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We discuss some of the major events of the past year – the dominance of batteries, the emergence of solar-battery hybrids, the hassles for wind and transmission, and the conundrum of EVs.
What coils are good for my 03 Mercedes AMG? How do I change my 2006 Caravan blower motor? My 2020 Mustang GT runs bad with aftermarket speed parts Why does my 01 Ram stall only when put into reverse? The Kia Theft Settlement Are the EVS gone.
Join Robert Llewellyn, Jack Scarlett, and Imogen Bhogal for a special year-end wrap-up as they take a mystery tour through the biggest moments of 2025, from unforgettable shoots, to the clean tech stories that really mattered, and share their bold predictions for what's coming in 2026. They kick things off by debunking the myth that EV sales are collapsing, revealing that global battery-electric vehicle sales are actually up 19% year-on-year. From there, the trio dive into their personal "Magic Money Tree" dream garages, featuring the Polestar 5, Kia EV9, the gloriously childish Ioniq 6 N, and Jack's verdict on the potentially game-changing BMW iX3. There are also behind-the-scenes stories from some of the year's most memorable shoots — including the legendary solar safari in Namibia and the huge electric ferry project in Hobart. To wrap up, the team looks ahead to 2026, with predictions on a potential British automotive revival, the long-awaited arrival of truly affordable small EVs and whether Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology is finally ready for the mainstream. Whether you've followed Every episode or you're dropping in for the first time, thank you for being a part of the journey and a very merry Christmas and peaceful New Year! 00:00:10 – Introduction 00:01:46 – Busting the "EV Sales Slowdown" Myth 00:07:06 – The "Magic Money Tree" Garage 00:14:15 – 2025 Shoot Highlights: Microlino & Electric Motorcycles 00:16:28 – Jack's Standout Cars of the Year: BMW iX3 & Kia PV5 00:19:25 – Robert's Picks: Polestar 5 & The New Nissan Leaf 00:23:36 – The Baked Bean Digression 00:25:14 – Imogen's Highlights: Solar Safari & Electric Farming 00:32:32 – Robert's Highlight: The Giant Electric Ferry 00:37:01 – Live Show Reflections: Sydney & Melbourne 00:45:18 – Jack's 2026 Predictions: British Auto & Fun Small EVs 00:49:15 – Robert's 2026 Prediction: Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) 00:53:11 – The Economics of Clean Energy 00:57:50 – Final Reflections & Outro Why not come and join us at our next Everything Electric expo: https://everythingelectric.show Check out our sister channel Everything Electric CARS: https://www.youtube.com/@fullychargedshow Support our StopBurningStuff campaign: https://www.patreon.com/STOPBurningStuff Become an Everything Electric Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fullychargedshow Buy the Fully Charged Guide to Electric Vehicles & Clean Energy : https://buff.ly/2GybGt0 Subscribe for episode alerts and the Everything Electric newsletter: https://fullycharged.show/zap-sign-up/ Visit: https://FullyCharged.Show Find us on X: https://x.com/Everyth1ngElec Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/officialeverythingelectric To partner, exhibit or sponsor at our award-winning expos email: commercial@fullycharged.show Everything Electric SYDNEY - Sydney Olympic Park 6th, 7th & 8th March 2026 EE NORTH (Harrogate) - 8th & 9th May 2026 EE WEST (Cheltenham) - 12th & 13th June 2026 EE GREATER LONDON (Twickenham) - 11th & 12th Sept 2026 #fullychargedshow #everythingelectricshow #homeenergy #cleanenergy #battery #electriccars #electric-vehicles-uk
Ready Radio, hosted by John Rush and co-hosted by Bill Anderson, delivers a fast-moving hour that blends financial preparedness with real-world survival skills. First, John welcomes first-time guests Freddy Freeman and Mike Morris from Colorado TexitCoin (https://coloradotxc.org/), who break down crypto in plain language. What exactly is a geo-locked, U.S.-based digital currency? Could owning a share of a massive Texas crypto mine create long-term, generational opportunity? And how do everyday people even begin to understand wallets, security, and volatility in a world full of new coins? But Ready Radio doesn't stop at money — it pivots straight into what happens when the grid goes dark. With recent power outages fresh on everyone's mind, John and Bill dig into backup power, generators, and battery “power walls.” How much power do you really need? What are your critical loads when the furnace, fridge, and well pump must stay alive? Is a whole-house generator worth it, or can layered solutions get you through? They explore real costs, shared circuits, fuel choices, and how battery systems can work hand in hand with generators and even solar. The conversation goes deeper with listener calls and practical advice: learning from multi-day outages, prioritizing survival over convenience, and even using EVs as a potential backup power source. From crypto security fears to staying warm when the lights go out, this episode asks the questions every family should be thinking about. Are you prepared for financial shifts and grid failure? Could smarter planning today make all the difference tomorrow? This is Ready Radio — preparing you to be ready for anything.
This week's show includes news about AI benefitting organizations, Ford pulling back on EVs, an autonomous solar-powered motorcycle, advances in agri-tech, and battery innovation.
This week on America on the Road, Jack Nerad and co-host Chris Teague test two cars that are about as different as two cars can be — the 2026 Lexus LC 500 and the 2026 Toyota Prius. In the news and comment section, Jack and Chris break down major shifts in the global auto industry as electric vehicle sales slow and automakers adjust their plans. The show also features a deep dive into new pickup and EV technology, and an in-depth interview with Mazda launch strategy expert Jon Leverett.
Hour 1 of Rush to Reason ignites with John Rush joined by physician Dr. Kelly Victory and healthcare industry expert Steve House for a bold, no-holds-barred deep dive into America's health crisis. What's really driving soaring healthcare costs — accidents, or lifestyle diseases like obesity, diabetes, and hypertension? Why do “quick-fix” drugs promise miracles while risking serious side effects? Dr. Kelly and Steve challenge listeners to rethink weight loss, chronic disease, and personal responsibility, exposing how incentives in medicine and the pharmaceutical industry may be steering care in the wrong direction. They tackle blood work, drug pricing, middlemen, and the ethics of modern treatment — asking whether the system rewards sickness more than health. Is Obamacare beyond repair? Are rural hospitals on the brink? And could medical freedom begin with simple daily choices instead of another pill or injection? This hour pulls no punches, blending hard truths with practical insight as Dr. Kelly Victory and Steve House urge listeners to reclaim control of their health in 2026. Are you ready to hear what the healthcare system won't tell you? No Middleman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQhsPLcFwN8&t=70s HR2 Hour 2 of Rush to Reason opens with John Rush joined by Norton Rainey, CEO of ACE Scholarships (https://www.acescholarships.org/), for a powerful conversation on school choice and education reform. Could a new federal tax credit change everything for Colorado families? Why is Governor Jared Polis breaking ranks with his party to support competition in education — and what could that mean for public, charter, and private schools? Rainey lays out how parental choice could reshape classrooms and create a better future for kids. Then the hour shifts gears as John tackles real-world preparedness, sharing his own experience living through a prolonged power outage. Are utility shutdowns about safety — or driven by lawsuits and liability? What happens when the grid goes dark, and are you ready to handle 72 hours without power? From generators and food storage to EVs as backup power sources, John and callers dig into resilience, self-reliance, and the choices families must make in uncertain times. Education, energy, preparedness, and freedom — can one hour spark a wake-up call you didn't expect? HR3 Hour 3 of Rush to Reason delivers a powerful mix of hard truth and heartfelt inspiration as John Rush is joined by Jerzee Joe and special guest Jerry Schimel of Best Day Ministries. The hour opens with Joe dissecting a tragic plane crash and the split-second decisions that can mean life or death. From there, the conversation tackles big ideas — dependence on the state, “chemtrail” legislation, retail theft mandates, and whether electric buses make sense in cold climates. Are ideology and virtue signaling replacing common sense? Health and culture collide as Joe raises the impact of sleep on longevity, while John weighs in on President Trump's latest speech and the role of the Fed — and calls out clickbait influencers driving outrage for profit. Then the tone shifts as Jerry Schimel shares his journey into Best Day Ministries (https://bestdayministries.org/), a nonprofit that gives adults with disabilities meaningful work, dignity, and community. What happens when inclusion replaces isolation? Can purpose change lives? From aviation to politics to compassion, this hour challenges how we think — and how we live.
Hour 1 of Rush to Reason ignites with John Rush joined by physician Dr. Kelly Victory and healthcare industry expert Steve House for a bold, no-holds-barred deep dive into America's health crisis. What's really driving soaring healthcare costs — accidents, or lifestyle diseases like obesity, diabetes, and hypertension? Why do “quick-fix” drugs promise miracles while risking serious side effects? Dr. Kelly and Steve challenge listeners to rethink weight loss, chronic disease, and personal responsibility, exposing how incentives in medicine and the pharmaceutical industry may be steering care in the wrong direction. They tackle blood work, drug pricing, middlemen, and the ethics of modern treatment — asking whether the system rewards sickness more than health. Is Obamacare beyond repair? Are rural hospitals on the brink? And could medical freedom begin with simple daily choices instead of another pill or injection? This hour pulls no punches, blending hard truths with practical insight as Dr. Kelly Victory and Steve House urge listeners to reclaim control of their health in 2026. Are you ready to hear what the healthcare system won't tell you? No Middleman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQhsPLcFwN8&t=70s HR2 Hour 2 of Rush to Reason opens with John Rush joined by Norton Rainey, CEO of ACE Scholarships (https://www.acescholarships.org/), for a powerful conversation on school choice and education reform. Could a new federal tax credit change everything for Colorado families? Why is Governor Jared Polis breaking ranks with his party to support competition in education — and what could that mean for public, charter, and private schools? Rainey lays out how parental choice could reshape classrooms and create a better future for kids. Then the hour shifts gears as John tackles real-world preparedness, sharing his own experience living through a prolonged power outage. Are utility shutdowns about safety — or driven by lawsuits and liability? What happens when the grid goes dark, and are you ready to handle 72 hours without power? From generators and food storage to EVs as backup power sources, John and callers dig into resilience, self-reliance, and the choices families must make in uncertain times. Education, energy, preparedness, and freedom — can one hour spark a wake-up call you didn't expect? HR3 Hour 3 of Rush to Reason delivers a powerful mix of hard truth and heartfelt inspiration as John Rush is joined by Jerzee Joe and special guest Jerry Schimel of Best Day Ministries. The hour opens with Joe dissecting a tragic plane crash and the split-second decisions that can mean life or death. From there, the conversation tackles big ideas — dependence on the state, “chemtrail” legislation, retail theft mandates, and whether electric buses make sense in cold climates. Are ideology and virtue signaling replacing common sense? Health and culture collide as Joe raises the impact of sleep on longevity, while John weighs in on President Trump's latest speech and the role of the Fed — and calls out clickbait influencers driving outrage for profit. Then the tone shifts as Jerry Schimel shares his journey into Best Day Ministries (https://bestdayministries.org/), a nonprofit that gives adults with disabilities meaningful work, dignity, and community. What happens when inclusion replaces isolation? Can purpose change lives? From aviation to politics to compassion, this hour challenges how we think — and how we live.
