TWiST News: Tesla Robotaxis, Electric RVs, and How Startups are Helping Secure Elections | E2025

Jason and Alex kick off the show (0s)

• The show begins with an introduction of the hosts, Jason Calacanis and Alex Wilhelm, and a preview of the topics to be discussed, including Tesla's Robo taxis, building models with ChatGPT's new Canvas feature, and interviews with founders of Lightship RV and the company Votes. (0s)
• Tesla's recent announcement about Robo taxis is discussed, noting that the market reaction was lukewarm due to a lack of specifics. The Cyber taxi is expected to begin production around 2027, and the design is compared to vehicles from the "I, Robot" movie. (1m38s)
• The Cyber taxi is a two-seater, which some find surprising, but it is seen as a strategic choice for self-driving fleets due to cost and space efficiency. There is a debate about whether it should have a steering wheel and pedals, with some expressing disappointment that it is not available for purchase. (3m12s)

The Tesla Robotaxi event (4m33s)

• There is speculation that if Tesla allowed customers to place a full deposit, even as high as $10,000, for a new car model, a million people might order it. (4m34s)
• The design of the new Tesla vehicle is described as a blend between the Model 3, Model Y, and the Cybertruck, with influences from futuristic designs seen in media like "Minority Report." (4m45s)
• There is a discussion about the inspiration for Tesla's designs, comparing it to how other companies have historically drawn inspiration from previous designs, such as Apple and Microsoft with graphical user interfaces. (5m36s)
• There is curiosity about why Tesla is focusing on developing robotaxis instead of releasing a new model, potentially called the Model 2, with a steering wheel and two seats. (5m47s)
• It is suggested that Tesla might be pushing towards removing steering wheels to challenge their team and prepare regulators for future vehicle designs that lack traditional features like side mirrors and steering wheels. (6m5s)

The potential impact of Tesla's bus platform (6m46s)

• The discussion highlights the potential of electric RVs as versatile platforms, similar to shipping containers, that can be adapted for various uses such as mobile homes with solar panels for extended off-grid living. (6m47s)
• These RVs could serve as emergency shelters during natural disasters, like hurricanes, by being deployed autonomously to locations such as Walmart parking lots. (8m26s)
• The concept envisions a fleet of self-driving, multi-purpose vehicles that could provide temporary housing solutions for events like Coachella or the Super Bowl, or address seasonal housing needs at ski resorts. (8m32s)
• The vehicles could also revolutionize goods transportation, with autonomous delivery trucks requiring only a person to handle packages, enhancing efficiency and safety. (8m54s)
• The flexibility of these vehicles allows for customization, such as creating private school buses for children, showcasing their potential to transform everyday logistics and personal transportation. (9m55s)
• The discussion highlights the concept of "van life," which involves using vehicles like Sprinter vans for alternative economic lifestyles, allowing people to work remotely from various locations, such as beaches, and live more flexibly. (10m16s)
• The potential uses of these vans include serving as mobile offices or living spaces, enabling families to travel and stay in different locations, such as Cape Cod, while maintaining their work and family life. (10m52s)
• The progress of robots and robotaxis is discussed, noting that remote monitoring and control are necessary until these technologies are perfected. This involves training robots through human-operated augmented reality systems to perform tasks like making pancakes. (11m30s)

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ChatGPT 4 with Canvas demo (13m29s)

• A demonstration of ChatGPT 4.0 with Canvas was conducted, showcasing its capabilities in building detailed models and performing complex calculations. (13m30s)
• The demonstration involved creating a model to estimate the cost of establishing a robotaxi fleet for all car trips in the USA, using Weo Cruise as a case study. (14m40s)
• The model considered various factors, including total car trips in the USA, Uber and Lyft trips, fleet efficiency, and required fleet size. (14m48s)
• The Federal Highway Administration estimates 1.1 billion daily car trips in the USA, totaling 400 billion annually. Uber and Lyft account for approximately 6.9 billion annual trips in the US. (15m22s)
• The Canvas feature allows users to highlight sections and request additional information or citations, which ChatGPT can provide by rewriting the section with updated data. (15m51s)
• The model estimated that 44 million cars would be needed to replace all cars in the United States, with a cost of $1.6 trillion if each car costs $30,000. (16m41s)
• The cost of a 100,000 vehicle fleet for companies like Weo or Cruise was estimated at $5 trillion. (17m18s)
• The Canvas tool enables users to verify data by querying ChatGPT for additional statistics, such as public transit rides per day in the USA. (17m30s)
• The transition from a chat room to a single document being edited and cleaned up was highlighted as a significant advancement, enhancing productivity and efficiency. (18m3s)

