Podcasts about plug in hybrid

Esto es un extracto de la Tertulia de AutoFM que se emite cada jueves en Onda Cero Resumen del artículo sobre las emisiones de Suzuki publicado en El Periódico • Certificación pionera Suzuki se convierte en la primera marca que certifica oficialmente las emisiones reales de toda su gama de vehículos, superando con holgura los límites de la norma Euro 6. • Ensayo independiente La prueba se realizó el 11 de junio de 2025 en una vía abierta de Madrid y fue llevada a cabo por OPUS RSE, único laboratorio acreditado con la norma ISO-17025 para teledetección de emisiones. • Modelos evaluados Se analizaron cinco vehículos representativos: S-Cross 1.4 T Mild Hybrid 4x4, Across 2.5 Plug-in Hybrid, Vitara 1.4 T Mild Hybrid, Swift 1.2 CVT Mild Hybrid y Swace 1.8 Hybrid. • Resultados de emisiones 144 mediciones individuales en dos horas. Reducción media del 70 % en NOx y del 90 % en partículas respecto a los límites legales. • Todos los vehículos cumplieron sin necesidad de modos de conducción especiales. • Tecnología híbrida Suzuki combina sistemas mild-hybrid (12 V y 48 V) y full hybrid, logrando bajas emisiones sin afectar a la usabilidad y permitiendo circular en Zonas de Bajas Emisiones. • Adelanto normativo La marca se anticipa a la futura directiva europea (dentro del ‘Roadworthiness Package') que obligará desde 2029 a medir el 30 % del parque con datos reales y a armonizar las cifras de homologación con las mediciones en carretera. • Plan a medio plazo Suzuki ampliará las mediciones en 2025-2026 hasta cubrir el 100 % de su gama y publicará los resultados como parte de su estrategia “Suzuki Green Road 2030”, basada en transparencia, reducción de emisiones y movilidad asequible.

Ich frage mich oft, was das Fahrzeug, das ich Ihnen heute vorstelle, kosten würde, wenn es nicht aus dem Land der aufgehenden Sonne käme, sondern aus Ingolstadt, München oder Stuttgart! Die Anfangszahl wäre vermutlich erheblich höher, da habe ich überhaupt keine Zweifel. Da kommt man doch ins Grübeln. Ich spreche vom WEY 05 von Great Wall Motors!  Darum geht es diesmal!Ich gebe es unumwunden zu, dass mich reine Elektrofahrzeuge nicht glücklich machen. Das liegt nicht mal an den Fahrzeugen selbst, obwohl mich bei einigen die Reichweite nicht überzeugt. Es liegt daran, dass vielerorts noch immer nicht genügend Ladesäulen zu finden sind. Was mich aber überzeugt ist das Konzept der Plug-in-Hybride. Und das immer mehr, seit diese teilweise hohe Reichweiten und Schnelladefunktionen haben – wie der GWM WEY 05. Der ist zudem ausstattungsmäßig über alle Zweifel erhaben. Power und Drive!    Der WEY 05 hat eine Systemleistung von 350/476kW/PS, fast noch beeindruckender ist das Systemdrehmoment von 847 Nm. Die merkt man auch bei der Beschleunigung von 0 – 100 km/h. Die ist nach glatten fünf Sekunden erledigt, das waren vor gar nicht langer Zeit noch Werte von reinen Sportwagen. Der WEY 05 ist aber ein SUV, das mehr als 2,4 Tonnen auf die Waage bringt. Dennoch ist er 235 Kilometer schnell. Was mich aber definitiv am meisten beeindruckt ist seine rein elektrische Reichweite. Die liegt bei 158 Kilometern, innerorts sogar noch höher. Und, der zweite relevante Punkt ist, dass der Akku an einer 50 kW Schnellladestation mit einem CCS-Anschluss innerhalb von 53 Minuten von 0 auf 80 Prozent geladen werden kann. Da kann man absolut entspannt auch auf Langstrecken gehen. Wenn die Batterie leer ist, fährt man eben mit dem Benzinantrieb weiter! Für Entspannung sorgen auch das serienmäßige 9-Gang-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe und der Antrieb auf alle vier Räder.  Die Innenausstattung!Sie wollen wissen, was bei WEY 05 ausstattungsmäßig fehlt? Schon in der Premiumlinie so gut wie gar nichts, im Luxury fehlt dann wirklich nichts mehr. Dann hat er als Abrundung auch noch ein Panorama-Glasschiebedach, Sitzbezüge aus Alcantara®, Vordersitze mit Belüftung, beheizbare Rücksitze außen und noch ein paar weitere angenehme Kleinigkeiten an Bord. Wie zum Beispiel den automatischen Park- und Rückfahrassistenten und ein Augmented Reality Head-up-Display. Die Kosten!Den WEY 05 gibt es in den Varianten Premium für 59.900 € und Luxury für 63.900 €. Beide Linien überzeugen und sind nahezu komplett ausgestattet. Optional gibt es für beide Modellvarianten Außenlackierungen, dem Luxury kann man noch ein Sitzkomfort-Paket und andere Innenfarben spendieren. Alle Fotos: © O! Automobile GmbH    Diesen Beitrag können Sie nachhören oder downloaden unter:

Die aktuellen Automobilkurznachrichten mit Michael Weyland  Thema heute:  Ab sofort bestellbar: der neue Citroën c5 Aircross ab 33.990 Euro    Citroën läutet mit dem neuen C5 Aircross die nächste SUV-Generation ein. Ab sofort ist das neue Topmodell im C-Segment bestellbar. Mit insgesamt drei elektrifizierten Antrieben und einem neuen Komfortmaßstab unterstreicht der C5 Aircross seinen Anspruch als das größte SUV im Portfolio der Marke. Preise starten bei 33.990 Euro für den neuen Hybrid 145 mit 48V-Technologie, der vollelektrische C5 Aircross Electric 210 Komfort-Range ist bereits ab 42.590 Euro erhältlich. Der neue C5 Aircross wurde von Grund auf neu entwickelt und basiert erstmals auf der STLA-Medium-Plattform von Stellantis. Sie ermöglicht elektrische Reichweiten von bis zu 680 Kilometern (WLTP) und damit eine entspannte Alltagstauglichkeit – ob elektrisch, als Plug-in-Hybrid oder klassischer Hybrid mit reduziertem Verbrauch und CO2-Ausstoß. Vorreiter in Sachen Komfort, Design und Technologie Der neue C5 Aircross ist mehr als nur ein SUV: Mit seinem wohnlichen „C-Zen Lounge“-Interieur bietet er ein Raumgefühl wie im Wohnzimmer – mit hochwertigen Stoffen, flächigem Armaturenbrett, 8-farbiger Ambientebeleuchtung und optional belüfteten Massagesitzen vorn. Rücksitze mit verstellbarer Neigung, vergrößerter Kniefreiheit und serienmäßiger Citroën Advanced Comfort® Federung machen jede Fahrt zur Erholung. Ein echtes Highlight ist der neue 13-Zoll vertikale HD-Touchscreen, der im markanten „Waterfall“-Format direkt ins Auge fällt. Zum Start: Zwei Antriebe, viele Möglichkeiten – volle Wahlfreiheit Ob als effizienter Hybrid mit 107 kW (145 PS) Systemleistung oder als rein elektrischer SUV – der neue C5 Aircross erfüllt unterschiedlichste Mobilitätsbedürfnisse. Dabei bleiben Raumangebot und Kofferraumvolumen (565-1.668 Liter) stets gleich – unabhängig vom Antrieb. Die zum Start verfügbaren Antriebe sind der Hybrid 145 mit 107 kW (145 PS) Systemleistung, 48V-System, 6-Gang-Doppelkupplung, sowie der rein elektrische 210 Komfort-Range mit 157 kW (213 PS), 73 kWh-Batterie, Automatik und einer Reichweite  bis 570 km WLTP. Alle Fotos: Citroen Deutschland / Stellantis   Diesen Beitrag können Sie nachhören oder downloaden unter:

It's a safe space to complain on this week's Ticked Off Tuesday! Jared reads through your gripes, from waiting 30 minutes for a basic coffee thanks to a trainee takeover, to losing a window seat to an entitled airplane squatter. One listener shares the nightmare of failing an emissions test twice despite driving a plug-in hybrid, while another fumes over the lack of a thank-you wave in post–holiday traffic. Whether it's car drama, travel rage, or coffee shop chaos, Jared's here to validate your petty (but valid) frustrations! Support the show and get 10% off your Hero Bread order. Use code JTRAIN at https://www.herobread.co

It was no secret that Lamborghini was going to launch a crossover – the bigger question was when the company would want to cash in on a second row of seats. Well, the answer came in 2017 with the 2018 Lamborghini Urus. While not the company's first SUV, it does take center stage as the first people mover from the brand in decades. Expanding on the Urus, the company recently launched the Urus SE, which adds a plug-in hybrid powertrain to the mix. This Urus PHEV packs a 4.0-liter turbocharged V8 that works with a hybrid system to make a combined 789 hp. This hybrid system also uses a 21.8-kWh battery pack, which allows about 30 miles of electric-only propulsion. On this episode of Quick Spin, Autoweek's Mark Vaughn hops behind the wheel of the 2025 Lamborghini Urus SE and puts it through its paces. Vaughn takes you on a guided tour of the Lambo crossover and highlights some of his favorite features. Later, Vaughn takes you along for a live drive review. Adding to these segments, Vaughn chats with host Wesley Wren about the Lamborghini Urus, about this plug-in hybrid, and about the greater high-performance crossover landscape. Closing the show, the pair breaks down what makes the 2025 Lamborghini Urus special.

