The EVs for Everyone Podcast

Matt Damon sets the tone for this episode while I throw on another hoodie and warm up my third cup of coffee. First up, essential cold-weather EV survival strategies, from preconditioning your battery while plugged in to prioritizing seat heaters over cabin blasting and making sure your tires are *inflated* to combat that dreaded 20-40% range loss in sub-zero temps. Have you heard? Tesla's groundbreaking launch of unsupervised Robotaxi rides in Austin as of January 22, 2026, where passengers are now hopping into fully autonomous Model Ys with no safety driver. Also, 2026 is shaping up as the ultimate year to snag a used EV, thanks to a massive wave of low-mileage lease returns flooding the market from 2023's tax-credit boom, driving prices down and making electric ownership more accessible than ever. And now, please enjoy the Rocky IV tune as I trudge through 13 inches of snow and ice.______________________________Merch is here!Honest, stylish and perfect for all your "off duty" occasions.Shop Men, Women and Kids Collections: https://evs4everyone-shop.fourthwall.com/_______________________________Connect with Elena:https://evs4everyone.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/Let's talk on X:https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryoneAre you connected with the show on LinkedIn? https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/________________________

Official EV4E merch has dropped! (more deets at the 5:05 mark). In other news, Hyundai is finally waving goodbye to its ICE i10 hatchback after 18 years and 3.3 million units sold. In its place? The IONIQ 3, an affordable entry-level EV dropping in April 2026 with zero plans to grace U.S. shores just yet. Meanwhile, Ford's playing geopolitical chess by flirting with China's BYD for hybrid batteries destined for non-U.S. factories. The talks are non-binding for now, but the controversy's already brewing. Ford's CEO Jim Farley is also insisting the USMCA North American supply chain is non-negotiable for staying competitive. Ditch it, and car prices skyrocket while the industry takes a nosedive. (Trump's calling the whole deal “irrelevant,”) Up north, Canada's just dropped tariffs on Chinese EVs with a starter quota of 49,000 units. If sub-$26K EVs prove irresistible, will those limits quietly vanish?______________________________Merch is here!Use code ELENA for 15% off your order from now until Friday, January 23, 2026.https://evs4everyone-shop.fourthwall.com/______________________________Don't miss me at NADA for Cox Automotive's The EV Inflection: Sourcing Strategy Meets Retail Reality - West HallThursday, Feb. 5 | 2:30 pm–2:50 pm_______________________________Connect with Elena:https://evs4everyone.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/Let's talk on X:https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryoneAre you connected with the show on LinkedIn? https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/________________________

Mike Murphy, veteran Republican strategist and founder of EVs for America, proves you can love Detroit muscle, GOP grit, and EVs without short circuiting your identity. On today's episode, he shares eye opening polling showing Republicans' old "EVs are for tree-huggers" vibe has flipped from a +18 net agree to a -2 in just three years, a 20-point thaw. Yet Elon Musk remains the ultimate party-poisoner. Adored by 67% of Republicans as an EV ambassador, but overall trashed so badly that Tesla now lurks near the bottom among serious EV shoppers. Meanwhile, China's playing 4D chess by subsidizing EVs to oblivion, aiming to hollow out American and allied auto industries like a geopolitical termite.**NOTE: Canada has just struck a major trade deal with China on January 16, 2026, slashing the previous 100% tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles down to a 6.1% most-favored-nation rate, allowing up to 49,000 Chinese EVs (like affordable models from BYD) into the market annually with the quota set to rise to about 70,000 in five years in exchange for China cutting steep duties on key Canadian exports like canola. This marks a sharp break from the U.S.'s protectionist stance and aims to boost Canada's lagging EV sales (which tanked in 2025), spur potential Chinese investment in local auto production, though it's sparking backlash from figures like Ontario Premier Doug Ford over risks to domestic jobs and industry.Meanwhile, Mike says it's time for defensive subsidies to keep our factories humming, and rightly so. California, where one in three U.S. EVs finds a home, emerges as the critical battleground, with Mike lobbying hard for a fresh $2,000–$4,000 credit (for first-timer EV buyers) and multifamily overnight charging to unlock the apartment-dweller market. He dismisses the "EV winter" doomscrolling as overblown and notes solid products like the bargain Nissan Leaf, Ford's cost-slaying next-gen platform, and GM's new battery tech will keep the momentum rolling. California listeners: consider this your bat signal and email your assembly members to back those credits and charging incentives, then swing by the American EV Jobs Alliance site to arm yourself with their advocacy tools and maybe even chip in? Mike and his team are out here doing great work, throw him a few shekels if you can!______________________________Check out: Fixing America’s Partisan Divide Over EVs: Tracking Three Years of Slow ProgressConnect with Mike Murphy on X, LinkedIn and listen to his podcast "Hacks on Tap"_______________________________Connect with Elena:https://evs4everyone.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/Let's talk on X:https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryoneAre you connected with the show on LinkedIn? https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/________________________