Hour 1 of Rush to Reason ignites with John Rush joined by physician Dr. Kelly Victory and healthcare industry expert Steve House for a bold, no-holds-barred deep dive into America's health crisis. What's really driving soaring healthcare costs — accidents, or lifestyle diseases like obesity, diabetes, and hypertension? Why do “quick-fix” drugs promise miracles while risking serious side effects? Dr. Kelly and Steve challenge listeners to rethink weight loss, chronic disease, and personal responsibility, exposing how incentives in medicine and the pharmaceutical industry may be steering care in the wrong direction. They tackle blood work, drug pricing, middlemen, and the ethics of modern treatment — asking whether the system rewards sickness more than health. Is Obamacare beyond repair? Are rural hospitals on the brink? And could medical freedom begin with simple daily choices instead of another pill or injection? This hour pulls no punches, blending hard truths with practical insight as Dr. Kelly Victory and Steve House urge listeners to reclaim control of their health in 2026. Are you ready to hear what the healthcare system won't tell you? No Middleman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQhsPLcFwN8&t=70s HR2 Hour 2 of Rush to Reason opens with John Rush joined by Norton Rainey, CEO of ACE Scholarships (https://www.acescholarships.org/), for a powerful conversation on school choice and education reform. Could a new federal tax credit change everything for Colorado families? Why is Governor Jared Polis breaking ranks with his party to support competition in education — and what could that mean for public, charter, and private schools? Rainey lays out how parental choice could reshape classrooms and create a better future for kids. Then the hour shifts gears as John tackles real-world preparedness, sharing his own experience living through a prolonged power outage. Are utility shutdowns about safety — or driven by lawsuits and liability? What happens when the grid goes dark, and are you ready to handle 72 hours without power? From generators and food storage to EVs as backup power sources, John and callers dig into resilience, self-reliance, and the choices families must make in uncertain times. Education, energy, preparedness, and freedom — can one hour spark a wake-up call you didn't expect? HR3 Hour 3 of Rush to Reason delivers a powerful mix of hard truth and heartfelt inspiration as John Rush is joined by Jerzee Joe and special guest Jerry Schimel of Best Day Ministries. The hour opens with Joe dissecting a tragic plane crash and the split-second decisions that can mean life or death. From there, the conversation tackles big ideas — dependence on the state, “chemtrail” legislation, retail theft mandates, and whether electric buses make sense in cold climates. Are ideology and virtue signaling replacing common sense? Health and culture collide as Joe raises the impact of sleep on longevity, while John weighs in on President Trump's latest speech and the role of the Fed — and calls out clickbait influencers driving outrage for profit. Then the tone shifts as Jerry Schimel shares his journey into Best Day Ministries (https://bestdayministries.org/), a nonprofit that gives adults with disabilities meaningful work, dignity, and community. What happens when inclusion replaces isolation? Can purpose change lives? From aviation to politics to compassion, this hour challenges how we think — and how we live.
The clean energy transition isn't just about swapping fossil fuels for renewables, it's about building a new energy system built for the future. In this episode, we speak with Tim Montague, solar developer, clean-tech advisor, and host of The Clean Power Hour. We'll discuss the realities of the energy transition, the current state of battery storage, the growing issue of solar panel end-of-life and recycling, and the environmental footprint of mining the critical minerals needed for EVs and batteries. The conversation also tackles how AI is reshaping energy demand and grid resilience, and what it will take to build a cleaner, smarter power system for generations ahead.
Åhead of our last Friday episode of 2025, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr did The Vergecast an enormous favor: he went in front of Congress and said a bunch of wild things about regulation. So, of course, Nilay and David have to talk about them. For a really long time. After that, the hosts look at all the ways YouTube and Netflix are becoming more like one another, and then update the Go90 Scale of Doomed Streaming Services to round out the year. Finally, in the lightning round, there's talk of web apps, EVs, Bluesky, and the metaverse. Further reading: The Vergecast live at CES Brendan Carr doesn't regret his threats to broadcasters Former FCC Chairman Michael Powell: ‘Cable companies are at the mercy of content companies' The Oscars will stream on YouTube in 2029 Netflix's next big TV game is FIFA soccer My Favorite Murder and The Breakfast Club podcasts are ditching YouTube for Netflix Warner Bros. wants its shareholders to reject Paramount's latest offer Netflix is “100% committed” to releasing WB films in theaters. Even Jared Kushner thinks the Paramount WB bid sucks. Peacock will bombard you with ads as soon as you open the app HBO Max's new channels keep Friends and Game of Thrones playing 24/7 Instagram is putting Reels on your TV LG forced a Copilot web app onto its TVs but will let you delete it Mercedes-Benz discontinues feature that syncs music to driving Ford's big bet on EVs didn't pan out — now it's pivoting to hybrids and energy storage Bluesky claims its new contact import feature is ‘privacy-first' Gemini 3 Flash is here, bringing a ‘huge' upgrade to the Gemini app The ChatGPT app store is here Alexa Plus' website is live for some users Meta pauses third-party Horizon VR headsets program Subscribe to The Verge for unlimited access to theverge.com, subscriber-exclusive newsletters, and our ad-free podcast feed.We love hearing from you! Email your questions and thoughts to vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
SHOW 12-18-25 THE SHOW BEGINS IN DOUBTS ABOUT THE POTUS AT YEAR'S END... 1951 BALD EAGLE ALASKA CRUNCH EU SUMMIT DISCUSSES USING FROZEN RUSSIAN ASSETS FOR UKRAINE Colleague Anatol Lieven. The European Union is internally divided over seizing frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's war effort and reconstruction, a move requiring rule changes that some members resist. While the US proposes using these funds for post-war rebuilding, current plans risk spending the capital on immediate warfare, potentially undermining international financial trust. NUMBER 1 NATO AND EU SEEK DEFENSE FUNDS AMID FEARS OF RUSSIAN AGGRESSION Colleague Anatol Lieven. European nations like Finland are demanding funds to counter perceived Russian threats, despite a lack of historical aggression toward them. Lieven argues that plans to spend billions on tanks are misguided, as the Ukraine war demonstrates that expensive armor is easily destroyed by cheaper drones and defensive lines. NUMBER 2 CALIFORNIA JOB LOSSES AND CHINA'S ECONOMIC SLOWDOWN AMID RETAIL SEASON Colleague Chris Riegel. California's new wage mandates have triggered significant job losses in the fast-food sector, forcing operators to move to lower-tax states. Internationally, while China boasts of leads in AI and EVs, these sectors rely on unsustainable subsidies, masking a deep consumer recession and deflation in the property market. NUMBER 3 SPAIN'S GOVERNMENT MAINTAINS TIES WITH VENEZUELA DESPITE OPPOSITION Colleague Mary Anastasia O'Grady. The Spanish government under Pedro Sanchez maintains ideological and economic alliances with the Maduro regime, prioritizing political agendas over democratic ideals. Opposition figure Cayetana Alvarez de Toledo accuses former Prime Minister Zapatero of acting as an international agent for Maduro, facilitating the dictatorship's survival despite mass migration. NUMBER 4 CHINA'S SURREPTITIOUS SUPPORT KEEPS THE MADURO REGIME AFLOAT Colleague Professor Evan Ellis. China sustains the Maduro regime through loans, surveillance technology, and military equipment while bypassing sanctions to import Venezuelan oil. The state oil company, PDVSA, collapsed due to the purging of technical experts and lack of investment, forcing Venezuela to rely on Iranian engineers to maintain minimal production. NUMBER 5 VENEZUELA'S TRAGIC DECLINE FROM PROSPERITY TO AUTHORITARIANISM Colleague Professor Evan Ellis. Historical imagery reveals Venezuela's transformation from a prosperous, modern nation in the 1950s to a ruined state today. Deep inequality and corruption in the pre-Chavez era alienated the poor, allowing Hugo Chavez to capitalize on their frustration and dismantle the free market system, leading to the current crisis. NUMBER 6 ELECTIONS IN CHILE, PERU, AND HONDURAS SIGNAL REGIONAL SHIFTS Colleague Professor Evan Ellis. In Chile, José Antonio Kast's rise reflects a rejection of progressive policies and crime, favoring order and investment. Meanwhile, Peru faces political fragmentation and violence, Honduras struggles with electoral disputes, and Costa Rica appears poised to elect a pro-US candidate who aims to limit Chinese influence. NUMBER 7 ARGENTINA'S CREDIT RATING RISES AS BRAZIL FACES POLITICAL POLARIZATION Colleague Professor Evan Ellis. S&P upgraded Argentina's credit rating following Javier Milei's austerity measures, which have stabilized the currency and reduced inflation despite social costs. In Brazil, the reduction of Jair Bolsonaro's prison sentence and his son Flavio's candidacy signal a continued, polarized struggle against Lula da Silva's agenda for the 2026 election. NUMBER 8 ROMAN KINGSHIP: FROM CITIZEN SELECTION TO THE IDEAL OF SERVICE Colleague Professor Edward J. Watts. Early Roman kings were selected by citizens based on merit rather than heredity, but figures like Servius Tullius began bypassing this consent. Conversely, Cincinnatus exemplifies the Roman ideal of service; he accepted absolute dictatorial power to save the state during a crisis, then immediately resigned to return to his farm. NUMBER 9 APPIUS CLAUDIUS CAECUS: INFRASTRUCTURE AND POLITICAL GENIUS Colleague Professor Edward J. Watts. Appius Claudius Caecus transformed the Roman censorship office into a power base by building the Appian Way and appointing wealthy Italians to the Senate. As a blind elder statesman, he shamed the Senate into rejecting peace with Pyrrhus, insisting Rome must fight to maintain its dominance and ancestral legacy. NUMBER 10 ROME VS. CARTHAGE: DESTINY, TRAGEDY, AND THE CONSENSUS FOR WAR Colleague Professor Edward J. Watts. The conflict between Rome and Carthage is symbolized by the tragedy of Dido, representing the incompatibility of their powers. Despite Hannibal's devastating victories, the Roman Republic prevailed through a political system that prioritized consensus and collective sacrifice, allowing them to endure immense losses without surrendering. NUMBER 11 THE GRACCHI BROTHERS AND THE RISE OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE IN ROME Colleague Professor Edward J. Watts. The Gracchi brothers introduced political violence to Rome, with Tiberius using populism to revive his career and Gaius acting as a true believer in reform. Their assassinations by the Senate marked a departure from peaceful republican norms, as the elite used violence to protect entrenched economic inequality. NUMBER 12 DISCOVERY OF GIANT RADIO GALAXIES AND SUPERMASSIVE BLACK HOLES Colleague Dr. Sabayashi Pal. Astronomers have discovered 53 giant radio galaxies, some 75 times larger than the Milky Way, powered by active supermassive black holes emitting radio jets. These ancient objects offer insights into galactic evolution, contrasting sharply with the Milky Way's smaller, dormant black hole that allows life to exist safely. NUMBER 13 INVESTING IN HUMAN INTELLECT OVER ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE Colleague Dr. Sabayashi Pal. Given an unlimited budget, Dr. Pal would prioritize human resource development over new telescopes, proposing a space study institute in Africa to train experts. He argues that while AI is a useful tool, education is essential for humans to interpret data and appreciate the machinery rather than being replaced by it. NUMBER 14 EUROPE SCROUNGES FOR FUNDS AMID RUSSIAN ASSET DISPUTES Colleague Michael Bernstam. The UK threatens to seize proceeds from the sale of Chelsea FC for Ukraine aid, while the EU struggles to finance a $135 billion shortfall for Kyiv. European leaders propose leveraging frozen Russian assets for loans, but financial markets remain skeptical of the EU's ability to guarantee such debt. NUMBER 15 CONGRESSIONAL SPENDING AND THE REVERSE MIDAS TOUCH Colleagues Dave Hebert and Peter Earle. Hebert and Earle argue that Congressional spending exacerbates problems in education and healthcare by subsidizing demand while restricting supply through regulations. They contend politicians prefer "showy" supply-side interventions, like drug busts, over effective policies because the politics of appearing effective outweigh the economics of actual affordability. NUMBER 16
In the Electrek Podcast, we discuss the most popular news in the world of sustainable transport and energy. In this week's episode, we discuss Seth and me (Fred) each buying a new EV, Tesla Robotaxi progress, Ford's $19 billion charge on EVs, and much more. The show is live every Friday at 4 p.m. ET on Electrek's YouTube channel. As a reminder, we'll have an accompanying post, like this one, on the site with an embedded link to the live stream. Head to the YouTube channel to get your questions and comments in. After the show ends at around 5 p.m. ET, the video will be archived on YouTube and the audio on all your favorite podcast apps: Apple Podcasts Spotify Overcast Pocket Casts Castro RSS We now have a Patreon if you want to help us avoid more ads and invest more in our content. We have some awesome gifts for our Patreons and more coming. Here are a few of the articles that we will discuss during the podcast: I tested Tesla's latest ‘mind blowing' Full Self-Driving v14 Tesla reports another Robotaxi crash, even with supervisor as it moves to remove them Tesla's patent applications show slower innovation and shift to AI/autonomous driving FSD false advertising case: Tesla must stop lying or it can't sell cars, judge rules Rivian rolls out software update 2025.46, including Universal Hands-Free driving and digital key for Apple and Android users Another EV battery swapping company is going bankrupt Ford reveals next-generation F-150 Lightning EREV, but kills off the EV version Is the Volkswagen ID.Polo the affordable EV successor it needs? GM considers former Tesla Autopilot head Sterling Anderson as next CEO, report says Waymo seeks massive $15 billion raise at $100 billion valuation to fuel robotaxi expansion Here's the live stream for today's episode starting at 4:00 p.m. ET (or the video after 5 p.m. ET: https://www.youtube.com/live/4Jc-1xJ-U10
This week, a major American automaker announced a significant write-down on its investments in electric vehicles (EVs). Does this mean the company overinvested or simply invested too early? Are American consumers fundamentally resistant to EVs? Or have various governments pushed EVs faster than the sector, market and infrastructure can truly support? In this week's Trading Perspectives, Sam Clement and John Norris discuss the current turmoil in the domestic EV sector and make some predictions about what the future may hold.
