In this episode, we talk about the 2025 Hyundai XRT debut, range-testing the indefatigable Lucid Air Grand Touring, range testing the Chevrolet Equinox EV, Tesla "Actually Smart Summon" and, of course, much, much more.

00:00:00 Intro

00:00:56 Case 1: Sid wants help deciding between three used Tesla models - a Model S, a Mode Y, and a Model 3

00:12:27 Case 2: Scott wants to replace three of his company's trucks with electric ones

00:25:44 Case 3: Shahad has his mind set on a Tesla Model Y, but wonders when is the best time to buy to get the best deal.

Ripping episode this week – partially powered by Cybertruck – so of course we talked about V2H. We also hit on SoCal charging problems, Tom's initial Chevy Equinox EV ownership impressions, Hyundai and hybrids, Rivian Rewards referral program, and much more. Tune in and get up to speed!

In this Friday episode, we talk about the VW ID. Buzz range and price deets, Ford's EV rollout "realignment," Lucid Air charging curve, Kyle updates us on Lucid Gravity and the Volvo EX90...and more. Tune in and get up to speed! 

In this episode, we recommend an EV for a viewer who regrets buying aa Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, another viewer considering a high-mileage Tesla Model 3, and a family wanting to swap out their Ford Mustang Mach-E for an electric with more cargo space.

In this week's episode, we talk about Polestar 3 US production, range-testing Lucid Air Grand Touring, VW pushing back Trinity, EV rental drama, Cybertruck RWD, the Pininfarina Targamerica, and much, much more. 

On today's show, we recommend an EV for a family tired of the laggy transmission in their Ford Edge, a couple frustrated by their 2021 Tesla Model 3, and an EV for a viewer with a crazy commute. Tune in, and come buy with us!

In this episode, we recommend an EV for a family of six with three generations, another family wanting to replace their Nissan Leaf, and a man looking for a used EV for his son. 
Come buy with us!

This week we're finding new and used battery bargains for three more of our listeners.

On this show, we'll recommend an EV for a viewer tired of troubles with his Porsche Taycan, an underwater Nissan LEAF owner looking for a nicer ride, and a Canadian shopping for a second electric.

Want your own EV recommendation? Send us a short clip telling us about your needs and situation, or a short email at [email protected]

We talk with the Founder and CEO of United Chargers, Gleb Nikiforov, about the challenges of EV adoption and his thoughts on using hydrogen to power DC charging hubs.

UC Berkley Associate Professor Scott Moura joins us to talk about different EV battery chemistries – lithium-ion, LFP, sodium-ion, and solid-state – and how to take care of the one in your car.

We talk with Francie from the Out of Spec Podcast about her experiences living with the VinFast VF8, the first vehicle from the young Vietnamese automaker to come to the US, and which probably received the worst critical reviews in recent history.

Monster episode this week!

Besides talking with Ford's VP of Global EV programs about F-150 lightning, we're talking about driving the 2024 Mustang Mach-E GT and Mach-E Rally, driving Tesla Model 3 Performance, driving the Chevy Equinox EV.

All that, and the reveals of the Cadillac Optiq and Jeep Wagoneer S!

We caught up with Joby Aviation Chief Product Officer (CPO) Eric Allison at #DriftX 2024 to bring us up to speed with the progress the company is making with its aircraft and its future role as an air taxi.

A few days ago, Tesla CEO fired the executive in charge of its Supercharger network and most of the people working for her, throwing the entire industry into a state of confusion. 

We talk about that decision and what we've learned about it since.

We also talk about driving the Acura ZDX and other EV news of the week. But, mostly about the Tesla Supercharger network.

Tom and Martyn are back with three more listener emails to find them the perfect EV.

The team are back with three more listeners emails hoping to find themselves the perfect battery bargain.

Tune in and get up to speed with our Podcast crew and the top EV news of the week!

Dom, Tom and Martyn are back with three more listeners who need our help choosing their next EV purchase.

Catch up with our Podcast crew and the top EV news of the week!

We choose an EV for a viewer who wants something to drive up mountain trails, a Kia Soul EV owner considering on trading up to a Chevy Bolt EV, and a Canadian farmer who wants to replace his diesel truck for an electric one with good range that can tow.

Get up to speed with the top EV news of the week and the electric shenanigans of our podcast crew.

This week on Battery Bargains we help three more viewers find their perfect electric vehicle.

Dom, Tom and Martyn advise one particular viewer who is interested in buying a Tesla, but is worried their 4680 cells are not up to the job for rapid charging. Should he be worried? Or do our team recommend one of those vehicles?

00:00:00 Intro

00:00:12 Case 1: Patrick wants a plush riding electric vehicle for under $60,000

00:07:56 Case 2: Growing family with a Golden looking for a spacious EV for under $45,000

00:19:30 Case 3: Ryan P. is very interested in a Tesla Model Y, but is concerned about getting one with 4680 that charges slower

➤ Update on last weekend's cross country, 4-electric-pickup, "race"

➤ Inside the deal that allowed Ford to adopt the Tesla charge connector and gain Supercharger access

➤ Record-setting Porsche Taycan Turbo GT (and GT with Weissach package) unleashed.

➤ Porsche Macan EV reservation "overwhelm" the automaker

➤ Rivian R2 receives 68,000 pre-orders in initial 24 hours after review

➤ Audi Q4 e-tron gets refreshed and features more power and range

➤ Kyle rejoins us from the Tesla Cybertruck after connection issues, gives us a short tour and discussion

➤ Fisker stock takes a huge hit after rumors of it talking with bankruptcy consultants

➤ Viewer has news of CHAdeMO-to-CCS adaptor, which kicks off short discussion around NACS-to-CCS adaptor testing Tom is doing

➤ Chevrolet Blazer EV back on sale, and at a reduced price

➤ Hyundai Ioniq 5 N will have a price starting at $67,475

➤ Volkswagen reveals (for Europe) ID. 3 GTX and ID. 7 Tourer GTX

Finding more battery bargains for our listeners.

Tom and Kyle race identical Ford F-150 Lightning pickup trucks 1,000 miles –from New Jersey to Florida – with one truck limited to using Tesla Superchargers, and the other using only CCS chargers, which turned out to be exclusively Electrify America stations.

Tune in at 9:30 AM Eastern to watch the show live!

If you're looking for your own Battery Bargain, drop us a line at [email protected] and tell us your usage and budget, and we'll see about featuring your case on an upcoming episode.

00:00:00 Intro

00:02:24 EV News Daily Weekly Reporting Roundup

00:07:06 Ford EV owners gain access to the Tesla Supercharger network

00:45:01 Tom drive Polestar 3 on a lake in the Arctic Circle

01:05:30 Kyle drives the 2024 Volkswagen ID. 4

01:21:09 Efficiency comparison between Kia EV9 RWD and AWD

01:24:54 EVIQO EVIPOWER 48-AMP EV Smart Charger review

Finding more battery bargains for our listeners.

Tune in at 9:30 AM Eastern to catch the show live!

Finding more EV battery bargains for our listeners.

00:00:00 Intro

00:01:51 Refreshed Porsche Taycan debuts https://newsroom.porsche.com/en_US/2024/products/02062024_The_new_2025-_Porsche_Taycan_models.html

00:29:16 Mercedes-Benz eSprinter launches https://media.mbusa.com/releases/release-f891765aa8baea491d32e240d746cdaa-first-fully-electric-van-from-mercedes-benz-the-all-new-esprinter-hits-the-road

00:51:49 Tom talks about the development of the NACS to CCS1 adapters being developed by A2Z and Lectron https://youtu.be/4Ghl2ujn1UA https://youtu.be/IHvZk8uwLhA

01:07:33 Rivian introduces two new battery options: Standard and Standard + https://insideevs.com/news/708015/rivian-r1t-r1s-get-more-range-options/

01:14:57 Ford has a "skunkworks" team developing a low-cost platform https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/09/cars/ford-skunk-works-designing-a-cheap-ev/index.html

01:19:11 Toyota increases its North American EV investment by $1.3 billion https://spectrumnews1.com/ky/louisville/news/2024/02/06/toyota-georgetown-kentucky-electric-vehicle-production

01:26:37 Zeekr, a Geely brand, will sell cars in Mexico, leading to speculation about possibly manufacturing there and shipping to US https://insideevs.com/news/707832/zeekr-mexico-plans-china-geely/

Finding more battery bargains for our podcast listeners.

00:00:00 Intro

00:01:46 EV News Daily Weekly Reporting Roundup

00:06:41 Tom's Emporia Energy home charger giveaway

00:10:17 Refreshed Porsche Taycan charges curve is crazy!

00:26:47 Kyle tells us about experiencing the Honda Prologue (but not driving impressions)

00:29:49 leasing a Vinfast VF8 https://youtu.be/s90qmaYjcIw

00:37:09 Kyle talks about leasing the Chevrolet Silverado EV from Hertz

00:43:49 GM plans to add plug-in hybrid option to some vehicles https://www.autonews.com/manufacturin...

01:19:45 Ford confirms fee NACS-to-CCS adapters for owners coming this spring https://www.autonews.com/manufacturing/gm-reverses-course-plug-hybrids

01:31:27 Volvo EX30 launch is delayed in Europe https://europe.autonews.com/automakers/volvo-software-issue-stalls-ex30-small-suv-deliveries

Case 1: Mike wants to replace his Toyota Prius with a Kia EV6, but has reliability concerns.

Case 2: Adam's wife is considering swapping out her Toyota Prius for a very basic EV.

Case 3: Thomas wants to replace his Honda Civic with an electric sedan or hatchback that's good for road tripping across Texas.

On this week's show, we're talking about:

• the global debut of the electric Porsche Macan
• Tom's visit to Lucid's newly expanded factory and the first teaser of its next product
• the new Tesla timeline for its next-generation, low-cost product
• and much, much more!

Finding more used EV bargains for our viewers and listeners.

Tune in at 9:30 AM Eastern to catch the show live!

Want To Replace Our Volkswagen eGolf SE With An AWD EV

If you're looking for your own Battery Bargain, email us a couple short paragraphs at [email protected] with "find my EV" in the subject line, and tell us about your use case and budget.

Finding three more listeners their perfect EVs.

00:00:00 Intro 00:00:45 a previous case shares his final decision and photos of his two EVs

00:01:23 Case 1: Australian needing AWD and ground clearance

00:14:10 Case 2: Owner of two very large dogs wants an SUV with reliability to last a decade

00:21:51 Case 3: 2022 Ford Mach-E (RWD/extended range) owner would like something smaller and sportier with over 300 miles of range

On this show, we’ll find an EV for a Canadian musician, a family of four looking for a used EV, and another family looking for a six or seven seater.

We talk with Beam Global CEO Desmond Wheatley about the unique product and proposition of the EV ARC, along with other activities of this growing company.

Welcome to Battery Bargains, where we answer YOUR EV buying questions.

Case 1: Dad of two needs a bigger boot
Case 2: Wife hates Tesla Model Y, wants luxury
Case 3: Couple with large dog want to replace Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

We're discussing the (kinda) final specs of the Cybertruck. Whilst a lot is still unknown, we finally found out the estimated price, trims and specs.

Kyle joins us after being at the factory in person, to give us the full debrief on what he saw.

Intro

Kyle drives the Audi SQ8 e-tron

Martyn tells us about putting his Hyundai Kona Electric up for sale and what he might get to replace it

Discussion of Cybertruck and upcoming delivery event

Kyle talks about the used Mercedes-Benz B-Class he just bought

Kyle tells us about the Autel MaxiSYS- Ultra EV diagnostics tool he's acquired

Swapping in winter tires on the Out of Spec fleet

Tom's review of the ShockFlow EV Charger

Tesla imposes $1/minute congestion fees

Tesla open sources original Roadster technical data and service information

Ford scales back its planned LFP battery factory

Ford eases dealer's EV requirements

Ford F-150 Lightning October sales record after four months of low sales

00:00:00 Intro

00:02:05 Lucid Gravity debuts at LA Auto Show

00:27:32 Lucid pickup truck clay model spotted

00:30:28 First Mercedes charging hub opens in Atlanta

00:41:25 First Alpitronic DC fast charger in US debuts at Circle K (it's pretty awesome)

00:48:17 Tom talks about driving the VW ID. 7

01:07:18 Tom talks about testing the ShockFlo home charging unit -full review coming soon to State of Charge

01:15:21 Cadillac Optiq confirmed for US market in 2025

01:16:02 Karma Kaveya coupe GT unveiled with news of other line up

01:18:50 Volvo EM90 debuts as a luxury minivan, which will sell in China first

01:20:18 Discussion about Electrify America and reliability

We're back to help three more listeners solve their EV buying issues.

On the podcast today:

➤ EV News Daily Weekly Reporting Roundup
➤ Kyle drives and charges the Rolls Royce Spectre and also puts BMW i4 and ➤ i5 through their paces on a track
➤ Kyle visits a privately owned and run boutique charging hub in Arkansas
➤ Kyle talks about the DC charging experience , driving from Denver, CO to Greenville, SC
➤ Tom talks about Ford F-150 Lightning ownership experience after 15,000-miles
➤ Ram 1500 Ramcharger debuts as a plug-in serial hybrid with a huge battery
➤ Rivian to begin selling its electric delivery vans to other companies in addition to Amazon
➤ Lucid creates a new Chief Operating Officer (COO) position and hires Marc Winterhoff a week before the debut of its second product, the Gravity SUV. It also adopts the Tesla NACS standard, as well as introduces vehicle to vehicle charging
➤ Tesla starts selling new inventory through Cars.com 

This week we're asked about charging, ID.4 software and EV vs hybrid.

00:00:00 Intro

00:04:35 Kyle talks about attending SEMA, featuring aftermarket products and converted EVs

00:15:02 Kyle tells us about driving the Tesla Model 3 Highland refresh in Europe

00:36:35 We talk briefly about the Honda Motocompacto, which was featured on Out of Spec

00:38:31 Tom tells us about reviewing the Lectron V-Box 48-Amp EV Charger

00:58:33 Volkswagen ID. 7 Tourer revealed

01:17:17 Chevrolet Equinox EV pricing announced, with cheapest model $5,000 higher than expected

01:25:27 Tesla CEO Elon Musk drops a few more Cybertruck specs ahead of delivery event

01:30:28 VinFast VF 3, a subcompact two-door with an SUV shape, may be coming to the US

Welcome to episode #3 of Battery Bargains: a series from the Batteries Included Podcast
00:00:00 Intro

00:00:39 Case 1: Family car and commuter, budget $130,000

00:10:25 Case 2: Family of four, tough crossover for Bulgarian roads, budget 50,000 Euros

00:24:02 Case 3: Wants 2020 Audi e-tron Sportback but has questions and concerns

We talk with John McElroy (https://www.autoline.tv/) about the UAW strike and how it might effect electrification efforts at Detroit's automakers, as well as the industry as a hole.

If you're looking for an EV and would like us to brainstorm a specific model, drop us a line at [email protected] with details about what you need from a car - how many passengers you typically carry, your approximate location, your driving distance profile, and budget and we'll see if can find just the right vehicle for you.

On the podast today:

➤ Toyota and Lexus adopting the Tesla North American Charging Standard
➤ General Motors delaying its electric truck program
➤ Tesla Cybertruck gets a delivery date and we're told to lower our expectations
➤ How Much Range Does A Tesla Lose After 100,000 miles? 
➤ Rivian Software Update Exclusive: New Drive Mode Screen And More 
➤ Ford Temporarily Cuts Shift At F-150 Lightning Production Plant In Michigan 
➤ Get an offer for any used EV battery pack on Redwood Materials new pricing portal 

00:00:00 Intro

00:03:26 EV News Daily Weekly Reporting Roundup

00:11:42 Kyle takes delivery of a 240 kW (322 horsepower!) DC fast charger

00:31:31 Tom talks about friend and viewer Pete Bremey's 2019 Tesla Model 3 that just hit 100,000 miles

00:38:28 Domenick talks about his 3,800-mile road trip he just completed in a Tesla Model 3

00:52:09 Kia holds EV Day and debuts EV3 and EV4, which shared the stage with the previously revealed EV5

01:02:46 BMW iX2 makes its debut

01:09:53 Mercedes-Benz Trucks eActros semi tractor debuts with a 621-kWh LFP battery

01:21:37 Genesis GV60 gets a more affordable rear-wheel drive trim level

01:23:31 We answer a Super Thanks Question: Found a 2019 e-tron Prestige for 34,000 with 46,600 miles should I get it? It’s the only one around us.

01:25:27 Kyle's experience with the Mercedes-Benz GLE plug-in hybrid

01:32:24 Tesla Model 3 and Model Y can now be factory-wrapped in colored paint protection film

➤ Intro
➤ NEW SEGMENT! EV News Daily Weekly Reporting Roundup
➤ Kyle drive the BMW i7 M70
➤ Kyle spends time with Ioniq 6
➤ New Audi Q8 e-Tron versus old original e-Tron SUV versus Merceds-Benz EQE SUV in highway range testing
➤ Tom thoroughly tests and reviews the FLO Home X5 EV Charger
➤ Honda Prologue debuts with 300 miles of range (in most efficient trim)
➤ The BYD Dolphin launches in Mexico amid word that the Chinese automaker is considering building a manufacturing plant there 
➤ Kia EV9 pricing for the rear-wheel-drive Wind trim (with the smaller battery option) has been announced
➤ Tesla MagicDocks that allow cars with CCS plugs to charge at Tesla Superchargers are popping up everywhere!

We talk with TeraWatt Infrastructure Product Lead, Heavy Duty Charging, Emilia Sibley about rolling out the first US commercial vehicle charging network.

00:00:00 Intro

00:02:02 last week's Tesla Model 3 fire and EV fires generally

00:14:48 digress to discuss British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's announcement of a delay in implementing a "UK petrol car ban"

00:22:24 electric vehicle vs combustion fire stats

00:25:36 Domenick's test of Tesla FSD beta v11.4.7 in Tallahassee 00:28:36 Toyota learning from Tesla and bringing "giga casting" into its production system

00:45:33 "Run On Less" real-world commercial truck test update

00:51:46 2024 Audi Q4 E-Tron updated for Europe

00:59:30 Fiat 600e specs and pricing announced for Europe

01:04:46 showing off the new NACS to CCS adaptor from A2Z EV 01:11:52 Jaguar announces it's adopting Tesla NACS

01:15:42 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV debuts with 28 miles of electric range 01:21:07 GM's Brightdrop commercial van production is halting until Spring 2024

01:22:29 Ryder deploys first Brightdrop Zevo 600 vehicles into its rental fleet

01:26:59 Blue Shock Race breaks production electric go-kart record. going over 100 MPH

01:29:36 Tesla offers powered liftgate retrofit for Model 3 built prior to 2021 (but it's sold out)

We talk with Peter Dow, Vice President Of Engineering at REE Automotive, about its commercial vehicle platform and the engineering behind it.

00:00:00 Intro

00:03:07 Kyle heat stresses Kia EV6 GT with Autobahn and DC fast charging

00:10:34 Tesla Model 3 burns on the highway after apparently hitting some road debris

00:25:39 Peugeot E-3008 debuts as the first vehicle on the Stellantis STLA Medium platform

00:40:45 an all-new Hyundai Kona Electric officially debuts in the US

00:54:05 Tesla Semi and a number of other assorted commercial trucks taking part in the North American Council for Freight Efficiency’s (NACFE) Run On Less program (www.runonless.com)

01:02:22 Honda Motocompacto debuts as a last-mile vehicle that pairs with electric Honda SUVs

01:08:34 Volkwagen ID.X concept

01:12:59 Tom's review of the Tesla Universal Wall Connector

01:43:22 European Commission is investigating whether to impose tariffs to protect EU automakers from cheaper Chinese EV imports it says benefit from state subsidies

On today's podcast:

Lotus Emeya debuts

Kyle drives the NIO ET5

Volkswagen GTI Concept debut at IAA

Volkswagen updates 82-kWh ID.4 and Kyle drives it

Kyle drives the Volkswagen ID.7

Volkswagen ID.X Performance debut

Kyle checks out Tesla Model 3 refresh in person

Mercedes Benz Concept CLA Class

BMW Vision Neue Klasse concept debuts

Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally full debut

Tom talks about charging the Cadillac Lyriq

Tesla Cybertruck frunk photo

Tesla Model 3 Project Highland refresh

Tesla price drops

FSD price drop and current capability

Cadillac Lyriq 80-MPH range test and comparison to previous 70-MPH test

Mini Cooper EV and Mini Countryman EV debuts

Kyle's visit to Rivian and his comparison of the original 4-motor powertrain with the new dual motor powertrain

Tesla Supercharger stress test during a Europe-wide free day of charging

GMC Hummer EV Earth Cruiser debut

Tesla Power Conversion System (PCS) failure - how to diagnose and how to resolve

Today, we're joined by Out Of Spec Dave to discuss what we've been driving and the big news of the week.

In this episode:

Liv Leigh and Patrick Anderson from Mach-E Vlog join us.  We talk about their experience with Kyle's Nissan Leaf with its newly replaced onboard charger

Discuss meeting up with Ford CEO Jim Farley

Kyle's Rivian R1T tries out a rooftop tent

Tesla FSD Beta takes on the Hogback Challenge and we discuss Mach-E Vlog's first FSD Beta experience

Tom tells us about the new Tesla Universal Wall connecter

Acura ZDX and ZDX Type S debut at Monterey

A possible Acura NSX tease

Standard Range Tesla Model S and Model X appear with shorter range and lower prices 

Faraday Future delivers its first vehicle: a FF 91 2.0 Futurist Alliance

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Find links to all our platforms at www.batteriesincludedpodcast.com

On today's podcast:

Intro

What we've been driving this week

Lucid Air Sapphire

One year of F-150 Lightning ownership

Banned charging adapters

Cadillac Escalade IQ

Tesla tax credit eligible

BMW i7 Protection

MG4 Extended Range gets 323 miles

Ford Explorer delayed

Welcome to the new Batteries Included Podcast!

Consider these first few episodes as a sort of "soft opening," leading up to our official launch on September 1.

In this episode, we talk about:

➤ Driving Cadillac Lyriq 
➤ Driving GMC Hummer EV 
➤ Driving a Tesla-powered classic Mini Cooper 
➤ Tesla accused of suppressing driver range complaints 
➤ Seven automakers join forces to create a new fast-charge network 
➤ Attending Tesla Takeover