Steve Sheridan's 2026 Model Y Performance Journey

Steve Sheridan is the guest in this episode, and he’s the one who owns and discusses his Tesla Model Y Performance. The hosts frame the conversation around his personal ownership experience and updates.

The Leap Motor C10 is mentioned as the subject of an upcoming interview on the podcast. It’s a specific EV model that the host plans to cover in a later episode.

The Chevrolet C10 is a classic pickup truck platform that’s often discussed in the context of modern conversions and EV swaps, because its simple, popular truck layout makes it a frequent candidate for electrification projects. In this episode, it’s mentioned as the host’s conversation topic about a Leap Motor C10, tying the name to an EV-focused discussion. That makes it relevant for understanding how older truck shapes can be adapted to electric drivetrains.

The Tesla Model Y is Tesla’s compact electric crossover, and the “Performance” version is tuned for quicker acceleration and sharper handling than the standard trims. In this episode, the host is specifically discussing the 2026 Performance Model Y that Steve Sheridan recently purchased, framing it as an upgrade from his earlier Model Y.

The General Motors EV1 is an early, purpose-built electric vehicle from GM that became a landmark in the history of modern EVs. It’s often discussed because it represents one of the first major attempts to bring battery-electric cars to the public at scale. In this episode, it’s brought up directly in a conversation that includes the EV1 as a key topic.

“Ride quality” is how comfortably a car absorbs bumps and vibrations from the road. In this segment, it’s used to describe the difference between a stiff ride (more impact felt) and a more compliant ride (less harshness).

A “stiff ride” generally means the suspension is tuned to resist body movement, so the car doesn’t roll as much. The tradeoff is that the suspension transmits more road impacts to the cabin, making potholes and small bumps feel harsher.

“Cornering” refers to how a car behaves while turning—how much it grips, how stable it feels, and how much it leans or rolls. Here, the host connects a stiff ride to improved cornering and a flatter attitude through turns.

A “flat ride” describes reduced body roll during cornering, meaning the car stays more level rather than leaning. The segment implies the 2020 Performance Model Y’s stiff setup kept it flatter in turns, even though it made bumps feel harsher.

A two-car garage is a specific kind of parking space where the available width and depth are limited, which directly affects whether a longer vehicle can be parked without blocking access. In this episode, the host treats garage space as a hard constraint in the car-selection process.

The Tesla Model 3 is an electric sedan, and it’s mentioned as the other car in the same constrained two-car garage. The comparison is about real-world fit—how the Model 3 and Model Y can both fit without blocking access or requiring major rearranging.

A spreadsheet here refers to a structured way to compare car fit metrics (like vehicle length) against the household’s garage constraints. The host describes using a color grading system (red/yellow/green) to quickly identify which EVs meet the criteria.

The Kia EV6 is an electric crossover designed to balance everyday comfort with efficient electric performance. It’s discussed in EV conversations because it offers practical packaging and is often considered when people are trying to fit an EV into a specific parking or garage setup. In the podcast context, the EV6 is mentioned as one of the few models that fit in the host’s garage.

The speedometer is the instrument that displays the vehicle’s current speed to the driver. The host mentions it as part of the dashboard/cluster layout, contrasting it with the tachometer depending on which side you’re turning toward.

The tachometer is the gauge that shows engine speed (RPM) in vehicles that use an engine. The host is describing a dashboard design in which the tachometer and speedometer occupy the same circular area depending on driving/turning behavior.

One-pedal driving is an EV control style where lifting off the accelerator provides strong deceleration, so you can slow and often stop with minimal brake pedal use. It relies on regenerative braking to convert the car’s motion back into electrical energy.

Regenerative braking is when an EV uses its electric motor as a generator during deceleration. Instead of wasting energy as heat in the brake pads, it sends some of that energy back to the battery.

In EV driving, “feather” means smoothly modulating the accelerator pedal to fine-tune deceleration and regen strength. The goal is to match the car’s slowing rate to traffic without abrupt transitions.

Brake pads are the friction material that clamps onto the brake rotors to create stopping power. In EVs with strong regenerative braking, drivers may use the friction brakes less, which can reduce pad wear.

Suspension is the system of springs, dampers, and linkages that controls how the wheels move and how the car absorbs bumps. The host asks what Tesla changed in the Model Y suspension to make the 2026 version ride better than the 2020.

Dampers (shock absorbers) control how quickly the suspension moves up and down after hitting a bump. The host suggests the system changes the damper/shock opening so the car becomes more or less responsive to road impacts, which affects ride quality.

“Touchless” here means a low-contact buying flow where most steps happen remotely—like placing the order online and handling delivery logistics without a dealer visit. The host contrasts it with the traditional process of going to a dealership to place the order.

“Dealerless” describes a sales model where the manufacturer sells directly to customers instead of routing purchases through independent car dealerships. In Tesla’s case, the host says ordering is handled online rather than through a dealer showroom or salesperson.

A “projected” delivery date is an estimate that can shift as production schedules and logistics change. The host describes how the Model Y’s delivery window moved from late December 2025 into January/February 2026, reflecting how EV production and shipping timing can affect customer timelines.