The internet was in a tizzy yesterday over Tesla's latest "love you but gotta pay monthly" move, so of course we gotta talk about it. Starting February 14th (Happy Valentine's Day!), Tesla is axing the one time $8,000 Full Self Driving (FSD) purchase. New buyers (and existing owners) now face the monthly glow-up: $99/month or $999/year. Existing owners who already purchased FSD outright? You're grandfathered in and can transfer it when you sell your car like a fancy heirloom. Tesla gets predictable recurring revenue to fuel those magical OTA updates, while the rest of us ponder if our cars are about to start charging us rent. At the same time, Bloomberg says "EV Winter Is Coming," and predicts 2026 EV sales growth to drop to a sleepy 12% (after 23% last year), with ~24.3 million passenger EVs expected worldwide. China's slashing subsidies, halving tax breaks, and telling everyone to chill on the price war. And the US? It's full-on "EV winter" mode, so you better go ahead and grab your puffer jacket.______________________________Rideable Suitcases by Chris Fleming_______________________________Connect with Elena:https://evs4everyone.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/Let's talk on X:https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryoneAre you connected with the show on LinkedIn? https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/________________________

Bear wants you to know the crossing guard hooked him up with two treats today. Good boy status is now confirmed. Also, Stellantis is discontinuing all plug-in hybrid models in North America starting with the 2026 model year. That means the Jeep Wrangler 4xe, Grand Cherokee 4xe, and Chrysler Pacifica PHEV are officially fading into the sunset, cue the sad violins. Meanwhile, Ford is pushing hard toward Level 3 "eyes-off" autonomous driving by 2028, teasing a roughly $30,000 midsize electric pickup called the UEV Ride for 2027, and rolling out an AI assistant in its phone app in 2026 that uses your vehicle's VIN (and photos) to give towing and cargo advice. Scout Motors, VW's rugged revival brand, just got the green light for direct-to-consumer sales in Colorado, igniting a classic dealer-OEM family feud that's bound to get messier. CES felt like a full-on Chinese automaker glow-up, with brands like Zeekr (and others) showing off luxurious, rocket-fast EVs that make you wonder if Western buyers are being catfished by all these promises of affordable performance. These cars aren't even available in the U.S. for goodness sake (yet??) And finally, possibly the highlight, Fiat's tiny Topolino microcar arrives with a blistering top speed of 28 mph, 47-mile range, and just 8 horsepower. Bear could probably outrun it in a straight line. So, is this for resort cruising, retirement communities, or the world's most polite getaway car? What do we think?_______________________________The EVs for Everyone Shop is revving up and about to drop!Get ready for exclusive merch that screams “caffeinated and overly confident” without actually screaming.Subscribe to the show right now so you don’t miss the official launch announcement this month.Trust me, you do not want FOMO when the doors open!_______________________________Connect with Elena:https://evs4everyone.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/Let's talk on X:https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryoneAre you connected with the show on LinkedIn? https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/________________________

Buckle up for round two of our CES 2026 auto highlights series! Cormac Martin, General Manager of MOVE America and MOVE London, joins the show to dive deep into autonomous vehicles (AVs) and of course the unstoppable robot takeover. We start with the Lucid-Uber-Nuro robotaxi partnership, unveiled in all its glory at CES, where "collaboration" means turning competitors into a blurry trio of frenemies plotting world (or at least ride-hailing) domination. Next, Waymo says "oh-hi" with their sleek new Ojai van (built by China's Zeekr and rebranded for the U.S.), reminding us that building a purpose-made robo-ride is way harder than acing a blizzard parallel park. Next up is a quick spotlight on Wayve, a UK-based autonomous driving tech company that's ditching manual data labeling for pure end-to-end AI magic without breaking the bank. Haven't you heard? 2026 is officially the Year of the Robot. Get ready to picture epic imaginary cage fights between Tesla's Optimus, Boston Dynamics' Atlas, and LG's (really slow) CLOiD, the tortoise of the humanoid pack. Hit play for exclusive auto scoops from CES that you won't hear anywhere else!______________________________Connect with Cormac on LinkedIn and check out MOVE London June 17-18 2026_______________________________Connect with Elena:https://evs4everyone.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/Let's talk on X:https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryoneAre you connected with the show on LinkedIn? https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/________________________

