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Hybrid vehicles. We've all heard the term: jack of all trades, master of none (JOAT MON), but, I think hybrids are so much more than that and in this video we explore the wonderfully designed hybrid!Video I highly recommend watching after this! REALLY COOLhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2L5VOtf47Y&t=336sBulk of the video is from 5:44-12:00If you have extra time, watch from the beginning until 12:00 minutesIf you have extra extra time – watch the whole thing!Sources:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regenerative_brakinghttps://theicct.org/publication/real-world-usage-of-plug-in-hybrid-electric-vehicles-fuel-consumption-electric-driving-and-co2-emissions/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnUFH5GX_fIhttps://theicct.org/publication/real-world-phev-us-dec22/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Hybrid_Systemhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_split_devicehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brake-specific_fuel_consumptionhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atkinson_cycle
Auto - Rund ums Auto. Fahrberichte, Gespräche und Informationen
Dass Lexus seit geraumer Zeit auch im SUV-Segment vertreten ist, wissen die meisten Automobilfreunde natürlich. Und auch, dass die Toyota-Tochter mit elektrifizierten Fahrzeugen im Markt vertreten ist. Dazu gehören auch Plug-in-Hybride wie der NX 450h. Genau den stellen wir heute vor. Darum geht es diesmal!Wer meine Fahrberichte genau verfolgt hat schon herausgelesen, dass ich nicht unbedingt der Freund reiner Elektrofahrzeuge bin. Dabei habe ich grundsätzlich gar nicht gegen E-Autos. Aber meine Erfahrungen mit Ladesäulen sprechen einfach nicht dafür, mich dem permanent aussetzen zu wollen. Wäre es Lotto, wäre die Quote von 2 zu 6 ja ok, aber nur zweimal erfolgreich Laden bei sechs Versuchen ist einfach nervig. Somit bin ich ein großer Freund von Plug-in-Hybriden. Wenn das Laden klappt, ist es schön, wenn nicht, hat man ja noch den Benziner an Bord. Lexus bietet mit dem Lexus NX 450h übrigens exakt das Objekt meiner Begierde an! Power und Drive! Was das Thema Antrieb angeht, muss man sich keinerlei Gedanken machen, Lexus hat dem NX 450h Plug-in-Hybrid eine Systemleistung von 215 kW (292 PS) spendiert, die von einem 2,5-l Benzinmotor 107 kW mit (147 PS), einem 134 kW (182 PS) starken Elektromotor vorn und einem 40 kW (54 PS) starken Elektromotor hinten erzeugt werden. Tempo 100 erreicht der Wagen nach 6,3 Sekunden, die Höchstgeschwindigkeit bei 200 km/h. Der Energieverbrauch liegt kombiniert als Hybrid bei 2,9 l/100km, im E-Modus kombiniert bei 11,6 kWh/100km. Die rein elektrische Reichweite beträgt kombiniert 71 km, innerorts 91 km. Zudem punktet der NX 450h+ auch dann, wenn die Batterie wirklich einmal leer ist. Während bei Mitbewerbern dann häufig der Verbrenner komplett den Antrieb übernehmen muss, agiert beim Lexus ein effizientes selbstladendes Hybridsystem. Der NX ist dann rund 30 Prozent effizienter als der Wettbewerb. Das Plug-in-Hybridsystem des NX 450h+ bietet die Wahl zwischen vier Fahrmodi. Standardmäßig fährt der Wagen so lange rein elektrisch, bis die elektrische Reichweite ausgeschöpft ist.Die Kosten!Die NX-Baureihe startet mit dem frontgetriebenen NX Hybrid 350h für 53.700,00 Euro und endet beim NX 450h Plug-in-Hybrid bei 72.990,00 –, dafür bekommt man dann wahlweise den F SPORT oder den Luxury. Unser Testkandidat war der Lexus NX 450h Executive Line für 61.990,00. Und damit waren wir bestens bedient! Alle Fotos: © Toyota Deutschland GmbH Diesen Beitrag können Sie nachhören oder downloaden unter:
As gas prices fluctuate and drivers look for ways to cut costs, on this week's episode we answer the questions drivers are asking most: Is premium fuel worth the extra cost? Does ethanol save money? Do Eco modes actually improve fuel economy? And should high fuel prices push you toward a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or EV? From choosing the right fuel and finding the best prices at the pump to understanding the long-term costs of different vehicle types, we separate fact from fiction and share practical strategies to help drivers spend less on fuel without sacrificing performance or reliability. Join CR at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization. SHOW NOTES ----------------------------------- 00:00 Intro 00:15 Gas prices 00:51 Ethanol fuel blends 08:30 Premium vs. regular gas 17:04 Real ways to save at the pump 18:47 Hybrids, EVs, and PHEVs 29:08 Oil shortages, diesel, and alternative fuel 34:17 Eco mode and fuel-saving driving tips 37:06 The future of fuel efficiency and electrification ---------------------------------- Best deals on fuel-efficient cars & SUVs https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/buying-a-car/best-deals-on-fuel-efficient-cars-a4329802409/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Expert fuel-saving tips https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/expert-fuel-saving-tips-how-to-get-more-miles-per-dollar-a1096060259/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT 10 tips to get the most out of a tank of gas https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/10-tips-to-get-the-most-out-of-a-tank-of-gas-a2642110189/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Most fuel-efficient SUVs https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/the-most-fuel-efficient-suvs-best-mpg-a5599990140/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Cars with the best gas Mileage https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/the-most-fuel-efficient-cars-best-mpg-a1198903400/ Will a hybrid, PHEV, or EV save me money? https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/buying-guide/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Top Tier gas is worth the extra price https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/top-tier-gasoline-worth-the-extra-price-a7682471234/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Find the best hybrids and EVs https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Most reliable used electric vehicles https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/most-reliable-used-electric-vehicles-a8864540677/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT 10 best deals on electric vehicles https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/best-deals-on-electric-vehicles-a1198228201/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Popular EVs to avoid and what to get instead https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/electric-vehicles-to-avoid-and-the-evs-to-get-instead-a6654236864/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Should you use synthetic oil in your car? https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-maintenance/should-you-use-synthetic-oil-in-your-car-a9220487946/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT CR's real-world electric car range comparison https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/real-world-ev-range-tests-models-that-beat-epa-estimates-a1103288135/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Tested: Does eco mode really save gas? https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/does-eco-mode-really-save-gas-a6653523930/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
As gas prices fluctuate and drivers look for ways to cut costs, on this week's episode we answer the questions drivers are asking most: Is premium fuel worth the extra cost? Does ethanol save money? Do Eco modes actually improve fuel economy? And should high fuel prices push you toward a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or EV? From choosing the right fuel and finding the best prices at the pump to understanding the long-term costs of different vehicle types, we separate fact from fiction and share practical strategies to help drivers spend less on fuel without sacrificing performance or reliability. Join CR at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization. SHOW NOTES ----------------------------------- 00:00 Intro 00:15 Gas prices 00:51 Ethanol fuel blends 08:30 Premium vs. regular gas 17:04 Real ways to save at the pump 18:47 Hybrids, EVs, and PHEVs 29:08 Oil shortages, diesel, and alternative fuel 34:17 Eco mode and fuel-saving driving tips 37:06 The future of fuel efficiency and electrification ---------------------------------- Best deals on fuel-efficient cars & SUVs https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/buying-a-car/best-deals-on-fuel-efficient-cars-a4329802409/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Expert fuel-saving tips https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/expert-fuel-saving-tips-how-to-get-more-miles-per-dollar-a1096060259/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT 10 tips to get the most out of a tank of gas https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/10-tips-to-get-the-most-out-of-a-tank-of-gas-a2642110189/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Most fuel-efficient SUVs https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/the-most-fuel-efficient-suvs-best-mpg-a5599990140/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Cars with the best gas Mileage https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/the-most-fuel-efficient-cars-best-mpg-a1198903400/ Will a hybrid, PHEV, or EV save me money? https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/buying-guide/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Top Tier gas is worth the extra price https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/top-tier-gasoline-worth-the-extra-price-a7682471234/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Find the best hybrids and EVs https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Most reliable used electric vehicles https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/most-reliable-used-electric-vehicles-a8864540677/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT 10 best deals on electric vehicles https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/best-deals-on-electric-vehicles-a1198228201/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Popular EVs to avoid and what to get instead https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/electric-vehicles-to-avoid-and-the-evs-to-get-instead-a6654236864/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Should you use synthetic oil in your car? https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-maintenance/should-you-use-synthetic-oil-in-your-car-a9220487946/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT CR's real-world electric car range comparison https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/real-world-ev-range-tests-models-that-beat-epa-estimates-a1103288135/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Tested: Does eco mode really save gas? https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/does-eco-mode-really-save-gas-a6653523930/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Steigende Kraftstoffpreise und neue Kaufprämien für Elektrofahrzeuge verändern die Kostenrechnung vieler Autofahrer. Ein Vergleich zweier VW-Golf-Modelle zeigt, wie sich Anschaffungs- und Betriebskosten unterscheiden.
As gas prices fluctuate and drivers look for ways to cut costs, on this week's episode we answer the questions drivers are asking most: Is premium fuel worth the extra cost? Does ethanol save money? Do Eco modes actually improve fuel economy? And should high fuel prices push you toward a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or EV? From choosing the right fuel and finding the best prices at the pump to understanding the long-term costs of different vehicle types, we separate fact from fiction and share practical strategies to help drivers spend less on fuel without sacrificing performance or reliability. Join CR at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization. SHOW NOTES ----------------------------------- 00:00 Intro 00:15 Gas prices 00:51 Ethanol fuel blends 08:30 Premium vs. regular gas 17:04 Real ways to save at the pump 18:47 Hybrids, EVs, and PHEVs 29:08 Oil shortages, diesel, and alternative fuel 34:17 Eco mode and fuel-saving driving tips 37:06 The future of fuel efficiency and electrification ---------------------------------- Best deals on fuel-efficient cars & SUVs https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/buying-a-car/best-deals-on-fuel-efficient-cars-a4329802409/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Expert fuel-saving tips https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/expert-fuel-saving-tips-how-to-get-more-miles-per-dollar-a1096060259/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT 10 tips to get the most out of a tank of gas https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/10-tips-to-get-the-most-out-of-a-tank-of-gas-a2642110189/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Most fuel-efficient SUVs https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/the-most-fuel-efficient-suvs-best-mpg-a5599990140/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Cars with the best gas Mileage https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/the-most-fuel-efficient-cars-best-mpg-a1198903400/ Will a hybrid, PHEV, or EV save me money? https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/buying-guide/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Top Tier gas is worth the extra price https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/top-tier-gasoline-worth-the-extra-price-a7682471234/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Find the best hybrids and EVs https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Most reliable used electric vehicles https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/most-reliable-used-electric-vehicles-a8864540677/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT 10 best deals on electric vehicles https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/best-deals-on-electric-vehicles-a1198228201/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Popular EVs to avoid and what to get instead https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/electric-vehicles-to-avoid-and-the-evs-to-get-instead-a6654236864/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Should you use synthetic oil in your car? https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-maintenance/should-you-use-synthetic-oil-in-your-car-a9220487946/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT CR's real-world electric car range comparison https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/real-world-ev-range-tests-models-that-beat-epa-estimates-a1103288135/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Tested: Does eco mode really save gas? https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/does-eco-mode-really-save-gas-a6653523930/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Send us Fan MailThe Get Out N Drive Podcast Is Fueled By AMDRide along as John introduces Jason to Songsan Motors, a Chinese automaker known for building modern plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) styled after iconic American classic cars. BUT is it real or is it AI garbage? Let's get into it and tell us what you think!Buy the guys some guzzoline!The Get Out N Drive Podcast is Fuel By AMD ~ AMD: More Than MetalVisit the AMD Garage ~ Your one stop source for high quality body panelsFor all things Get Out N Drive, cruise on over to the Get Out N Drive website.Be sure to follow GOND on social media!GOND WebsiteIGXFBYouTubeRecording Engineer, Paul MeyerSubscribe to the Str8sixfan YouTube Channel#classiccars #automotive #amd #autometaldirect #c10 #restoration #autorestoration #autoparts #restorationparts #truckrestoration #Jasonchandler #podcast #sheetmetal #carbuild #truckbuild #carproject #songsanmotors #chinesecars #aicars #aibuilds #ai #songsan#WhatDrivesYOUth#GetOutNDriveFASTJoin our fb group to share pics of how you Get Out N DriveFollow Jason on IGIGFollow Jason on fbSubscribe To the OldeCarrGuy YouTube ChannelFollow John on IGRecording Engineer, Paul MeyerSign Up and Learn more about National Get Out N Drive Day.Support the show
It's EV News Briefly for Saturday 16 May 2026, everything you need to know in less than 5 minutes if you haven't got time for the full show.Patreon supporters fund this show, get the episodes ad free, as soon as they're ready and are part of the EV News Daily Community. You can be like them by clicking here: https://www.patreon.com/EVNewsDailyVW BRINGS BACK ID. BUZZ TO U.S FOR MY2027Volkswagen is returning the ID. Buzz to the US market for model year 2027 after skipping 2026, with four trims including a new Tourer 4Motion camping variant featuring a fold-out mattress, Overnight Mode, and factory-built sleeping setup. The 2027 model also adds true one-pedal driving and updated ID.S 6 software with a larger App Store including YouTube and Spotify.TESLA TESTS VIRTUAL SUPERCHARGER QUEUETesla has launched a virtual queue pilot at five Supercharger stations, allowing drivers to join a waitlist via the Tesla app instead of forming a physical line, a feature that arrived a year later than promised. The system is voluntary with no enforcement, and has been opened to non-Tesla EVs — significant given roughly 70% of Supercharger stalls now accept third-party vehicles.FORD URGES BROADER ELECTRIFICATION PITCHFord's European boss Jim Baumbick argued at the FT's Future of the Car summit that the industry must sell EVs on personal benefit rather than CO2 reduction, and that PHEVs and range-extender hybrids should be accepted alongside pure BEVs as valid routes to net zero. He highlighted a stark policy contrast: Sweden's PHEV charging tax incentive results in 70% of drivers plugging in regularly, while the UK's lack of equivalent incentive sees that figure drop to just 10–20%.CANADA ZEV SALES JUMP AS MARKET SHRINKSCanadian EV adoption nearly doubled from 6.5% to 12.2% of total vehicle sales in March 2026, with battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles combining for 21,574 units even as the broader new-vehicle market fell 6.6% year-over-year. Ottawa's reinstated CA$5,000 purchase incentive in February and competitive pricing — with some models starting from CA$30,000 — were key drivers of the surge.POLESTAR EXPANDS UPDATED 3 AND 4 ORDERSPolestar has opened orders for updated versions of the Polestar 3 and Polestar 4 across Canada, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands and Germany, with the headline change being the Polestar 3's upgrade to an 800V architecture enabling 350 kW DC charging and a 22-minute 10–80% charge time. The Polestar 3 also gains a major compute upgrade from Nvidia DRIVE AGX Xavier to Orin — lifting processing power from 30 to 254 TOPS — with existing owners receiving the chip upgrade at no cost.MAN ADDS 16-TONNE ETGM TO ELECTRIC RANGEMAN Truck & Bus has unveiled the eTGM, a 16-tonne battery-electric truck for urban and regional distribution, debuting at Transpotec Logitec 2026 in Milan and completing a fully electric range from 12 to 50 tonnes. It offers up to 320 kWh of usable battery capacity, a 480 km maximum range, and a mechanical power take-off (mPTO) that MAN says is rare in the segment and reduces bodybuilder conversion costs.CALIFORNIA LAUNCHES $250 MILLION ELECTRIC TRUCK REBATECalifornia Governor Gavin Newsom has launched the California Clean Fuel Reward, a $250 million rebate programme for electric medium- and heavy-duty trucks funded by Low Carbon Fuel Standard revenue, with rebates ranging from $7,500 to $120,000. The state expects over $1 billion in total rebates through 2030, making it the largest utility-administered electric truck rebate programme in the US.BAGLINO LAUNCHES SECOND STARTUP IN HEAT PUMPSDrew Baglino, former Tesla SVP who left in April 2024, has launched Sadi Thermal Machines, a heat pump startup incorporated in June 2025 and co-located with his first venture, Heron Power, in Scotts Valley, California. Baglino is well-positioned for the role, having been a named inventor on Tesla's thermal management patent that underpinned the octovalve system debuted in the Model Y.CATERHAM PROJECT V HITS TEST TRACKCaterham has released new test track footage of its Project V electric sports car running under its own power, performing high-speed charging and braking manoeuvres. The car targets 268bhp, a 1,430kg kerb weight, a sub-5.0-second 0–62mph time, a 249-mile range, and a 20-minute 20–80% charge time.
