Diesel Prices Rocket, Jay Leno Drives the Tesla Semi and Slate: TWC Podcast 263
By Phil Royle — March 26, 2026
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!
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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
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