For MobileViews Podcast 571, I'm joined by guest co-hosts Sven Johannsen and Don Sorcinelli. We discuss: Matson, Hawaii's largest ocean cargo carrier, has ceased accepting electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles for transport to and from the islands due to mounting safety concerns over lithium-ion battery fires at sea, a move expected to severely impact Hawaii's car market. In a brighter tech development, RapidRAW, a new open-source RAW image editor, was introduced as a high-performance, lightweight alternative to Adobe Lightroom®, impressively developed by an 18-year-old with Google's Gemini AI models and boasting GPU-accelerated processing and AI masking. Meanwhile, Google's NotebookLM, an AI-powered personalized research assistant, was praised as a "game-changer for productivity" due to its source-grounded nature that minimizes "hallucinations"; it proves valuable for streamlining tasks, managing finances, and facilitating passive learning via "Audio Overviews" generated from user-fed sources. Its enhanced NotebookLM Plus offers higher limits and a 50% student discount, complemented by new curated "featured notebooks" on expert topics like Shakespeare. Beyond specific applications, broader shifts in operating systems include Google's potential merger of Chrome OS and Android into a unified platform, and advancements in tablet interfaces like Apple's iPadOS 26 developer beta with its touch-first windowing capabilities, alongside the anticipated Android desktop mode (similar to Samsung's Dex) for lightweight travel setups, though consistent user concerns about effective file management across these diverse platforms persist. Finally, the Oura Ring was highlighted as a screen-less fitness tracker alternative, capable of monitoring parameters like pulse and oxygen, and suitable for restricted environments due to its lack of Wi-Fi/cellular/microphones/cameras.

Red Bull F1 fires Christian Horner, who was the boss there for 20yrs. We discuss with guest host Jeff Bank, MDOur trauma surgeon Stephan Moran, MD says Tesla's self-driving tech needs lidar to supplement its cameras. High quality cameras are fine, but they need lidar to maximize safety.Steve-0 spots a 1979 Datsun 280zx.Finally, Jeff gets us going on the expiring federal electric car subsidies. We talk hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric at length. #carsoncallpodcast #automobile #traumasurgeonsafety #electriccar #hybridcars#carsoncallpodcast #automobile #traumasurgeonsafety

In dieser Folge schauen wir uns den SEAT Leon Sportstourer FR 1.5 e-Hybrid genauer an. Mit 204 PS Systemleistung, sportlichem Design und überraschend hoher elektrischer Reichweite zeigt der Kombi, wie sich Alltag, Effizienz und Fahrspaß verbinden lassen. Ob Stadtverkehr oder Autobahn – der Plug-in-Hybrid punktet mit Komfort, Assistenzsystemen und einem cleveren Konzept für alle, die noch nicht ganz auf Verbrenner verzichten wollen. Unser Fazit: ein echter Allrounder mit Charakter.

Spike and Zuckerman hold down the fort without Jonny (who's supposedly crashed in Angeles Crest), talk the INSANE Mansour Ojjeh McLaren Collection for sale, and review the insanely powerful Mercedes-AMG SL 63 S E Performance. Plus, they discuss the new Zagato 356 and Zuckerman's Ferrari Daytona sale. ______________________________________________

Formerly flying under the GLK banner, Mercedes-Benz shook up its crossover and SUV lineup to better coordinate with its current line of coupes and sedans. That meant the GLK essentially became the GLC-Class in 2015. Mercedes-Benz launched the current, second-generation GLC-Class crossover in 2022. This updated GLC-Class added a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and a soon-to-be-released battery-electric variant to the GLC's option sheet. In PHEV guise, the GLC 350e packs a turbocharged 2.0-liter I4 under the hood and pairs it with a permanently synchronized electric motor for a combined system output of 313 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. On this episode of Quick Spin, Autoweek's Tom Murphy hops behind the wheel of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e and puts it through its paces. Murphy takes you on a guided tour of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e and highlights some of his favorite features. Later, Murphy takes you along on a live drive review. Adding to these segments, Murphy chats with host Wesley Wren about the Mercedes crossover, where it stands in the marketplace, and more. Closing the show, the pair breaks down what makes the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e special.

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1088: We're kicking off the week with Elon Musk mixing politics and business, a brutal forecast for China's crowded EV market, and one unforgettable funeral send-off in Detroit.Show Notes with links:Elon Musk's creation of the “America” political party is fueling investor anxiety as Tesla faces a pivotal year marked by declining sales, shifting strategy, and mounting public scrutiny.Musk aims to influence key House and Senate races in 2026 via his new party, but analysts fear it could distract from Tesla's core business and turnaround plans.Tesla's global sales fell 13% in Q2; shares are down 20% year-to-date amid shifting investor sentiment.Consumer surveys show Tesla's brand perception continuing to erode in the U.S., ranking last among 19 EV makers in a May survey.Azoria Partners delayed its Tesla ETF launch, citing conflict with Musk's CEO responsibilities.“I encourage the Board to…evaluate whether [Musk's ambitions] are compatible with his full-time obligations,” said Azoria CEO James Fishback.A new report by AlixPartners projects that only 15 out of 129 EV and plug-in hybrid brands in China will survive through 2030, as fierce competition and overcapacity push the market toward consolidation.The surviving 15 brands are expected to control 75% of the market, each selling over 1 million units annually.Most Chinese EV makers remain unprofitable with the current market driving innovation and unsustainable pricing models; only BYD and Li Auto have achieved full-year profitability.Despite low profitability, regional governments may continue to support struggling brands to protect local economies.“This environment has driven remarkable advances...but it has also left many companies struggling,” said Stephen Dyer of AlixPartners.Meanwhile, Sony Honda Mobility's operating loss more than doubled to ¥52B ($362M) as it pushes to launch the Afeela EV this year.Darrell Thomas, a beloved Detroit car wash owner and NHRA-licensed drag racer, was known for his generosity. At his funeral, his family honored that legacy in dramatic fashion—showering the community with rose petals and $5,000 in cash from a helicopter during a public celebration of his life.The tribute shut down a stretch of Gratiot Avenue in front of Showroom Shine Express.The family says they informed police, though DPD claims they weren't told about the money drop.The FAA has launched an investigation into the aerial drop, but no action is expected from local authorities, according to Detroit Police.“This was a final expression of love from him to the community because he was a giver,” said niece Crystal Perry.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/

This week on America on the Road, we bring you an exclusive interview with Matt Duffield, Ford Explorer Brand Manager, for a deep dive into the all-new 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor. In a one-on-one conversation with Host Jack Nerad, Duffield walks us through how the Explorer Tremor trim raises the bar for off-road-ready family SUVs. He shares how customer feedback shaped the new model's development and explains the performance upgrades that make the Tremor more trail-capable. As Duffield details, the Explorer Tremor boasts improved ground clearance, special suspension tuning, and dedicated off-road tires. The Ford exec also discusses the Explorer's evolving role within Ford's SUV lineup, and how this rugged new variant fits into the bigger picture. Co-host Chris Teague's road test features the all-electric 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, and it's nothing short of a revelation. The Ioniq 5 N brings track-car personality to the EV world with 641 horsepower, launch control, and simulated gearshifts that make it feel more like a rally car than a crossover. Hyundai's N division didn't just tweak the standard Ioniq; they reengineered it. The result is blistering performance, precise handling, and a surprising driving experience. But in the end, does it load on too much tech and deliver too little visceral involvement? Chris and Jack will offer their thoughts. But it still retains everyday usability, offering a spacious interior and decent range. Jack calls it one of the most exciting EVs to hit the road—fun, fast, and futuristic. In our second road test, Jack Nerad takes the 2025 Lexus RX 500h F SPORT Performance AWD for a week-long spin. He discovered it's the most dynamic RX yet, pairing a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with a high-output electric motor to deliver 366 horsepower and plenty of soul-satisfying torque. This isn't your in-laws' RX, that's for sure. Instead, the well-styled SUV is more sharp-edged and tech-loaded than you would imagine a hybrid crossover to be. With a panoramic roof, F Sport styling fillips, and a plush interior featuring a 14-inch touchscreen and Mark Levinson audio, the RX 500h walks the line between luxury and performance without sacrificing fuel efficiency. Chris and Jack will offer additional details in the road test segment this week In the news this week, Tesla has quietly launched a limited robotaxi pilot in Austin, Texas. Just weeks ahead of stricter state autonomous vehicle regulations, Tesla's driverless Model Y program runs invite-only rides under close monitoring. While it's a milestone for Tesla, we have to wonder if it meets the standards for readiness and safety that it should. Also newsworthy is the fact Toyota is set to raise prices across several models in July, with average increases of $270 for Toyota vehicles and $208 for Lexus models. Inflation, rising import costs, and competition are cited as reasons for the increases, which mirror recent moves by Mitsubishi. General Motors is betting big on affordability with the upcoming 2027 Chevy Bolt. Expected to launch in early 2026, reporting by Motor Trend suggests it will be built on the Ultium platform and deliver a 300-mile range and an estimated $30K price tag. It could become a welcome alternative for budget-conscious EV buyers — if such people exist. In other news of note, Stellantis may offload Maserati amid steep losses and brand bloat. With sales down over 50% and no new models on the horizon, internal tensions are building. The company also reshuffled its executive team, with new CEO Antonio Filosa slashing direct reports to streamline operations. We wrap up this episode with a listener question from Seibert in Bend, Oregon, who asks: “Gas is pretty expensive here, so I think I might get a plug-in hybrid. What is the best plug-in hybrid under $40,000?” Jack and Chris weigh in with their top picks. Tune in for all this and more on America on the Road. Jack Nerad's newest book

We can thank TECHNOLOGY for bringing us the Unnamed Automotive Podcast this week, but we can also BLAME it for making Sami's life difficult during his week-long test of the 2025 Volvo EX90 EV. With a huge battery, over 500-hp and plenty of driving range, the EX90 should be a slam dunk in the world of three-row EVs, but Sami shares the many frustrations he experienced while driving this vehicle. Most issues revolve around the infotainment system and a minimalist approach to controls, which makes usually easy tasks quite distracting. Then Benjamin shares his thoughts on the all-new, and finally available in the US, 2025 BMW M5 Touring (Wagon.) The big, plug-in hybrid, high-performance wagon shows it can be a bit of everything in one tidy package. Is that special enough? Why is Sami so over it already? The guys talk about their thoughts on this amazing BMW and figure out 'why now?" And finally, the hosts tackle some listener questions and comments about the Hyundai Santa Cruz, and the scary future of used car software. Thanks for listening!