– Bullock backs a broader GST / spending restraint – More spending on EVs and batteries? – The downside of monopolies – Woolies and Coles price gouging rulesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
CALIFORNIA JOB LOSSES AND CHINA'S ECONOMIC SLOWDOWN AMID RETAIL SEASON Colleague Chris Riegel. California's new wage mandates have triggered significant job losses in the fast-food sector, forcing operators to move to lower-tax states. Internationally, while China boasts of leads in AI and EVs, these sectors rely on unsustainable subsidies, masking a deep consumer recession and deflation in the property market. NUMBER 3 1848 SAN DIEGO
This week on Everybody in the Pool, we're diving into one of the biggest bottlenecks in the clean energy transition: critical minerals—the lithium, nickel, cobalt, copper, and precious metals we need for EVs, batteries, and the grid. The problem isn't that we're running out. It's that extraction and refining are expensive, polluting, and increasingly constrained by geopolitics.My guest is Adam Uliana, co-founder and CEO of Chemfinity Technologies, a startup spun out of UC Berkeley that's building a modular “metal-selective Brita filter” for refining. Chemfinity's system takes messy inputs—like e-waste, catalytic converters, industrial wastewater, and even mine tailings—and separates out high-purity metals one at a time using tunable “nano-sponge” materials. In other words: a potential way to recover critical minerals with dramatically fewer steps, less energy, and a much smaller footprint.We get into:What “critical minerals” are and why the supply chain is such a vulnerabilityThe climate and human costs of mining—and why recycling and recovery matterHow Chemfinity's process works (liquify the feedstock, then filter metals out in sequence)The real technical unlock: highly selective nanoscale materials that can distinguish near-identical metalsWhat scaling looks like: pilots now, modular systems later—including shipping-container deployments at mining sitesThe business model question: when Chemfinity sells equipment vs. when it makes sense to sell recovered metalsLinks:Chemfinity Technologies: https://www.chemfinitytech.com/All episodes: https://www.everybodyinthepool.com/Subscribe to the Everybody in the Pool newsletter: https://www.mollywood.co/Become a member for the ad-free version of the show:https://everybodyinthepool.supercast.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tara connects the dots between missing security cameras at Brown University, escalating campus unrest, cultural erasure, and the collapse of the government-forced EV agenda
Tara reacts to shocking new numbers showing a collapse in fully electric vehicle sales after the $7,500 federal tax credit expired
The Automotive Troublemaker w/ Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier
Shoot us a Text.Episode #1222: Today we break down Cox Automotive's 2026 forecast and why fragmentation is becoming the industry's defining theme. We also cover California regulators taking aim at Tesla's Autopilot language.Show Notes with links:Cox Automotive says the auto industry beat expectations in 2025, but 2026 will be shaped by fragmentation everywhere—from consumers and labor to policy, EVs, and AI. The result is softer volumes, tighter margins, and a market that rewards precision over optimism.The 5 big forces at play: A bifurcated consumer trading down, a stagnant job market, inflation easing but Fed uncertainty lingering, shifting policy and an EV incentive cliff, and AI hitting an operational inflection point—all pulling the market in different directions.New-vehicle volumes reset lower: Cox forecasts 15.8 million SAAR in 2026, down 2.4% YoY, signaling the high-15 million range as the new normal rather than a temporary dip.Retail, fleet, and leasing cool: New retail sales fall about 1.5%, fleet declines more sharply, and lease penetration drops toward 21%, the lowest level in three years as EV tax credits and leasing loopholes disappear.Used remains the pressure valve: Total used sales dip roughly 1%, but tight retail inventory and affordability concerns keep demand steady, pushing more shoppers toward lower-priced vehicles.Wholesale values normalize: Cox expects the Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index to rise 2% by the end of 2026, pointing to normal depreciation—with growing EV volume adding pricing complexity.California regulators ruled Tesla misled consumers with its “Autopilot” and “Full Self-Driving” marketing, giving the automaker 90 days to fix its language. The case briefly threatened Tesla's ability to sell cars in the state, but stops short of halting production.The DMV ordered a 30-day suspension of Tesla's dealer license, which would prevent Tesla from selling vehicles directly to consumers in California if it goes into effect.That dealer suspension is stayed for 90 days, meaning Tesla can keep selling cars as long as it updates its advertising and disclosures within that window.A separate manufacturing license suspension—which could have affected Tesla's ability to build vehicles in California—was permanently stayed and will not take effect.Regulators say Tesla's use of “Autopilot” and “Full Self-Driving Capability” implied autonomy that doesn't exist, creating unsafe assumptions for drivers.Tesla pushed back strongly, saying no consumer complained and stating, “Tesla has never misled consumers.”Thank you to today's sponsor, Mia. Capture more revenue, protect CSI, and never miss a call or connection again with 24/7 phone coverage and texting (SMS) follow-up for sales, service, and reception. Learn more at https://www.mia.inc/Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/
Josh Wein sees opportunities in mid-caps, estimating a 6% earnings yield and a boost to the sector as rates come down and M&A activity ticks up. While stocks “aren't cheap,” he thinks that they aren't too expensive yet. On Tesla (TSLA), he doesn't like the stock until EVs are ubiquitous. Josh discusses the top holdings of the Hennessy Mid Cap ETF (HFMDX). For individual names, he likes Leidos (LDOS) and Jacobs (J).======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day.Subscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – / schwabnetwork Follow us on Facebook – / schwabnetwork Follow us on LinkedIn - / schwab-network About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about
Ivan Feinseth believes people want to buy EVs but show hesitancy due to a lack of widespread charging infrastructure to support them. He shares more bullish views when it comes to autonomous driving, believing companies like Uber Technologies (UBER) will capitalize on the tech. Austin Lyons adds that Alphabet's (GOOGL) Waymo already made significant traction and makes the case for personal autonomous vehicles. Circling back to EVs, Austin sees positive momentum in Rivian (RIVN) and its R2 model. ======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day.Subscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – / schwabnetwork Follow us on Facebook – / schwabnetwork Follow us on LinkedIn - / schwab-network About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about
Recorded December 16th, 2025 https://youtu.be/degkp8Ba9OA Episode 147 of the PetroNerds podcast is a PetroNerdy Christmas special. Trisha Curtis, CEO of PetroNerds and host of the PetroNerds podcast is joined by Jason Isaac, Founder of the American Energy Institute. Trisha and Jason cover the world, from US electricity and coal to Venezuela to Russia and Ukraine. Trisha talks about the economy and the sell off in oil prices and natural gas prices being overdone and the geopolitical realities still in the market, including the US seizing Venezuelan crude tankers and the ongoing Russian war in Ukraine. Jason and Trisha talk about the economy, unemployment rising to 4.6 percent, the labor market, the Paris Climate Accords, and Ford's announcement to write down EVs and focus on hybrid and more affordable pickups. Trisha talks about China and the coal fired power generation in China and how exactly this stacks up to US power generation. Trisha and Jason spend time talking about rising electricity prices, Californians being behind on their electric bills, aggressive green policies in states which has led to rising electricity prices, and the need for education and policy changes in power generation. Trisha wants coal for Christmas. She wants coal in her stocking and more coal fired power generation in the grid, not less. She talks about natural gas production, natural gas prices, and rising LNG exports. Trisha and Jason talk about the energy policies of the Trump Administration and the work Chris Wright is doing, his "I love coal" comments at the newly renamed National Laboratory of the Rockies (formerly National Renewable Energy Laboratory). Trisha Curtis is the American Energy Institute's economist. Her article in Daily Signal on "Rising Electricity Prices Started Well Before AI" can be found here: https://www.dailysignal.com/2025/11/18/rising-electricity-prices-started-well-before-ai/. And Trisha's latest interview on Steve Gruber's Real America's Voice can be found here: https://rumble.com/v731tow-trisha-curtis-pipelines-lng-and-americas-power-bills.html and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6il0x4zwJ4.
