InsideEVs Plugged-In Podcast

The EV cancellations and delays aren’t stopping in 2026. On today’s show, Mack and Tim break down why so many electric cars are getting pulled from the market, which probably deserved it, and what happens next. Then they run through some of the week’s biggest EV news, about high gas prices, the BMW i3, VinFast’s U.S. push, and the Lucid Cosmos. Mack’s Honda story: I've Watched Honda Fail At EVs For Five Years. After Today, I'm Out Of Patiencehttps://insideevs.com/features/789888/honda-ev-strategy-retreat/BMW i3 Revealed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27YSFeRQQ5E Everything We Learned About The Lucid Cosmos:https://insideevs.com/news/790442/lucid-cosmos-everything-we-know/ Check out InsideEVs for the latest future of transportation news and find us online: Instagram Threads YouTube BlueSky X

After years of hype, the 2026 Rivian R2 has arrived. We discuss its final pricing and specs. Is the $45,000 R2 a good buy? How does the R2 Performance stack up to a Tesla Model Y? Plus, Mack drove the 2027 Chevy Bolt and tells us why he liked the rebooted $28,995 EV. Chevy fixed a lot of the issues with the old model, but there’s one big catch: The new Bolt won’t be around for long. In Plus/Minus, we cover Slate Auto’s surprise CEO change and debate whether Mercedes can bring back the minivan with the new VLE.The Rivian R2 Launches At $57,990 With 330 Miles Of Rangehttps://insideevs.com/news/789597/rivian-r2-launch-pricing-specs-2026/ Slate Names New CEO Months Before Launching Its Cheap EV Truckhttps://insideevs.com/news/789424/slate-new-ceo-peter-faricy-2026/ Can This Luxurious Mercedes Electric Van Take On The American SUV?https://insideevs.com/news/789508/mercedes-vle-electric-mpv/ Watch Mack’s 2027 Chevy Bolt review:https://youtu.be/IXt8wlwKAgo Check out InsideEVs for the latest future of transportation news and find us online: Instagram Threads YouTube BlueSky X

Mack just drove the 2026 Subaru Trailseeker, which is basically an electric Outback, and he tells Tim what he thought. Does it solve the shortcomings of Subaru’s earlier EVs? Then the guys discuss Donut Lab’s latest battery tests, and what questions they still have about its solid-state claims. Finally, Mack and Tim speak with Jiten Behl, partner at the venture capital firm Eclipse and Rivian’s former chief growth officer. They ask Jiten about the future of the auto industry, who he thinks will win the autonomous race, and about his investment in Also, Rivian’s micromobility spin-off. During Plus/Minus, the guys discuss Volkswagen’s sneaky EV success story and the car companies with the cleanest supply chains. Want An Electric Outback? The Subaru Trailseeker Is Your Answerhttps://insideevs.com/reviews/788590/subaru-trailseeker-first-drive/ Which Automakers Build The Cleanest EVs? This Study Has Answershttps://insideevs.com/news/788992/cleanest-evs-automakers-supply-chain-study/ Volkswagen Is A Sneaky EV Success Storyhttps://insideevs.com/news/788767/vw-ev-sales-2-million-2026/ What Donut Lab’s Latest Solid-State EV Battery Test Actually Revealshttps://insideevs.com/news/788870/donut-lab-solid-state-battery-excessive-swell/ Check out InsideEVs for the latest future of transportation news and find us online: Instagram Threads YouTube BlueSky X

