The Electrek Podcast episode on December 12, 2025, explores key updates in sustainable transport, including a Tesla Optimus robot mishap, Rivian's AI advancements, and the new Mercedes GLB electric SUV. Hosted live every Friday at 4 p.m. ET, the show discusses popular news in electric vehicles and energy.
The latest episode of the Electrek Podcast, aired on December 12, 2025, at 4 p.m. ET, delves into significant developments in the world of sustainable transport and energy. The podcast highlights a 'very telling Tesla Optimus fail,' where the robot takes a suspicious tumble in a new demo, raising questions about its reliability.
Other topics include Rivian's AI & Autonomy Day, featuring an in-house silicon chip, next-gen AI platform, and LiDAR technology for Level 4 self-driving capabilities. The episode also covers the return of the Mercedes GLB as an improved electric SUV, showcased with images.
Additional discussions encompass Tesla's US sales dropping to under 40,000 units after tax credit expiration—the lowest in years—and CEO Elon Musk's claim that driverless Robotaxis will arrive in Austin in three weeks. Broader EV market trends are addressed, such as global sales jumping 21% in 2025, driven by Europe's surge while the US stalls. The podcast touches on Subaru's new electric SUV offering over 300 miles of range starting under $35,000, and Ford and SK On terminating their $11.4 billion US battery joint venture, opting to split factories.
Listeners can watch the live stream on Electrek's YouTube channel or access the archived video and audio on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Pocket Casts, and Castro. The show encourages audience questions and supports content creation via Patreon.
