Podcasts about evs

In this episode, Tu and Lei dive into a week dominated by autonomy, AI, and a widening gap between China's EV ecosystem and the rest of the world.  The episode opens with a deep reaction to Rivian's Autonomy AI Day—why it felt like déjà vu for anyone following China's smart-EV space, and how Rivian's announcements mirror what Chinese players like XPeng, NIO, and Li Auto have already been deploying. The hosts debate whether Rivian's approach represents real leadership or simply entry into the top tier.From there, the conversation expands to L4 autonomy momentum: WeRide launching passenger rides with Uber in Dubai, Mercedes partnering with Momenta in Abu Dhabi, and Waymo accelerating multi-city deployments while publishing safety data others still keep opaque.Tu and Lei also tackle the LiDAR vs. vision debate, Volkswagen's unusual dual bet on Rivian (US) and XPeng (China), and why silicon strategy—not just batteries—will decide winners. The discussion closes with affordability: why 300-mile EVs under $40K are existential for Western OEMs, and why China's cost structure makes that challenge unavoidable heading into 2026.Candid, comparative, and forward-looking, this episode explains why autonomy and AI—not just electrification—will define the next phase of the global auto industry.___

The fight over EVs and renewables exposes how resource extraction still drives U.S. economic and foreign policy.Subscribe to our Newsletter:https://politicsdoneright.com/newsletterPurchase our Books: As I See It: https://amzn.to/3XpvW5o How To Make AmericaUtopia: https://amzn.to/3VKVFnG It's Worth It: https://amzn.to/3VFByXP Lose Weight And BeFit Now: https://amzn.to/3xiQK3K Tribulations of anAfro-Latino Caribbean man: https://amzn.to/4c09rbE

This week on America on the Road, co-host Chris Teague joins host Jack Nerad for a deep dive into the latest automotive news, two insightful road tests, and a special interview with veteran journalist Gary Witzenburg. Chris reviews the premium 2026 Toyota 4Runner Limited, highlighting its refined on-road manners and off-road prowess, while Jack takes the wheel of the sporty 2025 Subaru Impreza RS hatchback, praising its engaging drive and all-weather capability. Jack also chats with Gary Witzenburg, former North American Car of the Year Jury president and Motor Trend alum, about his upcoming book of automotive reminiscences.

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 Tesla's mission is no longer being 'sustainable', VW Buzz is still alive, and 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: Elon Musk drops ‘sustainable' from Tesla's mission as he completes his villain arc Tesla's Robotaxi project in Austin is much smaller than Musk claims Honda buys out EV battery plant in the US for nearly $3B as it preps for an all-new lineup Watch BYD's insanely fast EV charger add nearly 250 miles range in 5 minutes [Video] Volkswagen shelves its electric minibus for the US, but not forever 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/t2U1W27nU7A

What if a personal tragedy sparked you to change your life plan, and the world? Can someone build the next Tesla like company, but better. In this episode of Entrepreneurial Thinkers, Rob crosses the Atlantic, from Los Angeles to Lagos, Nigeria, to talk with Frederick Akpoghene, Founder and CEO of JéGO Technologies, to explore how his journey through tragic loss led him to tackle one of Africa's biggest challenges: reliable energy. Together, they unpack the rise of renewable power in Nigeria, the emerging electric-vehicle movement, Autonomous driving, and the innovative energy solutions JéGO is building to electrify enterprises and communities across the continent. Frederick also shares his hard-won lessons on resilience, resourcefulness, and what it really takes to build something world-changing.Feel free to follow and engage with FREDERICK here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frederick-a-kevbe/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abovav_mind/Business Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jegotechnologiesBusiness LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jego-technologies-inc/Website: https://www.jegopods.com/We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide.As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.¡Cheers y gracias!,Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurial Thinkers04:31 The Vision Behind Jego Technologies10:14 Personal Journey and Purpose12:44 The Impact of Loss on Innovation16:34 Energy and Economic Empowerment22:35 Leapfrogging Technology in Africa31:58 Navigating Energy Challenges in Nigeria35:09 Modular Energy Solutions and Jego X Stations38:57 Building Infrastructure for Electric Vehicles43:58 Commercializing Energy Solutions49:01 The Future of Energy and EVs in Nigeria53:55 Investor Perspectives and Market Opportunities01:00:37 Entrepreneurship and Product Market Fit01:04:53 Building a Sustainable Energy Future01:08:47 The Role of China in Nigeria's EV Market01:19:08 Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators

Trump's attacks on wind, EVs, Venezuela, and tariffs reveal a fossil-fueled power agenda. Greg Palast exposes RFK Jr.'s Trump turn, while Jasmine Crockett explains why Texas is already blue.Subscribe to our Newsletter:https://politicsdoneright.com/newsletterPurchase our Books: As I See It: https://amzn.to/3XpvW5o How To Make AmericaUtopia: https://amzn.to/3VKVFnG It's Worth It: https://amzn.to/3VFByXP Lose Weight And BeFit Now: https://amzn.to/3xiQK3K Tribulations of anAfro-Latino Caribbean man: https://amzn.to/4c09rbE

With more than 5,000 auto shop fires annually and rising risks from EVs, high-output chargers, changing shop layouts, and aging suppression systems, fire safety has become a moving target. In this episode, Mountain State Fire Protection owner Steve Lockwood joins Christine Schaffran to reveal the overlooked hazards hiding in plain sight, the upgrades that matter, and the must-do inspections every shop should prioritize. If you want to protect your people, property, and profit, this is essential listening.

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training and Pico TechnologyWatch Full Video EpisodeMatt digs into listener-submitted questions—starting with a deceptively simple one that “freaks him out”: what's the most misunderstood concept in auto repair? From there, the episode becomes a guided tour through the gray area between knowing what's true and knowing what's useful.He revisits a frequent offender in the misinformation world: catalytic converter diagnostics, particularly the old “switch rate” concept, and why it's fundamentally flawed, even when it appears convincing on a scan tool. From there, Matt zooms out into bigger “how-the-universe-works” territory—magnetism, electric fields, and why some of the most fascinating truths about energy flow will probably never help you fix a car (but are still worth thinking about).The back half of the episode shifts into personal updates (family health), a few fun holiday questions (favorite Christmas movies), an unexpectedly intense movie rant (Thor's Endgame arc), and a grounded-but-honest take on the future of EVs and hybrids.Topics CoveredThe hardest balance in teaching and learning: accuracy vs. applicabilityWhy most misinformation in training/resources is usually unintentionalCatalytic converter misconceptions:Why “post-cat O2 switch rate” is a bad diagnostic foundationWhy scan tool graphs can mislead you even when they “look right”What really matters before condemning a converter (fuel control, exhaust leaks, sensor accuracy, updates, airflow modeling inputs)Why OEM catalyst monitoring relies on oxygen storage capacity (OSC)—and why it's not the same as true conversion efficiencyA brief detour into physics for the curious:Magnetism as an effect tied to moving charge (and why special relativity can explain part of it)The “energy comes from the field” idea—and why it's fascinating even if it doesn't help bay workEGR follow-up: throttling losses, flame speed, and thermal efficiencyPersonal Q&A: updates on Matt's dad's recovery and implanted defibrillator; Danielle's long recovery arcHoliday lightning round: favorite Christmas moviesMovie plot that frustrates Matt most: Thor from Ragnarok → Endgame (and why “Fat Thor” was mishandled)EV future: energy density limits, why hybrids may remain the practical middle ground, and where hydrogen might fitKey Takeaways“What looks true” on a scan tool isn't always what the monitor is actually judging.Catalyst diagnostics are more systems-based...

Thank you Neurodivergent Hodgepodge, P. J. Schuster, JN, Karen Andrews, Karen C-Collector of Books

Prices keep climbing, patience keeps thinning, and the smartest car on the lot might be the one that's two or three years old. We sit down to explore why a crowd-pleaser like the VW ID. Buzz is slipping from the U.S. launch calendar, how an $80,000 price tag changes the conversation, and where EVs still struggle to deliver everyday convenience for people without home charging. From the Detroit Auto Show preview to the North American Car, Utility, and Truck of the Year buzz, we connect the headlines to real buyer decisions.Our take on affordability gets practical fast: a $5,000 difference can flip a purchase when the competing vehicle offers more features or utility. We break down why late-model off-lease cars remain the sweet spot, even as the market feels the aftershocks of COVID-era production cuts. Then we zoom out to tariffs and USMCA dynamics shaping what gets built in the U.S., and why the playing field among American, European, and Asian brands feels more level than ever. With fewer true lemons on sale, lifetime cost and ownership experience become the real story.Reliability and complexity take center stage as we examine turbo longevity, hybrid durability, and the sticker shock of modern repairs, like a $6,000 turbo swap. On the EV front, the pain points are clear: battery longevity anxiety, charging standards and adapters, and the simple truth that the five-minute gas stop still fits many lives better than public chargers. We round things out with a quick, candid guide to RV laws most people ignore, from weight limits and seatbelts to boondocking and propane safety.If you care about getting the best value for your money, understanding how policy nudges production, and choosing tech that won't bite you later, you'll find this conversation timely and useful. Tap follow, share the show with a friend who's car shopping, and leave a quick review telling us your best recent buy and why it worked for you.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

Money is getting TIGHT everywhere. Student loan wage garnishments start in January, Americans racked up $1,223 in holiday debt, hackers stole $2.7 billion in crypto, and the EV industry just hit a wall. We break down all four stories and what they mean for your money.QUICK UPDATE: Our flight to Michigan got cancelled so we filmed this before leaving Tuesday Dec 23rd. This is our second couples episode - we're still figuring out the format but these stories were too important to wait.STUDENT LOAN WAGE GARNISHMENT RETURNSStarting January 7th, the government will begin garnishing up to 15% of borrowers' wages if they're in default on student loans. This hasn't happened since the pandemic started almost five years ago. Right now 5.3 million borrowers are in default, with another 3.7 million delinquent and 2.7 million in early stages - that's 12 million total borrowers at risk. We explain who's affected, how much they'll lose from their paychecks, what options are available, and why the timing is brutal for people already struggling financially.HOLIDAY DEBT HITS RECORD LEVELSAbout 36% of holiday shoppers went into debt this season, racking up an average of $1,223 on credit cards. Total holiday spending is on track to hit $1 trillion for the first time ever, even though consumer sentiment is terrible. The average credit card balance per person in the US is now $6,523, up 2.2% from last year. With interest rates around 20%, people who only make minimum payments could spend 9-10 months paying off holiday debt - just in time to start the cycle again next year. We discuss why people are spending despite being worried about money and what this debt spiral means.CRYPTO HACKERS STEAL $2.7 BILLION IN 2025Hackers stole $2.7 billion in cryptocurrency in 2025, making it the worst year on record. North Korean state-sponsored hackers were responsible for at least $2 billion of that total. The biggest single theft was $1.4 billion from the Bybit exchange - one of the largest financial heists in human history. We explain how North Korean hackers infiltrate crypto companies by posing as remote IT workers, how they target executives with fake job offers on LinkedIn, how they launder stolen crypto through Chinese money laundering networks, and why North Korea has now stolen $6.75 billion total since 2017 to fund their nuclear weapons program.EV INDUSTRY ENTERS "COOLING-OFF PERIOD"The rapid innovation phase in the EV industry is over. BYD's second-generation blade battery only improved energy density by 12% over five years, compared to nearly doubling it in the previous decade. The average technology iteration cycle for EVs worldwide increased from 1.8 years in 2021 to 3.2 years now. Annual battery energy density growth dropped from 15% to 7%. China's EV penetration is approaching 60%, which means stricter safety regulations starting July 2026. The new standard requires batteries to never catch fire or explode during thermal runaway - a massive engineering challenge. We break down why innovation is slowing, what "technological debt" means, how this changes competition from "who's more advanced" to "who's more solid," and which companies will survive the industry's maturation phase.THE BIG PICTUREAll four stories point to the same reality: the easy money era is ending. Student loan payment pauses are over. Credit is tightening. Crypto isn't as safe as people thought. EV companies can't rely on rapid innovation anymore. Whether you're an individual managing personal finances or watching the EV/crypto industries, things are getting harder and more competitive. This is what happens when temporary support systems end and industries mature.#StudentLoans #CreditCardDebt #CryptoHack #EVIndustry #NorthKorea #HolidayDebt #WageGarnishment #Bitcoin #BYD #Tesla #PersonalFinance #TechNews

What happens when convenience becomes the cost? We close the year by unpacking the eight tech stories that reshaped daily life, wallets, and trust. From streaming's pivot back to bundles that feel like cable, to smart speakers and connected appliances that quietly ship household data to the cloud, we trace how “modern” increasingly means managed—and often monitored.We dig into the robotics hype cycle and ask why humanoids still struggle with balance and dexterity while specialized bots make real progress. We revisit the year's biggest cloud outages and map the true downstream impact on classrooms, small businesses, and critical services. Then we turn to the road: cars and EVs are now rolling data platforms, collecting location histories, driving behaviors, and infotainment usage that can flow to insurers and third parties. The question isn't whether your vehicle knows you—it's who else does, and for how long.Surveillance didn't expand with sirens; it seeped in through doorbells, license plate readers, and citywide cameras, often in partnership with law enforcement. We challenge the idea that this is inevitable and debate where safety ends and overreach begins. Finally, we tackle AI's identity crisis: voice cloning, realistic generation, fragile safeguards, and the policy vacuum that leaves creators, consumers, and companies guessing. Can we set guardrails without strangling innovation? We argue for practical steps—licensing high-risk systems, watermarking synthetic media, meaningful transparency, and liability when promised safety fails—while keeping room for creativity and progress.Along the way, we keep it human: tradeoffs you can control now, policies worth pushing for, and a rye whiskey tasting to toast lessons learned. If you care about privacy, reliability, AI ethics, or just want streaming to stop nickel-and-diming you, this conversation brings clarity without the jargon. If it resonates, follow the show, share this episode with a friend, and drop your take: what tech boundary should we draw first? Subscribe and leave a review to help more curious listeners find us.Support the show

This #Bisimoto #Tech2sDay show, we talked about #antilag and it's effects, best collector cars under 15k, center seat Porsches, f vs H swaps, best engines for #BMWi8 cars, performance EVs and more. Enjoy.

As we close out the year and head into the holidays, we're revisiting some of the most impactful conversations from Wealthion in 2025. Whether you're watching for the first time or revisiting it with fresh perspective, we hope you enjoy. All the best for a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!

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.

Tim Eden and Riz Akhtar join to help review the year that was in EVs, share their predictions for 2026, and discuss what's most likely to shape the market in the year ahead.

Host Joe DeMare talks about how Solstice is a time for hope for the environment, despite all the anti-environmental forces threatening us. Next he interviews Kevin Kamps from Beyond Nuclear about their recent challenge to the evil corporation Holtec's plans to irradiate Americans by creating an interim nuclear waste storage site. Rebecca Wood tells us how oranges ended up in our stockings. Ecological News includes: final proof that living near nuclear plants means increased cancers; the commissioning of the largest fully electric ship in the world; and Ford's unfortunate decision to dump EVs again. #FAGF#ForAGreenFuture#Environmentalcommunication#ClimateChange#environmentnews#DataCenters#Nuclearenergy#Nuclearpollution#Waterusage#Greenenergy#Beyondnuclear#Saveearth#nuclear#Nuclearnews#Nuclearpower#EPA#Protectenvironment 

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.