More slop but hey it's detailed. That's nice. 00:25 – Hanukkah, Bondi and a terror attackJoel (Jack the Insider) opens the Christmas‑eve episode by recounting the Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach that turned into a mass‑shooting, with 16 dead including Holocaust survivor Alex Kleitman and 10‑year‑old Matilda.He notes that one gunman, Sajid Akram, was killed and his son Naveed faces 59 charges including 15 murders and a terrorism offence, while funerals proceed under a cloud of grief.02:05 – Anti‑Semitic threats and the rise of Jew hatredThe Jacks detail an anti‑Semitic threat on a Virgin Australia flight from Denpasar to Sydney, where a 19‑year‑old allegedly made violent gestures and threats toward a Jewish passenger.They discuss how contemporary anti‑Semitism in Australia and the West feels broader and deeper than before, increasingly visible on progressive and left‑wing fringes as well as the far right.04:55 – Jenny Leong's “tentacles” remark and Greens politicsJoel quotes NSW Greens MLC Jenny Leong's 2023 comments about the “Jewish lobby” and “Zionist lobby” having “tentacles” infiltrating community groups, likening the rhetoric to classic Nazi tropes in Der Stürmer.Jack notes Leong is part of NSW's hard‑left “watermelon” Greens and argues such language shows how anti‑Jewish narratives have crept into mainstream progressive politics in Australia, the UK and the US.07:25 – Apologies, anti‑Zionism and the limits of definitionsThey note Leong apologised two months later for “poor choice of words” with anti‑Semitic implications, but Joel says the tentacle imagery hung “like a bad smell” over public debate.The Jacks criticise semantic wrangling over definitions of anti‑Semitism and suggest calling much of it what it plainly is: old‑fashioned Jew hatred, often masked as anti‑Zionism.10:25 – Who failed after 7 October? Government responses under fireJack argues federal and state leaders failed from “October 8th on” by not responding strongly enough to anti‑Jewish rhetoric and protests, suggesting Labor tried to balance Jewish concerns against Western Sydney Muslim votes.Joel pushes back, citing Sean Carney's column outlining how Naveed Akram's jihadist associations, ASIO assessments and gun‑licence decisions date back to the Morrison/Dutton era and pre‑Albanese security failures.13:55 – ASIO, gun licensing and unanswered questionsThe Jacks highlight ASIO's prior knowledge of Naveed's extremist links and question how Sajid Akram obtained a semi‑automatic shotgun with only an AB licence when B/C categories are needed for that weapon.They call for frank explanations from ASIO and NSW firearms licensing about assessments, paper trails and whether bureaucratic or resourcing failures allowed Akram to amass an arsenal worth around $30,000.17:55 – Under‑resourced counter‑terror units and a fearful Jewish communityJoel cites a retired AFP counter‑terror investigator who says counter‑terror units are stacked with officers fresh out of the academy instead of seasoned detectives.Jack reflects on three decades of Jewish institutions in Sydney's east needing armed guards, and shares conversations with Jewish friends who now quietly contemplate leaving Australia because they no longer feel safe.20:35 – “Don't bring your old hatreds here”The Jacks trace anti‑Jewish attacks in Sydney back to the 1982 Hakoah Club car bombing and the simultaneous attack on the Israeli consulate, arguing Jewish Australians have lived with this threat for over 40 years.They say successive governments failed to hammer home a core Australian expectation: migrants must not import centuries‑old religious or ethnic hatreds into their new home.23:05 – Segal anti‑Semitism strategy and hate‑speech lawsThey briefly canvass the Gillian Segal anti‑Semitism strategy; Jack dismisses it as “word salad” and window dressing, while Joel notes the government has been slow to act on its recommendations.On hate‑speech laws, Jack argues bans on offensive political opinions tend to drive hatred underground and make it more dangerous, but both agree incitement to violence must remain a prosecutable offence, possibly with updated legislation.26:00 – Policing protests and the limits of crowd controlThe Jacks explain why police sometimes tolerate ugly slogans at protests: wading in for arrests can inflame crowds that already vastly outnumber officers.They stress the need to balance immediate public safety and officer safety with the longer‑term risk that demonstrators feel they can incite hatred with impunity.29:00 – Bondi's stain and its heroesJoel laments that Bondi Beach, an iconic Australian destination, will now always be associated with a massacre, describing a moment of nausea as the death toll climbed on that Sunday night.Jack reminisces about Bondi's 1990s mix of Kiwis, working‑class locals and a relaxed Jewish presence, and fears that openness has been permanently damaged.32:05 – Old‑school cop and a Syrian‑Australian heroThey praise the middle‑aged, tie‑wearing NSW officer who initiated the “beginning of the end” of the attack and commend off‑duty police who rushed to Bondi and threw on uniforms.Joel celebrates North Bondi tobacconist Al Ahmad, a Syrian‑born resident who tackled the gunman with astonishing courage, noting he now seems certain to receive Australian citizenship along with his parents.35:10 – Patrol strength, long guns and local station realitiesThe Jacks relay reports that only three officers were on duty at Bondi police station, which Joel describes as a relatively minor station compared to Rose Bay or Maroubra.They question why frontline police responding to long‑gun threats were not issued rifles of their own and suggest NSW should review access to long arms for first responders in high‑risk scenarios.38:00 – Multiculturalism, old enmities and what really matters nextJack argues that, in an immigrant nation, the most important response is cultural: reinstilling the norm that old tribal feuds must be left behind, not accommodated.Joel agrees this message should be central in citizenship education and public rhetoric, more important than technocratic hate‑speech tweaks or reactive gun‑law posturing.42:05 – National Cabinet, ASIO and the demand for competenceThey criticise the National Cabinet's muted post‑Bondi meeting, which produced little beyond talk, and suggest the Prime Minister's cautious style leaves a leadership vacuum in national crises.The Jacks insist Australians accept that security agencies cannot be omniscient, but say they must be properly resourced, competent and transparent when they make mistakes.45:25 – Around the world: headscarves, condoms, climate and Reddit vs CanberraThe Jacks whip around global headlines: Austria's ban on headscarves for under‑14s, China's 13% tax on condoms and contraceptives to boost fertility, Denmark listing the US as a security risk, and the US government quietly deleting “fossil fuels” as a named cause of climate change from official websites.They note Reddit's legal challenge to Australia's under‑16 social media ban and question whether Reddit is the ideal platform to front that fight given its often unpoliced content.47:35 – Venezuela, the ICC and the limits of international lawVenezuela moves to withdraw from the International Criminal Court as investigations into alleged Maduro‑regime crimes against humanity advance.Jack says the episode encapsulates international law's limits: states happily sign the Rome Statute until it becomes inconvenient, then walk away.48:55 – Ireland rearms and Russia blocks “unfriendly” callsIreland announces a 55 per cent jump in defence spending to protect undersea data cables and deter drones, reflecting its geostrategic importance as a trans‑Atlantic communications hub.Russia, meanwhile, moves to block incoming calls from “unfriendly” states; the Jacks mock the performative toughness and note how easily scammers will route around any such ban.51:15 – Rob Reiner's murder and a towering film legacyThey react with shock to the murder of legendary director Rob Reiner and his wife, allegedly by Reiner's troubled son, whose earlier violence was itself the subject of a film.Jack runs through Reiner's extraordinary run—This Is Spinal Tap, The Princess Bride, Stand By Me, When Harry Met Sally, A Few Good Men—and argues that if you'd made only those, you'd still have had a remarkable career.54:45 – “This one goes to 11” and Trump's gracelessnessThe Jacks recall how Spinal Tap helped invent the mockumentary form and embedded lines like “this one goes to 11” into pop‑culture vocabulary.They condemn Donald Trump's statement calling Reiner “a terrible human being” after his death, with conservative actor James Woods publicly rebuking Trump and praising Reiner's personal kindness despite political differences.57:40 – Carl Reiner, Mel Brooks and comedy royaltyJoel outlines Rob Reiner's upbringing in a house full of comedic giants, with father Carl Reiner and close friend Mel Brooks holding weekly movie nights together well into old age, as captured in Jerry Seinfeld's Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.They reminisce about Carl and Mel's influence on Jewish humour and lament the passing of a generation of comic geniuses.01:01:05 – EVs, hybrids and a Two Jacks lunch betThe Jacks revisit their running argument over electric vehicles, prompted by Ford CEO Jim Farley's plan to pivot the F‑150 towards hybrids instead of pure EVs.Joel, a hybrid owner, sees hybrids as a transition technology in countries like Australia where fast‑charge infrastructure is patchy; he cites global EV sales rising to roughly 18–20 per cent of new car sales in 2025, with internal‑combustion shares steadily shrinking.01:03:05 – Charging reality vs theory in AustraliaJoel recounts his in‑laws' BMW EV trip from central Victoria to Sydney using free or cheap NRMA/RACV chargers, but notes fast chargers are often the first to break or get switched off by retailers facing high electricity costs.They swap anecdotes about BYD and Chinese Maxus taxis—fast‑improving but sometimes uncomfortable—and admit they can no longer remember the exact terms of their EV lunch wager, though Joel insists Jack owes him.01:06:10 – Worst political year: Trump, Macron, Starmer, Albanese, Li, PutinThe Jacks playfully debate which leader had the worst year—Donald Trump, Emmanuel Macron, Keir Starmer, Anthony Albanese, Chinese Premier Li or Vladimir Putin.They characterise Albanese as the “Stephen Bradbury” of Australian politics, a cautious survivor whose luck and endurance have mattered as much as brilliance.01:18:40 – Ashes update: England's fragile top orderIn a late segment, they revisit England's Ashes woes: repeated collapses leaving them three‑for‑not‑many and a top three of Crawley, Duckett and Pope exposing the middle order to the new ball.Joel notes England dropped a bowler as a scapegoat while leaving the misfiring batting unchanged, and questions how long they can justify Ollie Pope at three ahead of the more solid Will Jacks.01:21:15 – Hong Kong racing, Kooring Rising and Japanese fanboy jockeysJack describes Hong Kong's International Racing Day—four Group 1s and 80,000 people—and the rise of sprinter Kooring Rising, winner of The Everest and now on a long winning streak.He shares footage from Japan's Nakayama track where every jockey stopped circling and sat still so they could watch Kooring Rising's race on the big screen, a measure of the horse's star power.01:23:00 – Listener mail, Howard's gun laws and the Shooters lobbyJoel reads a note from listener Ray pointing out that 300 legally obtained guns are still attributed to “Howard's gun laws”, reminding listeners gun‑law reform was necessary but later watered down under pressure from the Shooters and Fishers political lobby.01:24:00 – Christmas, loneliness and a surprise lunch guestThe Jacks close with Christmas reflections: acknowledging how joyful and stressful the season can be, especially for those who are lonely or estranged from family.Joel recalls his mother inviting a homeless man to Christmas lunch—an act of charity met with teenage grumbling from him and his brother—and urges listeners to look out for those doing it tough without necessarily going to that extreme.01:25:45 – Holiday plans and the show's return in JanuaryJack outlines Hanukkah parties and family Christmas plans in Hong Kong, while Joel describes a quieter Highlands Christmas with a Boxing Day visit from the grandkids.They thank listeners for their support through 2025, wish everyone a Merry Christmas, and promise to return in the second week of January after a short break.00:25 – Hanukkah, Bondi and a terror attackJoel (Jack the Insider) opens the Christmas‑eve episode by recounting the Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach that turned into a mass‑shooting, with 16 dead including Holocaust survivor Alex Kleitman and 10‑year‑old Matilda.He notes that one gunman, Sajid Akram, was killed and his son Naveed faces 59 charges including 15 murders and a terrorism offence, while funerals proceed under a cloud of grief.02:05 – Anti‑Semitic threats and the rise of Jew hatredThe Jacks detail an anti‑Semitic threat on a Virgin Australia flight from Denpasar to Sydney, where a 19‑year‑old allegedly made violent gestures and threats toward a Jewish passenger.They discuss how contemporary anti‑Semitism in