:kia","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Kia is a major global automaker that’s expanding its EV lineup, including entry-level models for North America. Mentioning Kia alongside Tesla highlights competitive pressure and the broader EV market ramp.","simplifiedExplanation":"Kia is another big car company that’s planning new electric cars. The episode mentions it because it could bring more affordable EV options to North America."}},{"startTime":204.4,"endTime":218.7,"type":"car","title":"Model 3","url":"/cars/tesla/model-3","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/97/Tesla_Model_3%2C_EMS_2024%2C_Essen_%28P1032260%29.jpg","quote":"...not the hundred bucks it was for Cybertruck, a $1,000 deposit on the Model 3s.","canonicalId":"car:tesla:model-3","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Tesla Model 3 is Tesla’s high-volume electric sedan and the company’s best-known “affordable” EV. Reservation deposits and the reveal event are central to how Tesla scaled demand for the Model 3 early on.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Tesla Model 3 is Tesla’s popular electric car. The episode talks about reserving it and the big reveal event.","imageAttribution":"Matti Blume (CC BY-SA)"}},{"startTime":204.4,"endTime":227.8,"type":"concept","title":"reservation fee / deposit","url":"/glossary/reservation-fee-deposit","quote":"But we all camped out to put $1,000 down. The reservation fee was $1,000 back then...","canonicalId":"concept:reservation-fee-deposit","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A reservation fee is a refundable (or sometimes partially refundable) deposit used to secure a future vehicle build. For EVs, it’s often used to gauge demand and fund early production planning."}},{"startTime":277.2,"endTime":286.1,"type":"concept","title":"rolling mule","url":"/glossary/rolling-mule","quote":"They were giving rides in two, so there were three prototypes on stage. The red one was a rolling mule. It was not functional.","canonicalId":"concept:rolling-mule","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A “rolling mule” is a test vehicle that can move under its own power but may not have the final systems installed. It’s used to validate packaging, fitment, and basic vehicle dynamics while other components are still in development.","simplifiedExplanation":"A rolling mule is basically an early test car that can roll around, but it may not be fully functional yet. Engineers use it to check how parts fit and how the car moves."}},{"startTime":825.9,"endTime":825.9,"type":"term","title":"VIN","url":"/glossary/vin","quote":"And the reason for that is that Steve got Founder Series Vin number one back in 2012, which was literally the first production Model S and he will get the last one, which is definitely somewhat poetic.","canonicalId":"term:vin","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number, a unique code assigned to each vehicle. In the segment, VIN number one is used to emphasize the historical significance of the first production Model S.","simplifiedExplanation":"VIN is the vehicle’s unique identification number. The host mentions “VIN number one” to highlight that it was the very first production car."}},{"startTime":876.0,"endTime":1087.56,"type":"concept","title":"custom orders ending","url":"/glossary/custom-orders-ending","quote":"...whoever's lucky enough to get the last, you know, 10, however many S's and X's as well. And certainly speaking very, very, very selfishly, I'd love to get an invitation to that ceremony, even though I won't be taking delivery of an S or an X,","canonicalId":"concept:custom-orders-ending","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"When a manufacturer ends custom ordering, it typically means the configurator/order system is closed and remaining production is limited to already-scheduled builds. For buyers, this changes timing, available configurations, and how “final” vehicles are allocated.","simplifiedExplanation":"If custom orders end, it means you can’t place new personalized orders anymore. After that point, only the remaining pre-planned cars (or limited final allocations) can be delivered."}},{"startTime":964.6,"endTime":1044.4,"type":"term","title":"Optimus","url":"/glossary/optimus","quote":"...largely going to be about humanoid robots and we got an update on the upcoming reveal of the third generation Optimus.","canonicalId":"term:optimus","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Optimus is Tesla’s humanoid robot program. The segment focuses on the upcoming “third generation” (Gen 3) and what kind of demo/behavior Tesla plans to show.","simplifiedExplanation":"Optimus is Tesla’s humanoid robot project. They’re discussing the next version and what it will be able to do in a public demonstration."}},{"startTime":1025.9,"endTime":1044.4,"type":"concept","title":"tele-operated demo","url":"/glossary/tele-operated-demo","quote":"...every public demo we've seen of Optimus so far has been with it being tele-operated by a human somewhere else.","canonicalId":"concept:tele-operated-demo","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A tele-operated demo means a human operator controls the robot remotely rather than the robot fully running on its own. The host hopes Gen 3 will be shown operating autonomously, which would be a major step in capability.","simplifiedExplanation":"In a tele-operated demo, a person controls the robot from somewhere else. The host wants to see the robot do the work on its own, without remote control."}},{"startTime":1180.2,"endTime":1194.6,"type":"term","title":"energy storage products","url":"/glossary/energy-storage-products","quote":"In the first quarter, we produced over 408,000 vehicles, delivered over 358,000 vehicles and deployed 8.8 gigawatt hours of energy storage products.","canonicalId":"term:energy-storage-products","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Tesla also reports “energy storage products,” which typically refers to grid-scale battery systems rather than vehicles. Including this in quarterly results highlights that Tesla’s business isn’t only car sales—it also includes energy infrastructure."}},{"startTime":1202.0,"endTime":1210.2,"type":"term","title":"delivery numbers","url":"/glossary/delivery-numbers","quote":"Now as usual, I'm just going to focus on delivery numbers rather than production because deliveries are really what matters most.","canonicalId":"term:delivery-numbers","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Delivery numbers” refer to how many vehicles are handed to customers in a given period. For automakers, deliveries are often more meaningful than production because they reflect actual sales momentum and end-customer demand."}},{"startTime":1202.0,"endTime":1210.2,"type":"concept","title":"production vs deliveries","quote":"Now as usual, I'm just going to focus on delivery numbers rather than production because deliveries are really what matters most.","canonicalId":"concept:production-vs-deliveries","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Production counts how many vehicles are built, while deliveries count how many reach customers. Automakers often emphasize deliveries because production can be influenced by inventory management, shipping timing, and factory scheduling."}},{"startTime":1345.3,"endTime":1356.4,"type":"concept","title":"year over year","url":"/glossary/year-over-year","quote":"That's a year over year increase in the other models category of 25%. That is significant.","canonicalId":"concept:year-over-year","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Year over year” (YoY) compares performance to the same quarter in the prior year. It helps remove seasonal effects and shows whether demand is growing or shrinking over time.","simplifiedExplanation":"This means “compare to the same time last year.” It’s a way to see if things are improving or getting worse, not just because of seasonal timing."}},{"startTime":1356.4,"endTime":1368.6,"type":"concept","title":"quarter over quarter","url":"/glossary/quarter-over-quarter","quote":"Looking quarter over quarter, like if we just compare Q4 of 2025, and we know Q4 is historically the biggest quarter of the year, but okay, let's just go ahead and look quarter over quarter.","canonicalId":"concept:quarter-over-quarter","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Quarter over quarter” (QoQ) compares results from one quarter to the previous quarter, like Q4 vs Q1. It’s commonly used to spot short-term trends such as seasonal delivery patterns.","simplifiedExplanation":"This just means “compare this quarter to the quarter right before it.” It helps show whether deliveries are rising or falling in the short term."}},{"startTime":1584.9,"endTime":1811.5,"type":"car","title":"Cybertruck","url":"/cars/tesla/cybertruck","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f5/2024_Tesla_Cybertruck_Foundation_Series_IMG_0576.jpg","quote":"...it should include some of the $60,000 Cybertrucks as well... The new version of PCS-2 Lite represents a simplified... version of Tesla's next generation power electronics, PCS, first introduced on the Cybertruck.","canonicalId":"car:tesla:cybertruck","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Tesla Cybertruck is Tesla’s electric pickup. In this segment it’s used as a reference point for pricing, delivery timing, and for having the PCS hardware introduced first.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Tesla Cybertruck is Tesla’s electric pickup truck. The host mentions it because it’s where some of the relevant electrical hardware first showed up, and because of its order/delivery timing.","imageAttribution":"Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":1875.9,"endTime":1892.0,"type":"concept","title":"arson","url":"/glossary/arson","quote":"Authorities in Australia are investigating a fire that broke out at a Tesla showroom this past week with early indications pointing to a deliberate act, that would be arson, rather than a vehicle-related issue.","canonicalId":"concept:arson","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Arson is the intentional setting of fire to property. The transcript notes early indications that the Tesla showroom fire was deliberate rather than caused by a vehicle malfunction.","simplifiedExplanation":"Arson means someone intentionally set a fire. The police are treating it as a deliberate act, not an accident caused by the cars."}},{"startTime":2268.3,"endTime":2278.7,"type":"term","title":"reimbursement","url":"/glossary/reimbursement","quote":"Reimbursement, if you do have a claim, if you do have something you need to get repaired on the car, I have been through it. The claims are quick, painless, and reimbursement happens very quickly.","canonicalId":"term:reimbursement","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.88,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Reimbursement refers to how the warranty provider pays you back (or pays the repair process) after a covered claim. In warranty discussions, speed and hassle of reimbursement are often as important as the coverage itself.","simplifiedExplanation":"Reimbursement is when the warranty company pays for the repair after you file a claim. The host is saying it happens quickly and feels easy."}},{"startTime":2278.7,"endTime":2284.6,"type":"term","title":"$100 discount","quote":"So you can get a $100 discount on whatever policy you decide to pick, because you can do anything from two years, 25,000 miles, another four year, 50,000 miles.","canonicalId":"term:100-discount","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The host mentions a promotional incentive tied to selecting a policy. This is relevant for listeners because warranty pricing can vary, and discounts can change the effective cost of coverage.","simplifiedExplanation":"They’re offering a $100 discount if you choose the policy through their checkout process. It’s basically a coupon to lower the price."}},{"startTime":2297.9,"endTime":2306.4,"type":"term","title":"Lightning","url":"/glossary/lightning","quote":"So the $100 off code is Lightning, which you can use during checkout if you're purchasing on xcare.com.","canonicalId":"term:lightning","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Lightning” is presented as a coupon/referral code used during checkout to get the $100 discount. For listeners, it’s a practical detail about how to apply the promotion.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Lightning” is the code you enter to get the discount. It’s used when you buy the plan online."}},{"startTime":2461.0,"endTime":2466.0,"type":"brand","title":"Audi","url":"/glossary/audi","quote":"across Volkswagen's portfolio, including its core brand Audi","canonicalId":"brand:audi","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Audi is Volkswagen Group’s core brand mentioned here as part of the portfolio that would benefit from the SDV platform. It signals that the software strategy isn’t limited to one EV brand.","simplifiedExplanation":"Audi is one of the main brands owned by Volkswagen. Mentioning Audi suggests these software changes could show up in multiple types of cars, not just one model line."}},{"startTime":2820.5,"endTime":2826.3,"type":"term","title":"HUD","url":"/glossary/heads-up-display","quote":"it has an available HUD, a heads-up display, it's nice to have as an option,","canonicalId":"term:heads-up-display","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"HUD stands for heads-up display, which projects key driving information onto the windshield so you can keep your eyes on the road. It’s often used for navigation prompts, speed, and driver-assistance alerts."}},{"startTime":4124.2,"endTime":4139.8,"type":"term","title":"Exclude at Home option","url":"/glossary/exclude-at-home-option","quote":"By the way, don't forget about the Exclude at Home option in the security menu, in case that's helpful for anybody else out there as well. I use that myself. I have it excluded at home so that it is not draining the battery even while it's plugged in,","canonicalId":"term:exclude-at-home-option","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The “Exclude at Home” option is a security setting that prevents certain monitoring behavior when the car is at the owner’s home location. The speaker uses it to avoid unnecessary background activity that could otherwise drain the battery.","simplifiedExplanation":"This setting tells the car, “When I’m at home, don’t do the extra security monitoring.” The goal is to reduce battery use while you’re parked at home."}},{"startTime":4178.6,"endTime":4210.0,"type":"company","title":"Infinity Shield","url":"/glossary/infinity-shield","quote":"I'm going to start with the Infinity Shield this week. This is the more improved, the better option for making sure your garage door never comes down on any part of your vehicle ever... it's a grid array of 25 of them.","canonicalId":"company:infinity-shield","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Infinity Shield is a third-party garage-door safety sensor system designed to prevent the garage door from closing on a vehicle. In this segment, it’s described as using a laser grid (multiple beams) rather than a single low sensor beam.","simplifiedExplanation":"Infinity Shield makes a sensor that helps stop your garage door from coming down if something is in the way. It uses lasers to detect clearance so you don’t accidentally crush a car."}},{"startTime":4309.1,"endTime":4315.9,"type":"term","title":"promo code RTL","url":"/glossary/promo-code-rtl","quote":"check them out, infinity-shield.com, and use the promo code RTL at checkout for a nice $35 discount.","canonicalId":"term:promo-code-rtl","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A promo code is a discount code applied at checkout. The segment says “RTL” provides a $35 discount for Infinity Shield.","simplifiedExplanation":"A promo code is a special code you enter at checkout to get a discount. Here, “RTL” is said to save $35 on Infinity Shield."}},{"startTime":4321.3,"endTime":4370.0,"type":"company","title":"RPM Tesla","url":"/glossary/rpm-tesla","quote":"Meanwhile, RPM Tesla, who you can find at RPMTesla.com, they have over 1400 Tesla products... it's just a nice, these are nice carbon fiber... design element pieces.","canonicalId":"company:rpm-tesla","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"RPM Tesla is an aftermarket parts vendor specializing in Tesla accessories. In this segment, it’s described as offering a large catalog of products designed with aerodynamics in mind, including carbon-fiber exterior pieces and interior/appearance upgrades.","simplifiedExplanation":"RPM Tesla is a company that sells add-on parts for Teslas. The host says they focus on things like styling and aerodynamics, and they have lots of products and installation help."}},{"startTime":4471.9,"endTime":4485.0,"type":"term","title":"mud flaps","url":"/glossary/mud-flaps","quote":"...the premium refreshed Model Y Juniper mud flaps, Expel PPF Door Edge Guard protection...","canonicalId":"term:mud-flaps","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Mud flaps are protective panels mounted behind the wheels to reduce road spray, dirt, and debris from hitting the body and paint. The host specifically calls out “Juniper mud flaps” for the refreshed Model Y.","simplifiedExplanation":"Mud flaps are the little panels behind your tires. They help keep mud and rocks from splashing up onto the car’s paint."}},{"startTime":4644.4,"endTime":4670.2,"type":"term","title":"ceramic coating","url":"/glossary/ceramic-coating","quote":"Maybe you want to do ceramic coating because you are tired of applying a coat of wax to your car twice a year because a ceramic coat will last five to seven years...","canonicalId":"term:ceramic-coating","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer/ceramic hybrid applied to paint to create a hydrophobic, slick surface that resists dirt and makes washing easier. The host claims it can last multiple years and is positioned as an alternative to frequent waxing."}},{"startTime":4752.8,"endTime":4761.9,"type":"company","title":"Patreon","url":"/glossary/patreon","quote":"If you're able to support me on Patreon, even just at that $5 per month tier, you'd be helping me and my family out a ton.","canonicalId":"company:patreon","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Patreon is a membership platform where creators get recurring support from subscribers. In this episode, the host uses it to fund the podcast and offer supporter-only perks like Zoom hangouts and shout-outs.","simplifiedExplanation":"Patreon is a website where fans pay a creator each month. It helps the podcast keep going, and supporters often get extra events or recognition."}},{"startTime":4818.5,"endTime":4900.0,"type":"concept","title":"Grandfathered in","url":"/glossary/grandfathered-in","quote":"...Grandfathered in at the Plaid level tier... Now, all of these folks get a standing invitation...","canonicalId":"concept:grandfathered-in","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Grandfathered in” means existing supporters keep their current tier benefits even after the tier is discontinued or changed. The host says this is an “officially discontinued tier,” but grandfathered members retain the perks.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Grandfathered in” means if you signed up before the rules changed, you keep the old benefits. The host is saying some supporters still get the same perks even though the tier is no longer available."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Ryan McCaffrey","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/episode-557-model-s-and-x-custom-orders-have-ended/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}