There was a time when the typical family car was a four-door sedan, not unlike the 2025 Hyundai Sonata. But then the SUV craze hit, and families defected to crossovers like the 2025 Mazda CX-90. So this week, we litigate this issue with road tests of the hybrid version of the Sonata and the plug-in hybrid version of the CX-90. Host Jack Nerad road-tested the 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus, a three-row SUV that blends a 323-horsepower plug-in hybrid powertrain with upscale features. Its e-Skyactiv PHEV system offers an estimated 26-mile all-electric range and a total range of 490 miles. Beyond its power and fuel economy, it features an eight-speed automatic transmission, several drive modes, and i-ACTIV all-wheel drive. Inside, the seven-passenger cabin features Nappa leather, ventilated front seats, heated second-row captain's chairs, a 12.3-inch infotainment display, and a 12-speaker Bose system. A full suite of advanced safety features ensures peace of mind, while its 3,500-pound towing capacity adds versatility. Across the country, co-host Chris Teague spent a week behind the wheel of the 2025 Hyundai Sonata Limited Hybrid, a midsize sedan that combines style, comfort, and strong fuel economy. Powered by a 2.0-liter engine and electric motor that delivers torque through a six-speed automatic transmission, the handsome four-door delivers an impressive 47 mpg combined. Key features include a panoramic sunroof, 17-inch alloy wheels, and leather-trimmed heated and ventilated front seats. From the tech perspective, the Sonata offers a 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bose premium audio, and a surround-view monitor. Advanced safety technologies such as forward collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot collision warning, and highway drive assist round out the package. So, which of these is the better family car, circa 2015? We'll share our thoughts. Turning to the news, we examine how tariffs are impacting U.S. car prices. While average prices rose only 0.8% year-over-year in April, tariffs have led to somewhat sharper increases on some imported vehicles. As pre-tariff inventory thins, supply is tightening, and affordable new cars are becoming harder to find, especially as models like the Nissan Versa exit the sub-$20,000 segment. We also take a look at AAA's newest survey, which shows consumer interest in EVs is declining. Only 16% of respondents said they would likely choose an EV for their next vehicle, while 63% are unlikely to do so. Top concerns include battery repair costs and high purchase prices, despite improving durability and falling prices in some EV segments. We'll give you our thoughts as well. In response to slowing demand, Lucid Motors is slashing prices on its 2025 Air lineup, offering up to $31,500 in savings on the Air Grand Touring. Other trims see discounts as well, as Lucid seeks to better compete with Tesla and other luxury EV makers. Finally, we highlight Volkswagen of America's celebration of International Volkswagen Bus Day. VW is restoring the 1977 T2 “magic bus” that survived Southern California's Palisades fire, honoring the VW bus legacy, from the classic T1 to today's all-electric ID. Buzz. This week's listener question comes from Ronald in Stockton, California, who asks: “I've had trouble with my windshield wipers over the years, and I'm wondering if I just don't replace them often enough. Do you have any thoughts on windshield wipers? Should I clean my windshield when I install them?” Chris and Jack will have the answers from the experts. Jack Nerad's newest book Jack is now offering his newest crime novel, Only One Thing Stays the Same, at a pre-publication price of just $4.99. Click here to buy from Amazon at this special limited-time price. Matt DeLorenzo's Book Pick up a copy of co-host Matt DeLorenzo's terrific new book How to Buy an Affordable Electric Car: A Tightwad's Guide to EV Ownership.

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Jeep Talk Show with Tony!

Are SUVs like the 2025 Hyundai Tucson XRT and Acura RDX really meant to go off road? That's a question we will answer this week as we discuss both vehicles after thoroughly road testing them. Cohost Chris Teague test-drove the refreshed 2025 Acura RDX, a compact luxury SUV with updated styling, a sharper grille, a more functional cabin, and upgraded tech, including a wide-screen 10.2-inch display. The RDX is powered by a 272-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Available Super Handling All-Wheel Drive and a suite of standard safety features complete the package. The specs are impressive, but does the RDX also have a “feature” that might turn you off? While Chris was at the wheel of the Acura, Host Jack Nerad put the (semi-)rugged 2025 Hyundai Tucson XRT AWD to the test. This new variant adds off-road-inspired styling, 19-inch black alloy wheels, and 8.3 inches of ground clearance. Under the hood, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is paired with Hyundai's HTRAC all-wheel-drive system. Inside, the Tucson XRT features a comfortable, tech-forward cabin with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The question is off-roader or soft-roader? In this week's news segment, we cover the debut of the 2026 Toyota RAV4, redesigned for its sixth generation with hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains only. New trims include the sporty GR SPORT and off-road-ready Woodland edition. We also examine Congress's recent vote to block California's plan to phase out gas-only car sales by 2035, breaking down what this means for national emissions policy and the EV market. The industry hails the change, but some environments cry foul. In other news, Tesla's sales in Europe have fallen nearly 50% in April, despite overall EV market growth. Based on that, we explore possible causes, including public perceptions of CEO Elon Musk and the realities of the European auto market, which has welcomed (kinda) the Chinese. Finally, Volvo's announcement of 3,000 job cuts signals broader challenges amid a slowing EV market and global trade uncertainties. Our special guest this week is Anthony Watkins, Toyota product expert, who joins us to discuss the 2026 Toyota BZ, the brand's heavily revised electric crossover. Jack Nerad drove the new version, and we'll have a special report. We'll also answer our listener question of the week: Connor from Davenport, Iowa, asks, “Should I buy or lease my next car? I drive about 8 to 9,000 miles a year — would a lease make sense?” We offer our take. Have a question for the show? Email us anytime at editor@drivingtoday.com. Jack Nerad's newest book Jack is now offering his newest crime novel, Only One Thing Stays the Same, at a pre-publication price of just $4.99. Click here to buy from Amazon at this special limited-time price. Matt DeLorenzo's Book Pick up a copy of co-host Matt DeLorenzo's terrific new book How to Buy an Affordable Electric Car: A Tightwad's Guide to EV Ownership. Brought to you by: • DrivingToday.com • Mercury Insurance: Find out how much you can save at DrivingToday.com/auto-insurance. • EMLandsea.com, publisher of Only One Thing Stays the Same and  Dance in the Dark We have a lot of shows for you this week. Thanks for joining us, and don't forget to look for new content on our YouTube and Rumble channels. Please subscribe. If you do, we'll like you forever. America on the Road is brought to you by Driving Today.com, Mercury Insurance, and EMLandsea.com , the publisher of Nerad's latest book, Only One Thing Stays the Same which is available HERE on Amazon.com             Chapters 00:00 What's Up and Memorial Day Weekend Recap 02:53 Toyota RAV4 2026 Unveiling and Features 07:09 Tesla's Declining Sales in Europe 08:49 Congress Blocks California's Gasoline Vehicle Ban 10:24 Volvo's Job Cuts and Electric Vehicle Strategy 11:30 EVs 100 Years Ago 12:48 Road Test: 2025 Acura RDX Review

Toyota this week revealed its sixth generation RAV4 SUV due in the firsthalf of 2026. The hybrid only RAV 4 range will introduce Toyota’s first plug-in PHEV powertrain offering a choice of 2WD or 4WD and targeting up to100km of electric-only driving range. The current model with huge pent updemand during the pandemic has been our top-seller in recent years, alsoToyota’s top seller, the company selling more than 500,000 since its arrivalin 1994. Underpinning the new plug-in hybrid system is a 2.5-litre petrolengine combined with a new 22.7kWh high-capacity lithium-ion battery thatwill provide an electric only driving range of up to 100km. Along with theplug-in options, the RAV4 will also come with Toyota’s efficient series-parallel hybrid system in AWD and 2WD configurations. both of whichproduce 143kW combined with excellent fuel economy. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We return to the issue of electrification of transportation that we touched on in season one with two distinguished guests, Dr. Genevieve Guiliano from USC and Dr. Beia Spiller from the Resources for the Future. This topic is more than just about how many EVs are sold and how many charging stations are built but about re-imaging mobility and its impact on our lifestyles. Modern cities in the United States were built for cars so we have made room for roads and parking spaces and refueling stations. The famed American lifestyle was developed around car ownership and the freedom of the road. But what might a different future of mobility look like? Listen in while we talk to two researchers that think about those options and implications for a living.Diesel has 35.9 MJ/liter, lithium ion battery has 2.6, so the ratio is 17 times, Data source – Green, 2017In 2023, 10% of US new car sales were battery electric or plug-in hybrid, and in California the 2024 new car sales share is about 25%. CA provides additional incentives to the federal, suggesting that the public policies have had an effect Sales data sources: https://www.iea.org/reports/global-ev-outlook-2024/trends-in-electric-cars; https://calmatters.org/environment/climate-change/2025/02/electric-car-sales-stall-california/

Overdrive: Tesla's Troubles, Touchscreen Backlash & Royal Recognition In this episode of Overdrive, David Brown and Paul Murrell unpack a mix of major shifts and motoring curiosities. From plummeting Tesla sales and BYD's meteoric rise, to Australia's evolving road rules and the debate over touchscreens in modern vehicles—this week covers the latest in transport, design, planning, and culture. ⚡ Tesla's Decline & BYD's Boom Tesla has taken a major hit in Australia with a 75% drop in April sales, influenced by expiring tax perks and consumer uncertainty. Plug-in hybrid sales also dipped to 2.9%. Meanwhile, Chinese EV giant BYD has overtaken Tesla globally. In the US, Tesla is sitting on 10,000 unsold Cybertrucks, raising concerns about demand for the futuristic model before its Australian debut.

Key findings from a new report suggest the following key trends to explain the slow pace of Irish EV Adoption 32% of respondents plan to purchase a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle next Hybrids are the most popular alternative fuel choice for people's next car across all age groups at 17%, outstripping pure EVs The expense of EVs was cited as a barrier to purchase by 40% of respondents. Other top concerns stopping people making the EV switch include reliability concerns at 31% and electricity costs at 28%. 34% of rural respondents cite insufficient public charging infrastructure as a barrier to purchase, and 45% of people living rurally also find electric vehicles too expensive The barriers to Irish EV Adoption Carzone has unveiled its 2025 Motoring Report, revealing significant insights into Ireland's shifting attitudes towards electric vehicles (EVs). The report highlights that while 32% of respondents plan to purchase an EV, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid next, expense continues to pose a major barrier. Cost was identified by 40% of respondents as the primary obstacle to adopting an EV. Other notable concerns include reliability (31%) and the cost of electricity (28%). Rural respondents in particular expressed apprehension regarding EV infrastructure, with 34% citing inadequate public charging options as a significant deterrent. Nationally, respondents indicated that an average range of approximately 497 km is required before considering an EV purchase. However, regional variations exist: Ulster respondents require the highest average range at 548 km, whereas Leinster respondents, benefiting from more accessible charging infrastructure around Dublin, cited a lower average requirement of approximately 475 km. For those who have already transitioned to electric vehicles, reduced running costs emerge as a major benefit, with 86% of EV owners highlighting this as a key advantage of their decision. Since its launch, Carzone's annual Motoring Report has become a trusted resource for vehicle sellers and buyers, offering crucial insights into Ireland's dynamic motoring industry. Martin O'Neill from Carzone commented, "Our 2025 Motoring Report clearly shows that interest in electric vehicles remains strong, but financial and infrastructural hurdles still exist for many Irish drivers. At Carzone, we aim to provide essential insights to consumers and dealerships alike, helping them navigate the evolving automotive landscape and make informed decisions about adopting EVs as the market continues to expand." The 16th edition of Carzone's Motoring Report combines data from 84 million searches conducted on Carzone in 2024 with a comprehensive survey of 1,000 Irish motorists, providing a definitive snapshot of Irish car-buying habits. The report offers a comprehensive guide to Ireland's car-buying landscape, reflecting today's priorities while looking towards future trends. To delve deeper into the analysis and insights shaping the market, visit www.carzone.ie/ motoringreport. See more breaking stories here. More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too. You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at Simon@IrishTechNews.ie now to discuss. Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help promote your business. Why not drop us a line at Info@IrishTechNews.ie now to find out more about how we can help you reach our audience. You can also find and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.

The 2025 Lucid Gravity marks a major step for Lucid Motors as it enters the hotly competitive luxury electric SUV market. With a bold aerodynamic design, three-row practicality, and up to 828 horsepower, the Gravity aims to combine performance and family-friendly utility in a premium package. By doing so, it seeks to upset the luxury SUV applecart as it rockets to the top of the pack. This past week, host Jack Nerad was one of a select few journalists to drive and road test the Gravity for the first time. During his stint behind the wheel, he sampled the Gravity's dynamic split personality. At once, it is a highly competent performance vehicle and a fully utilitarian SUV that can tow, haul and convey seven adults at a rate few are accustomed to. Powered by dual motors producing up to 828 horsepower and 909 lb-ft of torque, the Gravity can accelerate to 60 mph in a claimed 3.4 seconds. Its air suspension, rear-wheel steering, and adjustable ride height make it a surprisingly agile and adaptable vehicle, particularly given its 6,048-pound curb weight, while a Terrain Mode and 6,000-pound towing capacity further expand its versatility. But is it a vehicle you'd want to live with day-to-day, given the elevated level of several of its rivals? Nerad will offer his views. In our other road test, co-host Chris Teague takes one of the nation's most popular plug-in hybrid vehicles through its paces as winter turns to spring in Maine. As unlikely as it might seem, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe is among the best sellers among the much-misunderstood roster of PHEVs. Its credentials are strong, but, again, is it a wise choice given its premium price over other Wranglers? Teague and Nerad will weigh in. When it comes to family vehicles, the Hyundai Palisade has gained a reputation as a thinking person's choice. Now, Hyundai has just introduced the all-new 2026 version, and Nerad went behind the scenes for an exclusive interview with Hyundai Product Planning Manager Melvyn Bautista to take a deep dive into the vehicle. It is both Easter week and New York Auto Show week, so we have a lot of news from each. Easter in Moab, Utah, is one of the biggest off-road gatherings of the year, and Jeep and Ford are there showing off concept vehicles. We have the details. Several new models have been introduced in and around the New York show, and we'll tell you about cool vehicles from Kia, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz and Audi in this episode. Used car buyers might be in for a price shock in the next few weeks, and it has nothing to do with tariffs. We'll tell you more and, of course, we'll have the latest auto tariff news for you too. Austin Nerad 2007-2025Our beloved dog, Austin, went to heaven this week. We miss him so.   Jack Nerad's newest book Jack is now offering his newest crime novel, Only One Thing Stays the Same, at a pre-publication price of just $4.99. Click here to buy from Amazon at this special limited-time price. Matt DeLorenzo's Book Pick up a copy of co-host Matt DeLorenzo's terrific new book How to Buy an Affordable Electric Car: A Tightwad's Guide to EV Ownership. Brought to you by: • DrivingToday.com • Mercury Insurance: Find out how much you can save at DrivingToday.com/auto-insurance. • EMLandsea.com, publisher of Only One Thing Stays the Same and  Dance in the Dark We have a lot of shows for you this week. Chapters 00:00 What's Up and Personal Reflections 02:58 Jeep, Ford Concepts from Moab 05:50 Kia's New Models at the New York Show 07:40 Toyota GR Models and Special Editions 08:52 Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid Wagon 10:06 Audi A6 Sedan Launch 11:07 Used Car Market Trends & Tariffs 12:52 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Review 18:16 2025 Lucid Gravity Review 26:00 2026 Hyundai Palisade SUV Interview 40:00 Farewell Austin Nerad/Check Engine Light Keywords automotive news, Jeep, New York Auto Show, Kia, Toyota, Mercedes, Audi, used cars, electric vehicles, Hyundai Summary

It only happens every three years, but it's spectacular! I'm speaking of course, about bauma – one of the largest trade shows of any kind where heavy equipment manufacturers serving construction, forestry, mining, and more bring out their latest and greatest new job site innovations, and we've got a whole bunch of them here, on this special bauma edition of Quick Charge! With more than two million square feet indoors and twice that outdoors, bauma hosts more than 600,000 guests from 200 countries to see 3,600 exhibitors' hardware (and, increasingly, software). We're only going to cover a sliver, but it's a really cool sliver, you guys – enjoy! Source Links Volvo Penta set to show off its new BESS subsystem at bauma 2025 Volvo announces world's first A30 Electric articulated haul truck Electric concrete pump truck can drive 30 miles, pump 65 cubic yards HD Hyundai set to debut production 14 ton hydrogen wheeled excavator E-quipment highlight: Liebherr Liduro Power Port 100 portable equipment charger LiuGong brings battery electric construction equipment portfolio to bauma Manitowoc brings massive, plug-in hybrid electric crane concept to bauma CASE Impact autonomous, electric wheel loader debuts at bauma Prefer listening to your podcasts? Audio-only versions of Quick Charge are now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, TuneIn, and our RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players. New episodes of Quick Charge are recorded, usually, Monday through Thursday (and sometimes Sunday). We'll be posting bonus audio content from time to time as well, so be sure to follow and subscribe so you don't miss a minute of Electrek's high-voltage daily news. Got news? Let us know!Drop us a line at tips@electrek.co. You can also rate us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show.

US News Auto Editor Alex Kwanten joins Megan Lynch as the publication reveals the Best EVs and Hybrids for 2025.

Jill and Tom opened the show addressing the industry confusion brought on by the recent implementation of federal import tariffs. Tom ran down a list of known carmaker reactions to the regulations. Tom followed up the tariff talk with a brief review of the 2025 BMW M35i Grand Coupe, which he described as “delightful,” but noted several tech glitches which cut into the fun.  Still in the second segment, Jill share her impressions of the all-new Pirelli Scorpion XTM off-road performance tires. In the second segment the hosts welcome Matt Smith of CarGurus.com, who shared some pointers for consumers trying to decided between buying a gas, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or electric vehicle. This is an excellent primer for folks considering some level of electrification in their next vehicle. In the last segment Jill is subjected to a “best-selling cars by state” quiz. Tom followed the quiz with the results of an X poll he recently conducted regarding what folks listen to in the car. 

Dive into the electrified future of SUVs as we explore two distinctly different approaches to modern transportation. Our hands-on review of the 2024 Chevy Equinox EV reveals the practical realities of living with an all-electric vehicle – from its impressive 319-mile factory range to the sometimes frustrating home charging experience that adds just 2.1 miles per hour. The Equinox EV impresses with its technology package, featuring a massive 17.1-inch display, heads-up display, and surround view camera. But does the Google-based infotainment system measure up for Apple users? We break down everything from the surprisingly quiet ride to the real-world implications of battery degradation over the eight-year warranty period.Between our vehicle reviews, we take an entertaining detour into NASCAR history, examining the sport's most intimidating and aggressive personalities. From Dale Earnhardt's commanding presence to Kyle Busch's firebrand style, these drivers defined racing with attitude rather than just skill, creating some of motorsport's most memorable moments.Our second featured vehicle, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV, showcases a different approach to electrification with its plug-in hybrid powertrain delivering 323 combined horsepower. While the front seats offer exceptional comfort surrounded by premium materials, the second and third rows received less favorable reviews. Most importantly, we discuss how the impending 25% tariff on Japanese imports after April 3rd will significantly impact pricing for vehicles like this luxury SUV.Whether you're considering your first electric vehicle, curious about hybrid technology, or simply enjoy discussions about automotive culture, this episode delivers practical insights and entertaining perspectives on the evolving transportation landscape. Share your experiences with EVs or hybrids in the comments below!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!ProAm Auto AccessoriesProAm Auto Accessories: "THE" place to go to find exclusive and hard to find parts and accessories!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 - 12noonCT 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 Car Talk, email us at info@inwheeltime.comTags: In Wheel Time, automotive car talk show, car talk, Live car talk show, In Wheel Time Car Talk

The hosts opened the show by discussion Rivian's “micromobility” operation, which was recently spun off from the parent company. "ALSO," as the new concern is called, is headquartered in California, and will focus on designing and building e-bikes, scooters, and other small electric vehicles. Tom also briefly addressed the tariff situation, which is likely to become much bigger news in the next day or so. The hosts also lamented the violence being wrought upon Tesla cars and showrooms. Tom expressed his surprise regarding the general excellence of the new-for-2025 Kia K4 small sedan. A replacement for the brand's Forte model, the K4 is efficient, fun to drive, and also surprisingly affordable. Jill reviewed the 2025 Lexus NX 450h+, a plug-in hybrid version of the Japanese luxury carmaker's compact crossover. Though Jill balked at the price, her impressions were mostly positive. Listen in for her full review. In the second segment, Jill and Tom welcome Derek Kravitz of Consumer Reports to the show. Derek shared research conducted by Consumer Reports regarding car data privacy, and what consumers can do to protect themselves from makers sharing their personal information. In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom's “Fake Paint” quiz. 