Predictions on the future of self-driving cars (18m23s)

• The average pace of car sales in the US is about 16.2 million per year, and it would take three to four years of total car sales to reach the number needed for self-driving vehicles, which is considered optimistic. (18m32s)
• Tesla's current production rate is around 1.8 to 2 million cars per year, and it would take approximately 11 to 13 years for Tesla to accumulate a fleet of 50 million robotaxis if they dedicate 50% of their production to this purpose and grow at 30% annually. (20m52s)
• The transition to automated taxis is expected to lead to the wholesale replacement of all cars worldwide over the next 30 years, which is anticipated to be beneficial for society. (21m7s)
• Companies like Waymo, Cruise, Uber, Tesla, and BYD are expected to play significant roles in this transition, and the market is not expected to be a winner-takes-all scenario. (21m36s)
• Despite Tesla's impressive production capabilities and self-driving technology, building and maintaining these fleets will take time, and other companies like Waymo and Cruise are already active in the real world. (21m45s)
• The process of integrating autonomous vehicles, such as Tesla's robotaxis, into society is expected to take multiple decades, with significant influence from regulators. (22m0s)
• Incidents involving autonomous vehicles, like the one with Cruise, can lead to them being taken off the road for extended periods, potentially up to a year, in certain jurisdictions. (22m7s)
• There is a possibility that autonomous vehicles could be completely removed from roads in places like California if a fatal accident occurs, leading to pauses in their operation. (22m28s)
• Different jurisdictions, such as China, may have varying responses to incidents involving autonomous vehicles due to differing values on life and safety. (22m42s)
• Despite potential regulatory challenges, there is optimism about the progress of autonomous vehicle technology, as evidenced by paid self-driving rides currently operating in complex environments like San Francisco. (22m55s)
• The main challenge anticipated is not regulatory hurdles but rather convincing people to give up their personal cars, especially in urban centers. (23m26s)

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Lightship RV co-founders Toby Kraus and Ben Parker join the show (25m4s)

• Lightship RV is America's first all-electric RV manufacturer, co-founded by Ben Parker and Toby Kraus. (25m58s)
• Both co-founders have backgrounds at Tesla, with Ben Parker working as a battery engineer and Toby Kraus leading the finance team. (26m4s)
• The idea for Lightship RV originated from Ben Parker's project to electrify food trucks in the Bay Area, which led to discussions about electrifying RVs due to their similar needs. (26m40s)
• During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ben Parker rented a 30-foot Winnebago motor home and traveled 6,000 miles around the American West, which deepened his interest in the RV lifestyle and the potential for electric RVs. (27m25s)

Description and features of Lightship RV (27m55s)

• A new towable RV is being developed, designed specifically for the electric age, targeting users who tow with trucks or SUVs. It is being reinvented from scratch to be hyper-efficient and suitable for electrification. (28m17s)
• The RV features a unique design that allows it to expand vertically, increasing its height from 6.2 feet to about 10 feet when parked, providing a spacious living area. (29m27s)
• The RV is designed with a 360-degree glass canopy to connect users with the natural environment, contrasting with traditional RVs that are often cave-like. (30m3s)
• The interior of the RV is comparable to a studio apartment, accommodating four to six people, and includes modern amenities while addressing common complaints about cramped spaces in typical RVs. (30m41s)
• The discussion highlights the appeal of a new electric RV, which is reminiscent of the iconic Airstream trailers, known for their aesthetic and heritage. The RV is priced between $125,000 and $150,000, aligning with the strategy of starting at a premium price point to build the brand through technology. (31m46s)
• The RV features solar wings that expand to enhance the on-roof solar grid, providing about 2 kilowatts of solar power. It is equipped with an 80 kWh battery, equivalent to six Tesla Powerwalls, allowing for significant energy storage. (32m54s)
• The RV is designed for off-grid living, with the potential to charge up to 20% per day in optimal sunlight conditions, enabling it to go from zero to full charge in about a week. This makes it a viable alternative to traditional accessory dwelling units (ADUs). (33m45s)