A delivery inspection is the check you do when the car is handed over to confirm condition and identify defects before you’re fully responsible for them. The host mentions using Tesla’s checklist to review the car thoroughly, including exterior paint and a functional issue with the right rear seat.

The right rear seat is a specific seating position in the back row, and in this case it’s part of the seat’s power adjustment system. The host reports a functional problem: it reclines but won’t return upright, which is the kind of issue you’d want to address immediately under warranty/service.

HomeLink is an in-car system that can wirelessly control compatible garage doors, gates, and other home access devices. The speaker notes their Tesla Model Y Performance no longer comes with it from the factory, so they wanted it installed.

Wheel balancing is the process of correcting uneven weight distribution in a wheel/tire assembly so it spins smoothly. The speaker says there was a slight imbalance in the front wheels that needed balancing, which can cause vibration or noise at lower speeds.

On many modern cars, the front camera is used for driver-assistance features and vehicle sensing. The speaker got an error saying the front camera needed cleaning, and they explain it’s mounted behind the windshield near the rear-view mirror area.

Overflow lots are secondary storage areas dealerships use when they have more cars than their main delivery lot can hold. The speaker’s point is that if your car is stored in an overflow lot near your pickup route, it may reduce the amount of time you spend waiting and can affect what condition checks you should do before leaving.

Paint protection film (PPF) is a clear protective layer applied to vulnerable areas of a car’s paint. It helps prevent rock chips and abrasion on high-impact surfaces like the front bumper and side mirrors, which is why the host mentions applying it to the Model Y’s front-facing areas.

Rock chips are small paint impacts caused by road debris striking the front of the vehicle. They’re a common reason owners apply PPF film to leading edges and fender areas, since those spots take the brunt of impacts.

A ceramic coat is a liquid polymer coating applied to paint that forms a durable, hydrophobic (water-repelling) surface. It’s often used alongside PPF film to improve shine and make the car easier to clean, while PPF handles the most impact-prone areas.

PPF film (paint protection film) is a clear, protective layer applied to vulnerable areas of a car’s paint to reduce damage from road debris. It’s commonly used on front bumpers, fender flares, and leading edges to prevent rock chips and abrasions.

The Tesla Cybertruck is an all-electric pickup known for its distinctive angular design and for offering a built-in power-out capability. In this segment, it’s referenced as having an advanced version of the ability to plug in an adapter at the charge port and run external loads from the vehicle’s battery.

A charge port is the external connector on an EV used to plug in for charging. In this segment, it’s also used as an access point for power via an adapter, letting the vehicle supply electricity from its battery to external devices.

“20 amps” is a measure of electrical current, which helps determine how much total power the EV can safely supply to the load. Even if an appliance plugs in, higher-draw devices may exceed the EV’s output limit.

“120 volt AC power” refers to standard household-style alternating-current electricity in the U.S. EVs can output this kind of power through the right adapter, enabling you to run common appliances (within limits).

An EV’s infotainment screen size affects how much information can be displayed at once and how readable maps and camera views feel. The speaker compares a 16-inch screen to a previous screen size and claims the newer display has more pixels and a crisper map.

A rear view camera is an EV’s/vehicle’s camera system that displays what’s behind the car on the infotainment screen. The speaker emphasizes it as highly effective, to the point that they stop looking over their shoulder.

Side view mirror cameras are camera feeds integrated into or near the side mirrors to improve visibility of blind areas. In this segment, they’re described as working together with the rear view camera and mirrors to provide sufficient visibility.

“Full self-driving” is Tesla’s driver-assistance software package name, aimed at automating more driving tasks than basic cruise control. In this segment, it’s contrasted with the idea of still using mirrors for situational awareness while driving.

Lane changes are a driving maneuver where you move from one lane to another, typically requiring checks for nearby vehicles and safe gaps. The speaker contrasts mirror-first habits with camera reliance, noting that cameras can have a slight delay.

This refers to the latency between when the camera captures an image and when it appears on the display. In fast-changing situations, even a small delay can make it harder to judge where other cars are, so the speaker uses mirrors as the primary check.

Frontage roads are parallel roads that run alongside a freeway, providing local access without directly merging onto the main highway. The speaker describes a scenario where you can travel along a freeway corridor using frontage roads, but you’ll repeatedly encounter stop signs/lights and vehicles entering from the freeway.

Ambient light is interior lighting designed to create a mood or highlight cabin areas, rather than provide primary illumination. In EVs and modern cars, it’s often customizable (including color changes) and can be a noticeable comfort/experience feature.

This describes a vehicle interface where gear selection (reverse, park, and forward/neutral) is done through the infotainment screen instead of a traditional gear lever. It changes how you perform low-speed maneuvers and can feel awkward at first until you get used to the workflow.

A touchscreen is a display you interact with directly using your fingers (or a stylus), rather than physical buttons or knobs. In cars, it’s often used for controls like climate settings and driving functions, including gear selection in some EVs.

“Neutral” here is the drivetrain state used for specific low-speed handling situations—like preparing an EV for a car wash. The speaker is describing how the car must be placed into the correct neutral mode so the rollers can move the vehicle without the drivetrain fighting the motion.

“High voltage problem” refers to a fault in the EV’s high-voltage electrical system—typically the battery pack, power electronics, or related wiring. Because that system is what drives the electric motor, these issues often require service and may limit or block vehicle operation for safety.

Emergency flashers (hazard lights) are the system that turns on the car’s flashing turn-signal lights to alert other drivers. The host mentions them as part of the manual backup controls available when the Tesla screen is blank.

Acoustic glass is a type of laminated windshield/side glass designed to damp sound vibrations. In the Model Y context, it’s used to reduce road and wind noise inside the cabin.

Juniper is Tesla’s internal/marketing name for a mid-cycle refresh of the Model Y. In this segment, it’s described as changing the front and rear lighting design—most notably adding a front light bar and a redesigned rear with a rear light bar and updated tail lights.

A light bar is a continuous strip of LEDs used for exterior lighting, often spanning the width of the front or rear fascia. Here, the host explains that Juniper’s Model Y uses a front light bar and a rear light bar that illuminate at night, with the headlights and running lights integrated around it.

“Small speed rear end collisions” refers to low-speed impacts from behind, where the bumper and surrounding structure are designed to absorb energy and reduce damage. The host suggests the bumper extension is intended to reduce damage in these minor rear-end events.

“21 inch wheels” refers to the wheel diameter, which strongly influences how the car rides and handles. Larger wheels typically pair with lower-profile tires, which can change comfort and can also affect how easily the wheel lip gets scuffed.

Wheel covers (often called hubcaps or wheel inserts depending on design) are cosmetic pieces that sit over parts of the wheel. In this segment, the host argues these “arrow covers” are mostly for appearance and don’t meaningfully protect the wheel from curb rash.

Curb rash is the scuffing or scraping damage that happens when a tire or wheel lip contacts a curb. It’s a common cosmetic issue on alloy wheels, and the host is discussing whether the factory wheel inserts actually help prevent it.

A “wrap” is a vinyl film applied over a car’s paint to change its color or finish (like matte, gloss, or metallic) without repainting. Here, the speaker describes a “golden black” wrapped Tesla, emphasizing customization that’s mostly cosmetic.

In this context, “subscription” refers to Tesla’s business model for FSD access—paying periodically rather than buying the capability outright. The speaker contrasts Europe (at one point) with the US, where they say you can’t buy it anymore and it remains subscription-based.

FSD (Full Self-Driving) is Tesla’s software package that adds advanced driver-assistance and autonomous-driving features beyond basic autopilot. In this segment, the speaker describes transferring FSD to a new Tesla and then receiving newer FSD software versions.

14.3.2 refers to a specific Tesla FSD software release version. The speaker uses it to explain that newer updates can change how the car behaves at intersections and during turns.

“full-cell striving” appears to be a transcription error for Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software. The context is clearly about the speaker’s FSD capability and its software version, not a separate hardware system.

“Hardware for” indicates the car has the necessary sensors/compute to run FSD features, even if the software package is activated later. The speaker implies that because they have the right hardware, they can receive the latest FSD software version.

“Hurry” is one of Tesla’s named driving modes within Full Self-Driving behavior. It’s intended to make the car’s driving style more assertive (for example, how it accelerates and times maneuvers) compared with calmer modes.

“Mad Max” is Tesla’s most aggressive named driving mode option within Full Self-Driving. The speaker says it’s too much for them, implying it pushes the car’s behavior to be more forceful than other modes.

“Hands off mode” refers to a Tesla autonomy setting where the car allows the driver to stop physically holding the steering wheel while it performs driving tasks. Even then, the driver is expected to remain attentive and ready to intervene if the system requests it.

Lane changing is the autonomy behavior of deciding when to move to a different lane and executing that maneuver. The speaker’s complaint is that the system initiates lane changes more often than they personally prefer during freeway cruising.

In Tesla autonomy discussions, “lower modes” typically refers to reduced-aggressiveness driving settings that change how assertively the system behaves. Here, the speaker links lower modes to fewer lane changes, implying a tradeoff between driving style and autonomy behavior frequency.

The speaker uses “dichotomy” to describe a conflicting pair of goals: they want fewer lane changes while also wanting to drive faster. In autonomy terms, it highlights that some driving behaviors are coupled in the software rather than independently adjustable.

The Tesla interface is the in-car UI where drivers can adjust settings for autonomy and driving behavior. The speaker suggests that fine-tuning autonomy parameters might be better done in an app than in the car’s interface.

A Supercharger is Tesla’s high-power charging network for Tesla vehicles. In this segment, the host is describing how the car’s navigation and automation can guide the vehicle to a Supercharger stall and manage the approach for plugging in.

In EV context, “noise” usually means how quiet (or not) the car feels at speed—things like tire/road noise and any motor or drivetrain sounds. The speaker says the other buyer was most interested in noise first, implying NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) is a key part of the Model Y Performance decision.