Car enthusiasts across Texas are buzzing with activity as spring brings perfect weather for cruises, shows, and community gatherings. This episode takes you right into the heart of the action with a live call to Vernon Wilhelm, president of the Northside Mustang Club, who's hosting a rain-soaked but enthusiastic car show at Rudy's on Highway 105.Vernon gives us a window into the vibrant community he leads – 125 members strong and spread across the state – while detailing their impressive calendar of upcoming cruises to destinations like the National Forest, Lake Livingston, and the historic Painted Churches. The star of their current show? A head-turning 2025 Mustang in "Molten Magenta" that's causing quite a stir among attendees.The conversation shifts to a significant change coming for Texas drivers: House Bill 718, which eliminates temporary paper tags in favor of metal license plates issued directly at dealerships starting July 1st. This move aims to combat the rampant criminal activity associated with fake temporary tags, though it raises questions about implementation and consumer impact.We wrap up with a comprehensive review of the 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV, a luxury-sport SUV that combines Japanese craftsmanship with plug-in hybrid efficiency. The verdict? A gorgeous exterior and impressive 56 MPG-e efficiency come at a premium price of $59,405, with comfort sacrifices in the second and third rows.Whether you're planning to attend the upcoming Spring Open House at the Hemi Hideout or simply want to stay informed about the evolving Texas automotive landscape, this episode delivers the inside scoop straight from those living and breathing car culture in the Lone Star State.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!ProAm Auto AccessoriesProAm Auto Accessories: "THE" place to go to find exclusive and hard to find parts and accessories!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 - 12noonCT 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 Car Talk, email us at info@inwheeltime.comTags: In Wheel Time, automotive car talk show, car talk, Live car talk show, In Wheel Time Car Talk

Driving Mitsubishi’s seven-seat mid-size Outlander SUV – it comes in a largerange of front and all-wheel drive models in pure petrol or plug-in hybrid – I’mdriving the top-line petrol Exceed 4WD – a 2.5-litre four-cylinder CVT automatic at$52,640. So how does it drive – the naturally aspirated petrol engine with 135kWand 244 Nm of torque is adequate, it’s no fire breather however the continuouslyvariable transmission taps the power and torque well but push it hard and it tendsto surge a little like most CVT transmissions, however for the heavy work it has 8pre-set manual gear ratios you can access via the steering wheel mounted shiftpaddles. The suspension is set up for one or seven passengers, as such it’s notsporty but provides a very comfortable ride and driving experience while thesteering offers the ability to add more assistance if needed. The drivingexperience also aided by six drive modes – three, normal, eco and sport thatadjust steering and transmission settings plus three offroad modes that give theOutlander a more adventurous spirit. As I said earlier, good economy 8.7L/100 on91 Octane petrol. As a family carrier there’s much to like with Mitsubishi’sOutlander Exceed and little to criticize. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Come funziona un plug-in hybrid? Si parla sempre di più di questa tipologia di auto, definita come una sorta di ponte di congiunzione tra le auto ibride e quelle full electric. In questo podcast, realizzato in collaborazione con Toyota, cerchiamo di capire come funziona, quali sono i pro e i contro e in quali situazioni è più efficace un'auto plug-in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Earlier this month, Oregon joined nine other states in meeting a goal to get 3.3 million electric vehicles on the road by 2025. That number is set to grow under a rule that requires all new passenger cars, SUVs and pickup trucks sold in Oregon to either be fully electric or plug-in hybrid electric by 2035.  But adopting cleaner, more fuel efficient vehicles also means that Oregon and other states are grappling with reduced revenues from gas taxes. Electric vehicle owners also don’t pay any gas tax, which have led states like Oregon to explore launching programs which charge motorists a fee based on how much they travel instead of how often they refill at the pump. The Oregon Department of Transportation has operated a voluntary, pay-by-mile program since 2015. Roughly 800 people are currently enrolled in OReGO, which charges participants 2 cents for every mile driven in Oregon. Joining us to talk about what’s been learned after a decade of this pilot program is Travis Brouwer, assistant director for revenue, finance and compliance at ODOT.  

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1001: Nissan reveals a bold new roadmap, slashing vehicle development times and expanding its EV lineup. Meanwhile, California now boasts more EV chargers than gas nozzles and AI is taking orders at drive-thrus—will customers embrace the speed or miss the human touch?Show Notes with links:Nissan is trying to shake off doubts about its future with a major product showcase in Japan, highlighting a wave of new vehicles and a focus on the U.S. market. Nissan will release over ten new and updated vehicles in the U.S. and Canada by early 2027.The company plans to cut vehicle development time from 55 months to 37 months for the first model in a family, with later models reduced to just 30 months.The Leaf transitions into a crossover, boasting a new CMF-EV platform, a sleek design, and a more efficient, lower-cost battery.Nissan also teased a rugged EV crossover, designed to stand out in a crowded market. The model will be built in Nissan's Mississippi plant as part of a $500 million investment.The Sentra and Rogue will both get major updates, with the Rogue gaining a plug-in hybrid option. “The U.S. is of critical importance for us — we want it to grow,” said Guillaume Cartier, Nissan's chief performance officer.California is accelerating its EV infrastructure, now boasting 48% more EV chargers than gas nozzles, according to a recent announcement from Governor Gavin Newsom's office. As EV adoption surges, public charging options have nearly doubled in the past year, supporting the state's ambitious green energy goals.There are over 178K public EV chargers statewide vs. 120,000 gas nozzles, and of that, nearly 17K are Level 3 fast chargersOn top of that, the California Energy Commission estimates that there are more than 700,000 Level 2 chargers installed in single-family homes.26% of vehicles on CA roads in 2023 were plug-in hybrids or full EVs and a $1.4 billion investment in EV infrastructure was recently approved.“The California EV driver experience is getting better by the day,” said CEC Chair David Hochschild, emphasizing continued investments in underserved areas.Taco Bell, KFC, and Pizza Hut are about to get a high-tech upgrade. Yum! Brands is teaming up with NVIDIA to bring AI voice assistants to 500 drive-thrus. The goal? Faster service, more accurate orders, and better upselling.Studies show AI-assisted orders are 29 seconds faster than the industry average and more than half of Yum! Brands' 2024 sales came from digital transactions.Other chains are joining in with McDonald's and Wendy's rolling out AI ordering.Joe Park, chief digital and technology officer of Yum! Brands said AI could improve the customer experience because “the voice AI is always positive, has the right tone of voice, has the right word selection, [and] can upsell consistently.”Todd Kelly, COO of a major Taco Bell franchise group, puts it this way: "The voice AI doesn't have a bad day… They donHosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle MountsierGet the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email

The Unnamed Automotive Podcast tackles a plug-in hybrid luxury sedan sporting a similar name to an old V8 powered favorite. Benjamin has put the 2025 BMW 550e through its paces to see what the German automaker has done with electrifying its new-generation 5 Series. The result is nothing short of impressive, as the 550e seems to deliver on efficiency, performance and technology. But is it fun to drive? Then Sami brings up a listener question about reliability of established automakers, before finishing this weeks show with a discussion on automotive merch and bonuses. Thanks for listening!

Mild hybrid, full hybrid, plug-in hybrid: sentendo questi termini può capitare di fare un po' di confusione, ma quali sono le differenze tra queste tecnologie? In questo podcast, realizzato in collaborazione con Toyota, cerchiamo di capire come funzionano nello specifico e, soprattutto, quanto consumano queste tre tipologie di auto ibride. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott Hoke from Mecum Auctions joins us from Indianapolis to share what makes the upcoming Houston auction such a compelling destination for car enthusiasts. With his broadcasting career spanning back to 1979, Scott brings decades of automotive passion to our conversation about collector cars and the unique experience Mecum creates."It's the best car show that you'll ever attend because you're probably going to find something or see something that you've never seen before," Scott explains, highlighting how Mecum events offer value beyond just bidding opportunities. The nostalgia factor drives deep connections as visitors reminisce about cars from their past – whether personally owned, admired from afar, or part of family history.The Houston auction, happening April 3-5 at NRG Center, will feature approximately 1,000 vehicles including several standout offerings. A 1963 Chevy II Nova convertible with dark blue exterior and baseball glove leather interior promises to turn heads, while Corvette enthusiasts will appreciate several examples including a rare 2019 ZR1. Second-generation Ford GTs from 2005-2006 continue showing strong market performance and will likely command significant attention.We also take the 2025 Mazda CX-70 PHEV for a test drive. This new addition to Mazda's lineup slots between the CX-50 and CX-90, essentially offering the larger CX-90 platform without the third row. With a distinctive copper exterior paired with red Nappa leather interior, the vehicle makes a bold visual statement. The plug-in hybrid system delivers impressive efficiency when charged, though the 26-mile electric-only range raises questions about the premium price over traditional gasoline models.Whether you're a serious collector ready to bid or simply appreciate automotive history and craftsmanship, both the Mecum Auction and our detailed vehicle reviews offer something valuable. Visit InWheelTime.com for more information and join us for our live show everBe 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!ProAm Auto AccessoriesProAm Auto Accessories: "THE" place to go to find exclusive and hard to find parts and accessories!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 - 12noonCT 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 Car Talk, email us at info@inwheeltime.comTags: In Wheel Time, automotive car talk show, car talk, Live car talk show, In Wheel Time Car Talk

