Episode 557: Model S and X Custom Orders Have Ended

Ride the Lightning: Tesla and EV Podcast1h 25mApril 5, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

In this milestone episode marking the 10th anniversary of the Model 3 unveiling, host Ryan McCaffrey reflects on the cultural and historical significance of the Model 3 while announcing the official end of custom orders for the Model S and Model X. Tesla has halted all new S and X custom builds, with only inventory vehicles remaining—signaling the end of an era for these flagship EVs. The episode covers Tesla’s strong Q1 2026 delivery numbers (over 358,000 vehicles), a notable 25% year-over-year increase in 'other models' deliveries (S, X, Cybertruck), and speculation about a potential surge in final S and X orders. The podcast also highlights a quiet hardware upgrade in the Model 3’s power electronics, which could enable future vehicle-to-load capabilities. Tragedy strikes with a suspected arson attack on a Tesla showroom in Sydney, Australia, which destroyed several vehicles. Other news includes Kia’s upcoming $35K EV3, Rivian’s 20% delivery growth, and Volkswagen’s $1B investment in Rivian’s software platform. The episode concludes with listener calls on FSD, Sentry Mode tips, and a heartfelt endorsement of a new Netflix special by Jeff Ross.

Key Takeaways
1

Tesla has officially ended custom orders for the Model S and Model X, marking the symbolic end of an era.

2

Q1 2026 deliveries hit 358,000 vehicles, with a 25% year-over-year jump in 'other models' category, driven by final S/X demand.

3

Model 3 is receiving a hidden hardware upgrade (PCS2 Lite) that may enable future vehicle-to-load functionality.

4

A suspected arson attack destroyed multiple vehicles at a Tesla showroom in Sydney, Australia—no injuries reported.

5

Kia’s new EV3, starting at $35K, offers 320-mile range and NACS charging, though its 220-mile base version is underwhelming by current standards.

…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
10 min

The End of an Era: Model S and X Custom Orders

Tesla has officially turned the switch off on custom Model S and X orders. All that’s left are inventory vehicles.

Highlight
10:00
15 min

Celebrating the Model 3's 10th Anniversary

I feel like the podcast I did that week... was a pretty good time capsule of what that day was like.

Highlight
25:00
17 min

Q1 2026 Delivery Numbers and the S/X Surge

The episode analyzes Tesla’s Q1 2026 delivery numbers—over 358,000 vehicles—highlighting a 25% year-over-year increase in 'other models' deliveries. McCaffrey speculates that the final S and X orders are driving this surge, with a prediction of over 20,000 such vehicles delivered in Q2.

41:40
17 min

Model 3 Hardware Upgrade and Future Features

A quiet but significant upgrade to the Model 3’s power electronics (PCS2 Lite) has been discovered in Tesla’s service documentation. This could pave the way for vehicle-to-load functionality across the Model 3 and Model Y, potentially benefiting all Tesla owners.

58:20
17 min

Tragedy in Sydney: Arson at Tesla Showroom

I just cannot fathom hating anything... to actually go plan out an arson attack on something.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
A Tesla is the most fun thing you could possibly buy ever. That's what it's meant to be. Our goal is to make... It's not exactly a car. It's actually a thing to maximize enjoyment.
Ryan McCaffrey85:36
Viral: 95.0
I just cannot fathom hating anything... to actually go plan out an arson attack on something.
Ryan McCaffrey33:43
Viral: 90.0
The Model 3 is the most fun thing you could possibly buy ever.
Ryan McCaffrey85:35
Viral: 90.0
Speakers

Host

Ryan McCaffrey
Topics Discussed
End of Model S and X Custom Orders95%Model 3 10th Anniversary90%Arson Attack on Tesla Showroom85%Tesla Q1 2026 Delivery Numbers85%Model 3 Power Electronics Upgrade80%Rivian and Volkswagen Software Partnership80%Kia EV3 Launch75%FSD and Autonomy Future70%
People & Brands

Tesla

organization

42xPositive

Model 3

other

38xPositive

Model S

other

25xPositive

Model X

other

23xPositive

Elon Musk

person

18xMixed

Ryan McCaffrey

person

15xPositive

Cybertruck

other

14xPositive

Rivian

organization

12xPositive

Patreon

other

12xPositive

Kia EV3

other

8xPositive

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