Introduction Is artificial intelligence the next investment gold rush—or are we watching another government-subsidized bubble inflate before our eyes? With Ford Motor Company writing down $19.5 billion on electric vehicles and tech giants pouring hundreds of billions into AI infrastructure, investors over 50 face a critical question: how do you separate genuine opportunity from dangerous speculation? In this episode of The Tom Dupree Show, Tom Dupree, Mike Johnson, and James Dupree examine the dramatic collapse of EV investments and the explosive growth in AI and data center buildouts. Drawing on research from Dupree Financial Group’s six-person investment committee—including direct calls with data center developers—they reveal how to evaluate hot investment trends without getting burned. With 47 years of investment experience, Tom brings hard-earned skepticism to separate sustainable opportunities from the kind of government-backed disasters that just shut down Kentucky’s Blue Oval battery plant. Ford’s $19.5 Billion EV Disaster: A Cautionary Tale Kentucky’s Battery Plant Shuts Down Ford Motor Company shocked investors with a $19.5 billion write-down on its electric vehicle business, abandoning ambitious plans for full-size EVs like the Ford Lightning pickup truck. The casualty? Kentucky’s Glendale Blue Oval Plant near Elizabethtown—once promised to employ 5,000 workers—has laid off all 1,500 current employees indefinitely. “Ford takes a 19 and a half billion dollars write down on their EV business,” Mike Johnson reported. “Essentially they are getting away from full-size electric vehicles.” Tom Dupree had predicted this outcome over a year ago: “I think it might be that guy named Tom Dupree who said a year and a half ago that that thing would never happen.” Government Mandates vs. Market Demand The Blue Oval failure illustrates a critical investment principle: government subsidies create artificial markets that collapse when support ends. “All of this was coming from government mandates. This was not driven by market demand for electric vehicles,” Mike explained. “The demand was not there because the infrastructure is not there yet. It was this heavy hand of government forcing the market to accept this product that they didn’t want.” What went wrong: Political mandates drove investment, not consumer demand EV infrastructure remains inadequate for mass adoption Manufacturing costs exceeded profitable pricing When subsidies decreased, the business model collapsed Why Toyota Won and Ford Lost While Ford chased government EV subsidies, Toyota focused on hybrid technology—matching actual consumer readiness and avoiding financial catastrophe. “You know who didn’t do that? Toyota,” Mike noted. “Toyota was focusing on hybrid. That was their core focus. And so they’re not taking a 19 and a half billion dollars write down.” Investment lesson for retirees: Companies building products consumers actually want—rather than products governments mandate—create sustainable returns. From Battery Hype to AI Hype: History Repeating? The 18-Month Investment Shift “A year and a half ago it was all about batteries,” Tom observed. “Look up some of these battery stocks, James. I bet a lot of ’em are just in the doldrums.” The investment landscape shifted with stunning speed from battery plant euphoria to AI infrastructure mania. The question: is AI different, or are investors making the same mistake twice? Inside Dupree Financial Group’s Data Center Research James Dupree coordinates research for the firm’s six-person investment committee, scheduling calls with company management and conducting initial analysis. The entire committee recently participated in a research call with Applied Digital, a data center developer leasing facilities to tech giants. “We talked about Applied Digital on the last show,” James explained. “They’re the data center landlord. They build and rent out the data centers.” The Hyperscaler Spending Analysis James’s research revealed critical distinctions between sustainable AI investment and dangerous speculation. “The first thing that the guy showed us was he pulled up a list of the hyperscalers—Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, Oracle, OpenAI, all these guys,” James reported. “And he was showing their sales and then he told us how much they’re gonna spend.” James’s assessment: “Amazon good, Microsoft good, Meta okay—they’re kind of getting on that bubble where they’re spending a little bit too much. Meta does 160 billion in sales and they’re supposed to spend 70 billion,” James detailed. “And then where it really gets dicey is Oracle. They do 50 billion in sales and they’re supposed to spend 500 billion. So that’s a red alert there.” This granular analysis—comparing capital spending to revenue—separates professional investment management from amateur speculation chasing headlines. Data Centers: Real Demand or Another Subsidy Bubble? The Power Shortage Reality Unlike EVs, data centers address a genuine infrastructure shortage: 40-90 gigawatts of power capacity needed in the United States. What makes data centers potentially valuable: Legitimate power shortage driving demand Long-term triple-net leases (Applied Digital secured 15-year, $11 billion lease) Potential conversion to REITs for steady income The critical risk—chip obsolescence: “Inside that data center, you’ll literally have $3 billion in chips in that building,” Mike explained. “And right now we don’t know exactly what the useful life of those chips are. Who’s gonna take the liability if these things only have a use life of three years instead of five years?” Government Involvement: Red Flag or Validation? James reported recent news about Core Weave, Applied Digital’s anchor tenant: “Core Weave had some big news today. That stock’s up 23% on the news. The government came out and said that they would be a part of a program related to energy, so the government’s backing that company.” But Tom immediately questioned the parallel to Ford’s disaster: “I kind of have a problem with governments picking winners and losers. That’s something that the Democrats were known as doing, and now the Republicans are doing it.” Examples of government market intervention failing: MP Materials: Government backing, stock dropped from $50+ to $15 Intel: Massive subsidies, uncertain outcomes Kentucky’s Blue Oval Plant: Complete shutdown after enormous investment Tom Dupree’s Investment Skepticism: The Voice of Experience Learning from 47 Years of Market Cycles Tom’s experience provides essential counterbalance to research enthusiasm about hot new sectors. “People are suckers for deals. If they think something’s hot, they jump on it, buy into it. They don’t spend much time thinking about whether it’s feasible or not,” Tom cautioned. “Two and a half years ago people were all over the battery plant thing. It was never gonna work. It was all just hype.” Historic bubbles Tom has witnessed: Dot-com crash (2000-2002) Housing bubble (2008) Battery/EV hype (2022-2024) Potentially: AI overinvestment (2024-?) The “Bigger Money, Bigger Dummies” Principle Tom’s most provocative observation challenges assumptions about tech giant spending: “If the seven largest companies are putting all this money in it, do you think they’re gonna go to zero? No, but the bigger the money, the bigger the dummies sometimes,” Tom warned. “They follow each other. If so-and-so’s doing it, we gotta do it. That’s FOMO. They don’t wanna get left behind.” The Picks and Shovels Strategy Rather than betting on which AI platform wins, Tom advocates investing in essential infrastructure. “I think you invest in not the project itself, but in the people that surround the project—selling picks and shovels to the gold miners,” Tom explained. “Levi’s sold workwear to the gold miners and they became a much bigger company than the gold miners ever did.” Modern picks and shovels: Cooling system manufacturers (like Vertiv) Power infrastructure companies Industrial automation suppliers Data center construction firms The Investment Committee Advantage How Six Perspectives Beat One This episode revealed Dupree Financial Group’s collaborative research process—a six-person investment committee evaluating every opportunity. “What I think is really interesting about this entire conversation is the listeners have gotten a snapshot of why, how we research companies. What information comes out of research, questions asked, and then you get the snapshot of Tom shooting holes through it.” The committee process: Research coordination (James schedules calls, conducts initial analysis) Committee participation (All six members join company calls) Analytical framework (Mike examines spending ratios, cash flow) Devil’s advocate (Tom stress-tests with historical perspective) Risk-based sizing (Committee determines appropriate positions) “With any investment, you identify what the risks are,” Mike explained. “And when you identify the risks, then you can make a better decision as to, okay, does the potential reward justify those risks? That’s why these are small positions in the portfolio, but they serve a purpose in the overall grand scheme.” Market Discipline: Encouraging Signs Investors Punishing Excessive Spending Unlike past bubbles where markets rewarded unlimited capital deployment, current market behavior shows healthy skepticism. Recent examples: Meta’s stock rewarded for reducing metaverse spending Oracle’s stock punished for excessive debt-fueled AI investments Market demands cash-flow funding, not leverage “What was scary is when the market just didn’t care,” Mike noted. “That’s when you get major issues with bubbles and speculation. And now you’re starting to see some discernment there.” Warning Signs to Watch

Description: In this episode, our guest is Stanley Choi, a dynamic leader at SANY Group Australia, a global OEM driving electrification in heavy industry and infrastructure. Stanley shares insights into how SANY is delivering complete energy and transport solutions—from electric mining trucks to autonomous factories producing EVs in under 10 minutes. He discusses how SANY's off-grid power systems are helping decarbonize mining operations in Australia and South Africa, leveraging in-house solar, battery, and wind technologies. Stanley also highlights the challenges and opportunities for commercial EV adoption, including Australia's infrastructure gaps and the promise of autonomous and AI-driven logistics. A compelling look at innovation in energy, transport, and industrial automation. Please join to find more. Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie X (Twitter) @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie YouTube @energypreneurs Instagram @energypreneurs Tiktok @energypreneurs Spotify Video @energypreneurs

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.

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

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

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

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/

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