263: Slate's Biggest Competitor

With the world’s energy sources being uncertain thanks to the war, let’s talk EVs. For starters, Jay Leno recently drove the Tesla Semi (which has already undergone a redesign) and the Slate (we reveal Slate’s real competitor). Also, Lexus unveils a luxury EV sedan, Mercedes is working on a Maybach minivan, Bentley kills (most of) its future EV lineup, and more! Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Spotify, PocketCasts, iHeartRadio, Podbean, and more! Or heck, use your favorite podcast application. Perhaps you prefer to watch as well as listen. If so, we’ve got you covered. SHOW NOTES EVs have already displaced 70% of the oil coming out of the Persian Gulf: https://thedriven.io/2026/03/19/global-ev-fleet-avoided-oil-consumption-equivalent-to-70-pct-of-irans-exports-in-2025/ Jay Leno drives the refreshed Semi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCXSq1dmEB8 Lexus announces ES EV prices: https://electrek.co/2026/03/19/lexus-launches-es-ev-with-300-mi-range-undercuts-rival-prices/ Bentley reportedly stops development on four out of five planned EVs: https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/bentley/369182/bentley-kills-almost-all-its-future-ev-models-hybrids-taking-centre-stage Mercedes reportedly working on a Maybach ultra-luxury EV minivan: https://insideevs.com/news/790984/mercedes-maybach-vls-teaser-image/ BMW, Mini, Mercedes-Benz outperform EPA range estimates in Consumer Reports testing, Ford, Lucid, Rivian and Tesla at bottom: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/real-world-ev-range-tests-models-that-beat-epa-estimates-a1103288135/ Patent applications reveals concept for trailer-mounted auxiliary battery for Cybertruck: https://electrek.co/2026/03/23/tesla-patent-dual-battery-range-extender-trailer/ This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. Sanchez Episode art courtesy Slate Music courtesy Twisterium at Pixabay Website: https://www.thewattcar.com Buy merch: https://www.thewattcar.com/store YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar