Episode 545: Model Y Gets 2 Design Updates in China (That Should Go Global) episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 11, 2026 · 1H 22M

Episode 545: Model Y Gets 2 Design Updates in China (That Should Go Global)

from Ride the Lightning: Tesla and EV Podcast

As we've seen in the past, Tesla China rolled out a couple of design updates to the Shanghai-built Model Y's. I'll tell you all about them and why we'll probably see them in North America and Europe as well, sooner rather than later. Plus: Tesla's CEO says the Model Y topped global sales charts again in 2025, a Model 3 on FSD successfully completes full coast-to-coast drive with zero interventions, and more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/teslapodcast and consider a monthly or (10% discounted!) annual pledge. Every little bit helps, and you can support for just $5 per month. And there are stacking bonuses in it for you at each pledge level, like early access to each episode at the $5 tier and the weekly Lightning Round bonus mini-episode (AND the early access!) at the $10 tier! And NO ADS at every Patreon tier! Also, don't forget to leave a message on the Ride the Lightning hotline anytime with a question, comment, or discussion topic for next week's show! The toll-free number to call is 1-888-989-8752. INTERESTED IN A FLEXIBLE EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR YOUR TESLA? Be a part of the future of transportation with XCare, the first extended warranty designed & built exclusively for EV owners, by EV owners. Use the code Lightning to get $100 off their "One-time Payment" option! Go to www.xcelerateauto.com/xcare to find the extended warranty policy that's right for you and your Tesla. P.S. Get 15% off your first order of awesome aftermarket Tesla accessories at AbstractOcean.com by using the code RTLpodcast at checkout. Grab the SnapPlate front license plate bracket for any Tesla at https://everyamp.com/RTL/ (don't forget the coupon code RTL too!). 

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Episode 545: Model Y Gets 2 Design Updates in China (That Should Go Global)

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This episode was published on January 11, 2026.

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As we've seen in the past, Tesla China rolled out a couple of design updates to the Shanghai-built Model Y's. I'll tell you all about them and why we'll probably see them in North America and Europe as well, sooner rather than later. Plus: Tesla's...

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