This week, Tim and new cohost Mack Hogan break down the news that Lamborghini is canceling its first EV project, the Lanzador. The Lanzador looks cool, but do supercar buyers really want EVs? Then they recap Uber’s big news this week: an Autonomous Services division that helps self-driving car companies scale up. Tim speaks with Honda Home Energy Solutions Lead Andrea Saucedo about the future of vehicle-to-grid tech, or V2G. In Plus/Minus, the guys chat about Lucid’s growth plans and the indefinite delay of the bargain Nissan Leaf S. Lamborghini Abandons Its EV Planshttps://insideevs.com/news/788019/lamborghini-lanzador-electric-vehicle-dead/ Uber Wants To Win The Autonomous Vehicle Race. So It's Betting On All Of The Horseshttps://insideevs.com/news/787935/how-uber-plans-to-win-the-autonomous-vehicle-race/Exclusive: Nissan's Most Affordable EV Just Got Delayed Indefinitelyhttps://insideevs.com/news/787926/nissan-leaf-delayed/ Why Lucid Needs Its $50,000 Midsize EV More Than Everhttps://insideevs.com/news/788289/lucid-production-guidance-gravity-midsize-2026/ Check out InsideEVs for the latest future of transportation news and find us online: Instagram Threads YouTube BlueSky X

This week, Patrick and Tim sit down with Alan Clarke, the head of Ford’s skunkworks EV program that’s developing its next-generation EV platform. They discuss the brand’s upcoming $30,000 EV pickup, why it chose to start with a truck, what Alan learned from Tesla that he’s bringing to Ford, and why the pickup will get LFP battery cells. Stay tuned for Plus/Minus, in which Tim talks about Toyota and Patrick bids farewell to InsideEVs. Don’t worry — the podcast will continue with a new cohost, InsideEVs Deputy Editor Mack Hogan. Ford's $30,000 Electric Truck Platform: We Have A Lot More Detailshttps://insideevs.com/features/787450/ford-uev-platform-details/ Check out InsideEVs for the latest future of transportation news and find us online: Instagram Threads YouTube BlueSky X

Patrick was among the first people outside of Rivian to drive the R2. He tells us what he thought about Rivian’s upcoming SUV in the flesh, from its 650+ horsepower to its new user interface. The guys also discuss the 2027 Toyota Highlander, which was revealed this week and will only be available as an EV. Tim saw it in person and explains why it’s a big deal for the electric space. In Plus/Minus, Patrick and Tim talk about the EPA’s war on climate science and Stellantis’ $26 billion EV write-off. Read/watch Patrick’s review of the Rivian R2https://insideevs.com/reviews/786814/rivian-r2-prototype-first-drive/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0iJXfooaws 2027 Toyota Highlander: An American-Made, 320-Mile Electric Three-Row SUVhttps://insideevs.com/news/786882/2027-toyota-highlander-ev-suv-specs-charging/ Standard description links: Check out InsideEVs for the latest future of transportation news and find us online: Instagram Threads YouTube BlueSky X

China has banned hidden, pop-out door handles like you find on Teslas, and Patrick is thrilled. He and Tim explain why regulators are cracking down globally on electronic door handles. Then the guys explore reporting of a potential partnership between Ford and China’s Geely Group. Finally, Tim spent the day at QuantumScape’s headquarters and saw the future of solid-state battery production. In Plus/Minus, the guys chat about the new BMW i3 sedan and Patrick’s impressions of the very strange Polestar 4. Reuters story on Ford/Geely talks: https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/ford-geely-talks-manufacturing-technology-partnership-sources-say-2026-02-04/ China Just Banned One Of The Most Controversial Car Features Everhttps://insideevs.com/news/786170/china-ev-door-handles-banned/ BMW's Most Important Electric Car Is One Big Step Closer To Your Drivewayhttps://insideevs.com/news/786373/bmw-i3-production-start-munich/ Patrick’s review of the Polestar 4, “America’s weirdest EV”https://insideevs.com/reviews/786314/2026-polestar-4-review/ Check out InsideEVs for the latest future of transportation news and find us online: Instagram Threads YouTube BlueSky X

This week, Patrick and Tim give a proper send-off to the Tesla Model S and Model X, which the company is canceling to make room for more Optimus robot production. Then they recap an astonishing year of growth for America’s EV charging network. Finally, Tim interviewed the CEOs of Slate Auto and Scout Motors this week, and he shares some takeaways. In Plus/Minus, the guys discuss Tesla’s growing energy business and new Trump tariffs. The Tesla Model S And X Are Dying Next Quarter To Make Room For Robotshttps://insideevs.com/news/785761/tesla-model-s-x-discontinued-2026-earnings/ America’s EV Charging Network Just Had Its Biggest Year Of Growth Everhttps://insideevs.com/news/785615/america-ev-fast-charging-record-2025/ How Much Will Slate's EV Truck Cost? Slate Is Still Figuring That Out.https://insideevs.com/news/785737/slate-truck-price-discussion-ceo/ Scout Motors EREVs Will 'Most Likely' Arrive Before Pure EVs, CEO Sayshttps://insideevs.com/news/785636/scout-motors-range-extender/ Check out InsideEVs for the latest future of transportation news and find us online: Instagram Threads YouTube BlueSky X

Canada just struck a deal to reduce its hefty tariffs on China’s cars. Patrick and Tim unpack the consequences—and the backlash to the decision. The guys react to the new Volvo EX60, which looks super impressive with 400 miles of range and 370 kW charging. Plus, Lemonade is now offering discounted car insurance to Tesla drivers who use Full Self-Driving—and it’s a clear sign that autonomy will eventually disrupt all sorts of businesses. Canada Just Opened The Door To Cheap Chinese EVshttps://insideevs.com/news/784657/china-ev-tariff-canada/  Volvo EX60 Revealed: 'An End To Range Anxiety', With Next-Generation Seat Beltshttps://insideevs.com/news/785050/2027-volvo-ex60-revealed-details/ Tesla FSD Super Users Can Now Get Half-Price Car Insurancehttps://insideevs.com/news/785085/test-fsd-lemonade-cost-reduce/ Check out InsideEVs for the latest future of transportation news and find us online: Instagram Threads YouTube BlueSky X

2026 will be a very big year for electric cars, with over 30 new ones hitting the road in the coming year. Today, we break down the most exciting entrants and talk about what makes them special. From the Slate truck and Rivian R2 to the new Chevy Bolt and Jeep EREV, there’s something new for everybody. In Plus/Minus, Tim and guest host Mack Hogan discuss the Sony-Honda Afeela SUV and promising news about solid-state batteries. Read Mack’s story: Over 20 New EVs Are Coming In 2026. These Are The Seven I'm Most Excited Abouthttps://insideevs.com/news/782572/2026-ev-predictions-best-cars/ Check out InsideEVs for the latest future of transportation news and find us online: Instagram Threads YouTube BlueSky X

It was a rollercoaster year in the EV space, full of challenges but also reasons for optimism. This week, Patrick and Tim break down the top 10 biggest stories in EVs, from Tesla’s wild year and the end of EV tax credits to Waymo’s rise and the growth of EV charging.  At the end of the show, the guys offer predictions for what’s next in 2026. See you in two weeks! America's EV Charging Network Is About To Skyrocket https://insideevs.com/news/767059/record-ev-charger-deployment-q2-2025/  Over 20 New EVs Are Coming In 2026. These Are The Seven I'm Most Excited About https://insideevs.com/news/782572/2026-ev-predictions-best-cars/  Waymo's Driverless Taxis Are Going To Even More U.S. Cities. They'll Be In Over 20 Soon https://insideevs.com/news/779467/waymo-20-cities-robotaxi-expansion/  Why Ford's 'Skunkworks' $30,000 Electric Truck Has To Save The Day Now https://insideevs.com/news/781973/ford-skunkworks-silicon-valley-evs/  The EV Tax Credit Is Dead. 5 Predictions For What Happens Next https://insideevs.com/news/774413/ev-tax-credit-predictions-sales/  Check out InsideEVs for the latest future of transportation news and find us online: Instagram Threads YouTube BlueSky X

This week, we recognize the very best EVs of 2025. The InsideEVs Breakthrough Awards just dropped, and we discuss the pros and cons of each Editors’ Choice pick: the Cadillac Optiq, Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Lucid Gravity and Nissan Leaf.  Plus we debate Ford’s epic EV strategy shift. Was cancelling the F-150 Lightning a good idea? And Patrick recaps his drive in the Mercedes-Benz CLA, one of the hottest EVs launching soon.  Read all out Breakthrough Awards stories here:  Cadillac Optiq: https://insideevs.com/features/781838/cadillac-optiq-luxury-value-breakthrough-finalist/  Tesla Model Y: https://insideevs.com/features/782023/tesla-model-y-2025-breaktrhough/  Lucid Gravity: https://insideevs.com/features/782036/lucid-gravity-breakthrough-awards-2026/  Hyundai Ioniq 5: https://insideevs.com/features/781195/hyundai-ioniq-5-breakthrough-awards/  Nissan Leaf: https://insideevs.com/features/781873/nissan-leaf-breakthrough-ev-of-the-year/  Check out InsideEVs for the latest future of transportation news and find us online: Instagram Threads YouTube BlueSky X

It's a big news week for Rivian! The EV startup announces that the new $45,000 R2 will get lidar, a big step forward for more affordable autonomy. Plus, it gets an in-car AI assistant, and other tweaks are coming to the R1S and R1T. Then Rivian's head of AI, James Philbin, explains how this all works to Patrick and Tim, as if they were children.

Bust out those skinny jeans because Donald Trump is taking fuel economy rules back to 2013. This week, Patrick and Tim explain why the rollback of CAFE standards won’t actually make your car cheaper. Tim recaps his time in the extremely impressive BMW iX3, and the guys discuss whether it can succeed in the EV slowdown of 2026.  Then Tim speaks with John Harris, cofounder and CEO of Harbinger Motors, about the future of commercial EVs and what automakers are getting wrong about electric cars.  We Drove The BMW iX3: It's BMW's Best Electric Car Ever  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhtrIehnDwE  Trump Promises To Make Cars Cheaper, By Making You Pay More For Gas https://insideevs.com/news/780761/trump-fuel-efficiency-standards-rollback/ 

This week, Patrick and Tim break down two big electric debuts: the Porsche Cayenne EV and Jeep Recon. Can an electric sibling to the Wrangler be a hit—even with only 250 miles of range?  Plus, they recap some new research about EV battery health and explain why you shouldn’t worry about replacing the battery in a new EV. And the driverless car space is moving faster than ever, with news this week from Waymo, Zoox and Tesla.  In Plus/Minus, the guys debate whether Tesla should add Apple CarPlay and explain why it’s such a big deal that Xiaomi’s EVs are profitable after less than two years.  Watch our Porsche Cayenne Electric first look: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00lgxIK0DvI The 2026 Jeep Recon Is The Off-Road EV We’ve Been Waiting For https://insideevs.com/news/779196/2026-jeep-recon-ev-offroad-stellantis/  San Francisco's Latest Robotaxi Has No Steering Wheel Or Pedals. Yes, Really https://insideevs.com/news/779322/zoox-san-francisco-robotaxi-launch-public-rides/  Most Automakers Lose Money on EVs. How Is Xiaomi Turning a Profit Already? https://insideevs.com/news/779416/xiaomi-profit-toyota-tesla-xai/  The Facts Are In: You Shouldn't Worry About EV Battery Replacements https://insideevs.com/news/779210/ev-battery-replacements-data-tesla/  Tesla May Add CarPlay. Here's Why It's A Smart Move https://insideevs.com/news/778894/tesla-adding-carplay-bloomberg-report/ Check out InsideEVs for the latest future of transportation news and find us online: Instagram Threads YouTube BlueSky X

This week, Tim is joined by InsideEVs Deputy Editor Mack Hogan. They discuss why there’s way too much capacity to build EV batteries, and what happens next. Tim spent a day with the folks at Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies and shares an update on how that joint venture is going. Plus, leaders of Tesla’s Model Y and Cybertruck programs just quit, right after Elon Musk got his $1 trillion pay package.  We Built Too Many EV Battery Factories. Here's What Happens Next https://insideevs.com/news/778532/battery-capacity-outpacing-demand/  The Rivian-Volkswagen Partnership Will Go Even Further Than We Expected https://insideevs.com/news/778750/rivian-volkswagen-joint-venture-strong-progress-evs/ The Tesla Cybertruck And Model Y Bosses Both Just Quit https://insideevs.com/news/778529/tesla-cybertruck-model-y-executives-exit/ Elon Musk Isn't Going Anywhere https://insideevs.com/news/778231/tesla-shareholder-vote-elon-musk/  Check out InsideEVs for the latest future of transportation news and find us online: Instagram Threads YouTube BlueSky X

On this week’s Plugged-In Podcast, the EV tax credit party ended in September. So what did October’s hangover month look like? Well, sales of all-electric models weren’t great, even for mainstays like the Hyundai Ioniq 5. But we’re convinced there are bigger things at stake here—and that the whole car market needs to shift a certain way. Plus, we get more details about the Launch Edition for the Rivian R2, and discuss Tesla’s apparent flying car dreams. Can the new Tesla Roadster really fly? Will it ever exist at all? And is this what Tesla needs right now? EV Sales October Hangover https://insideevs.com/news/777506/ev-sales-october-hangover-tax-credit/ It's Time to Give Up On the '2020' Tesla Roadster https://insideevs.com/features/777629/tesla-roadster-delays-musk-altman/ Here's What the Rivian R2 'Launch Edition' Will Be Like https://insideevs.com/news/777980/rivian-r2-launch-edition-options/ Check out InsideEVs for the latest future of transportation news and find us online: Instagram Threads YouTube BlueSky X

This week, Patrick and Tim recap discuss Toyota’s game-changing Corolla EV concept, plus other reveals from the Japan Mobility Show. Slate answered one of the biggest questions about its mini electric truck: where you can get it fixed.  And Nvidia is going hard into the autonomous car game through new tech and a bunch of partnerships, including a deal with Lucid Motors to give its upcoming midsize crossover Level 4 self-driving capability. In Plus/Minus the guys break down layoffs at GM and Rivian, plus Ford’s big home energy news.  The Layoffs Are Coming To The EV Sector. Here's What It Means https://insideevs.com/news/777391/gm-ev-battery-layoffs-3300/  The Toyota Corolla Goes Electric—And Then Some https://insideevs.com/news/777252/toyota-corolla-concept-japan-mobility/  Japan Just Showed Off The Future Of Cars—Minus One Crucial Detail https://insideevs.com/news/777359/japan-mobility-show-2025-floor-report/  Lucid Plans To Beat Tesla At Self-Driving Cars—With Nvidia's Help https://insideevs.com/news/777224/lucid-midsize-autonomous-driving-nvidia/  Why Slate Isn't Building Service Centers Like Tesla Did https://insideevs.com/news/777127/slate-truck-service-partnership/  Check out InsideEVs for the latest future of transportation news and find us online: Instagram Threads YouTube BlueSky X

This week on the Plugged-In Podcast, Patrick and Tim have lots of news: General Motors' big tech push at its GM Forward event, including Super Cruise where you don't have to watch the road, and Rivian's exciting new e-bike spinoff Also. Is Rivian about to deliver a reset on how e-mobility works? Tim tested one, and he loved it.Also on this episode: Patrick talks to Matias Giannini, the CEO of Horse Powertrain. It's a new engine joint venture from Renault and the Geely Group. Why is our podcast covering engines? Because these engines are designed to be better: cleaner, smaller, more efficient, and purpose-built for things like plug-in hybrids and extended-range EVs. They're pro-EV but believe that if gas engines have to stick around longer, they have to better—and they have some interesting stuff up their sleeves. GM's Super Cruise Aims To Go Beyond Tesla In 2028 With LIDAR, Eyes-Off Driving https://insideevs.com/news/776525/gm-super-cruise-eyes-off-2028/ 'No More Fuses:' How GM's New Architecture Will Transform Gas Cars, Too https://www.motor1.com/news/776777/gm-ev-ice-architecture-forward-explained/ How Rivian Spinoff Also Is Reinventing The Electric Bike https://insideevs.com/news/776646/rivian-also-electric-bike-tm-b/ Renault's 'Horse' Wants To Turn EVs Into Hybrids https://insideevs.com/news/756949/horse-powertrain-hybrid-retrofit-evs/ Check out InsideEVs for the latest future of transportation news and find us online: Instagram Threads YouTube BlueSky X