The Watt Car EV Podcast

With war raging and oil becoming scarce, what does this mean for EV adoption in the short and long term? Is this a tipping point for the EV industry? We ponder several possible outcomes. We also contrast Honda’s EV strategy with Toyota’s, and consider whether Lucid and Rivian matter in a world gone mad. Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Spotify, PocketCasts, iHeartRadio, Podbean, and more! Or heck, use your favorite podcast application.Perhaps you prefer to watch as well as listen. If so, we’ve got you covered.SHOW NOTESNational average for diesel tops $5: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/03/17/diesel-gas-oil-price-iran-war-hormuz.html Car shoppers are paying more attention to EVs as gas prices rise: https://www.edmunds.com/car-news/electrified-vehicle-research-gas-prices-data.html Honda cancels its three EVs, the 0 SUV, 0 sedan, and Acura RSX EV: https://arstechnica.com/cars/2026/03/facing-heavy-losses-honda-cancels-its-three-us-made-electric-vehicles/ Volvo drops EX30 for the U.S. market: https://www.thedrive.com/news/the-volvo-ex30-is-dead-in-the-us-exclusive Lucid announces Earth, Cosmos, un-named midsize SUV: https://insideevs.com/news/789809/lucid-cosmos-earth-ev-suv-official/ Rivian announces R2 pricing: https://electrek.co/2026/03/12/rivian-reveals-full-r2-lineup-pricing-rwd-model/ Trump orders restart of Santa Barbara oil pipeline off coast: https://calmatters.org/environment/2026/03/trump-emergency-sable-santa-barbara/ This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. SanchezEpisode art courtesy Lucid MotorsMusic courtesy Twisterium at PixabayWebsite: https://www.thewattcar.comBuy merch: https://www.thewattcar.com/storeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar

This week, itselectric co-founders Tiya Gordon and Nathan King join us on the podcast for an update on their innovative bring-your-own-cable curbside charging company. Over the years, Nathan and Tiya have brought itselectric from concept to reality, with curbside chargers in six cities, with a seventh on the way. And that’s only the beginning. Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Spotify, PocketCasts, iHeartRadio, Podbean, and more! Or heck, use your favorite podcast application.Perhaps you prefer to watch as well as listen. If so, we’ve got you covered.SHOW NOTESitselectrichttps://itselectric.us/ hello@itselectric.com Previous episodes and articles:Episode 117, May 2023: https://www.thewattcar.com/home/twc-podcast-117-curbside-ev-charging-with-itselectrics-nathan-king May 2023 article: https://www.thewattcar.com/home/byoc-finally-comes-to-america-with-itselectric Episode 182, Aug. 2024: https://www.thewattcar.com/home/twc-podcast-182-its-been-a-year-catching-up-with-itselectric This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. SanchezEpisode art courtesy itselectric.usMusic courtesy Twisterium at PixabayWebsite: https://www.thewattcar.comBuy merch: https://www.thewattcar.com/storeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar

Rivian launches RAD, its Rivian Adventure Department. On this week’s podcast, we try to determine whether we’ve gone crazy, because we thought Rivian was an adventure brand this whole time. Other topics on this week’s episode include whether BYD’s efficiency is catching Lucid, if VinFast’s next brand is too good for itself, whether Tesla’s megawatt charging is a game changer, plus more!Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Spotify, PocketCasts, iHeartRadio, Podbean, and more! Or heck, use your favorite podcast application.Perhaps you prefer to watch as well as listen. If so, we’ve got you covered.SHOW NOTESBYD brand Denza claims longest-range EV: https://electrek.co/2026/02/27/byds-new-luxury-ev-has-worlds-longest-range-at-1036-km/ VinFast launches Lac Hong upscale brand: https://www.electrive.com/2026/03/03/vinfast-formalises-lac-hong-ultra-luxury-car-brand-reveals-two-new-models/ Rivian launches Rivian Adventure Department (RAD): https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a70540244/rivian-rad-division-revealed/ Bill in Washington State would give Rivian and Lucid same status as Tesla: https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/03/02/for-rivian-and-lucid-path-finally-emerges-for-direct-to-consumer-car-sales/ Tesla announces major expansion of Megacharger network: https://insideevs.com/news/788598/tesla-megawatt-charger-rollout-us/ Tesla regains market share in Europe in February, still below historical benchmarks: https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/tesla-gains-market-france-norway-february-2026-03-02/ BGR rounds up top 5 EVs sold in U.S. with lowest costs of maintenance: https://www.bgr.com/2109932/electric-vehicles-cheapest-maintenance/ This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. SanchezEpisode art courtesy RivianMusic courtesy Twisterium at PixabayWebsite: https://www.thewattcar.comBuy merch: https://www.thewattcar.com/storeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar

There’s a lot to unpack this week. First, with Trump’s IEEPA tariffs being struck down as illegal, what does this mean for the world of EVs? Long story short, we’re unsure, but there’s still a lot to unpack based on what we do know. Then, we know the top five Chinese EVs we’d like to see make it to U.S. shores — the question is, would the price be right? We unpack whether our fantasy pick of Chinese cars would stand a chance on American soil.Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Spotify, PocketCasts, iHeartRadio, Podbean, and more! Or heck, use your favorite podcast application.Perhaps you prefer to watch as well as listen. If so, we’ve got you covered.SHOW NOTESSupreme Court finds Trump’s IEEPA tariffs are illegal: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/supreme-court/live-blog/-trump-tariffs-ruling-supreme-court-live-updates-rcna252655 Related, on Episode 257, we discussed BYD suing Trump administration over IEEPA tariffs: BYD sues the US government on tariffs: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/byd-sues-us-government-over-165900311.htmlPolestar says EV wagon is “absolutely” coming to the U.S.: https://insideevs.com/news/787705/polestar-4-station-wagon-ev-absolutely-us-sales/This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. SanchezEpisode art courtesy NioMusic courtesy Twisterium at PixabayWebsite: https://www.thewattcar.comBuy merch: https://www.thewattcar.com/storeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar

Toyota’s big news involves the announcement of two new EVs, and neither overwhelm nor disappoint. We have the specs. We also have news on Ford’s new low-cost EV development, and everything looks good! In other news, the elimination of stop-start tech may lead to more hybrids, Chinese automakers may be getting closer to the U.S., and more.Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Spotify, PocketCasts, iHeartRadio, Podbean, and more! Or heck, use your favorite podcast application.Perhaps you prefer to watch as well as listen. If so, we’ve got you covered.SHOW NOTESToyota Highlander EV debuts. Similar specs to bZ: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a70293168/2027-toyota-highlander-ev-revealed/ Toyota bZ Woodland: https://electrek.co/2026/02/17/toyota-reveals-2026-bz-woodland-prices-newest-electric-suv/ More details on Ford’s low-cost EV platform emerge: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a70390625/2028-ford-mid-size-electric-truck-details/ EPA “eliminates” auto stop/start: https://www.theautopian.com/the-epa-just-eliminated-automaker-benefits-for-stop-start-tech-heres-what-that-means-for-your-next-car/ Trump’s EPA revokes scientific finding that underpinned US fight against climate change https://apnews.com/live/trump-immigration-climate-change-2-12-2026 Volvo says new chassis architecture could enable a wagon comeback: https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/volvo-estates-could-return-new-platform-allows-proper-low-evs Geely, BYD, VinFast eyeing takeover of Nissan/Mercedes plant in Mexico: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/12/seeking-mexico-foothold-chinas-byd-and-geely-bid-to-buy-car-plant.html This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. SanchezEpisode art courtesy ToyotaMusic courtesy Twisterium at PixabayWebsite: https://www.thewattcar.comBuy merch: https://www.thewattcar.com/storeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar

As the Toyota Highlander goes all EV, what does that mean for the rest of Toyota’s lineup? Is the RAV4 next? Will the bZ be put out of its misery? We discuss the possibilities on this week’s podcast. Plus, Tesla’s Semi nears production (this time maybe for real), China bans retractable door handles, and more!Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Spotify, PocketCasts, iHeartRadio, Podbean, and more! Or heck, use your favorite podcast application.Perhaps you prefer to watch as well as listen. If so, we’ve got you covered.SHOW NOTESToyota Highlander goes full EV: https://www.carscoops.com/2026/02/toyota-highlander-ev-suv-launch/Nissan announces pricing for Rogue PHEV: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a70300002/2026-nissan-rogue-hybrid-pricing/Tesla reveals final specs on production Semi: https://www.cleantrucking.com/battery-electric/article/15816649/tesla-semi-final-specs-range-power-fast-chargingChina bans retractable door handles in 2027+ models: https://arstechnica.com/cars/2026/02/china-bans-all-retractable-car-door-handles-starting-next-year/Canada changes its “EV Mandate” for a more flexible approach: https://www.cbc.ca/lite/story/9.7075302BYD sues the US government on tariffs: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/byd-sues-us-government-over-165900311.htmlFerrari EV gets a name, sneak peek of interior: https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/inside-ferraris-luce-ev-the-jony-ive-interior-is-here-130000211.htmlThis week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. SanchezEpisode art courtesy ToyotaMusic courtesy Twisterium at PixabayWebsite: https://www.thewattcar.comBuy merch: https://www.thewattcar.com/storeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar

Tesla’s Model S and X, the upper echelon of its lineup, will soon be dead. What do we get instead? A “poverty spec” Model Y and the promise of Optimus production. That could be an entire episode of The Watt Car podcast, but we don’t stop there. Also on this week’s docket: Chevy’s Blazer weighs three tons, Xiaomi’s SU7 Ultra sales crater, and more.Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Spotify, PocketCasts, iHeartRadio, Podbean, and more! Or heck, use your favorite podcast application.Perhaps you prefer to watch as well as listen. If so, we’ve got you covered.SHOW NOTESTesla to kill off the Model S and X: https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/28/tesla-is-killing-off-the-model-s-and-model-x/ Tesla adds a poverty-spec Model Y AWD to lineup: https://insideevs.com/news/786221/tesla-model-y-awd-cheaper-version-standard/ Chevy Blazer EV SS more than 1,200 lbs heavier than Model Y Performance: https://insideevs.com/reviews/785990/2026-chevy-blazer-ev-ss-review/ Sales of Xiaomi SU7 Ultra drop off a cliff: https://electrek.co/2026/01/31/sales-of-the-ultra-fast-xiaomi-su7-ultra-have-ultra-plummeted-to-under-50-units/Hyundai pausing Kona EV for 2026: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a70245408/hyundai-kona-electric-skipping-2026-model-year/ This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. SanchezEpisode art courtesy TeslaMusic courtesy Twisterium at PixabayWebsite: https://www.thewattcar.comBuy merch: https://www.thewattcar.com/storeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar

The Bolt is back, but not for long. This time, Chevy is killing its affordable EV to make room for Buick production. Is this the right move? We ponder the decision on this week’s podcast. We also discuss GM’s plug-and-charge compatibility with Electrify America, air quality shifts due to EV adoption, and more. Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Spotify, PocketCasts, iHeartRadio, Podbean, and more! Or heck, use your favorite podcast application.Perhaps you prefer to watch as well as listen. If so, we’ve got you covered.SHOW NOTESThe Bolt is dead again, this time making room for a gas Buick and Chevy Equinox: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a70108311/2027-chevy-bolt-in-production-for-18-months/  Electrified vehicles outsell ICE in Europe for the first time: https://www.acea.auto/pc-registrations/new-car-registrations-1-8-in-2025-battery-electric-17-4-market-share/ Adoption of EVs has made a measurable impact on California air quality, according to study: https://www.theautopian.com/one-state-has-purchased-enough-electric-cars-to-make-the-air-measurably-cleaner-study/ GM joins Electrify America to enable Plug & Charge: https://electrek.co/2026/01/26/gm-plugs-in-electrify-america-to-make-ev-charging-a-breeze/ Judge rules Trump’s suspension of NEVI funding was illegal: https://www.evinfrastructurenews.com/ev-policies/untitled 0% financing on EV purchase deals: https://electrek.co/2026/01/23/all-the-evs-you-can-buy-with-0-financing-in-january-2026/ Geely said it will start production on solid-state batteries in 2026: https://www.techradar.com/vehicle-tech/hybrid-electric-vehicles/650-miles-from-one-charge-volvos-parent-company-beats-tesla-to-the-punch-with-first-production-ready-solid-state-battery VW changing the name of the ID.4 to the ID Tiguan: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a70107417/volkswagen-id4-to-id-tiguan-name-change/ SC-01 sports car concept going into production: https://www.motor1.com/news/785194/china-electric-sports-car-europe/ This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. SanchezEpisode art courtesy ChevroletMusic courtesy Twisterium at PixabayWebsite: https://www.thewattcar.comBuy merch: https://www.thewattcar.com/storeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar

Canada seemingly counters increasing U.S. tensions by welcoming Chinese automakers into The Great White North. Could this tariff decrease be all that’s needed to bring a cascade of Chinese EVs to North America? There’s more to the story, which we cover on this week’s podcast. We also chat about Kia’s new concept EV, an update on Rivian’s R2, and more!Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Spotify, PocketCasts, iHeartRadio, Podbean, and more! Or heck, use your favorite podcast application.Perhaps you prefer to watch as well as listen. If so, we’ve got you covered.SHOW NOTESCanada strikes trade deal with China, 49,000 Chinese EVs per year at 6.1% tariff: https://www.reuters.com/world/china/canada-china-set-make-historic-gains-new-partnership-says-carney-2026-01-16/ One of the biggest potential beneficiaries of the Canada/China trade deal? Tesla: https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/tesla-poised-be-early-winner-canada-opens-door-chinese-made-evs-2026-01-19/ Guess what the best-selling SUV in China was for 2025? Hint: It wasn’t BYD or Geely: https://carnewschina.com/2026/01/19/2025-best-selling-suv-ranking-in-china-no-byd-model-in-top-5-tesla-model-y-took-lead/ Kia Vision Meta Turismo Concept has wedgy styling reminiscent of the Honda 0: https://electrek.co/2026/01/19/kia-new-halo-ev-best-look/ RJ Scaringe says “validation” builds of the R2 are coming off the line in Illinois: https://x.com/RJScaringe/status/2011936932419268653?s=20 Germany brings back EV credit for 2026: https://www.electrive.com/2026/01/19/ev-incentive-scheme-applies-retroactively-from-1-january-2026/ This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. SanchezEpisode art courtesy GeelyMusic courtesy Twisterium at PixabayWebsite: https://www.thewattcar.comBuy merch: https://www.thewattcar.com/storeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar

Ed’s back from the CES Show, and he brings with him a boatload of EV insights and an unhealthy dose of the CES flu. The big takeaway from CES, though, is that Chinese automakers are America-bound, and they’re not kidding around. In other news, California may offer new EV incentives, Stellantis kills its PHEVs, and more!Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Spotify, PocketCasts, iHeartRadio, Podbean, and more! Or heck, use your favorite podcast application.Perhaps you prefer to watch as well as listen. If so, we’ve got you covered.SHOW NOTESGeely says it will be in U.S. market in 2-3 years: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a69935127/geely-enter-american-market-possible-zeekr-models/ Chinese vacuum company brings EV supercar to CES: https://carbuzz.com/dreame-nebula-next-debut-ces-2026/ It’s not all about EVs…China’s Great Wall Motor shows twin-turbo V8, and 2000cc flat-8 in a Gold Wing-like Motorcycle: https://www.autoblog.com/news/a-chinese-automaker-just-unveiled-a-new-twin-turbo-v8-at-ces and https://www.theautopian.com/the-craziest-new-motorcycle-has-an-8-cylinder-boxer-engine-and-its-coming-to-america/ California proposing bringing back EV incentives: https://insideevs.com/news/783995/california-to-revive-ev-incentives-200-million/ Stellantis kills all PHEV models in the U.S.: https://www.thedrive.com/news/all-jeep-and-chrysler-plug-in-hybrid-models-are-officially-dead-exclusive Tim Kuniskis, the man synonymous with the Hemi’s re-birth and SRT, says electrification is “invevitable” because it is “better.”: https://www.thedrive.com/news/rams-v8-loving-ceo-says-electrification-is-fantastic-and-will-take-over This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. SanchezEpisode art courtesy DreameMusic courtesy Twisterium at PixabayWebsite: https://www.thewattcar.comBuy merch: https://www.thewattcar.com/storeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar

What does the future hold in store for electric vehicles in dealerships, in motorsports, and beyond? With the world relaxing its grip on EV mandates, is an electrified future imminent, or pie in the sky? We gaze into our irrefutable crystal ball to see what the world may look like in 2035…and even 2075. Join us on this week’s podcast, where we take a wild ride from present day to the distant future.SHOW NOTESEU moved to relax 2035 ICE ban. https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a69622270/european-union-may-not-ban-combustion-carsThis week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. SanchezEpisode art courtesy RivianMusic courtesy Twisterium at PixabayWebsite: https://www.thewattcar.comBuy merch: https://www.thewattcar.com/storeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar

Ford F-150 Lightning EV, we hardly knew ye…although we’ll kind of get to know ye once more thanks to your replacement, the Lightning EREV. Is Ford’s decision to add a generator engine to the full-size pickup a wise one? Tune into this week’s podcast to get our take. Plus, Tesla ranks last in car reliability (but there’s a catch), Rivian takes a page from Tesla’s playbook, VW unveils the ID.Polo, and more!SHOW NOTESTesla ranks dead last in used car reliability study: https://electrek.co/2025/12/11/tesla-ranks-dead-last-used-car-reliability-study-but-theres-catch/ Ford announces next-gen F-150 Lightning will be an EREV: https://www.fromtheroad.ford.com/us/en/articles/2025/next-gen-f-150-lightning-extended-range-electric-vehicle Rivian Hosts AI & Autonomy Day, Plans to counter Tesla at its own game: https://techcrunch.com/2025/12/11/rivian-goes-big-on-autonomy-with-custom-silicon-lidar-and-a-hint-at-robotaxis/ VW reveals specs for low-cost ID.Polo model: https://electrek.co/2025/12/15/volkswagen-shares-new-range-details-affordable-id-polo-ev/ Porsche’s last-minute pivot on offering an ICE option on the next-gen 718 (Boxster/Cayman) reportedly created huge engineering headaches: https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/next-gen-porsche-718-evs-being-reworked-petrol-power This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. SanchezEpisode art courtesy FordMusic courtesy Twisterium at PixabayWebsite: https://www.thewattcar.comBuy merch: https://www.thewattcar.com/storeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar

Will Fiat’s teeny tiny Topolino come Stateside? We hope so! At the same time, the market for such a unique vehicle is, shall we say, quite small. The opposite of the Topolino would be the Lotus Eletre, so we talk about that on this week’s podcast, too. We also discuss Mercedes, Lexus, and more!SHOW NOTESFiat says it will bring the Topolino to the U.S.: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a69673631/fiat-topolino-ev-coming-to-united-states/ Lotus Eletre gets an EREV version, and a weird name: https://insideevs.com/news/781214/lotus-eletre-for-me-phev-official-specs/ Mercedes GLB is back, as an EV: https://electrek.co/2025/12/08/new-mercedes-glb-3-row-luxury-electric-suv-images/Lexus shows LFA concept as an EV: https://www.thedrive.com/news/lexus-commits-to-electric-lfa-successor This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. SanchezEpisode art courtesy FiatMusic courtesy Twisterium at PixabayWebsite: https://www.thewattcar.comBuy merch: https://www.thewattcar.com/storeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar

Tesla is reportedly introducing Apple CarPlay to its cars — but why? Has Tesla lost its sparkle and now the auto disruptor needs something mainstream to shock the market? We dive in on this week’s podcast. Plus, Mazda gets back into EVs, Nissan facelifts a Mitsubishi, Audi “scouts” a new manufacturing plant, and more!SHOW NOTESMazda EV crossover prototype seen testing in California: https://electrek.co/2025/11/13/mazda-finally-testing-a-real-ev/ Tesla reportedly working on (finally) adding CarPlay to its cars, but not Android Auto: https://9to5google.com/2025/11/13/tesla-android-auto-carplay-report/ 2026 Nissan Rogue PHEV is a re-badged Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: https://www.thedrive.com/news/the-2026-nissan-rogue-plug-in-hybrid-is-a-mitsubishi-outlander-with-less-grille-colored-in Next-generation Audi SUV reportedly to be built at Scout plant in South Carolina: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a69457849/audi-luxury-off-roader-scout-platform/Australian outlet CarExpert claims a second-generation Lightning is under development: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/electric-ford-f-150-lightning-may-live-on-for-a-sequel China proposing a mandatory default 5-second minimum 0-60 time: https://carnewschina.com/2025/11/13/china-proposes-5-second-0-100-km-h-acceleration-limit-on-vehicles-to-enhance-road-safety/ This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. SanchezEpisode art courtesy TeslaMusic courtesy Twisterium at PixabayWebsite: https://www.thewattcar.comBuy merch: https://www.thewattcar.com/storeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar

Is Elon Musk asking for too much money? Is RJ Scaringe asking for too little? Is Ford scrapping the F-150 Lightning? Is Toyota going to win the EV battery war? There’s a lot to talk about this week, so that’s exactly what we do on the latest episode of The Watt Car EV Podcast!SHOW NOTESMusk’s colossal pay package approved by shareholders by a 75% margin: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/11/06/tesla-shareholders-musk-pay.html Rivian gives RJ Scaringe a $4.7 billion long-term pay package: https://techcrunch.com/2025/11/07/rivian-gives-rj-scaringe-a-new-pay-package-worth-up-to-5b/ Ford reportedly considering ending production of the F-150 Lightning: https://arstechnica.com/cars/2025/11/ford-says-no-exact-date-to-restart-f-150-lightning-production/ Toyota targeting 40-year lifespan for its upcoming solid-state batteries: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/toyota-targeting-40-year-lifespan-for-its-solid-state-batteries Toyota unveils Hilux EV: https://insideevs.com/news/778442/new-toyota-hilux-ev-2025-official-specs/ This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. SanchezEpisode art courtesy FordMusic courtesy Twisterium at PixabayWebsite: https://www.thewattcar.comBuy merch: https://www.thewattcar.com/storeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar

Toyota wows audiences at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show (aka Tokyo Auto Show) with its Corolla concept. What does the future hold in store for this looker? We consider the options. We also consider the Kia EV4 delay, the Mazda 6e, Toyota’s latest fuel cell, and our new shorts. Check out this week’s podcast! SHOW NOTESToyota Corolla concept: https://insideevs.com/news/777252/toyota-corolla-concept-japan-mobility/ Kia EV4 delayed “indefinitely” for the US market: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a69207203/kia-ev4-delayed-indefinitely-united-states/ The Autopian’s Adrian Clarke drives the (not sold in the U.S.) Mazda 6e EV sedan: https://www.theautopian.com/i-drove-the-new-rwd-mazda-and-its-not-the-enthusiasts-dream-sedan-yet/ Toyota’s CTO says he wants the company to make ICE “Until the very end”: https://www.thedrive.com/news/toyota-wants-to-be-the-last-company-making-engines-and-its-not-shy-about-that Tacoma’s fuel cell SEMA car https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a69229564/toyota-tacoma-h2-overlander-concept-sema/ The new Leaf outperforms in Edmunds range test: https://www.edmunds.com/car-news/2026-nissan-leaf-ev-range-tested.html This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. SanchezEpisode art courtesy ToyotaMusic courtesy Twisterium at PixabayWebsite: https://www.thewattcar.comBuy merch: https://www.thewattcar.com/storeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar

With the U.S. government and several automotive manufacturers stepping back from EVs, is this the beginning of the end for electrification? Then, if EVs are still the future, are the car makers that are swapping to more ICE, PHEV, and hybrid technology setting themselves up for short-term success but long-term failure? Is there also a national security angle to all of this? We do a deep dive on this week’s podcast. SHOW NOTESNone this week!This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. SanchezEpisode art courtesy FordMusic courtesy Twisterium at PixabayWebsite: https://www.thewattcar.comBuy merch: https://www.thewattcar.com/storeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar

There’s an emissions scandal brewing, this time around PHEV and EREV technology. Could this be the next Dieselgate? We talk about that, plus Scout booting its BEV, GM dropping BrightDrop, Porsche introducing a tweener EV, and more, all on this week’s podcast.SHOW NOTESEuropean study says PHEVs/EREVs are no better for the environment than ICE: https://www.transportenvironment.org/articles/smoke-screen-the-growing-phev-emissions-scandal Scout BEV reportedly put on the back burner on strong pre-orders of EREV version, cash crunch at VW Group: https://www.theautopian.com/scout-to-reportedly-build-hybrid-trucks-first/ GM drops BrightDrop: https://insideevs.com/news/776511/gm-brightdrop-production-ending-2025/ Porsche debuts tweener Macan EV GTS: https://insideevs.com/news/776417/2026-porsche-macan-gts-official-specs-price/ Germany looking to revive EV subsidy: https://www.electrive.com/2025/10/13/germany-new-ev-subsidy-returns-as-purchase-incentive-also-for-used-cars/ Engineering Explains breaks down why Corvette ZR1 is faster around the Nüburgring than the Yangwang U9 Xtreme, with nearly 1/3 the power: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TynF7R7q6c8 This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. SanchezEpisode art courtesy ToyotaMusic courtesy Twisterium at PixabayWebsite: https://www.thewattcar.comBuy merch: https://www.thewattcar.com/storeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar

What a Vision! The Mercedes-Benz Vision Icon concept is unveiled, and it’s a bold move — but is it also the right move? We talk about that…but not until the end of the podcast. First, there’s news about the second coming of the Chevy Bolt, Ferrari’s Elettrica specs, Polestar’s floundering Chinese-market sales, and more!SHOW NOTESChevy Bolt gets low-key unveil: https://insideevs.com/news/775172/2027-chevrolet-bolt-range-price-revealed/ Ferrari unveils specs of its first electric vehicle, the Elettrica: https://arstechnica.com/cars/2025/10/everything-we-know-about-ferraris-first-electric-vehicle/ The Ferrari Elettrica will have amplified “natural” sound: https://www.thedrive.com/news/heres-how-ferrari-plans-to-give-evs-a-cool-natural-sound Polestar reportedly exiting the China market: https://www.electrive.com/2025/10/13/polestar-global-sales-up-13-in-q3-as-it-exits-china-retail-network/ GM cancels its fuel cell development program: https://fuelcellsworks.com/2025/10/13/energy-development/gm-ends-next-generation-hydrogen-fuel-cell-development-program Mercedes unveils swoopy, bold Vision Iconic concept: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a69021391/mercedes-vision-iconic-concept-revealed/ This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. SanchezEpisode art courtesy Mercedes-BenzMusic courtesy Twisterium at PixabayWebsite: https://www.thewattcar.comBuy merch: https://www.thewattcar.com/storeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar

Tesla’s base model is finally here…and it’s a Model Y overflowing with a lack of features. The price is also dangerously close to the next trim level, which begs the question: Is the “Standard” Model Y worth the money? Also on this week’s podcast, V2L comes to the Model Y Performance, Hyundai drops the price of the Ioniq 5, Zeeker cranks the voltage, and more!SHOW NOTESTesla Model Y “Standard” officially debuts: https://insideevs.com/news/774980/2026-tesla-model-y-standard-affordable-ev/ Tesla Model Y Performance now offers 120V V2L output (basically, like Hyundai’s had for several years): https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-model-y-performance-killer-feature-beyond-speed/ 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 gets massive price cut in response to end of $7,500 EV tax credit: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a68157139/2026-hyundai-ioniq-5-pricing/ Zeekr 001 gets upgraded to 900V architecture: https://electrek.co/2025/10/06/zeekr-001-design-refresh-900v-architecture-7-minute-charging/ NEVI funds un-frozen, DOT looks to expedite buildout: https://www.politico.com/news/2025/10/05/states-scramble-for-charger-cash-despite-trumps-chill-on-evs-00585857 EV Motorcycle maker Zero moving headquarters from Scotts Valley (Santa Cruz area) to Netherlands: https://www.motorcycle.com/bikes/zero-is-moving-to-europe-44650621 This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. SanchezEpisode art courtesy TeslaMusic courtesy Twisterium at PixabayWebsite: https://www.thewattcar.comBuy merch: https://www.thewattcar.com/storeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar