Podcast: Tesla Semi launch, Geely’s battery healing fast-charging, Rivian R3, and more

This week's Electrek podcast is a roundup show, not something with direct homeowner action, but a couple of items touch on home energy and EVs worth knowing about. Tesla's Semi truck has finally moved into volume production, seven years after it was first promised, which mostly matters for freight and charging infrastructure rather than home upgrades. More relevant to EV owners is a report on Geely's new fast-charging technology, which uses AI-controlled charging pulses to "heal" battery cells and is said to extend battery cycle life by 20 percent. If this kind of tech reaches vehicles sold in the US, it could mean EV batteries that last longer before losing range or needing replacement.

Other topics on the show are mostly about vehicle news rather than home energy: Rivian says its upcoming R3 SUV will be priced "materially" below the R2, with the R4 model expected to cost even less, which could make electric SUVs more affordable for buyers cross-shopping against a home EV charger purchase. There's also talk of Bentley's first electric car, a Ford truck patent, a Porsche Boxster prototype spotted charging at a Tesla Supercharger, and Volkswagen once again delaying its electric minibus for the US market.

None of this changes rebates, incentives, or home upgrade programs. If you're weighing an EV purchase alongside a home charger or solar installation, the battery longevity research and Rivian's pricing comments are the two threads worth watching as more details emerge.