Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

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In the Electrek Podcast, we discuss the most popular news in the world of sustainable transport and energy. In this week’s episode, we discuss Rivian R2, Lucid’s counterattack, and Tesla’s ‘Digital Optimus’. electrek.co/?p=459603

Here are a few of the articles that we will discuss during the podcast:

00:44 Musk confirms xAI-Tesla joint ‘Digital Optimus’ project — after saying Tesla didn’t need xAI
11:20 Rivian reveals full R2 lineup and pricing, starting at $57,990 with a $45K RWD model coming later
20:11 Rivian is phasing out the R1S Dual Standard, its most affordable SUV, ahead of the R2
25:30 Lucid (LCID) reveals Cosmos and Earth SUVs as first midsize EVs, starting under $50,000
28:01 Lucid takes aim at the Tesla Cybercab with Lunar, a two-seat EV robotaxi concept
30:20 BMW’s flagship i7 EV is getting a Neue Klasse upgrade: Here’s our first look
31:50 BYD is open to building cars in Canada and acquiring a rival automaker
34:22 BYD’s luxury EV with 5 min fast charging and nearly 500 miles of range is headed overseas
36:10 Honda is scrapping three of its most important EVs for the US, including the Acura RSX
38:07 Aptera (SEV) raises $6.3M through warrant exercise to fund solar electric vehicle validation