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Financing strategy and market potential for Lightship RV (35m5s)

• Lightship RV is currently building its first production units, with some expected to be completed by the end of the year and deliveries starting early next year. (35m35s)
• The company has adopted a financing strategy that involves raising about $60 million from venture capital investors, rather than relying heavily on customer deposits like Tesla did in its early days. (37m9s)
• Lightship RV plans to introduce a "founder series" with a deposit requirement, similar to Tesla's "signature series," but this is not intended to fund the business. (37m17s)
• The RV industry is less capital-intensive compared to the automotive industry, with RV programs requiring significantly less investment than car programs. (37m51s)
• Lightship RV is part of the broader electric vehicle movement, aiming to reach mainstream markets and appeal to customers who may not currently own electric vehicles. (38m40s)

Impact of market trends on Lightship RV (39m0s)

• The RV market experienced rapid growth, peaking in 2021 with approximately 600,000 units sold, including 544,000 tow-behind trailers. However, the market has since declined, influenced by rising interest rates. (39m1s)
• Despite the market's cyclicality, the RV segment remains one of the largest vehicle categories in the United States, with sales ranging from 300,000 units in a bad year to 600,000 in a good year. This scale is significant compared to other vehicle categories like semi-trucks, which sell around 200,000 units annually. (39m51s)
• Lightship RV, founded in 2021, is optimistic about its position in the market. As a startup, it benefits from not having to manage public company investor expectations and is focused on scaling production to the low thousands of units. (40m32s)
• The company believes its unique product will attract technological enthusiasts who are not price-sensitive. These customers may use the RVs as additional office space for remote work, part of an Airbnb, or for personal retreat centers. (40m54s)

Lightship RV's unique selling points and efficiency (41m19s)

• There is a significant overlap between early adopters of electric vehicle (EV) pickup trucks and those interested in products like the Lightship, which addresses the towing range limitations of EV trucks such as the Cybertruck, F-150 Lightning, and Rivian. (41m19s)
• The Lightship trailer is designed for drag efficiency and aerodynamics, making it as drag efficient as a Tesla Model 3, despite being a 26-foot-long, 8.5-foot-wide trailer that weighs twice as much as a Model 3. (42m5s)
• The trailer includes an EV battery and a motor that propels the rear axle, making it a self-propelling trailer that assists the towing truck. This system uses a force sensor between the truck and trailer to intelligently manage propulsion and regenerative braking. (42m26s)
• The Lightship trailer offers an enhanced towing experience with minimal range loss, and the project has received over a thousand pre-orders. (43m45s)
• Currently, pre-orders require a refundable deposit of $500, with plans to switch to more significant payments, such as 10% of the sticker price, as customer deliveries begin. (44m12s)
• The trailer is not suitable for towing with smaller vehicles like a Subaru Outback. (44m42s)
• The concept of using Starlink and converting a vehicle into a mobile office is discussed, with the idea of being towed to remote locations while maintaining connectivity. (44m48s)
• The future possibility of platooning is mentioned, where a pod follows a tow vehicle autonomously, creating a train-like formation. This concept is linked to the vision of self-driving technology from 20 years ago, such as the DARPA challenges. (45m6s)
• The practicality of platooning is questioned, with considerations for resistance, efficiency, and safety. The discussion suggests that while it may not be immediately feasible, it remains an interesting idea. (45m53s)
• The importance of considering the weight capacity of vehicles when designing different trailer types is highlighted, with plans to create trailers suitable for various tow vehicles, including trucks and SUVs. (46m11s)

Lightship RV's competition and market strategy (46m26s)