Es macht einfach keinen Spaß: Wer auch heute wieder die Benzinpreise checkt, schwankt vermutlich zwischen Wut und Resignation – und denkt vielleicht darüber nach, sich mal über den Kauf eines E-Autos zu informieren. Genau das wird seit dem Vormittag wieder vom Staat gefördert. Für ein neues E-Auto oder einen Plug-in-Hybrid kann es bis zu 6000 Euro geben. „Rückenwind für Stromer“ – das ist das SWR3-Topthema mit Manuela Rid.
Peter Tom and Chantelle examine all the new features in cars that try and do the same thing in different ways and in different places. Tom provides an update on the preparation of Round 2 of the Production Cars Race Series at Goulburn. Peter talks about some dealerships being crowded while others are a ghost town. Plug-in Hybrid vs Hybrid.Follow us on Instagram and email us alltorque@outlook.com.au
Should You Switch to an EV? Fuel shortages, charging costs & best electric cars in AustraliaThe war in Iran and resulting oil shortages are driving petrol and diesel supply anxiety in Australia, while more EVs from Asia, better home charging options, and typical fuel savings of $1200–$2000 per year are boosting interest in electric vehicle sales.This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's managing editor, Vanessa Walker, is joined by motoring contributor Matt Campbell to discuss the pros and cons of buying an EV.Campbell explains the main barriers that held Australians back — price, range anxiety, resale and battery concerns, fit-for-purpose models, and charging infrastructure — then outlines what has changed, including emissions rules, improved plug-in hybrid and EV ranges, and growing price parity.They cover economical charging (EV plans, solar and home batteries), insurance and resale considerations, suggested EV models across sizes, and why faster charging speeds are the next major battleground.01:38 Why Aussies hesitated03:14 Policy shifts and better range05:23 Charging network bottlenecks08:04 Cheapest ways to charge09:19 Affordable EV price points12:07 Must-have features vs gimmicks13:46 Hidden costs insurance and resale16:01 Top picks small to large18:27 Future faster charging techLinks:Matt's Youtube channelPodcast Links:Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyMoney WebsiteYouTube Podcast PlaylistEmail Us: podcast@moneymag.com.auGet stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR
Glowing tires were once pitched as one of the most dramatic developments in automotive history, and we can't stop thinking about how close it came to being real. We dig into Goodyear's illuminated tire experiment from the late 1950s and 1960s: translucent polyurethane “neothane,” dye colors, and small lights mounted inside the rim so the whole tire could shine at night. It's a perfect slice of retro car culture, equal parts engineering ambition and marketing bravado, right down to the promise that your tires could match your car or even your outfit. Then we change gears into travel mode with quick, practical Texas Hill Country getaway ideas built for comfort, quiet, and big skies. We talk through glamping destinations near Austin and beyond, including 21+ spots designed for couples, luxury tents that actually feel like tiny cabins, and futuristic pods with patios and private jacuzzies. If you're planning a Mother's Day trip or just need a weekend reset, these recommendations focus on what matters: vibe, views, and what you really get for the price. We close with a hands-on 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV review, covering styling updates, minimalist interior design, and the real question with any plug-in hybrid SUV: does plugging in pay off? We share real-world MPG results, performance notes on the 1.6L turbo hybrid system, and what still needs improvement like downshift timing and acceleration feel. If you're shopping a compact SUV that feels like a midsize, comparing a Sportage PHEV to options like the RAV4 Prime or Tucson PHEV, this breakdown helps you decide. Subscribe for more car history, travel picks, and honest reviews, and if you enjoyed the mix, share the show and leave a quick rating and review. Which part surprised you most: glowing tires, glamping pods, or that plug-in hybrid mileage?Be sure to subscribe for more In Wheel Time Car Talk!The Lupe' Tortilla RestaurantsLupe Tortilla in Katy, Texas Gulf Coast Auto ShieldPaint protection, tint, and more!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.---- ----- Want more In Wheel Time car talk any time? In Wheel Time is now available on Audacy! Just go to Audacy.com/InWheelTime where ever you are.----- -----Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast provider for the next episode of In Wheel Time Podcast and check out our live multiplatform broadcast every Saturday, 10a - 12nCT simulcasting on Audacy, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Twitch and InWheelTime.com.In Wheel Time Podcast can be heard on you mobile device from providers such as:Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music Podcast, Spotify, SiriusXM Podcast, iHeartRadio podcast, TuneIn + Alexa, Podcast Addict, Castro, Castbox, YouTube Podcast and more on your mobile device.Follow InWheelTime.com for the latest updates!Twitter: https://twitter.com/InWheelTimeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/inwheeltime/https://www.youtube.com/inwheeltimehttps://www.Facebook.com/InWheelTimeFor more information about In Wheel Time Podcast, email us at info@inwheeltime.com
Rising fuel prices, along with competitive pricing and advanced technology, are boosting sales of Chinese electric vehicle brands in Germany, as consumers increasingly weigh cost, features and performance alongside environmental considerations.不断攀升的燃油价格,加之具有竞争力的定价体系和先进技术,正推动中国电动汽车品牌在德国市场的销量增长。德国消费者在考量环保因素的同时,愈发注重车辆的用车成本、功能配置与综合性能。Battery EV registrations reached 70,700 in March, up 66.2 percent year-on-year, while those for plugin hybrid EVs rose 13 percent to 29,900, according to figures released by Germany's Federal Motor Transport Authority on April 7.根据德国联邦汽车运输管理局4月7日发布的数据,德国3月纯电动汽车注册量达70,700辆,同比增长66.2%;插电式混合动力汽车注册量增长13%至29,900辆。Chinese automakers also saw increased traction in March, with brands such as BYD and Leapmotor recording roughly threefold year-on-year increases in registrations, while Xpeng more than doubled its figures, reflecting growing acceptance among German consumers.中国车企3月在德表现尤为亮眼,比亚迪、零跑等品牌注册量同比增幅约达三倍,小鹏汽车注册量翻逾一番,折射出德国消费者对中国品牌的接受度持续提升。Rising fuel costs are a key driver. Diesel reached around 2.5 euros ($2.94) per liter on April 7, while E10 gasoline stood at approximately 2.24 euros, according to the General German Automobile Club.燃油成本飙升是主要推手。据德国通用汽车俱乐部数据,4月7日该国柴油价格升至每升约2.5欧元(合2.94美元),E10汽油价格约为每升2.24欧元。The surge follows disruptions to oil transport routes linked to tensions in the Middle East, adding to Europe's already elevated energy costs.中东紧张局势引发的石油运输通道受阻,令欧洲本就高企的能源成本雪上加霜。"Filling my Audi Q5 now costs 125 euros, up from 90 euros before the Middle East conflict," said Andreas Heumann, a Berlin resident considering a plug-in hybrid. "If prices stay high, switching cars becomes an economic decision."柏林居民安德烈亚斯·豪伊曼正考虑换购插电混动车型,他算了一笔账:"给奥迪Q5加满油现在要125欧元,中东冲突前才90欧元。如果油价持续高位,换车就成了经济决策。"For many households, higher running costs for petrol and diesel vehicles are prompting changes in purchasing behaviors. Some buyers are delaying vehicle purchases, while others are increasingly shifting to electric alternatives.对众多家庭而言,燃油车使用成本的攀升正改变购车行为。部分消费者暂缓购车计划,更多人则加速转向电动车型。"EVs are becoming central to how consumers manage cost uncertainty," said Zheng Yun, senior partner at Munich-based consultancy Roland Berger. "When fuel prices rise sharply, the total cost of ownership for combustion vehicles increases immediately, making EVs comparatively more attractive."慕尼黑罗兰贝格咨询公司高级合伙人郑赟指出:"电动汽车正成为消费者应对成本不确定性的核心方案。当油价急剧上涨时,燃油车全生命周期成本随即攀升,电动汽车的相对吸引力便凸显出来。"The German government has moved to temper the impact. Since April 1, petrol stations have been limited to one price increase per day to reduce volatility, while Germany's economy and energy minister, Katherina Reiche, has proposed lowering household electricity taxes. Analysts, however, caution that such measures may only partially offset the sustained pressure from high fuel prices.德国政府已出手缓冲影响。4月1日起,加油站每日限调价一次以抑制波动,经济与能源部长卡特琳娜·赖歇则提议下调家庭电力税。但分析人士提醒,此类措施或仅能部分抵消高油价带来的持续压力。Thus, EVs are increasingly viewed not just as an environmentally friendly choice, but also as a rational economic decision. Dmitrij Kolesnik, a Berlin-based dealer, said that Chinese EVs are gaining recognition among consumers for their competitive pricing, solid quality and advanced technology.正因如此,电动汽车日益被视为兼具环保价值与经济理性的选择。柏林车商德米特里·科列斯尼克表示,中国电动汽车凭借价格竞争力、扎实品质与先进技术,正获得消费者广泛认可。The change is evident on showroom floors. At a BYD dealership in central Berlin, sales staff said customers who previously took weeks to decide are now making purchases within days.市场冷暖在展厅可见一斑。柏林市中心某比亚迪经销店的销售人员透露,此前需要数周才能拿定主意的客户,如今数日内便会下单。Magrin Tommaso, an Italian hairdresser based in Germany who recently test-drove several models of Chinese EVs, said the combination of lower operating costs and advanced in-car technology made them stand out as "a smart product choice". He ultimately decided to purchase a BYD Atto 3.旅居德国的意大利发型师马格林·托马索近期试驾多款中国电动汽车后坦言,较低的运营成本搭配先进车载技术,令其成为"明智之选"。他最终选购了一辆比亚迪Atto 3。Policy incentives, including subsidies of up to 6,000 euros for new EVs from 2026, are supporting demand, though analysts note financial measures alone are not driving the shift. Consumers are increasingly basing their decisions on running costs, features and long-term value, reflecting a broader shift toward electric mobility in Germany.2026年起德国将为新购电动汽车提供最高6,000欧元补贴等政策激励虽对需求形成支撑,但分析人士指出,经济手段并非驱动转变的唯一要素。消费者决策正愈发聚焦使用成本、功能配置与长期价值,折射出德国社会向电动出行转型的深层趋势。Chinese manufacturers, in particular, are leveraging strengths in battery supply chains, cost control and software integration to expand their presence. Zheng noted that this marks a shift from merely exporting vehicles to establishing brand recognition and long-term market positions in Europe.中国制造商凭借电池供应链优势、成本管控能力与软件集成水平,正在欧洲市场加速拓展版图。郑赟指出,这标志着中国车企已从单纯的产品输出,转向在欧树立品牌认知、谋求长远市场地位的新阶段。plugin hybrid EVs /ˈplʌɡɪn ˈhaɪbrɪd iːˈviːz/ 插电式混合动力汽车 combustion vehicles /kəmˈbʌstʃən ˈviːəkəlz/ 内燃机汽车 temper the impact /ˈtempər ði ˈɪmpækt/ 缓冲影响 offset /ˈɒfset/ 抵消 dealership /ˈdiːlərʃɪp/ 经销商
It's EV News Briefly for Thursday 16 April 2026, everything you need to know in less than 5 minutes if you haven't got time for the full show.Patreon supporters fund this show, get the episodes ad free, as soon as they're ready and are part of the EV News Daily Community. You can be like them by clicking here: https://www.patreon.com/EVNewsDailyDOUG FIELD TO LEAVE FORDDoug Field, who joined Ford in 2021 from Apple and previously helped launch the Tesla Model 3, will depart next month on a voluntary basis, with CEO Jim Farley praising him as an "invaluable partner" in Ford's electrification journey. Ford is simultaneously restructuring, creating a new "Product Creation and Industrialization" organisation under COO Kumar Galhotra that unifies EV, petrol, and hybrid programmes, with the first vehicle on Ford's new Universal EV architecture — a midsize electric pickup — due next year.DACIA READIES SUB-£16,000 ELECTRIC CITY CARDacia has revealed spy shots of a new electric city car priced from under €18,000 (£15,600), designed in just 16 months with help from its China team, featuring a design closer to its SUV range than the related Renault Twingo. Expected to use a 27.5kWh battery with around 160 miles of range, the car will make its public debut at the Paris Motor Show in October 2026, with Dacia also planning three further EVs before 2030.MERCEDES-BENZ LAUNCHES VLE RANGE FROM €82,260Mercedes-Benz has launched the VLE range starting at €82,260, built on an 800-volt architecture capable of charging at up to 300 kW, enabling 355 km of WLTP range to be added in just 15 minutes. The range spans from the entry-level VLE 250 with an LFP battery to the VLE 400 4MATIC with a 305 kW all-wheel-drive system, with seating configurations from five to eight seats and pricing up to €113,000 depending on specification.KIA EV2 FIRST EDITION JOINS UK ECGThe Kia EV2 First Edition now qualifies for the UK government's £1,500 Electric Car Grant, bringing its net on-the-road price to £26,995. The EV2 had its world premiere in January 2026, entered series production in March at Kia's Slovakia plant, and sits as the entry point to Kia's dedicated BEV line-up designed and built in Europe.FREE ELECTRICITY ON GERMAN V2G TARIFFMunich-based The Mobility House plans to launch a V2G electricity tariff in Germany, initially paired with the Renault 5, that could allow EV owners to drive for free by charging when renewable energy is cheap and selling power back to the grid at peak times. A 2024 French pilot with Renault showed that connecting a car for an average of 14 hours per day can reduce charging costs for 10,000 km of driving to effectively zero, with the Mercedes-Benz CLA and GLC also set to join the programme later in 2026.BYD GAINS GROUND IN GERMANYBYD is surging in Germany, with Carwow recording a 135% jump in purchase queries for the brand in Q1 2026, driven by rising fuel prices linked to the Middle East conflict and increasing new car costs making Chinese EVs more attractive. Interest centred on BYD's electric SUVs and the Dolphin hatchback, with Chinese-owned MG also seeing increased demand on the platform.BYD'S JINAN HEADS FOR GERMANYBYD's car carrier Jinan, one of the world's largest at 9,200-vehicle capacity, departed Shanghai on 17 March carrying fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles bound for Germany, arriving around 33 days later. The shipment highlights BYD's continued reliance on Chinese exports while European local production ramps up, with trial assembly underway in Szeged, Hungary since January and series production targeted for Q2 2026.BYD PRICES SEAL 6 PHEVS IN AUSTRALIABYD Australia has confirmed pricing for the Seal 6 Sedan and Seal 6 Touring PHEVs, with the Sedan Essential starting at A$34,990 (around £18,380) — undercutting the Toyota Camry Hybrid — and first deliveries expected around June 2026. Both models use BYD's DM 5.0 plug-in hybrid system with Blade battery technology, offering 55 km electric range on the Sedan and around 100 km on the Touring Premium.POLESTAR AUSTRALIA BOSS ATTACKS PHEVSPolestar Australia's managing director Scott Maynard has publicly called PHEVs "the worst of both worlds," arguing they combine electric drivetrain complexity with petrol engine weight, rarely get charged by owners, and can actually be less efficient than a pure petrol car due to the added battery mass. He also claimed PHEVs are "fast becoming irrelevant" as EV range improves — a notable stance given that Polestar's parent company Geely continues to sell PHEVs across Volvo, Lotus, and Lynk & Co.TESLA ADDS SUNWODA AS FIFTH BATTERY SUPPLIERTesla has signed Sunwoda Electric Vehicle Battery as its fifth battery supplier, with Sunwoda set to provide third-generation LFP cells capable of charging at up to 3C — cutting charge time to around 20 minutes, compared to Tesla's current 2C LFP packs. The cells are destined for export vehicles built at Giga Shanghai, with Tesla buying raw prismatic cells from Sunwoda and assembling the modules and packs in-house.HONDA DROPS E:NY1 FROM UK LINE-UPHonda has removed the e:Ny1 from its UK configurator, leaving it with no fully electric models on sale in Britain after the car sold just 7,122 units in three years, hampered by a high price and limited range requiring heavy dealer discounts. This creates a serious ZEV mandate problem for Honda, which must hit 22% BEV sales this year rising to 80% by 2030, with fines of up to £15,000 per non-compliant vehicle — relief is expected from mid-2026 when a retro-inspired compact EV on the new Super-N platform arrives priced under £20,000.
It's EV News Briefly for Tuesday 14 April 2026, everything you need to know in less than 5 minutes if you haven't got time for the full show.Patreon supporters fund this show, get the episodes ad free, as soon as they're ready and are part of the EV News Daily Community. You can be like them by clicking here: https://www.patreon.com/EVNewsDailyMERCEDES-BENZ GIVES EQS ITS BIGGEST UPDATE https://evne.ws/3QDQc1x NISSAN CONFIRMS ELECTRIC JUKE FOR EUROPE IN 2027 https://evne.ws/4myW2gS EUROPE EV SALES HIT MARCH RECORD https://evne.ws/4sqOs97 KIA CONFIRMS EV1 FOR 2027 https://evne.ws/3Q715c8 FRANCE PREPARES THIRD EV SOCIAL LEASING ROUND https://evne.ws/48ko6yH FRANCE TIES ELECTRIFICATION TO ENERGY SECURITY https://evne.ws/4swljta US SOLAR SURGE DEEPENS COAL DECLINE https://evne.ws/4dRChyN VOLVO TRUCKS PUSHES ELECTRIC HEAVY HAULAGE FURTHER https://evne.ws/3Q9YRbZ 2026 EQS ADDS RANGE AND 800V CHARGING https://evne.ws/3Qb1uu2 MERCEDES-BENZ GIVES EQS ITS BIGGEST UPDATEThe updated Mercedes-Benz EQS is the most comprehensively overhauled version since the car's 2021 launch, with more than a quarter of its components newly developed or reworked, headlined by a new 800V architecture enabling 350 kW DC charging and a WLTP range of 926 km (575 miles) on the EQS 450+. Key new technologies include steer-by-wire — a first for a German production car — bidirectional charging, silicon oxide-graphite anodes pushing usable battery capacity to 122 kWh, a rear two-speed gearbox, and 385 kW regenerative braking, with a new entry-level EQS 400 starting at around £80,500 in the UK.***NISSAN CONFIRMS ELECTRIC JUKE FOR EUROPE IN 2027Nissan has revealed the third-generation Juke as a fully electric model, built at its Sunderland factory and going on sale exclusively in Europe in 2027, based on the CMF-EV platform shared with the new Nissan Leaf. The EV Juke will run alongside a continuing petrol version due to uncertainty around EV adoption, and is expected to offer up to 622 km (386 miles) of WLTP range with the larger 75.1 kWh battery option, though official specs have not yet been confirmed.***EUROPE EV SALES HIT MARCH RECORDEuropean BEV and plug-in hybrid registrations hit a monthly all-time high of nearly 540,000 units in March 2026, up 37% year-on-year, driven partly by sharp fuel price rises following the disruption of shipping routes at the start of the Iran war in late February. Global EV registrations also rose 3% to over 1.7 million in March, though China bucked the trend with a 14% fall in BEV sales after the end of purchase tax exemptions and trade-in subsidies.***KIA CONFIRMS EV1 FOR 2027Kia has confirmed a 2027 launch for its most affordable EV yet, expected to wear the EV1 badge, targeting the segment occupied by the BYD Dolphin and Renault 5 EV with European pricing expected around €25,000 (~£21,200). Built on the 400V E-GMP platform, it will offer two battery options — 42.2 kWh and 61 kWh — and is also set to replace Kia's last entry-level combustion car, the petrol Picanto.***FRANCE PREPARES THIRD EV SOCIAL LEASING ROUNDFrance will launch its third social EV leasing round in June, maintaining a quota of 50,000 contracts aimed at helping low-income households switch to EVs, with Prime Minister Lecornu citing EV running costs of just €2–3 per 100 km versus around €11 for diesel. The government has also set targets for Renault and Stellantis to produce 400,000 electric cars per year by 2027 and one million by 2030, alongside a new 50,000-contract programme for high-mileage middle-income workers such as carers and nurses.***FRANCE TIES ELECTRIFICATION TO ENERGY SECURITYFrance has become the first country to announce a major national electrification package directly in response to the Strait of Hormuz energy crisis, doubling annual state support from €5.5 billion to €10 billion through 2030 and targeting fossil dependence in both transport and heating. The plan includes banning gas heating in new buildings from late 2026 or 2027, subsidising 50,000 EVs for high-mileage drivers, offering businesses up to €100,000 per electric truck or van, and building 1 million domestically manufactured heat pumps per year by 2030.***US SOLAR SURGE DEEPENS COAL DECLINEThe US Energy Information Administration forecast on 6 April that solar energy generation will rise 17% this summer compared to 2025 levels, with solar projected to grow from 293 billion kWh in 2025 to 415 billion kWh in 2027, while coal generation is expected to fall roughly 10% in the first half of 2026. Over 90% of net new US generating capacity in 2026 is forecast to come from solar, wind, and battery storage, though rising solar shares are already exposing grids to sharper afternoon price swings and driving increased investment in battery storage alongside new capacity.***VOLVO TRUCKS PUSHES ELECTRIC HEAVY HAULAGE FURTHERVolvo Trucks has launched the FH Aero Electric with up to 700 km of range, 460 kW output, MCS charging at 700 kW (20–80% in around 50 minutes), and support for gross combination weights of up to 48 tonnes, directly targeting the range and payload objections that have held back heavy electric freight. Alongside it, updated FH, FM, and FMX Electric models for regional and construction work offer up to 470 km range, a new dual-motor driveline producing up to 540 kW, and an integrated gearbox PTO capable of driving equipment such as concrete mixers and cranes, with market rollout beginning in phases from 2026.
The Ford Model T gets talked about like a simple origin story, but the real history is full of weird details and big misunderstandings. We walk through the facts that actually explain how the Model T changed American transportation and manufacturing, including what it cost in 1908, why “black only” became a thing, and how Ford's choices around simplicity and efficiency helped put everyday drivers behind the wheel. We also clear up a major myth: the Model T didn't launch with the moving assembly line, and the timing of that innovation matters if you want to understand how mass production really took over.From there, we widen the lens to the human side of early cars and car culture. Starting a Model T could be physical and even dangerous, and the engineering workarounds like early ignition solutions show just how fast the auto industry was evolving. We also connect the Model T to a bigger story about roads and infrastructure, because the car shows up before America has proper roads, then helps create the demand to build them.Then we shift gears into practical present-day fun: swap meets. We talk about how parts hunting has changed, which Texas swap meets still feel like the real deal, and the simple rules that make the day a win, like bringing cash, arriving early, and preparing to walk a lot. Finally, Don shares a straight-shooting car review of the 2026 Subaru Uncharted EV, covering design, interior tech, comfort, range expectations, pricing, and competitors, plus a teaser about what happens when you actually commit to plugging in a plug-in hybrid. If you like car history, EV talk, and real-world ownership advice, hit subscribe, share this with a car friend, and leave us a review with your biggest takeaway.Be sure to subscribe for more In Wheel Time Car Talk!The Lupe' Tortilla RestaurantsLupe Tortilla in Katy, Texas Gulf Coast Auto ShieldPaint protection, tint, and more!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.---- ----- Want more In Wheel Time car talk any time? In Wheel Time is now available on Audacy! Just go to Audacy.com/InWheelTime where ever you are.----- -----Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast provider for the next episode of In Wheel Time Podcast and check out our live multiplatform broadcast every Saturday, 10a - 12nCT simulcasting on Audacy, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Twitch and InWheelTime.com.In Wheel Time Podcast can be heard on you mobile device from providers such as:Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music Podcast, Spotify, SiriusXM Podcast, iHeartRadio podcast, TuneIn + Alexa, Podcast Addict, Castro, Castbox, YouTube Podcast and more on your mobile device.Follow InWheelTime.com for the latest updates!Twitter: https://twitter.com/InWheelTimeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/inwheeltime/https://www.youtube.com/inwheeltimehttps://www.Facebook.com/InWheelTimeFor more information about In Wheel Time Podcast, email us at info@inwheeltime.com
The gas price sign can feel like it's mocking you: crude oil dips on the news, but your local station still sits above four dollars a gallon. We walk through the real mechanics behind that disconnect and why it's rarely a simple one-to-one relationship. From supply and demand to politics, weather, shipping constraints, and the time it takes crude oil to become finished gasoline, we map the chain that turns headlines into what you pay at the pump. If you've ever asked why prices jump fast but fall slowly, this conversation is for you. We also dig into the global pressure points that can move markets overnight, including the Strait of Hormuz and the ripple effects of uncertainty across worldwide oil pricing. Then we bring it back home: how U.S. benchmarks influence regional costs, why refining and state-specific fuel requirements can raise prices, and how gas taxes and local distribution help explain why two stations in the same neighborhood can show different numbers. We keep it practical, focused, and grounded in how drivers actually experience these swings. After the news, we shift into car culture and new-car talk. Jeff's Motor Minute highlights the Houston Art Car Parade and its long-running community vibe. Don then reviews the all-new 2026 Subaru Uncharted EV, a subcompact electric SUV with sharp proportions, dual phone chargers, a huge center screen, and surprising punch with 338 horsepower. We also talk honestly about EV range expectations, pricing, and why plugging in a plug-in hybrid can dramatically change your real-world fuel costs. Subscribe for more straight talk, share this with a friend who's furious at the pump, and leave a review to help more drivers find us. What's the most you've paid for gas this month?Be sure to subscribe for more In Wheel Time Car Talk!The Lupe' Tortilla RestaurantsLupe Tortilla in Katy, Texas Gulf Coast Auto ShieldPaint protection, tint, and more!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.---- ----- Want more In Wheel Time car talk any time? In Wheel Time is now available on Audacy! Just go to Audacy.com/InWheelTime where ever you are.----- -----Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast provider for the next episode of In Wheel Time Podcast and check out our live multiplatform broadcast every Saturday, 10a - 12nCT simulcasting on Audacy, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Twitch and InWheelTime.com.In Wheel Time Podcast can be heard on you mobile device from providers such as:Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music Podcast, Spotify, SiriusXM Podcast, iHeartRadio podcast, TuneIn + Alexa, Podcast Addict, Castro, Castbox, YouTube Podcast and more on your mobile device.Follow InWheelTime.com for the latest updates!Twitter: https://twitter.com/InWheelTimeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/inwheeltime/https://www.youtube.com/inwheeltimehttps://www.Facebook.com/InWheelTimeFor more information about In Wheel Time Podcast, email us at info@inwheeltime.com
In the U.S., battery electric and plug-in hybrid cars have been more expensive than their gasoline-powered counterparts, costing about $8,000 more on average. Experts say EVs are poised to achieve price parity with internal-combustion engine vehicles in just a few years though, because the single costliest part of an EV — the battery that powers it — is getting cheaper.
In the U.S., battery electric and plug-in hybrid cars have been more expensive than their gasoline-powered counterparts, costing about $8,000 more on average. Experts say EVs are poised to achieve price parity with internal-combustion engine vehicles in just a few years though, because the single costliest part of an EV — the battery that powers it — is getting cheaper.
The Automotive Troublemaker w/ Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier
Shoot us a Text.Episode #1309: The market cools after a hot start to 2025, the New York Auto Show brings fresh product and EV momentum into focus, and NASA launches humans back toward the moon for the first time in over 50 years.March brought the new car market back down to earth, as high prices, rising gas costs, and more cautious buyers cooled Q1 sales after last year's unusually hot start.Q1 U.S. light-vehicle sales fell 4.3% YoY to 2.78 million units, with many major automakers posting declines.GM dropped 9.6%, with steep losses at Buick and Cadillac, while Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Subaru, Mazda, and BMW also lost ground.Hyundai and Kia were bright spots, both setting first-quarter records as hybrids surged.Stellantis kept its turnaround rolling with a 4.1% gain, helped by Jeep and a 20% jump at Ram, marking its third straight quarterly sales increase.Cox's Jeremy Robb summed up the mood: “Consumers haven't left the market, but they're getting more selective. Every new headline and cost increase makes them more cautious about pulling the trigger on a big-ticket item.”The New York Auto Show is back, bringing a mix of fresh, bold concepts, and future-looking EVs, giving dealers a glimpse at where product, design, and powertrains are heading next.Chrysler refreshed the Pacifica with a bold new look and trims, but notably dropped the plug-in hybrid, while still leaning on its Stow ‘n Go advantage.Kia and Subaru leaned into electrification, with the EV3 targeting ~320 miles of range and the Seltos adding a hybrid for the first time.Subaru's new all-electric, three-row “Getaway” SUV targets growing family demand for EV space and utility, with 300+ miles of range and arrival later this year.Hyundai's rugged Boulder Concept signals a move into true off-road competition, aiming squarely at Bronco and Wrangler territory.The show highlights the trend of more hybrids, more EVs, and more niche vehicles—all designed to give today's cautious buyer a reason to jump back in.NASA just launched humans back toward the moon for the first time in over 50 years, kicking off the Artemis II mission and signaling a major step toward putting astronauts back on the lunar surface.The mission kicked off with a powerful evening launch from Kennedy Space Center, marking the first time since 1972 that astronauts have blasted off on a mission bound for the moon.After launch, the crew will spend a full day testing the Orion spacecraft before committing to the multi-day trip around the moon.The mission won't land on the moon, but will loop around the far side—offering views no human has ever seen directly.This flight is a critical proving ground for future missions, including planned lunar landings and long-term moon operations later this decade.NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said: “This is the opening act… for missions that will send astronauJoin 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/
It's EV News Briefly for Wednesday 25 March 2026, everything you need to know in less than 5 minutes if you haven't got time for the full show.Patreon supporters fund this show, get the episodes ad free, as soon as they're ready and are part of the EV News Daily Community. You can be like them by clicking here: https://www.patreon.com/EVNewsDailyAFEELA EV PROGRAMME SCRAPPEDSony Honda Mobility has scrapped its Afeela EV programme after Honda's broader EV strategy reassessment — which included a writedown of up to 2.5 trillion yen ($15.7 billion) — left the joint venture with no viable route to market. The Afeela 1, priced from $89,900 with deliveries planned for late 2026, has been cancelled alongside a second model targeting 2028, with California reservation holders receiving full refunds.MG TEASES SOLIDCORE BATTERYMG Motor has opened a third European engineering centre in Frankfurt and unveiled SolidCore, a semi-solid-state battery cell using a manganese-based cathode, semi-solid electrolyte shield, and graphite anode — claiming improvements in safety, range, durability and cold-weather performance without providing specific figures. MG claims to be the first automaker to mass-produce a semi-solid-state battery, though the distinction from a similar cell already in China-market MG4s since December 2025 remains unclear; SolidCore is expected in European EVs by end of 2026.EV CAR/VAN CONVERSIONS FROM RENAULT AND VOLVORenault has revealed an electric Twingo van conversion developed for EDF, doubling load capacity from 360 to 797 litres via a removable rear seat, mesh bulkhead, and cargo cage — though the concept remains unlikely to reach UK sale. Volvo UK is already in market with the EX30 Cargo, a fleet-only compact van offering 1,000 litres of capacity, 390kg payload, and a top dual-motor variant producing 423bhp with a 0–62mph time of 3.6 seconds.AUSTRALIAN FUEL SHORTAGES SPREAD WITHOUT SUPPLY LOSSPanic buying — not supply disruption — has left over 500 petrol stations across Australia short of at least one fuel grade, with New South Wales worst affected at 289 sites, including 164 diesel-dry locations pushing diesel prices above $3 per litre. Authorities have not declared a national fuel emergency or introduced rationing, with Victoria's Energy Minister confirming the strain is entirely driven by consumer behaviour rather than any import disruption.VAUXHALL ASTRA FACELIFT STARTS AT £29,995The facelifted Vauxhall Astra starts at £29,995 across mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and full EV variants in both hatchback and Sports Tourer estate, with the PHEV's battery growing from 12.4kWh to 17.2kWh for 52 miles of official electric range and a BiK rate of 10% — undercutting the Golf eHybrid by £6,490. The Astra Electric uses a 154bhp motor with 55.4kWh usable battery, 281 miles of quoted range, and 100kW DC charging covering 20–80% in around 30 minutes.UK PLEDGES £1 BILLION FOR FLEET ELECTRIFICATIONThe UK government has committed £1 billion to commercial fleet electrification, with the Zero Emissions Truck and Van scheme covering up to 40% of purchase costs — reaching £81,000 for the heaviest electric trucks and £5,000 for vans, though reduced from a previous maximum of £120,000 for trucks over 26 tonnes. A separate £170 million uplift to the Depot Charging Scheme allows businesses to reclaim up to 70% of depot charging installation costs, capped at £1 million per application.SK SIGNET STARTS TEXAS BUILD OF 400-KW CHARGERSK Signet has begun production of a 400-kW all-in-one DC fast charger at its Texas facility, using silicon carbide electronics to achieve 96.5% conversion efficiency while reducing its physical footprint by up to 54% versus its predecessor. A modular design offers 320–400kW output tiers, supports one to four CCS1/NACS ports delivering a stable 150–250kW per vehicle simultaneously, and features a 32-inch outdoor touchscreen with Plug & Charge, credit card, and RFID payment support.ROLLS-ROYCE OPENS ELECTRIC COACHBUILD PROGRAMMERolls-Royce has launched the Coachbuild Collection, a new electric coachbuilding programme for ultra-high-net-worth clients, with every vehicle fully road-legal and homologated — unlike predecessors Sweptail, Boatail, and Droptail. The first model will be fully electric, with powertrain, design, and interior details expected later in 2026, supported by a Private Office Network across Dubai, Seoul, Shanghai, New York, and Goodwood.FERRARI TUNES LUCE FOR FEEL, NOT FIGURESFerrari says its first fully electric car, the Luce, will prioritise driver feel over headline performance figures, with CEO Benedetto Vigna consulting NASA and medical centres to identify the point at which EV acceleration becomes neurologically disturbing. Ferrari identified five distinct generators of driving thrills and is focusing on issues such as battery placement to address the mismatch between visual and vestibular cues in cornering caused by heavy EV battery packs.XPENG AUSTRALIA DISTRIBUTOR ENTERS ADMINISTRATIONXPeng's sole Australian distributor, Sydney-based TrueEV, has entered external administration after a lender stepped in over unmet financing arrangements, with insolvency specialists now managing and selling close to 200 G6 vehicles across Melbourne, Brisbane, Wollongong, and Fremantle. A simultaneous legal dispute between TrueEV and XPeng has escalated to court action, leaving the brand's planned 2026 Australian expansion — including the X9 and G9 models — in serious doubt with no clarity offered to existing customers.
This week on America on the Road, hosts Jack Nerad and Chris Teague test the 2026 Volvo XC90 and Kia K4 Hatchback. In the news, they unpack climbing gas prices tied to global tensions, which are driving an uptick in searches for electrified vehicles, and cover the upcoming 2027 Infiniti QX65 fastback luxury crossover, the updated 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid, and sweeping safety recalls affecting Hyundai Palisade and Ford vehicles. They'll also discuss ambitious plans from Rivian and Lucid to reach mainstream buyers as consumer interest in battery-electric vehicles wanes.
Gas station hot dogs and performance cars sound like an odd pairing until you've done enough road trips to know they belong together. We start with a no-nonsense ranking of seven of the best gas station hot dogs in America, breaking down which convenience store chains actually deliver the kind of quick, low-cost bite that keeps a long drive on track. From topping bars to value combos, we talk about what makes a roller-grill classic worth your money and which stops are easiest to find when you're crossing state lines. Next, we shift gears into a practical luxury SUV review of the 2026 Lexus NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid. We get into trim overload, exterior styling, cabin comfort, cargo space, and the tech that stands out, especially the big 14-inch center screen. We also call out what annoys us in daily use, like steering wheel controls that hide the info you need right when you're trying to use them. And we keep it real about plug-in hybrid ownership: the efficiency numbers look great if you charge, but not everyone will. Pricing and competitors come up too, because value matters even in the premium segment. To round it out, we spotlight seven underrated U.S. racetracks worth visiting, then bring the fun home with a review of the 2025 Ford Mustang GT Convertible. We talk V8 power, real fuel economy, ride and handling, noise, and how fast options can push the sticker into eye-watering territory. If you like road trip food, car reviews, and racing culture, hit play, subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave us a review with your pick for the best road trip stop.Be sure to subscribe for more In Wheel Time Car Talk!The Lupe' Tortilla RestaurantsLupe Tortilla in Katy, Texas Gulf Coast Auto ShieldPaint protection, tint, and more!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.---- ----- Want more In Wheel Time car talk any time? In Wheel Time is now available on Audacy! Just go to Audacy.com/InWheelTime where ever you are.----- -----Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast provider for the next episode of In Wheel Time Podcast and check out our live multiplatform broadcast every Saturday, 10a - 12nCT simulcasting on Audacy, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Twitch and InWheelTime.com.In Wheel Time Podcast can be heard on you mobile device from providers such as:Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music Podcast, Spotify, SiriusXM Podcast, iHeartRadio podcast, TuneIn + Alexa, Podcast Addict, Castro, Castbox, YouTube Podcast and more on your mobile device.Follow InWheelTime.com for the latest updates!Twitter: https://twitter.com/InWheelTimeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/inwheeltime/https://www.youtube.com/inwheeltimehttps://www.Facebook.com/InWheelTimeFor more information about In Wheel Time Podcast, email us at info@inwheeltime.com
Fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles are powered by electricity, so they need to “fuel up” at charging stations. While as much as 80 percent of charging happens at home, public chargers allow those without access to home charging and those traveling farther distances to recharge their batteries. On this episode, we discuss EV charger availability and reliability and get a first-person perspective of EVs in rural Oregon. Guests: Jillian DiMedio, ODOE Senior Energy Policy Analyst; Steve Gutmann, co-founder of EVmath; and Robert Wallace, executive director Wy'East RC&D Grounded music by PaulYudin Sound Effect by freesound_community from Pixabay Resources • Biennial Zero Emission Vehicle Report : https://www.oregon.gov/energy/energy-oregon/Pages/BIZEV.aspx • EVmath.org: https://www.evmath.org/ • Wy'East RC&D: https://www.wyeast-rcd.org/ • Oregon Electric Vehicle Dashboard: https://www.oregon.gov/energy/Data-and-Reports/Pages/Oregon-Electric-Vehicle-Dashboard.aspx • ODOT's National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program: https://www.oregon.gov/odot/climate/Pages/NEVI.aspx • DEQ's Zero-Emission Fueling Infrastructure Grant: https://www.oregon.gov/deq/aq/programs/Pages/OZEF.aspx
A live car meet is supposed to be simple: show up, walk the rows, talk cars. But once we set up at the Team Gillman Mega Meet in Houston, the conversation quickly turns into the stuff drivers actually wrestle with, from new Texas DMV vehicle registration photo ID requirements to the way those rules change the buying process for everyday people.We also dig into a serious headline: CarMax agreeing to restitution and penalties tied to repossessions involving service members, plus what that says about compliance in auto finance. Jeff's Motor Minute follows with a practical warning for owners of several 2025 to 2026 GM models as an updated service bulletin links engine ticking noise to manufacturing debris in the valve lash adjuster. If you're the type who hears one new sound and instantly turns the radio down, you'll relate.Then we get into the fun and the shopping decisions. Don reviews the 2026 Lexus NX 450h+ Luxury AWD, a plug-in hybrid compact luxury SUV with a standout 14-inch screen, strong fit and finish, and a price that may push you toward lower trims. We also meet Sam Medina from Shaking Auto Club, a family-oriented group built around honoring a lost brother and raising support for kids with cancer, with a clear stance against street takeover behavior. Finally, we lighten it up with a road trip-ready list of the seven best gas station hot dogs in America, a quick racing calendar check-in (IndyCar, F1, NASCAR, NHRA), and a punchy round of automotive history.Subscribe for more honest car reviews and real car culture, share this with a fellow car person, and leave a review. What's your must-stop gas station food on a long drive?Be sure to subscribe for more In Wheel Time Car Talk!The Lupe' Tortilla RestaurantsLupe Tortilla in Katy, Texas Gulf Coast Auto ShieldPaint protection, tint, and more!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.---- ----- Want more In Wheel Time car talk any time? In Wheel Time is now available on Audacy! Just go to Audacy.com/InWheelTime where ever you are.----- -----Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast provider for the next episode of In Wheel Time Podcast and check out our live multiplatform broadcast every Saturday, 10a - 12nCT simulcasting on Audacy, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Twitch and InWheelTime.com.In Wheel Time Podcast can be heard on you mobile device from providers such as:Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music Podcast, Spotify, SiriusXM Podcast, iHeartRadio podcast, TuneIn + Alexa, Podcast Addict, Castro, Castbox, YouTube Podcast and more on your mobile device.Follow InWheelTime.com for the latest updates!Twitter: https://twitter.com/InWheelTimeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/inwheeltime/https://www.youtube.com/inwheeltimehttps://www.Facebook.com/InWheelTimeFor more information about In Wheel Time Podcast, email us at info@inwheeltime.com
It's EV News Briefly for Tuesday 10 March 2026, everything you need to know in less than 5 minutes if you haven't got time for the full show.Patreon supporters fund this show, get the episodes ad free, as soon as they're ready and are part of the EV News Daily Community. You can be like them by clicking here: https://www.patreon.com/EVNewsDailyFORD UPDATES PUMA GEN-EFord has updated the all-electric Puma Gen-E with a redesigned battery lifting WLTP range from 376 km to 417 km (260 miles), alongside new BlueCruise hands-free driving, audio, connectivity, and colour updates. BlueCruise can be bought outright or via subscription, with all capable Puma models receiving a free three-month trial.BYD TO EXPORT FLASH CHARGING BY 2026BYD plans to roll out its 1,500 kW Flash Charging network internationally before the end of 2026, starting with a push to 20,000 stations across China and then expanding to plants in Thailand, Brazil, and Hungary. The system charges second-gen LFP Blade Battery vehicles from 10% to 70% in five minutes, with each unit also functioning as an on-site 200–300 kWh battery pack to protect local grid infrastructure.POLL FINDS EV KNOWLEDGE GAPA YouGov poll for the ECIU found that over half of non-EV drivers scored two or fewer correct answers out of ten on basic EV facts, with nearly half wrongly believing EVs catch fire more often than petrol cars. A House of Lords committee described the situation as a "concerted campaign of misinformation," warning that false narratives and deliberate anti-EV propaganda by some in the media are a major barrier to EV uptake in the UK.MOST UK BUYERS MISS EV GRANTCarwow research found that 64% of in-market UK car buyers were unaware of the Government's EV grant, despite 73% of those who did know about it saying a full £3,750 discount would make them more likely to choose an EV. EVs now account for just under a quarter of new car sales, with only 8 of the 46 qualifying models eligible for the maximum grant amount.MERCEDES SETS OUT 2026 GLA PLANMercedes will launch the third-generation GLA later in 2026 on its MMA platform, offering hybrid and fully electric variants with an 800V system, a new vehicle supercomputer, and over-the-air update capability. The flagship GLA 250+ pairs an 85 kWh battery with a 262 bhp rear motor targeting up to 420 miles WLTP range, and the cabin features a 14.5-inch touchscreen with AI-powered MBUX voice recognition.MG 4 EV URBAN SET FOR AUSTRALIA IN 2026MG will bring the MG 4 EV Urban to Australia from April 2026, featuring LFP batteries in 43 kWh and 54 kWh options and a front-wheel-drive-only layout on the newer E3 platform. Pricing has not been confirmed, but UK figures suggest it could land closer to A$30,000, putting it in direct competition with BYD's Dolphin Essential at $29,990.OCTOPUS EXPORTS PLUNGE PRICING EV CHARGING TO FRANCEOctopus Energy is extending its dynamic Plunge Pricing public charging model to France via Electroverse, offering up to 50% discounts on charging costs when wholesale power prices fall due to high wind and solar output. The launch covers around 7,000 ultra-rapid Powerdot charge points, with Electroverse already connected via roaming to roughly 97% of France's 172,000 public charging points.PORSCHE CONSIDERING TAYCAN PANAMERA MERGERPorsche is exploring merging the Taycan and Panamera into a single model line offering petrol, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric variants, following €1.8 billion in write-downs tied to delayed SSP Sport platform development. The merged line could follow the Macan and Cayenne model, where parallel ICE and EV versions share a name despite using distinct platforms.SK BATTERY AMERICA CUTS 958 GEORGIA JOBSSK Battery America has cut 958 workers — 37% of its workforce — at its Commerce, Georgia plant, citing weak US EV market conditions. The plant had supplied cells for the Ford F-150 Lightning, Volkswagen ID.4, and Hyundai and Kia models, with Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff blaming the losses on the Trump administration's stance on EVs.VOLVO EX60 BETS BIG ON CENTRAL SOFTWAREVolvo has positioned the all-electric EX60, due for customer deliveries in September, as Europe's first "true" software-defined vehicle, combining in-house batteries, motors, core software, and the new SPA3 platform under one roof. The centralised software architecture replaces dozens of supplier ECUs and kilometres of wiring, with Volvo claiming the freed-up space gives the D-segment SUV cabin room comparable to older E-segment cars.REDWOOD SHIFTS EV BATTERIES INTO SECOND-LIFE STORAGERedwood Materials is expanding into second-life battery energy storage after finding that incoming used EV packs are retaining more capacity and arriving in better condition than originally modelled. The strategy centres on a 12 MW/63 MWh second-life BESS project in Texas — claimed as the world's largest — with Redwood targeting GWh-scale deployments for data centres, renewables, and utility-scale installations.
It's EV News Briefly for Thursday 05 March 2026, everything you need to know in less than 5 minutes if you haven't got time for the full show.Patreon supporters fund this show, get the episodes ad free, as soon as they're ready and are part of the EV News Daily Community. You can be like them by clicking here: https://www.patreon.com/EVNewsDailyMIDDLE EAST CONFLICT LIFTS UK FUEL AND ENERGY COSTSBrent crude surged past $84 per barrel and UK gas prices spiked to a three-year high of £1.44 per therm after Qatar halted LNG exports following Iran's threat to attack tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, with the RAC warning UK forecourt prices will feel the full impact within a week. Home EV charging costs are shielded for now by the energy price cap — fixed at 24.67p per kWh for electricity until end of June — but wholesale price rises could push the cap higher from July, making both home wallbox and public charging more expensive.EUROPEAN FLEETS COULD SAVE €246BN BY 2030A new EY and Eurelectric report finds that fully electrifying Europe's corporate fleets could deliver up to €246 billion in cumulative savings and cut one billion tonnes of CO2 by 2030. However, the authors warn that cheaper running costs alone will not drive mass uptake, calling for coordinated action from manufacturers, policymakers, grid operators and finance providers to tackle high upfront costs, uncertain residual values, and charging infrastructure delays.CUPRA BORN FACELIFT BRINGS SHARP NOSE, SMALL TWEAKSCupra has facelifted the Born with a "shark nose" front end, triangular matrix LED headlights, a continuous rear light strip, and new 235 mm tyres across all five wheel options, while the aerodynamically improved 79 kWh variants now claim around 600 km (373 miles) of WLTP range. A new entry "Born Plus" trim pairs a 58 kWh battery with a 140 kW motor — figures that match Ford's Capri LFP option and strongly suggest a switch to LFP cells from the updated MEB+ platform — though Cupra has not confirmed drivetrain details and appears to be saving that announcement for a related reveal, likely the VW ID.3 facelift later in 2026.FORD EV SALES SINK 71% AFTER LIGHTNING EXITFord's US EV sales collapsed 71% in February 2026 to just 2,122 units, the steepest monthly drop in its EV history, driven by the discontinuation of the F-150 Lightning and the expiry of the federal EV tax credit. Ford's Model e division lost $4.8 billion in 2025 and is forecast to lose another $4–5 billion in 2026, with profitability not expected until 2029; the company has already booked a $19.5 billion writedown and is pivoting to a new ~$30,000 midsize electric pickup it hopes will revive the business by 2027.LUCID PATCHES GRAVITY SOFTWARE AGAINLucid Motors has pushed software update 3.4.4 to the Gravity SUV, targeting AC charging improvements and Drive Assist availability, following a January update that resolved around 95% of earlier software issues — with the car averaging a new update every 24 days since launch. Lucid has closed its online configurator for both the Air and Gravity while it prepares its 2027 model year announcement, and Air owners face a $950 hardware upgrade bill to access the newer UX 3.0 platform already running in the Gravity, due to arrive by autumn 2026.MITSUBISHI READIES LEAF-BASED EV FOR CANADAMitsubishi is preparing its first all-new model since the Eclipse Cross for Canadian dealerships in 2026, built on Nissan's CMF-EV platform and LEAF architecture, with spy shots showing a heavily camouflaged prototype that shares the LEAF's roofline, proportions, and rear hatch panel. Both models will be built side by side at Nissan's Kaminokawa plant in Japan, and Mitsubishi may receive the smaller battery pack to undercut the LEAF on entry price — a strategy that would see Nissan supply the foundations while a cheaper sibling competes for the same buyers.ALPITRONIC UNVEILS HYC400 SERIES 2 CHARGERAlpitronic has launched the HYC400 Series 2, retaining the 400 kW maximum output of its predecessor while upgrading to a 22-inch touchscreen (up from 15.6 inches), second-generation silicon carbide power stacks, and a higher continuous output current of 600 A (up from 500 A). The unit maintains 97.5% charging efficiency but standby power consumption rises significantly from 43 W to under 100 W, and cable options narrow to a single 5-metre length; Alpitronic will sell both generations simultaneously to suit different site requirements.APTERA SHOWS FIRST VALIDATION-LINE VEHICLE PHOTOAptera Motors has published the first photo of a vehicle off its validation assembly line, marking a milestone for its three-wheeled, solar-assisted EV that claims 400 miles of range from a 44 kWh battery and up to 40 miles of daily solar charging, classified as a motorcycle to bypass certain safety regulations. The launch edition price has risen to $40,000 — a $9,300 increase from prior estimates — though a $28,000 model is planned for the future, and with nearly 50,000 pre-orders and a stated daily capacity of 80–100 vehicles, Aptera claims it could fulfil all orders within 500 days of full production, though the end-of-year delivery timeline remains uncertain.GEELY TARGETS DEFENDER WITH GALAXY BATTLESHIPGeely plans to launch the Galaxy Battleship in the UK in 2028, a blocky hybrid 4x4 aimed squarely at the Land Rover Defender and Toyota Land Cruiser, with a production design expected to stay 90–95% true to the Galaxy Cruiser concept shown at the 2025 Shanghai Motor Show. Built on the GEA Evo platform with steer- and brake-by-wire, it may use an AI-driven plug-in hybrid system with a stated output of around 858 bhp, and Geely is promising an interior that surpasses the Defender's for luxury — a bold claim for the Chinese brand's first foray into the 4x4 segment.EU UNVEILS LOCAL-CONTENT RULES FOR CLEAN TECHThe European Commission has unveiled the Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA), tying over €2 trillion in public procurement and subsidies to low-carbon and "Made-in-EU" conditions across sectors including EVs, steel, cement, and wind turbines, with the goal of raising manufacturing's share of EU economic output from 14% to 20% by 2035. China is excluded from the initial trusted-partner list — which includes the UK, Canada, and the US — and foreign investments above €100 million from countries controlling 40%+ of global production would face strict conditions including capped 49% foreign ownership and mandatory technology transfer; BMW and Mercedes oppose the Act over fears of higher costs, while Renault backs it and the text must still clear the European Parliament before becoming law.
This week on America on the Road, Jack Nerad test-drives the luxurious new 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid three-row SUV, and Chris Teague reviews the adventure-ready 2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport Hybrid. Plus, the two hosts break down the top news stories, including a stunning wave of nine major auto CEOs replaced in just over a year, Scout Motors' possible U.S. launch delay, Canada opening the door to up to China-built EVs, and NHTSA closing its seven-year Stellantis headrest investigation without a recall. The guys welcome special guest Greg Migliore, Editorial Director of AutoGuide.
Irish drivers continue to show interest in electric (EV) and hybrid vehicles, while carefully weighing cost, charging confidence and real-world ownership considerations, according to new findings from the Carzone 2026 Motoring Report. The latest national survey shows that a third (32%) of drivers plan to purchase a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle next. Hybrids remain the most popular alternative fuel choice, with a fifth (19%) planning to buy a hybrid, while 10% intend to buy a fully electric vehicle, indicating a gradual shift away from petrol and diesel rather than a complete behaviour change. Cost remains the most influential factor in decisions around electric vehicles. Four in ten drivers (40%) cite upfront price as a factor preventing them from making the switch, followed by concerns around reliability (31%) and electricity costs (28%). Alongside cost, confidence around EV ownership is being shaped by widespread misinformation and uncertainty. While the EV market has evolved rapidly, perceptions have been slower to catch up. Seven in ten drivers (69%) believe electric vehicles are more expensive to buy than petrol or diesel alternatives, despite increasing price parity and a growing number of more affordable models entering the market. Concerns around depreciation also persist, with six in ten (59%) believing EVs lose value faster. Nearly half of drivers (47%) think electric vehicles cost more to run, although more than one in five (22%) actively disagree, highlighting a clear gap between perception and real-world ownership experience. Charging infrastructure is also front of mind. Seven in ten drivers (71%) say there are not enough public charging points in Ireland, while 62% believe charging an electric vehicle takes too long. More than half (58%) say electric vehicles do not offer sufficient range for everyday driving. For those who have already made the move, experience differs from perception. Among current EV owners, 86% cite lower running costs as a key benefit, while 65% say they primarily charge their vehicle at home. Commenting on the findings, Conor Faughnan, Carzone's Independent Motoring Expert, said: "Irish drivers are taking a thoughtful approach to electric vehicles. Interestingly, the survey shows that while 18% of those planning to buy new are considering an electric vehicle, that figure drops to just 4% among used car buyers. This demonstrates what motorists are weighing up, from cost and charging to reliability. The findings also show that for those who already own an EV, the experience around running costs can differ from expectations. Having access to clear, independent information and advice is key as drivers consider making the EV switch." The Carzone 2026 Motoring Report is based on a nationally representative survey of 1,000 Irish drivers conducted in November 2025. The report forms part of a wider examination of how motorists are navigating changing fuel choices, ownership costs and vehicle technology. To explore the full findings of the Carzone 2026 Motoring Report, visit https://motoringreport.carzone.ie/. 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.
Description This week on Overdrive, David Brown and Paul Murrell unpack the first results from Australia's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard and what they really mean for car makers and buyers. They examine winners, losers and the politics of emissions averaging. Subaru returns to frontline motorsport safety, JAC fine-tunes a plug-in hybrid ute at Lang Lang, and Leapmotor updates its EV over the air. Plus, listener feedback on traffic data, marketing jargon, Bathurst memories—and a road test of the MG U9 ute that surprises in more ways than one. Episode Breakdown • NVES first results analysed – including winners, losers 00:00:39 • Subaru's new Supercars role – 00:16:23 • JAC Hunter PHEV tested locally – 00:26:05 • Leapmotor OTA update explained – 00:30:56 • Traffic data & governance debate – 00:39:51 • Road test: MG U9 ute – 00:50:37 ________________________________________ NVES first results analysed The New Vehicle Efficiency Standard's first six-month snapshot shows about two-thirds of suppliers beating their CO₂ targets. Passenger cars averaged 21 per cent below target, but light commercials—especially utes—lagged. The scheme works on fleet averages, not individual bans, raising questions about offsets, real-world use and whether it drives genuine change or simply mirrors market trends already underway. Winners, losers & carbon credits BYD leads on credits, with Toyota and Tesla strong thanks largely to hybrids and EVs. Mazda sits deep in deficit, with Nissan and Subaru also behind. Performance brands such as Ferrari and Rolls-Royce top the per-vehicle emissions stakes, though low volumes soften impact. The ability to trade credits adds economic pressure—but also fuels debate about “buying the right to pollute”. Subaru's new Supercars role Subaru becomes exclusive on-track support vehicle supplier for the Repco Supercars Championship from 2026. WRX tS Spec B models will act as safety and course cars, with Outback handling medical duties. The move reinforces brand credibility in performance and safety, even as motorsport's marketing value remains hard to quantify. JAC Hunter PHEV tested locally JAC's Hunter plug-in hybrid ute is undergoing 50,000km of Australian validation at Lang Lang and on public roads. With dual electric motors, turbo petrol engine and V2L capability, it's being tuned for towing, durability and local conditions. It's another sign Chinese brands are investing seriously in market-specific engineering. Leapmotor OTA update explained Leapmotor adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via over-the-air update, alongside refinements to driver assistance and one-pedal driving. OTA updates promise convenience, but also raise questions about feature creep, intrusive alerts and subscription-style activations. The challenge remains clear communication without distracting drivers. Traffic data & governance debate A response from Transport for NSW on traffic counting raised broader concerns: data collection quality, calibration and governance. Measuring traffic flow is complex, but accuracy and transparency matter. Without robust oversight, even well-intentioned policy can rest on shaky foundations. Road test: MG U9 ute In 35 years of testing, David never expected to review an MG ute. Yet the U9 is wide, comfortable and thoughtfully packaged, with a practical tray and clever folding tailgate. Its 2.5-litre turbo diesel feels old-school, and the gearbox can hesitate, but ride comfort on sealed and dirt roads impresses. At around $60,000, it's competitive—less testosterone hero, more practical family-friendly dual cab.
It's EV News Briefly for Wednesday 25 February 2026, everything you need to know in less than 5 minutes if you haven't got time for the full show.Patreon supporters fund this show, get the episodes ad free, as soon as they're ready and are part of the EV News Daily Community. You can be like them by clicking here: https://www.patreon.com/EVNewsDailyLUCID LIFTS SALES, STILL BLEEDS CASHLucid posted Q4 2025 revenue of $522.7 million — more than double the prior year — and full-year revenue of $1.35 billion (+68%), while delivering 15,841 vehicles in 2025 (+55%), its eighth consecutive quarter of record deliveries, backed by $4.6 billion in liquidity. The growth comes at a steep price: the company burned $3.8 billion in cash in 2025, announced its third layoff in three years (cutting 12% of US salaried staff), and is banking on a new ~$50,000 midsize SUV later in 2026.EU PETROL AND DIESEL SHARE SLIDES AGAINEU new car registrations fell 3.9% in January 2026, but the real story is the collapse in fossil fuel powertrains: the combined petrol and diesel share fell from 39.5% a year ago to just 30.1%, down from 48.7% in January 2024, with petrol registrations dropping 28.2% year-on-year across France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Pure BEVs took a 19.3% share (up from 14.9% twelve months prior), and electrified powertrains collectively accounted for around 68% of all January registrations.COMMISSION DELAYS "MADE IN EUROPE" PROCUREMENT ACTThe European Commission's Industrial Accelerator Act — which would add a "European preference" to public procurement, including a 70% EU-origin threshold for electric vehicles — has been delayed for a fourth time, now targeting a 4 March presentation. The UK has raised concerns that any protectionist tilt could damage cross-Channel automotive supply chains, given the EU is the largest export market for UK-built cars.VOLVO RECALLS 40,323 EX30S OVER FIRE RISKVolvo has issued a formal recall of 40,323 EX30 Single-Motor Extended Range and Twin-Motor Performance vehicles over a battery overheating risk — caused by lithium plating growth in cells from Shandong Geely Sunwoda Power Battery Co — that could trigger a fire. Volvo will replace the battery modules free of charge, but has disputed Reuters' estimate that the replacements alone could cost around $195 million, while continuing to advise owners to cap charging at 70% until their vehicle is fixed.T&E PUSHES EU TO TOUGHEN CORPORATE EV QUOTASTransport & Environment, an NGO advocating for clean transport, is urging the EU to raise corporate fleet EV targets to 69% zero-emission vehicles by 2030 — well above the Commission's proposed 45% — while excluding PHEVs entirely, arguing that company car drivers rarely plug in and routinely exceed lab-test emissions figures. Corporate buyers account for roughly 60% of new EU car sales, and T&E says its stricter targets would deliver 1.9 million additional EU-made EV sales in 2030, versus 1.2 million under the current Commission plan, while redirecting €42 billion in annual fossil fuel company car tax subsidies toward EU-built EVs.VAUXHALL CONFIRMS ELECTRIC CORSA GSE FOR 2026Vauxhall has confirmed a fully electric Corsa GSE for 2026, the brand's first hot hatch in eight years and the second model under its revived GSE performance sub-brand. The car is expected to carry over the Mokka GSE's 276bhp front motor, 54kWh battery, Torsen limited-slip differential, and Alcon brakes — a combination that delivers 0–62mph in 5.9 seconds on the Mokka, matching the Mini Cooper Electric JCW.RENAULT TO BUY OUT FLEXIS PARTNERSRenault plans to take full ownership of Flexis, its electric van joint venture, by buying out partners Volvo Group and CMA CGM — part of a broader retrenchment under new CEO François Provost that also sees the Ampere EV and software unit folded back into Renault Group by as early as July 2026. The first Flexis product, the Renault Trafic Van E-Tech, remains on track for production at Sandouville before the end of 2026, with Renault Trucks distributing the van from 2027 under an existing light commercial vehicle partnership.LEPAS CONFIRMS L8 SUV FOR UK LAUNCHChery-owned Lepas has confirmed its L8 SUV as its first UK model, with a summer 2026 launch expected and full specifications still to come. The most likely powertrain is the plug-in hybrid system shared with the UK-spec Jaecoo 7 — a 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor and 18.3kWh battery delivering 56 miles of electric range and 204bhp total — with a pure EV variant expected to follow.HONDA ICON E: ELECTRIC SCOOTER HITS ¥220,000 IN JAPANHonda has launched the ICON e: electric scooter in Japan at ¥220,000 (~$1,435 / €1,350), undercutting its own petrol mopeds by around ¥20,000 and claiming 81km (50 miles) of range via a removable, swappable Mobile Power Pack e: battery. Accessible from age 16 under Japan's moped licence class — mirroring the EU's AM category — the ICON e: is designed for urban practicality over headline specs, and its sub-€1,400 price positions it well as European cities continue to tighten low-emission zones.
The Automotive Troublemaker w/ Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier
Shoot us a Text.Episode #1277: The Supreme Court narrows emergency tariffs—but most auto duties remain, reshaping pricing and payments. Lamborghini shelves its EV plans in favor of hybrids. And Gen Z is ditching smartphones for iPods, chasing simpler tech in a distracted world.In our ASOTU daily email this morning, the team broke down the recent tariff news and what they mean for dealers. While one layer of trade pressure is gone after the Supreme Court's ruling, most auto-related tariffs affecting dealers and buyers remain in place.The ruling targeted emergency tariffs under IEEPA, not those imposed under Sections 232 and 301—where most auto exposure still sits.Steel and aluminum levies remain active, keeping pressure on parts, repair costs, and supplier pricing.VIN-level data shows uneven price impact: Canada-built vehicles up nearly $4K, Japan-built up ~$3.3K, Germany-built ~$2.8K, and Mexico-built over $1.5K.Pricing is largely baked into 2026 MSRPs, so expect stabilization—not rollbacks. Incentives and allocation will move before stickers do.Bottom line for dealers: focus on payment certainty, availability, and clear next steps—not promises of price drops.Lamborghini is officially backing away from its all-electric ambitions. CEO Stephan Winkelmann says the brand's customers just aren't ready—and going all-in on EVs risks becoming an “expensive hobby.”The Lanzador EV, first shown in 2023, has been quietly canceled after internal debate stretching into late 2025. Instead, by 2030, every Lamborghini will be a plug-in hybrid.Winkelmann says the “acceptance curve” for EVs among Lambo buyers is flattening and “close to zero.”Gen Z is rediscovering the iPod—and not just for the nostalgia. With schools banning connected devices and digital burnout on the rise, Apple's discontinued music player is becoming a low-tech escape hatch from the algorithm-driven chaos of smartphones.Google Trends shows 2025 searches for iPod Classic and Nano up 25% and 20% year-over-year.Refurbished iPod sales have climbed an average of 15.6% annually since 2022, according to Back Market.Students are using iPods as a workaround in phone-restricted schools—offline music without the distraction.The vibe shift? A simpler, distraction-free tech era that “felt more hopeful”—and a reminder that sometimes less tech is more freedom.Today's show is brought to you by ESi-Q. ESi-Q measures employee satisfaction and provides actionable insight into what's driving employee engagement 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/
V novej epizóde relácie Cashflow privítal moderátor uznávaného motoristického novinára Maroša Čabáka, ktorý otvorene analyzoval aktuálny stav automobilového trhu. Expert v diskusii upozornil, že nové auto zo showroomu si kupuje iba pätina Slovákov, zatiaľ čo zvyšok sa spolieha na jazdené vozidlá. Šokujúcim zistením bol extrémny prepad hodnoty čínskych značiek, ktoré môžu stratiť až polovicu ceny hneď po odchode z predajne. Čabák sa netajil ani svojím skeptickým postojom k alternatívnym pohonom, pričom priznal, že by si osobne nikdy nekúpil plug-in hybrid. Rovnako striktný bol v otázke elektromobility, keď vyhlásil, že ak by mal vlastniť iba jedno jediné auto, elektromobil by to rozhodne nebol. Debata sa dotkla aj správania na cestách, kde hosť trefne pomenoval vrodenú agresivitu slovenských vodičov. Napriek tomu si myslí, že slovenské diaľnice sú pripravené na zvýšenie maximálnej povolenej rýchlosti až na 160 km/h.Tento diel ti prináša www.tazbakryptomeny.sk
This week on America on the Road, host Jack Nerad and co-host Chris Teague deliver special first-drive reports on the all-new 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland and the 2026 Toyota C-HR. In the road test segment, Chris drives the off-road-ready 2026 Ram 1500 Warlock with the Hurricane engine, while Jack reviews the efficient 2026 Hyundai Tucson PHEV Limited AWD. Jack also sits down with Beatris Diaz, marketing and product expert with Toyota, for an exclusive look into the details of the all-new 2027 Toyota Highlander.
Irish drivers continue to show interest in electric vehicles and hybrids, while carefully weighing cost, charging confidence and real-world ownership considerations, according to new findings from the Carzone 2026 Motoring Report. The latest national survey shows that a third (32%) of drivers plan to purchase a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle next. Hybrids remain the most popular alternative fuel choice, with a fifth (19%) planning to buy a hybrid, while 10% intend to buy a fully electric vehicle, indicating a gradual shift away from petrol and diesel rather than a complete behaviour change. Cost remains the most influential factor in decisions around electric vehicles. Four in ten drivers (40%) cite upfront price as a factor preventing them from making the switch, followed by concerns around reliability (31%) and electricity costs (28%). Alongside cost, confidence around EV ownership is being shaped by widespread misinformation and uncertainty. While the EV market has evolved rapidly, perceptions have been slower to catch up. Seven in ten drivers (69%) believe electric vehicles are more expensive to buy than petrol or diesel alternatives, despite increasing price parity and a growing number of more affordable models entering the market. Concerns around depreciation also persist, with six in ten (59%) believing EVs lose value faster. Nearly half of drivers (47%) think electric vehicles cost more to run, although more than one in five (22%) actively disagree, highlighting a clear gap between perception and real-world ownership experience. Charging infrastructure is also front of mind. Seven in ten drivers (71%) say there are not enough public charging points in Ireland, while 62% believe charging an electric vehicle takes too long. More than half (58%) say electric vehicles do not offer sufficient range for everyday driving. For those who have already made the move, experience differs from perception. Among current EV owners, 86% cite lower running costs as a key benefit, while 65% say they primarily charge their vehicle at home. Commenting on the findings, Conor Faughnan, Carzone's Independent Motoring Expert, said: "Irish drivers are taking a thoughtful approach to electric vehicles. Interestingly, the survey shows that while 18% of those planning to buy new are considering an electric vehicle, that figure drops to just 4% among used car buyers. This demonstrates what motorists are weighing up, from cost and charging to reliability. The findings also show that for those who already own an EV, the experience around running costs can differ from expectations. Having access to clear, independent information and advice is key as drivers consider making the EV switch." The Carzone 2026 Motoring Report is based on a nationally representative survey of 1,000 Irish drivers conducted in November 2025. The report forms part of a wider examination of how motorists are navigating changing fuel choices, ownership costs and vehicle technology. To explore the full findings of the Carzone 2026 Motoring Report, visit https://motoringreport.carzone.ie/. 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.
This week on America on the Road, co-host Chris Teague joins host Jack Nerad as they dive into the latest automotive news, two compelling road tests, and an insightful engineering-focused interview. Jack reviews the high-performance Maserati Grecale Trofeo, a compact luxury SUV that makes the most of its supercar roots, while Chris drives the all-new 2026 Toyota Crown Signia hybrid, a premium crossover blending efficiency and sophistication. Jack also sits down with Zach Walker, chief engineer of the 2026 Lucid Gravity SUV, to discuss its innovative design, advanced technology, and how it pushes the boundaries of electric mobility.
The federal government is scrapping electric vehicle mandates, but it's renewing consumer rebates for electric vehicles. EV buyers can qualify for an up to $5,000 rebate on battery electric and up to $2,500 on plug-in hybrid cars. Bob Porter from the Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association and Joanna Kyriazis from Clean Energy Canada join the show to take questions on whether these new incentives will get more people buying EVs and if this will have an impact on climate change.
That Don't Sound Right is the podcast that brings back the way conversations used to happen — before the internet decided who was an “expert.” In this episode, hosts Peter and Cecil break down a surprisingly practical question: can a plug-in hybrid vehicle like the Toyota RAV4 Prime be used as a temporary home power source during a power outage? The conversation covers how DC power from a car battery is converted to AC using an inverter, what inverter wattage really means, realistic run-time limits, and which household items you can (and can't) safely power. Along the way, they share real-world experiences preparing for storms and blackouts while keeping things informative and entertaining. The hosts also issue a serious warning about the dangers of backfeeding your home's electrical system, and explain safer alternatives like transfer switches, properly installed inverters, and certified whole-house generators. It's a practical, no-nonsense discussion about emergency power, hybrid vehicles, and electrical safety — delivered the old-school way: through conversation, curiosity, and common sense. #TDSRpodcast #ThatDontSoundRight #Podcast #PowerOutagePrep #EmergencyPower #HybridVehicle #RAV4Prime #CarInverter #HomeGenerator #ElectricalSafety #Backfeeding #TransferSwitch #StormPrep #OffGridLiving #DIYPower #Preparedness Connect with us:
The Automotive Troublemaker w/ Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier
Shoot us a Text.Episode #1257: Chinese automakers are taking real share in Europe, AI at NADA is growing up fast, and U.S. consumer confidence just hit a decade low. Chinese automakers just hit a milestone in Europe, capturing nearly one in 10 new-car sales. Fueled by competitive EVs and hybrids, strong battery tech, and rapid expansion, Chinese brands are moving from disruptors to serious incumbents across the continent.Chinese brands claimed 9.5% of Europe's total car market in December, a record share.Electrified vehicles are the growth engine, with Chinese automakers now holding 16% of Europe's EV and plug-in hybrid market, more than double last year.Europe's auto industry is under strain, with over 110,000 jobs lost in 18 months, as domestic brands face shrinking share at home and abroad.“The progression of Chinese cars in Europe is massive… It's a matter of survival for our industry,” said Roberto Vavassori, head of Italy's Anfia trade group.AI is everywhere in dealer tech talk, but 2026 is shaping up as the year it moves from buzzword to baseline. At NADA in Las Vegas, expect fewer “wow” moments and far more conversations about integration, maturity, and ROI.More than 40 AI-specific exhibitors are registered for NADA 2026, up from just 10 last year, with many more vendors baking AI into existing platforms.Expect AI centered on lead engagement, chat, marketing automation, inventory, pricing, service prediction and moreDealers are showing up with sharper questions, focusing on cost savings, productivity, and ROI, not shiny add-ons or disconnected tools.“Everybody has the same ice cream. It's just flavored a little bit different,” said Cox Automotive's Mo Zahabi, summing up what dealers should expect on the floor.America's economic mood just took a sharp turn south. Consumer confidence fell to its lowest level in more than a decade in January, with households rattled by rising prices, job anxiety, and geopolitical noise—setting up an uneasy backdrop for spending as 2026 gets underway.The Consumer Confidence Index dropped to 84.5, its lowest reading since 2014 and well below economist expectations, signaling broad-based unease.Inflation remains front and center, with consumers citing food, gas, electricity, insurance costs, and tariffs as top concerns.“The K-shaped economy is great for the top 20%, but many middle-class Americans are barely keeping up,” said Heather Long, chief economist at Navy Federal Credit Union.This episode of the Automotive State of the Union is brought to you by Amazon Autos: Meet customers where they shop: 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/
What sets the 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ PHEV apart? Lexus blends best-selling SUV design with true plug-in hybrid power, real electric range, and premium features. Can a three-row luxury SUV support daily family life and short commutes on battery power alone? Is this the sweet spot between full EVs and traditional gas models? John and Richard deliver the essentials on the 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ PHEV: electric-only driving, at-home charging, practical third-row space, tech, safety, and pricing. Does it deliver on size and luxury? Is the premium justified? Discover why plug-in hybrids like the TX 550h+ may be ideal for flexible, family-focused driving without range anxiety. If you're shopping for luxury SUVs, curious about plug-in hybrids, or wondering what $85,000 really buys you today… this is one review you'll want to hear.
In Podcast #370, John Davis and the MotorWeek crew catch up on all the latest happenings in the automotive world. Like the few pieces of news that came out of this year's North American International Auto Show: the Bronco RTR, Mustang SC, and the winners of the 2026 NACTOYs! But first we'll talk about the return of the supertruck to RAM's lineup with the even more powerful 2027 RAM 1500 SRT TRX. And finally, we'll round out with some hot topics like Jeep & Chrysler cancelling their plug-in hybrid models, Dodge axes the Hornet, Acura's next RDX is on the horizon as a hybrid, and VW is bringing back buttons.
The Automotive Troublemaker w/ Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier
Shoot us a Text.Episode #1250: Colorado dealers filed suit on VW-backed Scout's direct-sales license, insurers face political heat as profits soar and affordability cracks, and Lemonade rolls out Tesla Full Self-Driving-based insurance, hinting at a future where driving software sets the rate.A group of Colorado VW, Audi, and Porsche dealers is suing the state after regulators approved a direct-sales dealer license for Scout Motors. Dealers argue the decision misreads state law and opens the door for OEMs to bypass franchised networks.Ten VW, Audi, and Porsche dealers filed suit this week, alleging Colorado improperly granted Scout a dealer license by treating it as an EV-only manufacturer.Dealers argue Scout's extended-range EV system is effectively a plug-in hybrid, disqualifying it from EV-only exceptions in state law.The lawsuit also claims Scout is an “alter ego” of Volkswagen Group, which already has franchised dealers and is barred from direct salesThe affordability conversation is turning its sights on insurers. After years of sharp rate hikes, home and auto insurers are posting near-record profits—and lawmakers are taking notice.Insurers are rebounding strongly, with the property and casualty industry posting its highest underwriting profit in nearly 20 years.Lawmakers in states like New York and Oklahoma are pushing profit caps, arguing rate hikes are out of step with household budgets.Auto insurance rates have stabilized nationally, but remain uneven by state, fueling continued consumer frustration.Lemonade is launching a new auto-insurance product built specifically for Tesla Full Self-Driving users, promising per-mile rates up to 50% lower when the software is engaged—an early glimpse at how insurance may evolve alongside partial autonomy.Lemonade will price insurance based on when Tesla's Supervised Full Self-Driving system is active versus human driving.The product relies on new vehicle telemetry data enabled through a technical collaboration with Tesla.Launch begins in Arizona on January 26, with Oregon following a month later.The move signals insurers are preparing for a future where software performance, not just driver behavior, sets risk and price.Lemonade president Shai Wininger said, “A driver who can see 360 degrees, never gets drowsy, and reacts in milliseconds isn't like any other driver.”This episode of the Automotive State of the Union is brought to you by Amazon Autos: Meet customers where they shop: reach high-intent buyers shopping for their next 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/
Hour 1 of https://RushToReason.com opens with John Rush taking on one of the most misunderstood concepts in America today: free speech. What does it actually protect—and where does it stop? Using real-world examples from churches, workplaces, schools, stadiums, airlines, and even the NFL, John breaks down the critical difference between public spaces and private property, challenging assumptions on both the left and the right. The discussion intensifies with calls from listeners highlighting school censorship and workplace double standards, raising tough questions about when speech is being silenced—and when rules are simply being enforced. John then pivots sharply into Colorado GOP politics, alleging serious digital misconduct by former party leadership and warning about the dangers of poor oversight, technical ignorance, and unchecked power. Who's accountable when records disappear? And how much damage can one person do on the way out the door? This hour is blunt, confrontational, and packed with uncomfortable truths—about rights, responsibility, and why misunderstanding civics has consequences far beyond social media outrage. HOUR 2 Hour 2 of Rush To Reason dives headfirst into economics, the Federal Reserve, NFL playoff drama, and a high-profile car review. John Rush is joined by Mitch Francis, founder of Francis Development Inc. (https://Bad-AssSolutions.com), for a blunt breakdown of why the Fed's interest-rate strategy may be hurting Main Street more than helping inflation. Why do unelected officials wield so much power—and why does the cost always land on consumers and small businesses? The hour then shifts into NFL playoff chaos, as John and Richard Rush analyze the Broncos' emotional win, controversial calls, and the sudden loss of Bo Nix. Can backup Jarrett Stidham rise to the moment, and is Denver actually ahead of schedule? The hour closes with a detailed car review of the 2026 Lexus TX 550h Plug-In Hybrid. From monetary policy to playoff pressure to plug-in hybrids, this hour asks one big question: who's really prepared for what comes next? Timestamps * Mitch Francis, Founder – Francis Development Inc. - 1:11 * Richard Rush, NFL - 26:47 * Car Review: 2026 Lexus TX 550h Plug-In Hybrid- 42:27 HOUR 3 Hour 3 of Rush To Reason is fast-paced and unapologetic, opening with John Rush in a deep dive on worker freedom and union power. John is joined by Mark Mix, president of National Right to Work (https://www.nrtw.org/), who breaks down Colorado legislation that could force workers to pay union dues without a vote. Is this about representation—or political power funded by workers who may not agree with it? The hour then pivots sharply to planned power outages, lawsuits, and accountability, as John dismantles the City of Golden's claims and explains why Xcel Energy is prioritizing liability protection after the Marshall Fire settlement. Listeners weigh in with legal and real-world insight, exposing how Colorado's liability standards, regulatory politics, and court venues are shaping utility behavior statewide. The takeaway is blunt: outages aren't a fluke—they're the future. From elections to energy policy to personal preparedness, this hour challenges listeners to ask a hard question: if the system won't protect you, are you ready to protect yourself? Timestamps * Mark Mix, President – National Right to Work - 1:12
Hour 1 of https://RushToReason.com opens with John Rush taking on one of the most misunderstood concepts in America today: free speech. What does it actually protect—and where does it stop? Using real-world examples from churches, workplaces, schools, stadiums, airlines, and even the NFL, John breaks down the critical difference between public spaces and private property, challenging assumptions on both the left and the right. The discussion intensifies with calls from listeners highlighting school censorship and workplace double standards, raising tough questions about when speech is being silenced—and when rules are simply being enforced. John then pivots sharply into Colorado GOP politics, alleging serious digital misconduct by former party leadership and warning about the dangers of poor oversight, technical ignorance, and unchecked power. Who's accountable when records disappear? And how much damage can one person do on the way out the door? This hour is blunt, confrontational, and packed with uncomfortable truths—about rights, responsibility, and why misunderstanding civics has consequences far beyond social media outrage. HOUR 2 Hour 2 of Rush To Reason dives headfirst into economics, the Federal Reserve, NFL playoff drama, and a high-profile car review. John Rush is joined by Mitch Francis, founder of Francis Development Inc. (https://Bad-AssSolutions.com), for a blunt breakdown of why the Fed's interest-rate strategy may be hurting Main Street more than helping inflation. Why do unelected officials wield so much power—and why does the cost always land on consumers and small businesses? The hour then shifts into NFL playoff chaos, as John and Richard Rush analyze the Broncos' emotional win, controversial calls, and the sudden loss of Bo Nix. Can backup Jarrett Stidham rise to the moment, and is Denver actually ahead of schedule? The hour closes with a detailed car review of the 2026 Lexus TX 550h Plug-In Hybrid. From monetary policy to playoff pressure to plug-in hybrids, this hour asks one big question: who's really prepared for what comes next? Timestamps * Mitch Francis, Founder – Francis Development Inc. - 1:11 * Richard Rush, NFL - 26:47 * Car Review: 2026 Lexus TX 550h Plug-In Hybrid- 42:27 HOUR 3 Hour 3 of Rush To Reason is fast-paced and unapologetic, opening with John Rush in a deep dive on worker freedom and union power. John is joined by Mark Mix, president of National Right to Work (https://www.nrtw.org/), who breaks down Colorado legislation that could force workers to pay union dues without a vote. Is this about representation—or political power funded by workers who may not agree with it? The hour then pivots sharply to planned power outages, lawsuits, and accountability, as John dismantles the City of Golden's claims and explains why Xcel Energy is prioritizing liability protection after the Marshall Fire settlement. Listeners weigh in with legal and real-world insight, exposing how Colorado's liability standards, regulatory politics, and court venues are shaping utility behavior statewide. The takeaway is blunt: outages aren't a fluke—they're the future. From elections to energy policy to personal preparedness, this hour challenges listeners to ask a hard question: if the system won't protect you, are you ready to protect yourself? Timestamps * Mark Mix, President – National Right to Work - 1:12
Hour 1 of https://RushToReason.com opens with John Rush taking on one of the most misunderstood concepts in America today: free speech. What does it actually protect—and where does it stop? Using real-world examples from churches, workplaces, schools, stadiums, airlines, and even the NFL, John breaks down the critical difference between public spaces and private property, challenging assumptions on both the left and the right. The discussion intensifies with calls from listeners highlighting school censorship and workplace double standards, raising tough questions about when speech is being silenced—and when rules are simply being enforced. John then pivots sharply into Colorado GOP politics, alleging serious digital misconduct by former party leadership and warning about the dangers of poor oversight, technical ignorance, and unchecked power. Who's accountable when records disappear? And how much damage can one person do on the way out the door? This hour is blunt, confrontational, and packed with uncomfortable truths—about rights, responsibility, and why misunderstanding civics has consequences far beyond social media outrage. HOUR 2 Hour 2 of Rush To Reason dives headfirst into economics, the Federal Reserve, NFL playoff drama, and a high-profile car review. John Rush is joined by Mitch Francis, founder of Francis Development Inc. (https://Bad-AssSolutions.com), for a blunt breakdown of why the Fed's interest-rate strategy may be hurting Main Street more than helping inflation. Why do unelected officials wield so much power—and why does the cost always land on consumers and small businesses? The hour then shifts into NFL playoff chaos, as John and Richard Rush analyze the Broncos' emotional win, controversial calls, and the sudden loss of Bo Nix. Can backup Jarrett Stidham rise to the moment, and is Denver actually ahead of schedule? The hour closes with a detailed car review of the 2026 Lexus TX 550h Plug-In Hybrid. From monetary policy to playoff pressure to plug-in hybrids, this hour asks one big question: who's really prepared for what comes next? Timestamps * Mitch Francis, Founder – Francis Development Inc. - 1:11 * Richard Rush, NFL - 26:47 * Car Review: 2026 Lexus TX 550h Plug-In Hybrid- 42:27 HOUR 3 Hour 3 of Rush To Reason is fast-paced and unapologetic, opening with John Rush in a deep dive on worker freedom and union power. John is joined by Mark Mix, president of National Right to Work (https://www.nrtw.org/), who breaks down Colorado legislation that could force workers to pay union dues without a vote. Is this about representation—or political power funded by workers who may not agree with it? The hour then pivots sharply to planned power outages, lawsuits, and accountability, as John dismantles the City of Golden's claims and explains why Xcel Energy is prioritizing liability protection after the Marshall Fire settlement. Listeners weigh in with legal and real-world insight, exposing how Colorado's liability standards, regulatory politics, and court venues are shaping utility behavior statewide. The takeaway is blunt: outages aren't a fluke—they're the future. From elections to energy policy to personal preparedness, this hour challenges listeners to ask a hard question: if the system won't protect you, are you ready to protect yourself? Timestamps * Mark Mix, President – National Right to Work - 1:12
Join Tony and April on the **Jeep Talk Show** flagship episode for a casual, fun catch-up chat after a three-week break! In this laid-back discussion, they dive into hot Jeep topics, share personal takes, and keep the laughs rolling. Key highlights include: - **Jeep's discontinuation of the 4xe plug-in hybrid models** (Wrangler and Grand Cherokee) for 2026 – why it doesn't bother April (old-school simplicity wins), range anxiety fears, charging challenges in rural areas, and how PHEVs sometimes traded capability for electrification quirks. - **Mud Terrain (MT) tires vs. lockers** – which upgrade to prioritize first? They agree: go tires first for better overall traction (rocks, mud, emergencies), then add lockers. April shares her approach of testing without lockers first to learn the Jeep's limits and reduce drivetrain stress. - **Ham radio vs. GMRS for emergency/off-road comms** – Tony questions if ham is phasing out with modern tech (satellites, internet), but April champions GMRS (easy, no test, family license, Midland's Jeep-friendly setups like the MXT series with integrated mics for tight dashes). Great for trails where cell service fails! - **Wrangler 392 pricing gripes** – recent price drops (like the 2026 Moab 392 coming in ~$20K cheaper), the thrill of that Hemi V8 roar, and why it's worth the premium (plus jealousy over friends' new ones). - **Off-road pet peeves** from the round table fireside chat crew: dropdown steps on rock sliders, loud concert-level speakers blasting music on trails, rear dual-exit exhausts getting mangled, oversized wheels, hitch sliders, and trail judgment. - Bonus: Tony plugs his new interview-focused show **Tony Muckleroy** (check it out on YouTube/Spotify for paranormal chats, preppers, and more wide-ranging topics). If you're a Jeep owner, off-roader, or just love the community vibe, this episode is full of relatable rants, practical advice, and good-natured banter. Hit play for trail stories, gear tips, and that classic Jeep passion!
On today's plug-pulling episode of Quick Charge, Stellantis is pulling the plug on a number of popular plug-in hybrid models from Jeep and Chrysler, while falling sales and ongoing union clashes at Giga Berlin could spell the end of the road for Tesla production in Germany. We also take a quick look at some of the many other EVs going the way of the Dodo in 2026 (including the best-selling electric pickup in all the land and a credible Model Y competitor that never got a fair shake), a red wave of EVs headed into Europe, and why this writer thinks you should lease instead of buy – enjoy! Source Links The Jeep Wrangler 4xe is dead along with these two other Stellantis plug-in hybrids Last call: check out these EVs before they're gone for good in 2026 [update] Are Tesla Gigafactory Berlin's days numbered? Tesla throws ‘cringe' anti-union concert for Giga Berlin employees ahead of vote EU and China are close to deal on electric cars, as Chinese EVs surge even with tariffs in Europe Forget what you've heard – leasing your car is almost ALWAYS the right move 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 supposed to be recorded several times per week (most weeks, anyway). 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 podcast series. 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. If you're considering going solar, it's always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it's free to use, and you won't get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them. Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you'll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
TOPIC: Electric Vehicles PANEL: Patrick Anderson, CEO, Anderson Economic Group; Jacqueline Charniga, The Detroit Free Press; Gary Vasilash, shinymetalboxes.net; John McElroy, Autoline.tv
Roger and Pete discuss the November 2025 Budget, 24 hours after it was announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves. We cover the salient points from a financial planning standpoint and try to avoid politics if we can! Shownotes: https://meaningfulmoney.tv/session598b 02:37 Income Tax 09:27 Capital Gains Tax 12:35 IHT 17:32 State Pension 19:48 Salary Sacrifice 25:32 What was NOT announced 30:02 VCTs 30:53 High-Value Council Tax Surcharge 34:00 EV and Plug-in Hybrid mileage scheme - eVED 37:55 Student Loans 38:44 Opinions 41:37 A Podcast Review
It's EV News Briefly for Tuesday 07 October 2025, everything you need to know in less than 5 minutes if you haven't got time for the full show. Patreon supporters fund this show, get the episodes ad free, as soon as they're ready and are part of the EV News Daily Community. You can be like them by clicking here: https://www.patreon.com/EVNewsDaily UK EV SALES REACH RECORD LEVELS https://evne.ws/46QfDBv TESLA TEASES OCTOBER 7 MODEL Y REVEAL https://evne.ws/46WT3Hs TESLA GERMANY SEPTEMBER SALES AND BYD SURGE https://evne.ws/4mRi9gM EUROPE EV SALES RISE IN AUGUST https://evne.ws/46Vqpqm FRANCE SEPTEMBER EV MARKET UPDATE https://evne.ws/48NVMp9 AUDI US EV SALES SURGE Q3 2025 https://evne.ws/48jHD30 CADILLAC Q3 EV SALES SURGE https://evne.ws/4nI8z1c BMW AND STELLANTIS MATCH FEDERAL EV CREDIT https://evne.ws/4q3L9VG DACIA SPRING UPGRADED WITH MORE POWER AND LFP https://evne.ws/4hiK8oN SCANIA HIGH-FLOOR ELECTRIC COACH PLATFORM https://evne.ws/4374rPM KIA PV5: ELECTRIC LIGHT COMMERCIAL VAN https://evne.ws/48PS12r ILLINOIS EV FAST CHARGING: $15 FLAT https://evne.ws/3KBE8uY RIVIAN ADDS LIDAR TO AUTONOMY PLATFORM https://evne.ws/4h1hacD UK EV SALES REACH RECORD LEVELS UK electric car registrations surged nearly 33% in September to 72,779 units, with over half of new vehicles electrified and the majority purchased by businesses or fleets. Government grants and incentives have widened adoption, and zero-emission vehicles now account for over 22% of new cars registered in 2025, while diesel registrations plummeted to historic lows. TESLA TEASES OCTOBER 7 MODEL Y REVEAL Tesla released a teaser for an October 7 Model Y reveal, sparking speculation over a more affordable variant intended to boost sales momentum and address product aging. The event is pivotal as Tesla faces pressure from competition and expiring federal incentives; analysts expect production ramp-up of the lower-cost Model Y in Q4. TESLA GERMANY SEPTEMBER SALES AND BYD SURGE In Germany, BEV registrations rose 31.9% year-over-year, but Tesla's numbers fell 9.4% in September and halved since January, while Chinese rival BYD saw registrations soar beyond twenty-fold for the month. The rise of competitors and market diversification are accelerating electrification, prompting legacy automakers to refresh offerings despite Tesla's updated Model Y achieving stronger results in other parts of Europe. EUROPE EV SALES RISE IN AUGUST European plug-in vehicle sales climbed 36% year-over-year in August to about 246,000 units, outpacing overall market growth and raising BEV share to 21%. Popular models like Tesla's Model Y, Skoda Elroq, and Model 3 contributed to momentum, reinforcing investment in charging infrastructure and fleet electrification. FRANCE SEPTEMBER EV MARKET UPDATE France saw 140,090 total registrations in September with plug-in vehicles making up 29% of sales, as BEVs and PHEVs increased their market share compared to last year. The Tesla Model Y led the month's results with its best French volume in two years, pointing to strengthening Q3 demand for electrification despite a slight year-to-date shortfall. AUDI US EV SALES SURGE Q3 2025 Audi's U.S. EV sales leaped 232% to 18,071 units in Q3 2025, with electrics making up 39% of the brand's quarterly volume as the Q6 e-tron outsold its ICE sibling Q5. The shift signals consumer preference for electric variants, but ongoing growth depends on scaled production, dealer readiness, and effective ownership economics. CADILLAC Q3 EV SALES SURGE Cadillac delivered 18,383 EVs in Q3—a record since 2013—boosted by expiring tax credits, with electric models chosen by 40% of buyers in the period. Q3 EV deliveries rose 154% year-over-year, though upcoming quarters will test Cadillac's ability to sustain the momentum. BMW AND STELLANTIS MATCH FEDERAL EV CREDIT BMW and Stellantis are offsetting the loss of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit by applying equivalent discounts to eligible electric and plug‑in hybrid models. The offers, restricted to dealer inventory and requiring delivery by early November, are intended to prevent immediate price hikes and maintain sales amidst changing incentives. DACIA SPRING UPGRADED WITH MORE POWER AND LFP Dacia's upgraded Spring city car features new, more powerful motors and a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery that improves cost and safety while maintaining a WLTP range of 140 miles. The revised models, now quicker and more efficient, are priced from £15,000 to £17,000 and arrive early next year. SCANIA HIGH-FLOOR ELECTRIC COACH PLATFORM Scania has launched a high-floor battery-electric coach platform with up to 600 km range, supporting multiple body types and maintaining luggage space comparable to conventional coaches. The new platform comes with integrated smart charging services and aims to advance commercial vehicle electrification across Europe. KIA PV5: ELECTRIC LIGHT COMMERCIAL VAN Kia's new PV5 electric van, built on a dedicated E-GMP.S platform, offers multiple body styles, battery options up to 258 miles, and fast DC charging of up to 150 kW. Integrated fleet management and warranty features support commercial use, with mass production underway in Korea. ILLINOIS EV FAST CHARGING: $15 FLAT Universal EV Chargers now provide flat-rate, $15-per-session DC fast charging across Illinois, eliminating time-based pricing and surprise surcharges. Drivers use CCS or NACS connectors, scan to start, and benefit from predictable costs with a growing statewide coverage. RIVIAN ADDS LIDAR TO AUTONOMY PLATFORM Rivian will incorporate LiDAR sensors into its next-generation vehicles to bolster their autonomy platform, reflecting industry trends as costs for the technology decrease. Recent hires and tech stack updates align with CEO RJ Scaringe's statements about Rivian's long-term focus on advanced driver-assistance systems.