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Join us as we take a look at two new offerings from the Kia Motor Company:First up is the Kia minivan - The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid introduces electrification to Kia's popular minivan, blending efficiency with versatility. Powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine paired with an electric motor, it delivers a combined output of around 240 horsepower while enhancing fuel economy. Retaining its bold SUV-inspired design, the Carnival Hybrid features updated technology, including a larger infotainment display, advanced driver assistance systems, and improved connectivity. Its spacious three-row interior offers flexible seating and ample cargo space, making it ideal for families. With smoother acceleration and reduced emissions, the 2025 Carnival Hybrid brings an eco-friendly yet practical solution to the modern minivan segment. Next up is the 2025 Kia Sorento -  The 2025 Kia Sorento continues to offer a versatile and stylish midsize SUV with a range of powertrains, including gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options. Its refreshed design features a bold front grille, updated LED lighting, and a modernized interior with a larger infotainment display and advanced driver-assistance systems. With three-row seating, the Sorento provides ample space for families while maintaining a comfortable and upscale cabin. Enhanced technology, improved fuel efficiency, and available all-wheel drive make it a well-rounded choice for those seeking practicality and capability. The 2025 Sorento remains a strong competitor in the crowded SUV market. 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!ProAm Auto AccessoriesProAm Auto Accessories: "THE" place to go to find exclusive and hard to find parts and accessories!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 Car Talk is now available on Audacy! Just go to Audacy.com/InWheelTimeCarTalk where ever you are.----- -----Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast provider for the next episode of In Wheel Time Car Talk and check out our live broadcast every Saturday, 10a - 12noonCT simulcasting on Audacy, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Twitch and InWheelTime.com.In Wheel Time Car Talk 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 Car Talk, email us at info@inwheeltime.comTags: In Wheel Time, automotive car talk show, car talk, Live car talk show, In Wheel Time Car Talk

Off-road vehicles are rolling off assembly lines in record numbers, and this week, we take long looks at two of the top new entrants in the high-stakes segment. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT 2.5T AWD was a finalist in the North American Utility of the Year competition, and Host Jack Nerad took a long second look at it this week. Powered by a robust 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed wet dual-clutch transmission, the XRT test vehicle had the looks of a genuine all-terrain vehicle. It also offers superior versatility. Its seven-passenger cabin includes flexible three-row seating and voluminous cargo space. On the tech front, it features dual 12.3-inch infotainment and driver information displays, Bluetooth hands-free technology, wireless phone charging capabilities, and an impressive array of advanced driver assistance systems. Potential buyers probably have several questions about the Santa Fe XRT: How is the third-row seating? Does the base engine have enough power? How does it perform on and off the road? We'll answer all of those and more soon. Our special guest, Toyota's Warren Chou, is the expert on the other all-terrain vehicle we are looking into this week. He is chief engineer of the all-new 2025 Toyota 4Runner. Jack Nerad sat down with him for a detailed discussion about the new SUV at a recent Toyota-sponsored event, and we're sure you'll be interested in what he has to say. We expect you will also be interested in what Guest Co-Host Matt DeLorenzo has to say about the 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV. A longtime auto expert and the author of How to Buy an Affordable Electric Car, Matt knows everything there is to know about plug-in vehicles. He will have a comprehensive report on the CX-90 plug-in hybrid for you. There is plenty of important news to chew on this week: • Potential new tariffs have the auto industry up in arms, but it might be a tempest in a teapot. • General Motors has reasserted its commitment to electrified vehicles, and it has announced new initiatives to incorporate EVs into consumers' homes. • The Scout brand is coming back but now it is engaged in a controversy with the state where it will build its vehicles about selling them there. • Stellantis, the parent company of Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler and Ram, is undergoing a major organizational change, and that could mean less expensive vehicles in your future. Listener Question of the Week “I heard a rumor that the government is planning to end the $7500 tax credit on electric vehicle purchases? Is that true? How likely is that to happen, and what should I do?” Leonard, Towson, Maryland Last Week of Special Offer Jack is now offering his suspense novel, Dance in the Dark, for just $.99, a $9.00 saving from its original published price of $9.99. Click here to buy from Amazon at this special limited-time price. Matt DeLorenzo's Book Pick up a copy of co-host Matt DeLorenzo's terrific new book How to Buy an Affordable Electric Car: A Tightwad's Guide to EV Ownership. Brought to you by: • DrivingToday.com • Mercury Insurance: Find out how much you can save at DrivingToday.com/auto-insurance. • EMLandsea.com, publisher of Dance in the Dark. We have a lot of shows for you this week. Thanks for joining us, and don't forget to look for new content on our YouTube and Rumble channels. Please subscribe. If you do, we'll like you forever. America on the Road is brought to you by Driving Today.com, Mercury Insurance, and EMLandsea.com , the publisher of Nerad's latest book, Dance in the Dark, which is available HERE on Amazon.com             Keywords automotive, electric vehicles, tariffs, General Motors, Mazda, Hyundai, Toyota, Stellantis, Scout, EV tax credits Summary In this episode of America on the Road, hosts Jack Nerad and Matt DeLorenzo discuss the latest developments in the automotive industry, including the potential impact of new tariffs,

With the team at Mercedes-AMG putting the V12-powered S65 out to pasture a handful of years ago, the highest-performance S-Class has become the 4.0-liter-powered S63. This latest iteration in the long line of hopped-up S-Class machines blends the aforementioned 4.0-liter with an electric motor at the rear axle. Powering this 188 hp electric motor is a 13.1kWh battery pack that can be recharged. According to Mercedes-AMG, this plug-in hybrid system was derived from the hybrid system that powers the brand's Formula 1 machine. Of course, that electric motor at the rear works with the 604 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque from the internal combustion engine and gives the latest S63 a staggering 791 hp and 1,055 lb-ft of torque – not bad for a luxury cruiser. According to Mercedes-AMG, this combination is good enough to rocket this 5,831-pound car to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds. On this episode of Quick Spin, Autoweek's Mark Vaughn hops behind the wheel of the 2025 Mercedes-AMG S63 and puts it through its paces. Vaughn gives you a guided tour of the S63 and highlights some of his favorite features and some of its accouterment. Later in the show, Vaughn takes you along for a live drive review of this S-Class. Adding to these segments, Vaughn chats with host Wesley Wren about the S63, the competitive set, and more. Closing the show, the pair breaks down what makes this 2025 Mercedes-AMG S63 special.

We've been talking about electrification of the maintenance fleet for some time now and the conversation always turns to the challenges facing the rollout of this technology particularly when it comes to winter maintenance.  Diminished load carrying capacity due to the weight of the batteries, battery performance in cold operating environments, range anxiety, and the lack of rapid charging infrastructure re just a few.  Well, Edison Motors Ltd based in Merritt, British Columbia has found the answer to these challenges and are in the process of developing a plugin hybrid electric snowplow for Emcon Services Inc, the largest maintenance contractor in Canada.  Frank Rizzardo, President of Emcon Services is here along with the founders of Edison Motors, Chace Barber and Eric Little to tell us all about their plugin hybrid electric snowplow project.  check out the progress of the hybrid snowplow build and other vocational trucks Edison Motors have built on their YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@EdisonMotors.  If this episode has got your interest up in hybrid snowplows you can reach out to Frank at  emcon1@emconservices.ca, Chace at chace@edisonmotors.ca, or Eric at eric.little@edisonmotors.ca to continue the discussion.Sign up for email notifications on future episodes and other communications associated with winter maintenance and winter weather management by clicking on subscribe on the Talkin' Winter Ops website at TalkinWinterOps.comThanks for listening in and stay safe out there!

A performance crossover might not be everyone's can of Red Bull. Some might suggest a performance CUV is akin to the world's tallest midget, but this week co-host Chris Teague took the wheel of the hot-to-trot AMG GLC 43 in the teeth of yet another frigid Maine winter, and he's ready to report on his finding in this edition on of America on the Road. Meanwhile, the figurative elephant in the room is the arrival of 47th President Donald Trump and his sweeping executive orders that include a radical — and some might add welcome — change in America's automotive emissions and fuel economy regulations. With the stroke of a Sharpie, the once-and-current President rescinded rules that essentially forced carmakers to build and, more importantly, sell electric vehicles. The result of this and the new Administration's accompanying energy policy promise to significantly change how the auto industry operates and — more importantly — what you'll be able to buy. We'll have the details. We'll also have an exclusive interview with Dodge Brand CEO Matt McAlrear, just as his brand is introducing its first battery-electric vehicle, the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona. Host Jack Nerad recently talked with McAlear at length about the future of the beloved Dodge brand, and we'll have that discussion for you. Jack Nerad's road test this week examines the Mazda CX-70 PHEV, its latest crossover SUV entrant, this one in plug-in hybrid form. The vehicle bears striking similarities to the well-regarded Mazda CX-90, and Nerad will break down the pluses and minuses in his report. In the news, Chevrolet has announced a recall of its recently launched Equinox EV, and we'll have the details on that. The widespread fires near Los Angeles have had a devastating effect on the collector car hobby, too. We'll tell you all about that, too, soon. Listener Question of the Week "How can I tell if my car needs a new battery or just a charge?" Sonny, Joliet, Illinois Special Offer Jack is now offering his suspense novel, Dance in the Dark, for just $.99, a $9.00 saving from its original published price of $9.99. Click here to buy from Amazon at this special limited-time price. Matt DeLorenzo's Book Pick up a copy of co-host Matt DeLorenzo's terrific new book How to Buy an Affordable Electric Car: A Tightwad's Guide to EV Ownership. Brought to you by: • DrivingToday.com • Mercury Insurance: Find out how much you can save at DrivingToday.com/auto-insurance. • EMLandsea.com, publisher of Dance in the Dark. We have a lot of shows for you this week. Thanks for joining us, and don't forget to look for new content on our YouTube and Rumble channels. Please subscribe. If you do, we'll like you forever. America on the Road is brought to you by Driving Today.com, Mercury Insurance, and EMLandsea.com , the publisher of Nerad's latest book, Dance in the Dark, which is available HERE on Amazon.com               Chapters 00:00 Introduction to America on the Road 02:53 Impact of New Automotive Regulations 09:53 Chevrolet Equinox EV Recall 10:39 Devastating Fires and Collector Car Losses 12:50 Review of the Mercedes AMG GLC 43 18:11 Exploring the Mazda CX-70 PHEV 25:00 Dodge's Transition to Electric Vehicles 39:00 Listener Question: Car Battery Troubles Keywords automotive news, electric vehicles, Chevrolet Equinox EV, collector cars, Mercedes-AMG GLC 43, Mazda CX-70 PHEV, Dodge, car battery Summary In this episode of America on the Road, hosts Jack Nerad and Chris Teague discuss the latest developments in the automotive industry, including significant regulatory changes under the new administration, the recall of the Chevrolet Equinox EV, and the impact of devastating fires on collector cars. They also review the Mercedes AMG GLC 43 and the Mazda CX-70 PHEV, and explore Dodge's transition to electric vehicles. The episode concludes with a listener question about car battery maintenance. Takeaways

While the guys are thawing out from an icy cold winter season, they're eager to talk about some of the hotest new cars on the market. Benjamin starts this week off with a review of the 2025 BMW M5, a car that's heavier and more powerful than the vehicle it replaces, but now picks up a fancy plug-in hybrid powertrain that can pre-gear for more impressive launches using all 700+ of its horsepower. Benjamin is eager to describe just how special this new M5 is, but wonders who is this vehicle for, what with its varying goals and innovations. Sami suggests it's a car that can do it all, but is there a customer out there looking for what the BMW offers or should they opt for something else? Then Sami talks about his time in two new, but very similar Mazdas. The 2025 Mazda CX-70 and CX-90 are offered with the same powertrains, either a turbo six cylinder model or a plug-in hybrid, and both use the same platform, but are available in either a two or three-row setup. However, Sami points out that the five-seater CX-70 feels like a lackluster effort, and the automaker has a lot of other low points too, including the plug-in powertrain and cumbersome infotainment system. Is this the best Mazda can do? Then the guys riff on a listener question before closing it up for the week. Thanks for listening!