• Pebble is a company developing an all-electric travel trailer, similar to another company in the same niche. Pebble's product is smaller and single-axle, while the other company offers a full-size premium vehicle. Both companies believe they can succeed in the large market without needing to outcompete each other. (46m28s)
• The discussion includes a personal account of owning a ranch near Dripping Springs, outside of Austin, Texas. The ranch owner describes the challenges of providing utilities like water, electricity, and internet across the property. (47m33s)
• The owner has multiple power sources on the ranch, including a diesel generator, propane, city electricity, and plans to add solar and battery power. This setup highlights the potential of distributed power systems in rural areas. (49m4s)
• The ranch also has multiple water sources, including two wells and city water, and multiple internet connections, such as Spectrum, Starlink, and a potential AT&T 5G connection. A sophisticated router allows for seamless internet failover between these services, ensuring continuous connectivity. (49m23s)
• Starlink is being used by some as a backup internet service, where people purchase and install it but only activate it during extended outages. (49m54s)
• There is a discussion about the importance of redundancy, including electrical redundancy, in preparation for potential future disruptions. (50m10s)
• Ranch Water, a drink made with Topo Chico, lime or lemon, and tequila, is mentioned as a popular beverage. (50m53s)
• A factory located in Broomfield, Colorado, is highlighted as a strategic location for shipping to areas like Texas, Southern California, Northern California, and Arizona. (51m17s)

Voatz CEO Nimit Sawhney joins the show (51m35s)

• The discussion focuses on the significant issue of election security, which is a concern both in the United States and globally. (52m32s)
• The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) has identified that Russia and Iran are attempting to influence the presidential election, while Russia, Iran, and China are targeting down-ballot races. This interference is primarily through disinformation and misinformation rather than directly altering votes. (53m31s)
• The decentralized nature of the U.S. election system, with its various state, municipal, and federal elections, presents both opportunities and challenges. While it allows for experimentation with different systems, it also means that not all systems have optimal cybersecurity. (53m50s)
• Several startups are working on improving election security, including Clear Ballot, Democracy Live, Votem, and Voatz. Voatz, in particular, has participated in 130 successful live elections across six countries at different governmental levels. (54m14s)
• Nimit Sawhney, the co-founder and CEO of Voatz, is featured in the discussion to talk about the progress Voatz has made and its involvement in the upcoming U.S. election cycle. (54m23s)

Voatz's progress, voting process, and blockchain integration (54m48s)

• A voting system has been implemented in six U.S. states, primarily for military personnel, U.S. citizens living overseas, voters with disabilities, and in some areas, first responders. (54m49s)
• In Canada, 15 cities have adopted the system for municipal elections, and it was recently used in Mexico's federal elections, allowing almost 10 million overseas Mexicans to participate. (55m15s)
• The system aims to make voting secure and accessible through mobile technology, utilizing biometrics and real-time ID verification. (55m32s)
• The limited availability of this technology in the U.S. is primarily due to regulatory hurdles and concerns about security, with state laws lagging behind technological advancements. (55m58s)
• The voting process involves registering as an absentee voter, receiving an invitation to download a smartphone app, and verifying identity through a government-issued photo ID and a live video selfie. (57m21s)
• A voting system is described where a voter's selfie is matched with their ID photo, and the ID is checked against state databases and voter registration systems. If approved, the voter's documents are deleted for privacy, and they receive a ballot on their phone. The voter marks and submits the ballot, signs on the screen, and the signature is matched with the one on record. A receipt is provided for auditing the ballot on the blockchain, and a paper ballot is printed on Election Day for tabulation. This ensures the ballot is received on time, not tampered with, and counted. (58m42s)
• The blockchain element in the voting system is used to ensure that once a ballot is submitted, it cannot be tampered with by anyone, including the government or hackers. The company is primarily a voting company, not a blockchain-first company, and the blockchain serves a specific purpose in securing the ballot post-submission. (1h0m29s)
• A potential attack vector in traditional postal mail voting is discussed, where political operatives could exploit vulnerable individuals, such as those in nursing homes, by intercepting their mail-in votes or registering them without consent to vote for a preferred candidate. This is considered one of the most common or obvious attack vectors in mail voting. (1h1m52s)

Election fraud concerns and attack vectors (1h2m25s)

• Authoritative data indicates that election fraud does occur, but not at levels significant enough to alter election outcomes. (1h2m27s)
• Interfering in elections or manipulating votes is a serious crime, with severe penalties for those caught, such as facing criminal charges for faking votes. (1h2m51s)
• The concept of a widespread strategy to steal votes is difficult to conceptualize due to the high effort required for minimal impact, especially considering factors like gerrymandering and the Electoral College. (1h3m48s)
• Instances of non-citizens voting are reportedly very low, and the effort to manipulate votes in places like apartment buildings or care homes would yield few results. (1h4m16s)
• The real issue is the lack of trust in the electoral process, rather than the minimal voter fraud that exists. Technologies like blockchain could help make the process more transparent and increase trust. (1h4m41s)
• A Marist poll indicates that 58% of Americans are concerned about voter fraud, highlighting that fear of fraud is more prevalent than actual fraud. (1h5m11s)
• Fear and misinformation are significant issues in both in-person and digital voting, as creating fear is easier than compromising the voting process itself. (1h5m33s)

Voatz's business model, sales cycle, and state-level urgency (1h6m2s)

• Voatz, a company focused on improving election processes, began its efforts in 2018 with a small-scale election in West Virginia, involving two counties and 20 military voters. (1h6m21s)
• Selling to governments is challenging, but Voatz believes the elections industry needs to modernize and catch up with other sectors. (1h6m38s)
• There is optimism about the potential for online voting, as demonstrated by Estonia, where nearly half of the population votes online despite external threats. (1h6m57s)
• There is increased urgency at the state level in the United States to adopt new voting technologies, particularly for small groups of voters who face challenges with traditional voting methods. (1h7m24s)
• Some states have updated their laws to incorporate new technologies, but widespread adoption for the general population has not yet been achieved. (1h7m58s)

Discussion on Dominion Voting Systems and election security (1h8m11s)

• Fox News reported on Dominion voting machines and faced a significant judgment against them related to this issue. The discussion questions the reality of the alleged vulnerabilities of these machines, suggesting that concerns may be exaggerated or based on fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD) rather than facts. (1h8m12s)
• Traditional voting machines are not connected to the Internet, making remote hacking impossible. The only potential vulnerability is during the programming phase, which is conducted in a controlled manner by county or state authorities, requiring a significant insider compromise to be breached. (1h8m53s)
• New voting machines are being developed with data diodes, allowing one-way data traffic to enhance security. This technology aims to be foolproof, addressing current concerns about voting machine security. (1h9m25s)
• There is a call to focus on election security after the current election cycle, with suggestions such as making Election Day a federal holiday to ensure everyone can vote and have their votes counted. (1h9m53s)

The debate over voter ID requirements and voting transparency (1h10m15s)

• The discussion highlights the idea of having a multi-day voting period, with one official voting day and additional days for early ballot drop-off. (1h10m15s)
• The requirement of voter ID is debated, with comparisons made to needing ID for activities like flying or renting equipment. It is noted that obtaining an ID in the United States is generally not difficult, and there are nonprofits that assist those who cannot afford one. (1h10m23s)
• The argument against voter ID requirements is described as primarily political, with the assertion that IDs are mandatory in some systems without voter objections. The necessity of IDs for other activities is used to support the argument for voter ID in elections. (1h11m11s)
• The lack of trust in the voting process is addressed, with a suggestion to provide voting receipts to allow voters to audit their ballots, potentially using blockchain technology. This is proposed as a simple solution to increase transparency and trust. (1h12m3s)

Upcoming topics: Solar energy advancements (1h13m38s)

• The production team is seeking information about solar energy advancements and encourages people to contact them with tips, especially regarding innovative solar startups, financing companies, or new technologies. (1h13m39s)
• There is an interest in expanding the Twist 500 initiative by exploring new developments in solar energy. (1h13m55s)
• The format of the show includes dynamic interactions with guests, focusing on quick, topical discussions rather than extended interviews, which is seen as an innovative approach. (1h14m4s)

Twist 500 nominations and submission guidelines (1h14m28s)

• Nominations will be open in the next day or so, and individuals can nominate themselves or others. (1h14m29s)
• To increase the chances of a successful nomination, it is recommended to provide a detailed dossier, including information on revenue year-over-year and funding. (1h14m33s)
• Nominations and relevant information should be sent to tips@thisweekinstartups.com. (1h14m46s)