Australia and the West feels broader and deeper than before, increasingly visible on progressive and left‑wing fringes as well as the far right.04:55 – Jenny Leong's “tentacles” remark and Greens politicsJoel quotes NSW Greens MLC Jenny Leong's 2023 comments about the “Jewish lobby” and “Zionist lobby” having “tentacles” infiltrating community groups, likening the rhetoric to classic Nazi tropes in Der Stürmer.Jack notes Leong is part of NSW's hard‑left “watermelon” Greens and argues such language shows how anti‑Jewish narratives have crept into mainstream progressive politics in Australia, the UK and the US.07:25 – Apologies, anti‑Zionism and the limits of definitionsThey note Leong apologised two months later for “poor choice of words” with anti‑Semitic implications, but Joel says the tentacle imagery hung “like a bad smell” over public debate.The Jacks criticise semantic wrangling over definitions of anti‑Semitism and suggest calling much of it what it plainly is: old‑fashioned Jew hatred, often masked as anti‑Zionism.10:25 – Who failed after 7 October? Government responses under fireJack argues federal and state leaders failed from “October 8th on” by not responding strongly enough to anti‑Jewish rhetoric and protests, suggesting Labor tried to balance Jewish concerns against Western Sydney Muslim votes.Joel pushes back, citing Sean Carney's column outlining how Naveed Akram's jihadist associations, ASIO assessments and gun‑licence decisions date back to the Morrison/Dutton era and pre‑Albanese security failures.13:55 – ASIO, gun licensing and unanswered questionsThe Jacks highlight ASIO's prior knowledge of Naveed's extremist links and question how Sajid Akram obtained a semi‑automatic shotgun with only an AB licence when B/C categories are needed for that weapon.They call for frank explanations from ASIO and NSW firearms licensing about assessments, paper trails and whether bureaucratic or resourcing failures allowed Akram to amass an arsenal worth around $30,000.17:55 – Under‑resourced counter‑terror units and a fearful Jewish communityJoel cites a retired AFP counter‑terror investigator who says counter‑terror units are stacked with officers fresh out of the academy instead of seasoned detectives.Jack reflects on three decades of Jewish institutions in Sydney's east needing armed guards, and shares conversations with Jewish friends who now quietly contemplate leaving Australia because they no longer feel safe.20:35 – “Don't bring your old hatreds here”The Jacks trace anti‑Jewish attacks in Sydney back to the 1982 Hakoah Club car bombing and the simultaneous attack on the Israeli consulate, arguing Jewish Australians have lived with this threat for over 40 years.They say successive governments failed to hammer home a core Australian expectation: migrants must not import centuries‑old religious or ethnic hatreds into their new home.23:05 – Segal anti‑Semitism strategy and hate‑speech lawsThey briefly canvass the Gillian Segal anti‑Semitism strategy; Jack dismisses it as “word salad” and window dressing, while Joel notes the government has been slow to act on its recommendations.On hate‑speech laws, Jack argues bans on offensive political opinions tend to drive hatred underground and make it more dangerous, but both agree incitement to violence must remain a prosecutable offence, possibly with updated legislation.26:00 – Policing protests and the limits of crowd controlThe Jacks explain why police sometimes tolerate ugly slogans at protests: wading in for arrests can inflame crowds that already vastly outnumber officers.They stress the need to balance immediate public safety and officer safety with the longer‑term risk that demonstrators feel they can incite hatred with impunity.29:00 – Bondi's stain and its heroesJoel laments that Bondi Beach, an iconic Australian destination, will now always be associated with a massacre, describing a moment of nausea as the death toll climbed on that Sunday night.Jack reminisces about Bondi's 1990s mix of Kiwis, working‑class locals and a relaxed Jewish presence, and fears that openness has been permanently damaged.32:05 – Old‑school cop and a Syrian‑Australian heroThey praise the middle‑aged, tie‑wearing NSW officer who initiated the “beginning of the end” of the attack and commend off‑duty police who rushed to Bondi and threw on uniforms.Joel celebrates North Bondi tobacconist Al Ahmad, a Syrian‑born resident who tackled the gunman with astonishing courage, noting he now seems certain to receive Australian citizenship along with his parents.35:10 – Patrol strength, long guns and local station realitiesThe Jacks relay reports that only three officers were on duty at Bondi police station, which Joel describes as a relatively minor station compared to Rose Bay or Maroubra.They question why frontline police responding to long‑gun threats were not issued rifles of their own and suggest NSW should review access to long arms for first responders in high‑risk scenarios.38:00 – Multiculturalism, old enmities and what really matters nextJack argues that, in an immigrant nation, the most important response is cultural: reinstilling the norm that old tribal feuds must be left behind, not accommodated.Joel agrees this message should be central in citizenship education and public rhetoric, more important than technocratic hate‑speech tweaks or reactive gun‑law posturing.42:05 – National Cabinet, ASIO and the demand for competenceThey criticise the National Cabinet's muted post‑Bondi meeting, which produced little beyond talk, and suggest the Prime Minister's cautious style leaves a leadership vacuum in national crises.The Jacks insist Australians accept that security agencies cannot be omniscient, but say they must be properly resourced, competent and transparent when they make mistakes.45:25 – Around the world: headscarves, condoms, climate and Reddit vs CanberraThe Jacks whip around global headlines: Austria's ban on headscarves for under‑14s, China's 13% tax on condoms and contraceptives to boost fertility, Denmark listing the US as a security risk, and the US government quietly deleting “fossil fuels” as a named cause of climate change from official websites.They note Reddit's legal challenge to Australia's under‑16 social media ban and question whether Reddit is the ideal platform to front that fight given its often unpoliced content.47:35 – Venezuela, the ICC and the limits of international lawVenezuela moves to withdraw from the International Criminal Court as investigations into alleged Maduro‑regime crimes against humanity advance.Jack says the episode encapsulates international law's limits: states happily sign the Rome Statute until it becomes inconvenient, then walk away.48:55 – Ireland rearms and Russia blocks “unfriendly” callsIreland announces a 55 per cent jump in defence spending to protect undersea data cables and deter drones, reflecting its geostrategic importance as a trans‑Atlantic communications hub.Russia, meanwhile, moves to block incoming calls from “unfriendly” states; the Jacks mock the performative toughness and note how easily scammers will route around any such ban.51:15 – Rob Reiner's murder and a towering film legacyThey react with shock to the murder of legendary director Rob Reiner and his wife, allegedly by Reiner's troubled son, whose earlier violence was itself the subject of a film.Jack runs through Reiner's extraordinary run—This Is Spinal Tap, The Princess Bride, Stand By Me, When Harry Met Sally, A Few Good Men—and argues that if you'd made only those, you'd still have had a remarkable career.54:45 – “This one goes to 11” and Trump's gracelessnessThe Jacks recall how Spinal Tap helped invent the mockumentary form and embedded lines like “this one goes to 11” into pop‑culture vocabulary.They condemn Donald Trump's statement calling Reiner “a terrible human being” after his death, with conservative actor James Woods publicly rebuking Trump and praising Reiner's personal kindness despite political differences.57:40 – Carl Reiner, Mel Brooks and comedy royaltyJoel outlines Rob Reiner's upbringing in a house full of comedic giants, with father Carl Reiner and close friend Mel Brooks holding weekly movie nights together well into old age, as captured in Jerry Seinfeld's Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.They reminisce about Carl and Mel's influence on Jewish humour and lament the passing of a generation of comic geniuses.01:01:05 – EVs, hybrids and a Two Jacks lunch betThe Jacks revisit their running argument over electric vehicles, prompted by Ford CEO Jim Farley's plan to pivot the F‑150 towards hybrids instead of pure EVs.Joel, a hybrid owner, sees hybrids as a transition technology in countries like Australia where fast‑charge infrastructure is patchy; he cites global EV sales rising to roughly 18–20 per cent of new car sales in 2025, with internal‑combustion shares steadily shrinking.01:03:05 – Charging reality vs theory in AustraliaJoel recounts his in‑laws' BMW EV trip from central Victoria to Sydney using free or cheap NRMA/RACV chargers, but notes fast chargers are often the first to break or get switched off by retailers facing high electricity costs.They swap anecdotes about BYD and Chinese Maxus taxis—fast‑improving but sometimes uncomfortable—and admit they can no longer remember the exact terms of their EV lunch wager, though Joel insists Jack owes him.01:06:10 – Worst political year: Trump, Macron, Starmer, Albanese, Li, PutinThe Jacks playfully debate which leader had the worst year—Donald Trump, Emmanuel Macron, Keir Starmer, Anthony Albanese, Chinese Premier Li or Vladimir Putin.They characterise Albanese as the “Stephen Bradbury” of Australian politics, a cautious survivor whose luck and endurance have mattered as much as brilliance.01:18:40 – Ashes update: England's fragile top orderIn a late segment, they revisit England's Ashes woes: repeated collapses leaving them three‑for‑not‑many and a top three of Crawley, Duckett and Pope exposing the middle order to the new ball.Joel notes England dropped a bowler as a scapegoat while leaving the misfiring batting unchanged, and questions how long they can justify Ollie Pope at three ahead of the more solid Will Jacks.01:21:15 – Hong Kong racing, Kooring Rising and Japanese fanboy jockeysJack describes Hong Kong's International Racing Day—four Group 1s and 80,000 people—and the rise of sprinter Kooring Rising, winner of The Everest and now on a long winning streak.He shares footage from Japan's Nakayama track where every jockey stopped circling and sat still so they could watch Kooring Rising's race on the big screen, a measure of the horse's star power.01:23:00 – Listener mail, Howard's gun laws and the Shooters lobbyJoel reads a note from listener Ray pointing out that 300 legally obtained guns are still attributed to “Howard's gun laws”, reminding listeners gun‑law reform was necessary but later watered down under pressure from the Shooters and Fishers political lobby.01:24:00 – Christmas, loneliness and a surprise lunch guestThe Jacks close with Christmas reflections: acknowledging how joyful and stressful the season can be, especially for those who are lonely or estranged from family.Joel recalls his mother inviting a homeless man to Christmas lunch—an act of charity met with teenage grumbling from him and his brother—and urges listeners to look out for those doing it tough without necessarily going to that extreme.01:25:45 – Holiday plans and the show's return in JanuaryJack outlines Hanukkah parties and family Christmas plans in Hong Kong, while Joel describes a quieter Highlands Christmas with a Boxing Day visit from the grandkids.They thank listeners for their support through 2025, wish everyone a Merry Christmas, and promise to return in the second week of January after a short break.
Description:In this episode of Kilowatt, Tesla makes major moves in Austin as their Robotaxi fleet begins driving solo without safety drivers. But is the tech really ready? Ford officially axes the all-electric F-150 Lightning, pivoting instead to an extended-range hybrid version—and takes a $19.5 billion hit in the process. We also look at Ford's controversial EV battery repair costs and a new extended battery and drive unit warranty from Tesla. Plus, Scout Motors takes a significant step toward selling its EVs directly in Colorado. Get the latest insights and analysis from the EV world in this week's roundup.Listen to True North EVsTrue North EVsSupport the Showwww.supportkilowatt.comOther Podcasts:Beyond the Post YouTubeBeyond the Post PodcastShuffle Playlist918Digital WebsiteNews Links:Tesla Is Finally Letting Robotaxis Drive Solo In Austin. Now Comes The Hard PartTesla CEO Elon Musk claims driverless Robotaxis coming to Austin in 3 weeksFord reveals new F-150 Lightning EREV plans, kills off EV versionFord cancels all-electric F-150 Lightning, announces $19.5 billion in chargesFord Accused of Paying $600 for $22,600 EV Battery RepairsTesla Introduces New Extended Battery and Drive Unit WarrantyScout Motors Just Got A Big Step Closer To Actually Selling EVs*ART PROVIDED BY DALL-eSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/kilowatt. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
If you're trying to decide which car to buy or want to learn more about the latest EVs on the market, Motortorque can help.
Step into a Texas cruise-in where the smell of fajitas meets fresh tire shine and a toy drive turns a casual meet into a community mission. We're live from Tailpipes & Tacos, swapping stories with Sheila about drag racing memories, family traditions, and a simple idea with big impact: a kids' car show that teaches respect for classics from day one. From pedal cars with grandkids' names to the unwritten “look, don't touch” rule, we map how the next generation learns to love cars the right way.We also get practical. Jeff's Motor Minute lays out a winter driving plan you can use tonight: real winter tires with the mountain-snowflake symbol, steady inputs on slick roads, and a trunk kit stocked with blankets, food, lights, and tools. Then we get hands-on with the refreshed Kia EV6—distinctive design, comfortable cabin, and usable tech—while calling out the real-world range and the ongoing headache of public charging. The verdict: EVs can be great, but for many drivers, hybrids offer the sweet spot of power, efficiency, and freedom from range anxiety.What ties it all together is the vibe: no politics, no drama—just friends, family, and machines that bring people closer. You'll hear why this meet feels different, how small acts like donating a toy build a bigger culture, and what to consider when choosing your next daily driver. If you love honest car talk, warm community energy, and tips you'll actually use, this one's your lane.If you enjoyed the show, follow and subscribe, share it with a car friend, and leave a quick review—what's your favorite cruise-in story?Be sure to subscribe for more In Wheel Time Car Talk!The Lupe' Tortilla RestaurantsLupe Tortilla in Katy, Texas Gulf Coast Auto ShieldPaint protection, tint, and more!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.---- ----- Want more In Wheel Time car talk any time? In Wheel Time is now available on Audacy! Just go to Audacy.com/InWheelTime where ever you are.----- -----Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast provider for the next episode of In Wheel Time Podcast and check out our live multiplatform broadcast every Saturday, 10a - 12nCT simulcasting on Audacy, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Twitch and InWheelTime.com.In Wheel Time Podcast can be heard on you mobile device from providers such as:Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music Podcast, Spotify, SiriusXM Podcast, iHeartRadio podcast, TuneIn + Alexa, Podcast Addict, Castro, Castbox, YouTube Podcast and more on your mobile device.Follow InWheelTime.com for the latest updates!Twitter: https://twitter.com/InWheelTimeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/inwheeltime/https://www.youtube.com/inwheeltimehttps://www.Facebook.com/InWheelTimeFor more information about In Wheel Time Podcast, email us at info@inwheeltime.com
Electric vehicles were supposed to disrupt the auto industry, but sales are down, subsidies are going away, and Ford is pivoting away from EVs and taking $19.5 billion in charges to shift to hybrids. What strategy is the right one long-term? Travis Hoium, Lou Whiteman, and Rachel Warren discuss: - Ford's $19.5 billion EV writedown - Does Detriot have the right strategy? - What's next for Rivian and Tesla Companies discussed: Ford (F), Rivian (RIVN), Tesla (TSLA), General Motors (GM), Lucid (LCID). Host: Travis Hoium Guests: Lou Whiteman, Rachel Warren Engineer: Dan Boyd Disclosure: Advertisements are sponsored content and provided for informational purposes only. The Motley Fool and its affiliates (collectively, “TMF”) do not endorse, recommend, or verify the accuracy or completeness of the statements made within advertisements. TMF is not involved in the offer, sale, or solicitation of any securities advertised herein and makes no representations regarding the suitability, or risks associated with any investment opportunity presented. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with legal, tax, and financial advisors before making any investment decisions. TMF assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages arising from this advertisement. We're committed to transparency: All personal opinions in advertisements from Fools are their own. The product advertised in this episode was loaned to TMF and was returned after a test period or the product advertised in this episode was purchased by TMF. Advertiser has paid for the sponsorship of this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today's show features: Mike Murphy, Founder of EVs for All America Christian Crain, VP of Operations at Crain Automotive This episode is brought to you by: Overfuel – Dealers: You're torching $30 of every $100 in marketing spend when your site flunks Google's basic performance test. Why keep using outdated website technology that's killing your profits? Overfuel is the new technical standard in automotive websites, proven to grow sales by 30%+. Whether you need more revenue or better support, they've got you covered. Go to https://overfuel.com/ and use code CDG500 in the comment box for $500 OFF. CDG Circles – A modern peer group for auto dealers. Private dealer chats. Real insights — confidential, compliant, no travel required. Visit https://cdgcircles.com/ to learn more. Car Dealership Guy is back with our second annual NADA Party—happening in Las Vegas on Thursday, February 5th. It's the hottest ticket at NADA 2026. Spots are limited and unfortunately we can't invite everyone —so RSVP today at https://carguymedia.com/cdglive and we hope to see you in Vegas! -- Check out Car Dealership Guy's stuff: CDG News ➤ https://news.dealershipguy.com/ CDG Jobs ➤ https://jobs.dealershipguy.com/ CDG Recruiting ➤ https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/ My Socials: X ➤ https://www.twitter.com/GuyDealership Instagram ➤ https://www.instagram.com/cardealershipguy/ TikTok ➤ https://www.tiktok.com/@guydealership LinkedIn ➤ https://www.linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy/ Threads ➤ https://www.threads.net/@cardealershipguy Facebook ➤ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683 Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com
SpaceX IPO coming – huge increase in valuation over past 3 months Happy Hanukah – Eight Crazy Nights Now Kevin AND Kevin PLUS we are now on Spotify and Amazon Music/Podcasts! Click HERE for Show Notes and Links DHUnplugged is now streaming live - with listener chat. Click on link on the right sidebar. Love the Show? Then how about a Donation? Follow John C. Dvorak on Twitter Follow Andrew Horowitz on Twitter Warm-Up - Last Chance for CTP Cup 2025 participants - Happy Hanukah - Eight Crazy Nights - Sad News - Rob Reiner - Fed decision is out.... - Overdue eco reports coming this week Markets - Oracle still problematic - SpaceX IPO coming - huge increase in valuation over past 3 months - Another Bankruptcy - cleaning up is not good business - Oh my - Now Kevin AND Kevin - Weight loss game continues - One thing saved for last - a doozie... Tesla - - All time High - Prospect of Robotaxi - Even though sales hitting multi-year lows Wall Street Never Sleeps? - Nasdaq files to extend trading to 23 hours on weekdays - Banks concerned about investor protections, costs, liquidity, volatility risks of nonstop trading - Proponents argue round-the-clock trading benefits global investors - That may create some additional volatility potential SpaceX - SpaceX aims for a potential $1.5 trillion market cap with an Initial Public Offering in 2026, which could become the largest IPO in history - July 2025 tender valuation was $400B - Dec 14th (4 months later) $800B - Starlink is the primary money winner of this deal - Tesla shares climbing even with nothing behind it - seemingly in sympathy for this IPO ---- TESLA does not have ownership of SpaceX - OH - this could be the reason....U.S. deliveries dropped significantly in November—the lowest since early 2022—but this weakness has been overshadowed by the enthusiasm for autonomy. Rob Reiner - A son of legendary Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife, producer Michele Singer Reiner, Nick Reiner, is being held on suspicion of murder following their deaths, according to Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell. He's being held on $4 million bail. - Citing law enforcement sources and family friends, ABC News reported on Monday that Nick Reiner had recently returned to live at his parents' South Chadbourne Avenue home. The move was described as a temporary arrangement intended to help him stabilize. - Not going to discuss the Truth Social post about this tragedy HEADLINE ALERT - "Copper could hit ‘stratospheric new highs' as hoarding of the metal in U.S. continues" - Copper has gone from 5.77 to 5.30 (July to today) - 6 Tops at this price since 2011 - Not seeing this as per the headline - seems like a Hunt Brothers special from the 1980s - CORNERING THE MARKET ---1980 - Silver went from $11 to $50 then crashed, bankrupting the Hunt Bros - after COMEX changed rules forcing them to cover positions Bankruptcy - After 35 years, the maker of the Roomba robot vacuum filed for bankruptcy protection late Sunday night. Following warnings issued earlier this year that it was fast running out of options, iRobot says it is entering Chapter 11 protection and will be acquired by its contract manufacturer, China-based Picea Robotics. - The company says it will continue to operate “with no anticipated disruption to its app functionality, customer programs, global partners, supply chain relationships, or ongoing product support.” - Remember that Amazon - The Amazon buyout of iRobot, maker of Roomba, was announced in 2022 for $1.7 billion but ultimately failed in January 2024 due to significant regulatory pushback, primarily from the EU, over anti-competitive concerns. -- Amazon walked away with a $94 million termination fee Fed Pick - President Donald Trump said Friday that Kevin Warsh has moved to the top of his list as the next Federal Reserve chair, though Kevin Hassett also remains in contention, according to the Wall Street Journal. - Interesting that this comes days after Hassett said that we would not let outside suggestions influence his voting - ---In addition to putting heavier weight on Warsh getting the job, Trump repeated an assertion he has made in the past that the Fed chair ought to consult the president about interest rate decisions. - Also of interest, prediction markets had Hassett at 95% probability - now it moved to 50% - big payday for people in the know. Housing Prices - Average home price is DOWN on year-over-year basis - First time on national level since 2024 - Active listings in November were nearly 13% higher than November 2024, but new listings were just 1.7% higher --- Houses are on market longer - - Prices in Austin, Texas, are down 10% from last year; in Denver, they're down 5%, according to Parcl Labs. Tampa, Florida, and Houston both saw prices fall 4%, and Atlanta and Phoenix saw price decreases of 3%. More Hosing Related - Zillow shares plunged more than 9% on Monday on worries that the online real estate platform could have a big new competitor: Google Search. - Google appears to be running tests on putting real estate sale listings into its search results. Overdue Eco - Black Hole - The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics on Tuesday releases its long-awaited combined employment reports for October and November, but a number of key details will be missing after the government shutdown prevented data collection, including October's unemployment rate, resulting in the first-ever gap in that critical data series since inception in 1948. - NICE JOB GANG! - Some of the data will be estimated. - It said it would not publish the headline CPI number or the so-called core CPI, which strips out the volatile food and energy components, for October. "BLS cannot provide specific guidance to data users for navigating the missing October observations," the agency said. Some Updates - Some info coming in are estimates - some delayed - Unemployment at 4.6% - Latest report shows +64,000 added - ISM Manufacturing and Non-manufacturing - both slowed over the last month The Fed - Meanwhile the Fed cuts rates.... - A Federal Reserve split over where its priorities should lie cut its key interest rate Wednesday in a 9-3 vote, but signaled a tougher road ahead for further reductions. - The FOMC's “dot plot” indicated just one more reduction in 2026 and another in 2027, amid considerable disagreement from members about where rates should head. - In addition to the rate decision, the Fed also announced it will resume buying Treasury securities. The central bank will start by buying $40 billion in Treasury bills, beginning Friday. - Markets were all over the place on this as it was a little confusing at first - then it seemed that everyone loved (for one day) - Why is the Fed moving up Treasury purchases to "immediately" from a few months from now? - AND - dissension ! A larger group that usual of regional Fed bank presidents signaled they opposed the cut, and six policymakers said the benchmark federal funds rate should end 2025 in a range of 3.75% to 4%, suggesting they opposed the move. - Long bonds have not moved at all on this news. Costco Earnings - Costco beat Wall Street's fiscal first-quarter sales and revenue expectations. - Sales rose 8.2% and digital sales jumped 20.5% compared with the year-ago quarter. - Costco surpassed Wall Street's quarterly expectations and posted year-over-year sales growth of 8.2% as the retailer attracted more digital sales and opened new locations. - Earnings per share: $4.50 vs. $4.27 expected - Revenue: $67.31 billion vs. $67.14 billion expected - Costco does not provide year ahead guidance - Shares down from a recent high of $855 Costco Fun Facts - About 4.5 million pies were sold in the three days before Thanksgiving, which is equivalent to roughly 7,000 pies per warehouse. - These were bakery pies (e.g., pumpkin, apple), - Costco had more than $250 million in non-food online orders on Black Friday, a record for Costco's U.S. e-commerce business. - Approximately 358,000 whole pizzas were served at Costco's U.S. food courts, a 31% jump from last year. (500 pizza's per store) Fat No More - Retatrutide - Eli Lilly said its next-generation obesity drug delivered what appears to be the highest weight loss seen so far in a late-stage trial and reduced knee arthritis pain, clearing the first of several upcoming studies on the weekly injection. - In a 48-week Phase 2 study, participants on the highest dose lost an average of 24% of their body weight. - Recent Phase 3 results showed patients on the highest dose lost an average of 28.7% of their body weight after 68 weeks. - The trials also showed improvements in related health conditions, including knee osteoarthritis pain, blood pressure, and liver fat - This triple action is what makes retatrutide potentially more effective for weight loss than existing medications like Zepbound (tirzepatide), which targets two receptors, or Wegovy (semaglutide), which targets only one. Paypal - PayPal Holdings Inc. applied to become a bank in the US, looking to take advantage of the Trump administration's openness to financial-technology companies entering the banking system. - The payments-focused firm submitted applications to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and the Utah Department of Financial Institutions to form a Utah-chartered industrial loan company, PayPal said in a statement Monday. - If approved, PayPal Bank would help the firm bolster its small-business lending capabilities, according to the statement, which said the company has provided access to more than $30 billion in loans and capital since 2013. Ford - Management Confused - Instead of planning to make enough electric vehicles to account for 40 percent of global sales by 2030—as it pledged just four years ago—Ford says it will focus on a broader range of hybrids, extended-range electrics, and battery-electric models, which executives now say will account for 50 percent of sales by the end of the decade. - The automaker will make hybrid versions of almost every vehicle in its lineup, the company says. - All in on EVS cost them - Ford expects to record about $19.5 billion in special items, mostly during the fourth quarter. ---- The charges are related to a restructuring of its business priorities and a pullback in its all-electric vehicle investments. Australia - Australia has implemented a groundbreaking ban preventing children under 16 from accessing major social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, effective December 2025, to protect them from harm, with significant fines for companies failing to enforce it, though messaging apps and gaming platforms are currently exempt. - Reddit is suing - Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X (Twitter), YouTube, Reddit, Kick, and Twitch are all banned for kids under 16. - Thoughts on this? Saved For Last - Of all the eye-popping numbers that Oracle Corp. published last week on the costs of its artificial-intelligence data center buildout, the most striking didn't appear until the day after its earnings press release and analyst call. - The more comprehensive 10-Q earnings report that appeared on Thursday detailed $248 billion of lease-payment commitments, “substantially all” related to data centers and cloud capacity arrangements, the business-software firm said. These are due to commence between now and its 2028 financial year but they're not yet included on its balance sheet. - That's almost $150 billion more than was disclosed in the footnotes of September's earnings update. Love the Show? Then how about a Donation? The Winner for iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) Winners will be getting great stuff like the new "OFFICIAL" DHUnplugged Shirt! CTP CUP 2025 Participants: Jim Beaver Mike Kazmierczak Joe Metzger Ken Degel David Martin Dean Wormell Neil Larion Mary Lou Schwarzer Eric Harvey (2024 Winner) FED AND CRYPTO LIMERICKS See this week's stock picks HERE Follow John C. Dvorak on Twitter Follow Andrew Horowitz on Twitter
We take an early look at the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid XSE, which promises more power and a longer electric-only range than the previous versions called the RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid and RAV4 Prime. We discuss its EV capability, acceleration, interior feel, everyday usability, and where it is worth the $46,000 asking price. We also answer audience questions about how EVs balance horsepower and range, and whether smaller wheels are an effective way to deal with potholes. 00:17 - Toyota RAV4 PHEV first impressions 33:00 - how do EVs balance horsepower and range? 37:22 - how much does wheel size play in role in pothole damage? 2026 Toyota RAV4 PHEV First Impressions: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2026-toyota-rav4-phev-review-a1016340226/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Low-Profile Tires vs. Potholes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBdRy0utyaM
We take an early look at the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid XSE, which promises more power and a longer electric-only range than the previous versions called the RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid and RAV4 Prime. We discuss its EV capability, acceleration, interior feel, everyday usability, and where it is worth the $46,000 asking price. We also answer audience questions about how EVs balance horsepower and range, and whether smaller wheels are an effective way to deal with potholes. 00:17 - Toyota RAV4 PHEV first impressions 33:00 - how do EVs balance horsepower and range? 37:22 - how much does wheel size play in role in pothole damage? 2026 Toyota RAV4 PHEV First Impressions: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2026-toyota-rav4-phev-review-a1016340226/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Low-Profile Tires vs. Potholes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBdRy0utyaM
The Automotive Troublemaker w/ Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier
Shoot us a Text.Episode #1221: Today we break down GM's post-Cruise autonomy reboot, why used EVs are quietly outperforming new ones as buyers regain confidence, and how a soaring SpaceX valuation has pushed Elon Musk's wealth past $650 billion.A year after pulling the plug on Cruise robotaxis, GM is rebooting autonomy with a very different endgame. Instead of ride-hailing, the focus is now on hands-free, eyes-off driver assistance designed to scale across consumer vehicles.GM has deployed 138 test vehicles — Cadillac Escalade IQs and GMC Yukons — equipped with lidar, radar, cameras, and advanced computing to collect real-world driving data across the U.S.Cruise's technology and talent have been merged with GM's Super Cruise team, signaling a full pivot away from robotaxis toward scalable driver-assistance for retail customers.The goal is a Level 3 “eyes-off” highway system debuting on the Escalade IQ around 2028, with plans to expand across brands and vehicle sizes.Jason Ekelmann of GM's advanced vehicle integration team: “It's that we're coming together to do something unique and awesome and really, really hard.”November revealed a split EV market. New EV buyers slowed down and waited for clarity, while used EV shoppers kept moving. The contrast highlights where confidence is building — and where the industry is still adjusting to life after heavy incentives.New EV sales cooled to about 70,000 units as shoppers paused amid tax credit changes, pushing new inventory to 149 days' supply and forcing incentives back into play.Used EVs told a different story, with sales up 14% year over year to more than 28,000 units in November.Used EV pricing averaged around $36,000, with many mainstream models now below $30,000, while supply stayed tight at 46 days, supporting healthier resale confidence.Cox Automotive's Stephanie Valdez Streaty framed it simply, saying the industry is “adjusting to a post-incentive environment.”Elon Musk just crossed a line no one else ever has. A new SpaceX valuation pushed his net worth past $650 billion, moving him closer to becoming the world's first trillionaireSpaceX launched a tender offer valuing the company at $800 billion, doubling its valuation since August and setting the stage for a potential 2026 IPO that could value it near $1.5 trillion.Musk owns roughly 42% of SpaceX, making that stake worth about $336 billion and now the largest single contributor to his net worth.Thank you to today's sponsor, Mia. Capture more revenue, protect CSI, and never miss a call or connection again with 24/7 phone coverage and texting (SMS) follow-up for sales, service, and reception. Learn more at https://www.mia.inc/0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier3:40 GM Building Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/
FOLLOW UP: JLR SILENCE BRIEFLY BROKEN10 days after the story first came to light that Gerry McGovern, the design chief of JLR, had unceremoniously left the company, they state that isn't the case and nothing else. No further details, no explanation, nothing. Instead of clearing things up, this has only caused more confusion. Click this Autoevolution article link here to read more. FOLLOW UP: CRIT'AIR STICKERS STILL NEEDED IN FRANCEDue to the chaotic nature of French politics, currently, the proposed legislation that would have removed clean air zones from the country's cities has not been passed into law. Therefore, we are warning all that intend to visit the country in the next few months to make sure they have the appropriate stickers and paperwork. If you wish to read more, click this link from The Connexion. FORD SIGNS DEAL WITH RENAULT Ford has signed a deal with Renault that will mean the Blue Oval will be gaining the small electric car platform from the French firm. This will allow them to create more affordable EVs following how badly their larger electric SUVs are doing in the marketplace. Click this Autocar article link here to read more. BMW GETS A NEW CEOBMW has announced that they have chosen their production expert, Milan Nedeljković, to take over departing Oliver Zipse's role as CEO. The change will officially take place on 14 May 2026. If you wish to learn more, click this Autocar article link here. MERCEDES-AMG GETS A NEW CEO Mercedes-AMG has announced Stefan Weckbach will be taking over the role of CEO after leaving Porsche, where he headed up the Taycan product line. To read further about this, click this Autocar link here. ITALDESIGN SOLD TO A LITTLE KNOWN US FIRMAudi has sold their stake in ItalDesign to a US firm that most will not have heard of, named UST. It is difficult to understand, via their website, exactly what it is they do too. Lamborghini retains their shares. Click this Carscoops article link here, to read more about this story. EU MOVES ON 2035 ICE BAN REQUIREMENTSFollowing hard lobbying from both nations and the automotive industry the EU is proposing some tweaks to the legislation regarding 2035 ICE bans. To read the first rumblings of this matter, click here for an electrive article link. To find out the apparent shift in the EU's position, click this Autocar link here. RENAULT HITS THE BRAKES ON MOBILIZE PROJECTSRenault has halted most projects that are part of the Mobilize division, with the rest being reduced in scope and size. For more on this,
How plunging battery costs are turning solar into reliable, around-the-clock power that can compete directly with fossil fuels. Brian Stockton and James Whittingham break down new findings from Ember showing that grid-scale batteries now make dispatchable solar cheaper than many new gas plants, fundamentally changing the energy landscape. The episode also explores why Big Oil is increasingly betting on petrochemicals and single-use plastics as EVs cut into fuel demand. A new IEEFA report reveals that a 70% global reduction in single-use plastics would deliver a major financial blow to the petrochemical industry while cutting millions of barrels per day of oil demand. From Canada, a Clean Energy Canada study finds that switching all homes in British Columbia to electric heat pumps could save households $675 million per year, reduce electricity demand, and cut emissions by about 6% of the province's total. Individual households could save hundreds to over a thousand dollars annually. We also discuss Australia's booming home battery market, fueled by expanded federal subsidies, and Rivian's plans for autonomous electric vehicles that can run errands, self-diagnose, and drive themselves for service as the company builds its own AI hardware and software. The Lightning Round covers global clean energy milestones including record renewable power in Australia, new solar efficiency records, fusion breakthroughs, EV and battery news, major climate policy moves in Europe, and Tesla opening its northernmost Supercharger in Alaska. Contact Us cleanenergyshow@gmail.com or leave us an online voicemail: http://speakpipe.com/clean Support The Clean Energy Show Join the Clean Club on our Patreon Page to receive perks for supporting the podcast and our planet! Our PayPal Donate Page offers one-time or regular donations. Store Visit The Clean Energy Show Store for T-shirts, hats, and more!. Copyright 2025 Sneeze Media.
*More Bondi victims identified. *Gun laws. *Ford backing away from EVs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We take an early look at the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid XSE, which promises more power and a longer electric-only range than the previous versions called the RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid and RAV4 Prime. We discuss its EV capability, acceleration, interior feel, everyday usability, and where it is worth the $46,000 asking price. We also answer audience questions about how EVs balance horsepower and range, and whether smaller wheels are an effective way to deal with potholes. 00:17 - Toyota RAV4 PHEV first impressions 33:00 - how do EVs balance horsepower and range? 37:22 - how much does wheel size play in role in pothole damage? 2026 Toyota RAV4 PHEV First Impressions: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2026-toyota-rav4-phev-review-a1016340226/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Low-Profile Tires vs. Potholes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBdRy0utyaM
Two very different roads, one clear question: what actually works for everyday drivers? We put miles on the 2025 Subaru Forester Premium Hybrid and the refreshed Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD to find out, comparing real-world efficiency, tech usability, comfort, and cost. Along the way, we pull apart the numbers you care about—mpg versus range, tow ratings, cargo usability—and the little things that make or break ownership, like whether your phone stays put on the charger.We start with the Forester Hybrid's practical perks: wide-opening doors that make entry easy, an insulated windshield that softens road noise, and a simple, clean interface anchored by a 12.3-inch digital cluster and 11.6-inch touchscreen. The hybrid system's 194 horsepower feels adequate, and while the CVT's manual mode isn't essential, the all-wheel-drive ride is planted and predictable. We talk through honest mileage—32.3 mpg over nearly 400 miles—and why a 16.6-gallon tank and 1,500-pound tow rating help this small SUV punch above its weight. Then comes the money: where the trim pricing lands, and how it stacks up against CR-V Hybrid, RAV4 Hybrid, CX-50 Hybrid, and Sportage Hybrid.We switch gears to car culture with a practical guide to starting a collection without celebrity money. Think storage first, define a theme, build a wish list, network with local enthusiasts, and budget for maintenance before you chase the dream. Whether you love 80s Chevys or numbers-matching time capsules, discipline builds a better garage than impulse ever will.Then the EV6 GT-Line takes center stage. Built in Georgia, this is one of the sharpest-looking EVs on the market, with refreshed front and rear design, a sweeping cockpit display, and a smart flat phone charger in a striking console. We talk range reality—expect around 275 miles in daily use—charging frustrations, surprisingly smooth handling for a 4,500-pound crossover, and a 2,700-pound tow rating that adds real utility. Pricing, competitors, and the truth about finding fast, reliable chargers round it out.If you're cross-shopping hybrids and EVs, this ride-along gives you clarity without hype. Follow the show, share it with a friend who's shopping, and drop your take: team hybrid or team EV? Leave a review and tell us what you're drivBe sure to subscribe for more In Wheel Time Car Talk!The Lupe' Tortilla RestaurantsLupe Tortilla in Katy, Texas Gulf Coast Auto ShieldPaint protection, tint, and more!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.---- ----- Want more In Wheel Time car talk any time? In Wheel Time is now available on Audacy! Just go to Audacy.com/InWheelTime where ever you are.----- -----Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast provider for the next episode of In Wheel Time Podcast and check out our live multiplatform broadcast every Saturday, 10a - 12nCT simulcasting on Audacy, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Twitch and InWheelTime.com.In Wheel Time Podcast can be heard on you mobile device from providers such as:Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music Podcast, Spotify, SiriusXM Podcast, iHeartRadio podcast, TuneIn + Alexa, Podcast Addict, Castro, Castbox, YouTube Podcast and more on your mobile device.Follow InWheelTime.com for the latest updates!Twitter: https://twitter.com/InWheelTimeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/inwheeltime/https://www.youtube.com/inwheeltimehttps://www.Facebook.com/InWheelTimeFor more information about In Wheel Time Podcast, email us at info@inwheeltime.com
*More Bondi victims identified. *Gun laws. *Ford backing away from EVs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From the BBC World Service: Volkswagen has been making cars in Germany for 88 years. In all that time, it's never closed a manufacturing plant in its home country until now. On Tuesday, the last vehicle will roll off the assembly line at the VW plant in Dresden. It comes as the company struggles with the transition to EVs. Plus, the head of Ukraine's largest energy provider says his company is living in permanent crisis mode as Russia steps up attacks on the country's energy grid.