It’s fair to say China dominates in electric vehicle sales. The country is the world’s biggest consumer of electric cars and has dozens of automakers competing in the space. Last year, Chinese companies sold about 9.5 million EVs and plug-in hybrid cars. But the industry faces mounting trade pressures. The Biden administration imposed a 100% tariff on Chinese EVs which President-elect Donald Trump is expected to continue. Meanwhile the European Union recently raised tariffs up to 45%, citing concerns that Chinese government subsidies give the companies an unfair advantage. Subsidies certainly help but there are other factors giving Chinese EV’s an edge. Marketplace’s Meghan McCarty spoke with Marketplace’s China correspondent Jennifer Pak about how those factors could keep Chinese EV makers competitive, even in a more restrictive global market.

It’s fair to say China dominates in electric vehicle sales. The country is the world’s biggest consumer of electric cars and has dozens of automakers competing in the space. Last year, Chinese companies sold about 9.5 million EVs and plug-in hybrid cars. But the industry faces mounting trade pressures. The Biden administration imposed a 100% tariff on Chinese EVs which President-elect Donald Trump is expected to continue. Meanwhile the European Union recently raised tariffs up to 45%, citing concerns that Chinese government subsidies give the companies an unfair advantage. Subsidies certainly help but there are other factors giving Chinese EV’s an edge. Marketplace’s Meghan McCarty spoke with Marketplace’s China correspondent Jennifer Pak about how those factors could keep Chinese EV makers competitive, even in a more restrictive global market.

The Lexus TX solves an important problem for Lexus – it gives the brand an upscale, large people mover. This three-row crossover joined the Lexus brand at the end of 2023 as a 2024 model-year vehicle and is the cousin of the Toyota Grand Highlander. The Lexus TX also packs a variety of powertrains, with a 2.4-liter turbocharged I4, a turbocharged 2.4-liter I4 that works with a hybrid system, and the top-flight 3.5-liter V6 that works with the plug-in hybrid system. This particular tester slots under the TX 500h+ trim which moves by way of the turbocharged 2.4-cylinder hybrid powertrain.  On the Toyota side of the dealership, your three-row options open up. Sure, you can snag a Grand Highlander or Sienna, or you can move to the body-on-frame Sequoia. Based on the latest TNGA-F architecture, the latest Sequoia follows the same pattern as the new Tundra. That means it packs a 3.4-liter turbocharged V6 under the hood that works with the i-Force Max hybrid system to throw 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission.   On this episode of Talking Cars with the Boss, host Wesley Wren chats with Natalie Neff about these two three-row people movers. The pair talk about their respective experiences with each of these distinctly different people movers, and discuss their merits. Closing the show, the pair decide which one of these two three-row machines they'd want to throw into their driveway.

Our guest on this week's episode is Lee Ambrose, vice president at Remote Security Solutions. We hear regularly about securing our supply chains from threats, such as products being stolen while they are in transit. But security is more than just theft - it is also securing and protecting facilities and the people who work in them. Our guest discusses the possible threats that face our supply chains and how to keep both workers and products safe from harm. California this week got federal approval to move ahead to the final stages of approval for its 2022 plan to gradually scale back the sale of gas-powered cars within the state. They needed federal approval to have a standard different from broader U.S. rules, and the EPA has now allowed what's called the Advanced Clean Cars II rule. This means that by 2035, all new cars sold in California will have to be zero-emissions models, which includes battery-electric, hydrogen fuel cell, and plug-in hybrid cars. Congestion on U.S. highways is costing the trucking industry big, according to research from the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), which was released this week. The group found that traffic congestion on U.S. roadways added $108.8 billion in costs to the trucking industry in 2022—the latest data available. This is a record high. We look at states with the highest amount of traffic congestion. Supply Chain Xchange  also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane.  It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. A series of ten episodes is now available on the "State of Logistics." The episodes provide in-depth looks into the current states of key transportation modes, such as trucking, rail, air, and ocean. It also looks at inventory management, 3PLs and more.  All ten episodes are available to stream now. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:Remote Security SolutionsCalifornia moves a step closer to requiring EV sales only by 2035Trucking industry experiences record high congestion costsVisit Supply Chain XchangeListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Xchange's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@agilebme.comPodcast is sponsored by: Werner Premium ServicesOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITYTop 10 Supply

Toyota's stalwart mid-size truck entered a new generation with the 2024 model year. Entering its fourth generation, Toyota's popular Tacoma didn't carry along its V6 but did add a hybrid to its portfolio. While the 3.5-liter V6 was replaced with a series of turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder options, the manual transmission stuck with Taco's order sheet. If you don't want to spring for the six-speed manual transmission, an eight-speed automatic is effectively standard. Of course, the top-flight TRD Pro carries on, but Toyota also expanded its Tacoma offerings with an overlanding-focused Trailhunter model.   Sitting across the lot from your would-be next pickup is Toyota's RAV4. The RAV4 entered its fifth generation in 2018 and saw a styling update only a few years ago. While it still might be approaching the end of its generational life, the RAV4 still manages to do what it's supposed to do: easily haul people and stuff. The perennial all-star on the sales charts, Toyota's RAV4 is spread through three powertrains, with a hybrid and plug-in hybrid available, as well as a traditional ICE powertrain. This ICE-only tester uses a 2.5-liter I4 to send 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. On this episode of Talking Cars with the Boss, host Wesley Wren chats with Natalie Neff about her time with the 2024 Toyota Tacoma and 2024 Toyota RAV4. The pair talk about the new Tacoma, Natalie's experience with it, and more. The pair also talk about the RAV4, its continued sales-chart dominance, and some minor gripes with the infotainment system. The two hosts also talk about Toyota's four-cylinder engine family, the departure of the Tacoma's V6, and more. Closing the show, the two decide which of these ‘Yotas they'd rather have in their driveway. 

Ford knows how to build trucks, that part isn't in doubt. But do the Europeans know how to buy them? After all this is land of the panel van for commercial use (aka 'white van man'), and we simply don't have truck culture like the U.S. or Ute culture like Australia. However that could change with the launch of Ford's new plugin hybrid truck: the Ford Ranger PHEV. Revealed at the IAA Transportation show in Hanover, Germany, the Ranger PHEV represents Ford's commitment to combining utility with providing vehicles which lower emissions. As Europe's first plug-in hybrid pickup truck, it promises to deliver the capability that Ranger enthusiasts expect, while also offering the benefits of electric propulsion. At least, until the (relatively small) battery runs out. This new model is set to join Ford's existing lineup of diesel-powered Rangers, providing customers with a broader range of options to suit various needs and local emissions regulations. Here are the headlines and highlights: ➤ 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged gasoline engine ➤ 75 kW electric motor integrated into the bellhousing ➤ 11.8 kWh (usable capacity) lithium-ion battery ➤ 10-speed automatic transmission with new Modular Hybrid Transmission ➤ Total system output: 279 PS (275 horsepower) and 690 Nm (509 lb-ft) of torque ➤ Targeted electric-only range of 45 km (28 miles) WLTP ➤ Payload capacity up to 1,000 kg (2,204 lbs) ➤ Towing capacity up to 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs) ➤ e-4WD system for enhanced traction ➤ Dual-range transfer box for off-road capability ➤ Rear differential lock for improved grip ➤ Multiple drive modes: Auto EV, EV Now, EV Later, and EV Charge ➤ Pro Power Onboard system with 2.3 kW standard, optional 6.9 kW upgrade ➤ Two 15 amp outlets in the load box providing up to 3.45 kW each ➤ Latest Ford infotainment system with hybrid-specific displays ➤ Pro Trailer Backup Assist ➤ 360-degree camera ➤ FordPass app integration ➤ Ford Pro Telematics for fleet management ➤ Digital Logbook for mileage tracking ➤ Available in XLT and Wildtrak variants, plus exclusive Stormtrak launch edition

This week we talk about EREVs, Ford's CEO, and Hertz.We also discuss the used EV market, plug-in hybrids, and the Tesla Model 3.Recommended Book: Not the End of the World by Hannah RitchieTranscriptIn late-2021, car rental giant Hertz announced that it would purchase 100,000 Tesla Model 3 sedans for its fleet, giving customers the opportunity to drive what had recently, in 2019, become the best-selling plug-in electric car in US history, beating out the Chevy Volt, and then in 2020 become the bestselling plug-in in the world, bypassing the Nissan Leaf.This was announced about six months after the company went through a massive restructuring, triggered by a bankruptcy filing in May of 2020, which landed Hertz in the hands of a pair of investment firms that purchased a majority stake in the company for about $4.2 billion.Part of the goal in making such a huge electric vehicle purchase was that it would ostensibly set Hertz up with some of the snazziest, most future-facing vehicles on the road, and it should—if everything went according to plan—also provide them with some advantages, as full-bore EVs have far fewer parts than traditional internal-combustion vehicles, which means a lot less that can go wrong, and fewer moving pieces that need maintenance; which is pretty vital for vehicles that will be driven pretty much continuously.So the single largest purchase of electric vehicles in history would represent a massive up-front investment, but the hope was that it would both pay off in dollars and cents, maintenance-wise, and help differentiate a brand that had recently been through some very rough patches, business and competition-wise.Unfortunately for Hertz, that's not what happened.Initially, this announcement bumped the company's stock up by about 40% over the course of just two weeks, but the Model 3s they purchased weren't as popular as they thought they would be, and though EVs should in theory be easier to maintain than their ICE peers, the relatively low number of specialized repair shops and high cost of relatively scarce spare parts meant that the cars were actually more expensive to maintain than more common and less flashy alternatives.The company was also dinged by Tesla's decision to raise its prices around the same time Hertz was making the majority of its purchases, and Hertz decided to start offloading some of the Model 3s it had bought—which only ended up being about 30,000, rather than the originally announced 100,000—selling the cars at a fire-sale discount, in some cases as low as $25,000, which could drop to about $21,000 in areas where EV tax credits applied to used vehicles.Unfortunately for those who bought them, many of these used Teslas were hobbled by the same issues Hertz was scrambling to address, but couldn't make work for their business model.Many initially happy used-Tesla purchasers found that their car's battery pack was fundamentally damaged in some way, in some cases costing half, or nearly the same as the price they paid for the car, to repair or replace.This fire sale arrived at around the same time as an overall drop in used EV prices across the market, too, which meant that Hertz's prices—though at times falling to about half of what a new Model 3 would cost—weren't as great as they could have been, especially for cars with so many potentially costly problems.In other words, at this moment the whole of the EV industry was experiencing a bit of a price shock, as most automobile companies selling in the US were introducing new EV models, and they were finding that supply had surged beyond demand, leaving some of them with lots full of cars—especially in parts of the country where EV charging infrastructure still hasn't been fleshed out, dramatically diminishing the appeal of EVs in those regions.In early 2024, Hertz's CEO resigned, mostly because his bet on Teslas and other EVs, hoping to making about a fifth of the company's fleet electric, didn't go as planned, and that's left the company's stock trading at around 11% of its 2021 high price point as of early September 2024.To replace him, the company brought in a former executive from Cruise, which is an autonomous car technology company that's owned by General Motors; another company that's been trying to figure out the proper balance between investing in where the automobile market in the US is, today, and where it will be in the coming years.What I'd like to talk about today is another facet of the automobile industry that's changing pretty rapidly, and a new take on a third option, straddling the internal combustion engine and EV worlds, that seems to be evolving in a compelling—to those running these companies, at least—manner.—In January of 2023, the CEO of Toyota, who was the 66-year-old grandson of the company's founder and who had been running the company since the early 2000s, stepped down from his position following a wave of criticism about his outspoken focus on hybrids over electric vehicles.This company, which in some ways has been defined in recent years by its gamble to release the very well-received Prius, an early hybrid that really leaned into the concept of using a battery to support the activities of the car's conventional fuel-burning engine, which resulted in a bunch of energy-efficiency benefits, the company had lagged behind its competitors in developing, announcing, and releasing new electric vehicle models to compete with the likes of Tesla—a company that was eating everyone else's lunch in the EV department, and which was seeing sky-high valuations as a consequence.Toyota was also being criticized by environmentalist groups for failing to move toward fully electric, zero-emissions vehicles, as while it did have a few EV models on the market, they were seemingly afterthoughts, accounting for less than 1% of the company's US sales, and the main model, the cumbersomely named bZ4X, experienced a significant safety recall that upended its rollout plans.Toyota's new CEO leaned a bit more into EVs, announcing 10 new models in 2023, alongside plans to sell 1.5 million of them per year by 2026. But the company was still selling more cars than any other automaker on the planet, and the vast, vast majority of them were some kind of fuel-burning vehicle.Despite the change in leadership, then, and the slight tack toward EVs the new CEO made soon after ascending to his new position, the company was still being criticized by environmentalist groups for not doing enough or moving fast enough, and the market seemed to think Toyota was setting itself up for a pretty grim next decade, since it was falling so far behind its competition in terms of supply chains and manufacturing know-how, related to EVs.This general storyline, though, seems to have changed over the past year.Yes, it's still generally assumed that EVs are the future, that the electrification of everything is where we're headed as a globe-spanning civilization, not just our transportation, but everything moving toward renewables—and that's for climate-related reasons, but also the economics of renewables, which, once installed and connected, tend to be a lot more favorable, economically, than fossil fuel-based alternatives, almost always.That said, the aforementioned disconnect between EV availability and investment, and EV demand in the United States has increased over the past year. EV sales are continuing to increase overall, but the huge spike in sales we saw over the past handful of years has tempered into a slower ascension, and many automakers have found themselves with car lots filled with models that aren't the ones people want—at least not in the requisite numbers to keep lot turnover happening at the rate they like, and in some ways need, to see.This is not the case in many other countries, I should note.In China, EVs already made up something like 37% of the country's total automobile marketshare, the share of new cars sold, in 2023, and across Europe, about 24% of all new cars sold were plug-in electric vehicles that same year.In the US, the number is still in the single-digits, something like 8% as of Q2 2024, which is a lot bigger than the 5% or so in early 2022, but again, not the kind of rampant growth carmakers were planning for.Another component of the automobile industry in the US has continued to grow a fair bit faster, though, up more than 30% year-over-year, accounting for up to 9.6% of the country's total light-duty car marketshare in the second quarter of 2024.And that slice of the market is the world of hybrids—the component of the car industry that Toyota has bet heavily on, despite antagonism from all sides, over the past several years, and which other automakers like Ford, are pivoting toward, as well; Ford recently announced that it would no longer be releasing a full electric, large SUV in the near-future, and will instead be releasing hybrid models, possibly including plug-in hybrid models.Plug-in hybrids are like traditional hybrid vehicles, except they have a larger on-board battery pack that can be plugged into an electrical outlet, which allows them to be even more efficient than their traditional hybrid kin; so they're like a traditional ICE vehicle, but with a big, plug-innable battery that helps that engine be more efficient, giving it much better gas mileage.Another recent development in this space, though—one that's already pretty well-known in China, but still foreign enough in the US that the CEO of Ford said, after being exposed to the idea for the first time earlier this year, that he thinks it might be the right variation of existing approaches to help the US make the transition to electric vehicles—is called an extended-range electric vehicle, or EREV, and rather than being a hybrid with a suped-up battery, it's an EV with a built-in, smaller internal combustion engine that serves as an onboard generator, allowing the car to burn fuel to generate electricity, which then charges the car's giant battery, giving it more range when it's needed.The CEO of Ford thought this lined up well with how the American market works, and could help temper the range-anxiety many Americans feels, worrying that the battery packs in their EVs won't allow them to take road trips, or might run out of juice when they're partway through their homeward-bound commute at the end of the day; recharging an EVs battery still takes a fair bit longer than filling up a tank of gas, and there are way more gas stations than EVs plug in points around the country, as of 2024.So if there were a little engine inside their EV capable of giving it a backup charge when necessary, and if that little generator could be fueled using gas that's widely and relatively inexpensively available across the US, that could in theory help people transition to driving with electricity—which can be generated cleanly, using renewables—most of the time, while having that backup system in place, for when it's needed, which might be rarely or never.In late-2023, car-maker Stellantis unveiled their Ram 1500 Ramcharger, which is an EREV that can drive up to 690 miles on its battery pack, but it also includes a 3.6-liter V6 engine that activates when the main 92kW battery is running low on juice; a little generator that burns fuel to recharge the main battery.One of the big, market-defining questions related to that new Ram and similar models, though, is whether US government regulators will categorize EREVs as zero-emissions vehicles, because, in theory at least, they will at times not be zero-emissions, even though for many people they would probably run on just their batteries most of the time.This judgement call could impact sales substantially, though, as such determinations help define what would-be customers pay up front, what sorts of tax benefits, if any, they can expect on their purchases, and what sorts of taxes and other fees they'll pay along the way, for the life of the vehicle.Whether this topsy-turvy version of the hybrid—the traditional version having a conventional engine with battery backup, and this new riff on the theme defined by a massive main battery with a conventional engine backup—whether it will do well on the market anywhere outside of China has yet to be seen, and there's still the question of whether other automakers will be able to spin up their own versions of the concept before the market moves again, trends realigning, and more plug-in electricity infrastructure maybe making vanilla EVs more desirable and useable in more parts of the country.In the meantime, though, we seem to be seeing—rather than the clean transition from ICE vehicles to EVs that some people had hoped for and expected—something more akin to a Cambrian Explosion, where new pressures and innovations are sparking all kinds of interesting offshoot evolutions, and rather than just two options, one supposedly the future and the other supposedly on its way out, we have a half-dozen core themes around which most new vehicles are being built, some of them interchangeable, some not so much, and that suggests we could see more large recalibrations and broad market shifts, alongside a slew of new combinations and innovations, before the previous paradigm fully gives way to whatever ultimately replaces it.Show Noteshttps://electrek.co/2023/01/26/toyota-ceo-steps-down-amid-electric-vehicle-movement/https://caredge.com/guides/electric-vehicle-market-share-and-saleshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_car_use_by_countryhttps://cleantechnica.com/2024/08/28/u-s-share-of-electric-hybrid-vehicle-sales-increased-in-2nd-quarter-of-2024/https://electrek.co/2023/04/07/toyotas-new-ceo-adjusts-ev-plans-but-sticks-to-a-hybrid-approach/https://www.thestreet.com/electric-vehicles/ford-ceo-says-this-type-of-vehicle-can-be-the-bridge-for-electrificationhttps://www.wsj.com/business/autos/the-plug-in-hybrid-car-starts-to-win-over-buyers-2155e054https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plug-in_hybridhttps://fortune.com/2024/06/07/buy-used-tesla-hertz-fire-sale/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tesla_Model_3https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a60232041/hertz-ceo-resigns-after-big-bet-on-evs-fails-to-pay-off/https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a35698039/hertz-potentially-saved-from-bankruptcy/https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a38053117/hertz-buying-100000-teslas/https://qz.com/tesla-hertz-used-electric-cars-evs-damage-glitches-1851482632https://archive.ph/364djhttps://www.cnbc.com/2023/10/26/hertz-pulls-back-on-ev-plans-citing-tesla-price-cuts-repair-costs.htmlhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cruise_(autonomous_vehicle) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe