GM Energy, Tesla HW3 reckoning, Ford reshuffles EVs, Donut Lab probs, more

This week's Electric Podcast dives into major developments across the EV landscape, starting with a deep dive into GM Energy's groundbreaking vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-grid capabilities. Asim Kapoor, GM's head of growth, explains how all 2026 GM EVs—spanning Chevrolet, Cadillac, and GMC—now support bidirectional charging, turning EVs into home backup generators. The system integrates a smart panel, inverter, and home energy management software, with GM being the only automaker offering interoperability between EVs and stationary storage. Despite challenges in utility partnerships, GM is scaling rapidly, especially on the coasts, and plans to expand to NAX connectors soon. The episode then shifts to Tesla, covering the limited-edition 'Signature Series' Model S and X, which sold out at $160,000 despite being essentially Plaid models. A major controversy unfolds around Tesla's FSD rollout in Europe, where hardware 3 owners—long-time FSD buyers—are excluded from the V14 launch, sparking outrage and a 3,000-signature petition. The situation is exacerbated by Tesla’s refusal to confirm a retrofit, leading to fears of legal action. A bizarre crash in Norway involving a Tesla Model Y taxi, where critical data was allegedly missing and the network card was removed, raises serious questions about Tesla’s data transparency. Meanwhile, Ford’s EV unit is being reshuffled, with key leadership leaving and programs being folded, while Lucid appoints a new CEO from Schindler and secures major investments from Uber and Saudi’s PIF. Donut Lab faces mounting scrutiny after a whistleblower claims they misled investors on solid-state battery claims, with no production delivery and no independent validation of core promises. The episode closes with a critical look at Tesla’s declining credibility, from false advertising on hardware capabilities to a growing legal liability that could reach $14 billion. Key takeaways include: GM is leading in vehicle-to-grid ecosystems with full EV lineup compatibility; Tesla’s FSD rollout in Europe has alienated hardware 3 owners and risks massive class-action lawsuits; the Norway crash case raises red flags about Tesla’s data integrity; Ford’s EV strategy is in retreat; Lucid’s new leadership and funding signal a pivot toward stability; and Donut Lab’s credibility is now in serious doubt due to whistleblower allegations and unmet promises.