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Ride the Lightning: Tesla and EV Podcast

Episode 541: Tesla Holiday Software Update Arrives

Ride the Lightning: Tesla and EV Podcast

Ryan McCaffrey

News, Automotive, Business News, Leisure

4.71K Ratings

🗓️ 14 December 2025

⏱️ 98 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Tesla has delivered a stuffed stocking to its customers in the form of this year's holiday software update that adds over a dozen new features to the cars. Plus: more clear indications that the new Tesla Roadster is finally going to get built, Rivian unveils its new custom full-self-driving chip, and more!

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Transcript

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0:00.0

On this week's episode of Ride the Lightning, the Tesla and EV podcast, Tesla has delivered a stuffed stocking to its customers in the form of this year's holiday software update that adds over a dozen new features to the cars.

0:14.1

Plus, more clear indications that Tesla is actually going to finally build the new Tesla Roadster, Rivian unveils its new

0:23.0

custom full self driving chip and more. What's happening friends alongside Daisy the Boxer and Lily the Silly Labrador puppy?

0:50.5

My name is Ryan McCaffrey.

0:51.8

Welcome to episode 541 of Ride the Lightning, your weekly Tesla and

0:57.5

EV Podcast publishing on December 14th, 2025. We are firmly in the holiday season. I am exhausted.

1:06.5

I was in L.A. again for what I calculated, or what calculated I remembered I was I was in my hotel room going

1:12.9

how many times have I been down here this year and the answer is eight times I went to LA

1:18.4

eight times this year two of those were for Tesla stuff were to interview Franz for episode 500

1:26.5

and then just what?

1:28.1

What was that like a month or so ago?

1:30.1

A month and a half ago for the most recent one.

1:33.2

So yeah, a lot of trips to L.A. this year and had a great time I was there for a day job

1:38.9

function.

1:39.9

But man, I'm tired.

1:41.9

But the good news is I got most of my podcast prep done before I left

1:46.8

so that I was able to just touch it up and here I go here with episode 541.

1:55.0

Well, I am recording on my normal Friday night, but as I mentioned at the top of last week's

2:00.7

episode, I was recording

2:02.6

early because I was heading down to Arizona to visit my parents. And, well, every now and again,

2:08.9

I do get burned by recording a little early, which is why I always preemptively apologize

2:15.4

for it when I do.

...

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