From the BBC World Service: Volkswagen has been making cars in Germany for 88 years. In all that time, it's never closed a manufacturing plant in its home country until now. On Tuesday, the last vehicle will roll off the assembly line at the VW plant in Dresden. It comes as the company struggles with the transition to EVs. Plus, the head of Ukraine's largest energy provider says his company is living in permanent crisis mode as Russia steps up attacks on the country's energy grid.
Carl Quintanilla, Sara Eisen, and David Faber kicked off the hour talking jobs - with key pullouts and commentary from this morning's double report... Longtime market veteran Ed Yardeni weighed in on what it means for stocks into year-end, alongside JPMorgan Asset Management Chief Global Strategist David Kelly. Plus: Kraft Heinz announcing that former Kellanova CEO Steve Cahillane is becoming their new CEO ahead of their split... Cahillane joined the team to talk the news, the consumer, and more. Also in focus: details on the stealth IPO hitting markets tomorrow that could be the biggest of the year, what's driving Ford to reverse on EVs, and new numbers out of CNBC's latest All-America Survey when it comes to approval of the President... Squawk on the Street Disclaimer Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
A rough Cowboys game, one epic curb trip, and then straight into the numbers that matter: we unpack new post-election polling showing a city that believes it's on the wrong track and still reelects the incumbent by a wide margin. The data is bracing. Crime and homelessness top voter concerns, majorities expect little improvement, and yet identity beats performance. We walk through why early decisions, negative partisanship, and team-first voting flipped what should have been a challenger advantage into a decisive status-quo win.From there, we connect the dots to statewide prospects and national currents. If Albuquerque remains a 20-plus point anchor, a Republican can't compete without reshaping the urban map—through smarter registration, better GOTV, and a concrete agenda on affordability, insurance costs, and public safety. We also track a subtle but important shift: more Republicans now identify with the party label rather than the MAGA brand, hinting at a real 2028 fight instead of a coronation. JD Vance remains formidable, but we explore why figures like Marco Rubio, Josh Hawley, Ted Cruz, and Glenn Youngkin could push a vibrant primary that tempers the party in the fire.We don't shy away from media critique, either. A staged “gotcha” moment aimed at Erika Kirk crosses a line, raising questions about fairness and the incentives driving broadcast drama. On the business front, Ford's pullback on the Lightning offers a sober lesson: EVs will win on performance, charging speed, and range, not on mandates. And a Heisman speech from Fernando Mendoza brings it home with a reminder that toughness can be quiet, humility travels far, and belief plus discipline still move mountains.If you value data over noise and want a clear view of where politics, policy, and culture collide, this one's for you. Follow the show, share it with a friend, and drop us your questions for our Christmas Q&A—what should we tackle next?Website: https://www.nodoubtaboutitpodcast.com/Twitter: @nodoubtpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/NoDoubtAboutItPod/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markronchettinm/?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D
Michigan's auto industry is still a global leader, but Glenn Stevens of MICHAUTO argues in this episode that "innovate or be left behind" is no longer a slogan — it's the stakes of the moment for the state's economy. Glenn walks through the forces reshaping the industry — rapid technology shifts like automation, AI, and EVs, fierce global competition from places like China, and whiplash in trade and domestic policy that makes long-term planning harder. He explains why the real battle is for talent: from skilled trades to high-end software and digital jobs, Michigan needs better K–12 outcomes, clearer career pathways, more counselors, affordable housing, and reliable transit if it wants people to build their lives and careers here. Here's the full report if you want to check it out for yourself: https://michauto.org/michauto-report-michigan-must-innovate-or-be-left-behind-amid-rapidly-changing-automobility-industry/ Feedback as always: dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com Thanks to City Bird for their support. Get grat local gifts this holiday season: https://www.citybirddetroit.com/ Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/DailyDetroit Follow us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Yhv8nSylVWxlZilRhi4X9?si=df538dae2e144431
PayPal files to become a bank in the U.S., the U.S. has paused the “$40 billion Technology Prosperity Deal” with Britain, and Ford shifts away from large EVs. MP3 Please SUBSCRIBE HERE for free or get DTNS Live ad-free. A special thanks to all our supporters–without you, none of this would be possible. If youContinue reading "AI Memory Demand to Squeeze Smartphone Market in 2026 – DTH"
The Automotive Troublemaker w/ Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier
Shoot us a Text.Episode #1220: Ford slams the brakes on big EV bets and kills the Lightning, pivoting to hybrids and EREVs. HGreg proves luxury buyers don't need a separate dealership—just a smarter one. GM learns loyalty points are real money after a rewards loophole wipes out a loan.Show Notes with links:Ford just hit the brakes on its EV ambitions, announcing nearly $19.5 billion in charges as it pivots away from loss-heavy electric trucks.Ford will discontinue the all-electric F-150 Lightning, replacing it with an extended-range electric version that includes a gas engine.Its Kentucky EV battery plant will be repurposed to produce stationary battery storage for utilities, data centers, and renewable energy projects.The company has already lost $13 billion on EVs since 2023, and intends to shift to more hybrid and EREV models, including a mid-size pickup expected to launch in 2027.CEO Jim Farley: “Instead of plowing billions into the future knowing these large EVs will never make money, we are pivoting. “We now know enough about the U.S. market where we have a lot more certainty in this second inning” Canada-based dealer group HGreg has opened a Lux boutique inside its flagship Orlando used-car store, betting that high-line buyers want a premium experience without leaving the pre-owned ecosystem.The new HGreg Lux Orlando is a dealership-within-a-dealership, marking the group's fifth Lux location across Florida and California.HGreg is leaning into convenience and flexibility with same-day delivery, contactless buying, and even cryptocurrency payments.CEO John Hairabedian framed the move as emotional as much as strategic, saying, “For many of us, driving a luxury car is one of life's most memorable moments.”GM's loyalty program briefly turned into free money. A loophole in GM Rewards let users generate millions of points without spending a dime—most notably a Cadillac Escalade-V owner who used nearly $60,000 worth of points to pay down a GM Financial loan before GM shut it down.Users could earn up to 16,000 free points per account by completing surveys and watching GM videos, then repeat the process by creating new accounts.Points were instantly transferable, allowing millions to be stacked in minutes and funneled into a single account.The biggest problem for GM: points could be redeemed on service, accessories, and even vehicle loans—not just swag.GM fixed the exploit but honored the points, taking a page from the airlines: protect the program, not just the balance sheet.Thank you to today's sponsor, Mia. Capture more revenue, protect CSI, and never miss a call or connection again with 24/7 phone coverage and texting (SMS) follow-up for sales, service, and reception. Learn more at httpsJoin Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/
What do smartphones, EVs, humanoid robots and smart homes have in common? Tiny chips that make big things happen. In this episode, host Melissa Harrison chats with Dr. Ahmad Bahai, CTO of Texas Instruments, about the hidden tech driving AI, edge computing and sustainable power solutions. From solving EV charging anxiety to enabling collaborative robots and medical-grade wearables, discover how semiconductors are shaping the way we move, live and work.
They were inspired by ISIS. Authorities in Australia say the father and son behind the mass shooting at a Hanukkah party on Sunday had ISIS material and believed the group's ideology. The attack on the Jewish community killed at least 15 people and injured dozens more.And: European Union eases up on its plan to ban gas powered cars. It has been driving the global environmental push for electric cars, with plans to sell only EVs by 2035.But now, under pressure from car companies and countries, the European Union is shifting gears.Also: Quebec has expanded its bottle deposit program and that's turned out to be a good thing for some Ontarians. Residents of Ontario — who do not pay a deposit — are returning bottles in Quebec, for a “refund”.Plus: B.C. flooding, Israel blocks Canadian delegation from West Bank, Jamaica rebuilds, and more.
Read our deal analysis on PaladinPaladin Power CEO Ted Thomas—a U.S. Navy veteran with 20+ years in energy storage and the named inventor on multiple U.S. patents for stackable batteries and integrated power systems—joins Inside Startup Investing to explain how he helped pioneer integrated storage and why Paladin's patented, fire-safe, all-in-one system can make true home energy independence practical. We cover why the inverter is the real bottleneck, how Paladin's stackable 10 kW architecture fast-charges EVs and extends battery life, and how the single-device design replaces a tangle of inverters, batteries, and chargers for faster installs and lower cost. Ted shares traction (incl. enterprise wins like Disney), a revenue jump from < $1M to $7–$8M this year with $20M+ in sight, “Made in USA” manufacturing with Jabil, and what's next as Paladin pushes a decentralized power future.News: Paladin engages Aegis Capital Corp. for IPO advisory while it evaluates capital-markets options—no assurance of any IPO; timing/terms subject to market, regulatory and due-diligence outcomes.Chapters(00:00) We open with why batteries remain the bottleneck for EVs and home solar, and how Paladin's inverter-first architecture changes the equation; (03:28) Ted outlines the mission—make every home independent from the grid—plus why legacy systems were designed for grid-tie, not true autonomy; (06:58) we break down the bi-directional, stackable inverters (up to 80 kW in a compact footprint) and how routing solar directly to loads can double battery life; (09:15) cost and efficiency: delivering 30–60% lower system costs versus status-quo builds; (10:29) scaling: U.S. manufacturing with a contract partner, and why distribution/EPC channels are the fastest path to market; (12:00) whole-home power without load shedding, faster installs, and sub-90-minute at-home EV charging; (13:21) IP and moats: utility patents and why copycats face multi-year certification delays; (15:34) use cases and demand drivers—from Disney facilities to homeowners facing rising rates and outages; (20:56) generators vs storage: when backup gensets still make sense and when solar-plus-storage wins; (22:46) Ted's closing case for investors.