Here's the CES 2026 recap you didn't ask for but definitely need, straight from the neon-soaked chaos of Las Vegas! Edward Wilford, Senior Research Director at Omdia Automotive, joins the show today to spill the latest insights from his week at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). We kick off with Nvidia doubling down on automotive as the crown jewel of its "physical AI" empire, dishing out a full-stack, ultra-secure platform that seamlessly connects cars, robotics, and industry into one massive, interconnected powerhouse. Then comes the polite shade: Nvidia's sensor-packed ecosystem goes head-to-head with Tesla's cameras-only FSD bet, as Edward insists true Level 5 autonomy needs to outdrive even the flawless human, not just the distracted TikTok scroller. Edward also dropped a pro tip for the industry: Stop trying to turn every car into a rolling data center overnight, decouple SDVs from EVs, and instead drop “bite-sized” software upgrades. We also talked about Chinese powerhouse Geely teasing its big U.S. EV market splash (think Zeekr and Lynk & Co) in the next 2-3 years (?), unpack the key differences between rigid robots and friendly cobots teaming up with humans, and Zoox's awkward robotaxi stall-out moment right on the bustling Vegas Strip. Buckle up for this high-speed tour of CES's buzziest auto highlights!______________________________Connect with Edward on LinkedIn_______________________________Connect with Elena:https://evs4everyone.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/Let's talk on X:https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryoneAre you connected with the show on LinkedIn? https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/________________________

🎉 It's a new year and a new season! Eat your leftovers before they go bad and let's get into it. Global sales of EVs continue to surge thanks to affordable Chinese brands like BYD, which just dethroned Tesla as the world's top BEV seller with 2.26 million units in 2025 versus Tesla's declining 1.64 million. In the U.S., the end of federal tax credits triggered a sharp Q4 sales drop, leaving EV market share stuck around 9-10% while hybrids steal the show as pragmatic, profitable heroes appealing to everyday buyers. Major automakers like Ford are pivoting hard, scrapping pure-electric plans for extended-range hybrid pickups while Toyota and Honda double down on hybrids until at least 2030. Hybrids are booming, already pushing electrified vehicles over 22% of U.S. sales in some quarters and acting as a gateway drug, with one-third of owners later switching to full EVs. Despite Detroit's gloom and a "Great EV Reset" slowdown, cheaper new models under $42,000 and a flood of affordable used EVs are poised to fuel the next growth wave. Pure BEVs aren't dead, they're just taking a breather while hybrids and used deals bridge the gap to a fully electric future. Tesla and Rivian's rough year underscores the shift, but with CES announcements looming, more news is on the way. Bottom line: 2026 is the year of pragmatic progress, not panic._______________________________Connect with Elena:https://evs4everyone.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/Let's talk on X:https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryoneAre you connected with the show on LinkedIn? https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/________________________

In this hilariously festive episode, NYC comedian Charles McBee is back on the show to declare that the Labubu may in fact be Furby’s weird grandchild, kicking off a deep dive into millennial nostalgia. We also talked about Tesla’s holiday software shenanigans, where Santa Mode transforms your ride into a virtual sleigh, and a synchronized "Jingle Rush" light show is irrefutable proof that civilization has jumped the shark, contrasting today’s effortless digital upgrades with the old-school pride of painstakingly customizing a Honda Civic with underglow and tears. From cars drowning in Christmas lights to BMW’s Advent-calendar tease for a new model reveal on Christimas Eve (sorry, it’ll never outshine Lexus’s iconic giant-bow “December to Remember” flex), the holiday hype gets gloriously skewered, including Advent calendars morphing from humble candies into absurd luxury status symbols. Press play for a fun episode to wrap up 2025!______________________________See Charles live in a city near you in 2026!https://www.charlesmcbee.com/new-eventsFollow Charles on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlesmcbee/Follow Charles on X: https://x.com/CharlesMcBeeListen to his podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4A8UF52uD7SbzI4fFG70IF_______________________________Connect with Elena:https://evs4everyone.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/Let's talk on X:https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryoneAre you connected with the show on LinkedIn? https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/________________________

If you’re a high performing automotive executive who’s tired of pretending the holidays are “the most wonderful time of the year” while quietly bracing for impact, this episode is your permission slip to lead (and live) differently. Family therapist, Joseph Degenhart is here to unpack a truth every driven executive secretly knows: the holidays don’t invent stress, they just turn up the volume on the chaos you’re already juggling. Joe cuts through the tinsel with a refreshing reality check: for high performers wired to crush goals, December becomes an emotional ambush. The best part about this episode? Practical moves you can steal today: Joe lays out non-negotiable rituals, scheduled restoration, ruthless reviews of what’s quietly draining you, and the courage to kill misaligned projects before the January burnout train leaves the station. So here's your gentle but firm nudge: pause, breathe, reach out if this hits home, and treat the season with radical honesty, childlike wonder, and deliberate care. If this episode resonated with you, leave a comment on Spotify or send me a DM on LinkedIn.______________________________Connect with Joe via email: degenhartjoseph@gmail.com_______________________________Connect with Elena:https://evs4everyone.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/Let's talk on X:https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryoneAre you connected with the show on LinkedIn? https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/________________________

Happy Holidays, my friend! Kirsten Von Busch, Director of Product Marketing at Experian Automotive is back on the show today and this episode kicked off with a hilarious holiday movie quote game, complete with some classics from the 80's, 90's and early 2000's. Then we dove into Experian Automotive’s Q3 EV data: 1.2 million new retail EVs registered in the past year, pushing EVs to nearly 9.9% of all new retail registrations. EV owners are fiercely loyal—82% stay with the same electric brand and 74% buy another EV when upgrading. The Honda Prologue stole the show, grabbing 14% segment share in its debut quarter by converting tons of CR-V, Accord, and Pilot owners. Chevy’s Equinox EV rocketed to the #1 spot in non-luxury EV share, while the affordable EV segment overall gained ground as luxury brands like Tesla slipped. Used EVs are still just 1% of the used market, but a flood of returning leases is coming soon. Q4 sales might dip without some incentives, yet the long-term trend remains electric and upward. Pour some eggnog, throw on the ugliest sweater you own, and hit play, because this episode is equal parts data nerdery and holiday fun.______________________________Experian's Automotive Trends ReportsAccess the latest trends in the automotive market with reports on auto financing, vehicle registration, and consumer preferences. Experian's data scientists compile trend data into quarterly reports to provide you with expert analysis and insights. Once you submit the form to access a report, you will be notified each time a new quarterly trends report is available. Sign up herehttps://www.experian.com/automotive/auto-quarterly-trends_______________________________Check out Experian's EV Resource Page for all things electric vehicle data_______________________________This episode is sponsored by Experian. Experian is a global data and technology company, powering opportunities for people and businesses around the world. Experian helps to redefine lending practices, uncover and prevent fraud, simplify healthcare, deliver digital marketing solutions, and gain deeper insights into the automotive market, all using their unique combination of data, analytics and software. Learn more here https://www.experian.com/automotive/ev-resource-center?cmpid=EVS_for_Everyone_______________________________Connect with Kirsten on LinkedIn_______________________________Connect with Elena:https://evs4everyone.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/Let's talk on X:https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryoneAre you connected with the show on LinkedIn? https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/________________________

Joining us today from Hawaii is Ryan Yamauchi, Co-founder of Keyvo, owner of the vehicle subscription consultancy VYCL, and the guy who’s making it possible to subscribe to a car in paradise. He’s teamed up with returning co-host John Possumato, CEO of DriveItAway, to geek out on one of my favorite topics: truly affordable vehicle access for everyone. In this episode, Ryan gives a masterclass where he describes his "Six Pillars of Vehicle Subscription" which helped an independent Hawaiian dealership quietly turn vehicle subscription into an 800 vehicle success story. Thanks to some creative financing, Ryan shares his method for making monthly wheels affordable for everyone. Instead of trying to torch the traditional dealer model, Ryan's philosophy is to partner with it, giving showrooms a new recurring-revenue program that actually works while saving them from the slow death of aging inventory. Are EV subscriptions the rare business idea that's a true win-win for everyone? We think so. Also, tune in for some seasonal banter where I quiz Ryan and John on their favorite Thanksgiving traditions. And yes, for the record... I make an *awesome* fried turkey. Happy Thanksgiving, my friend!______________________________Connect with Ryan: ryan@keyvo.com | LinkedInConnect with John: john@driveitaway.com | LinkedIn_______________________________This episode is sponsored by DriveItAway. If you’re a franchise dealer, you can now launch a profitable (and scalable) micro-lease to own program with zero upfront costs, to transform your unsold inventory into monthly revenue, effortlessly. And if you want to support DriveItAway’s mission directly, check out their stock on the OTC markets, "DWAY." Learn more at driveitway.com/dealers_______________________________Connect with Elena:https://evs4everyone.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/Let's talk on X:https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryoneAre you connected with the show on LinkedIn? https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/________________________

JT Taylor returns to the show after nearly two years, joined this time by co-host John Possumato, CEO of DriveItAway, as we dive into a range of timely topics shaping the automotive industry. “JT” Taylor is a Managing Partner at Accrual Equity Partners (AEP), where he brings nearly 40 years of leadership experience across the automotive, retail, and investment banking sectors. With a career rooted in a deep passion for the automotive industry, JT has built a national reputation as a trusted advisor, operator, and connector across dealership networks, technology ventures, and mobility-related enterprises. As you'll hear in this episode, JT is known for his people-first approach and his ability to bring deep industry insight to both operational and financial decision-making. Press play to hear JT's thoughts on everything from Elon's $878 billion comp package at Tesla, Ford's potential discontinuation of the F-150 Lightning and how used electric vehicles currently represent one of the most cost-effective transportation options in the United States, linking affordable mobility directly to enhanced employment opportunities. Don't miss this rare opportunity to learn from one of the best!_______________________________Press release: Automotive Retail & Investment Banking Leader James "JT" Taylor Joins DriveItAway Holdings Board of Advisors_______________________________This episode is sponsored by DriveItAway. If you’re a franchise dealer, you can now launch a profitable (and scalable) micro-lease to own program with zero upfront costs, to transform your unsold inventory into monthly revenue, effortlessly. And if you want to support DriveItAway’s mission directly, check out their stock on the OTC markets, "DWAY." Learn more at driveitway.com/dealers_______________________________Connect with JT Taylor on LinkedInConnect with John Possumato at john@driveitaway.com or on LinkedIn _______________________________Connect with Elena:https://evs4everyone.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/Let's talk on X:https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryoneAre you connected with the show on LinkedIn? https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/________________________

Kirsten Von Busch, Director of Product Marketing at Experian Automotive is back on the show today to talk about the latest EV data from 2025. Battery electrics (BEVs) have skidded to a mere 9.2% overall market share, while hybrids gained 3.1% bringing it to 18.9% of the market. 87% of EV households are secretly hedging bets with an ICE vehicle in the garage, proving even the most loyal BEV drivers still want a Plan B. Shoutout to Miami (a top volume DMA and one of the fastest-growing DMAs for electric registrations), alongside Fort Lauderdale, Denver, and Colorado Springs, where EVs are multiplying faster than parking tickets. Overall, the full electrified squad, hybrids, plug-ins, and BEVs claims nearly 30% market share, with loyalty fiercer than the Teslarati. 67% of hybrid fans and 74% of BEV drivers stick to electric. As rebates fade and Ford tweaks its F-150 Lightning playbook, consumers are definitely flirting with hybrids before they take the full BEV plunge. All signs point to turbulence ahead, but electrification's grip on the wheel is only tightening.______________________________Experian's Automotive Trends ReportsAccess the latest trends in the automotive market with reports on auto financing, vehicle registration, and consumer preferences. Experian's data scientists compile trend data into quarterly reports to provide you with expert analysis and insights. Once you submit the form to access a report, you will be notified each time a new quarterly trends report is available. Sign up herehttps://www.experian.com/automotive/auto-quarterly-trends_______________________________Check out Experian's EV Resource Page for all things electric vehicle data_______________________________This episode is sponsored by Experian. Experian is a global data and technology company, powering opportunities for people and businesses around the world. Experian helps to redefine lending practices, uncover and prevent fraud, simplify healthcare, deliver digital marketing solutions, and gain deeper insights into the automotive market, all using their unique combination of data, analytics and software. Learn more here https://www.experian.com/automotive/ev-resource-center?cmpid=EVS_for_Everyone_______________________________Connect with Kirsten on LinkedIn_______________________________Connect with Elena:https://evs4everyone.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/Let's talk on X:https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryoneAre you connected with the show on LinkedIn? https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/________________________

Dan Krassner, electric vehicle policy expert by day and stand-up comedian by night, joins the show today to discuss the challenges of EV charging in multi-family housing, which poses a significant barrier for nearly one-third of U.S. households. The research from "EVs for All America" indicates that 70% of renters and 65% of condo owners would drive an EV if they had access to reliable overnight charging. In light of this research, Dan outlines a plan for California featuring grants for building owners to install Level 2 chargers without upfront costs, offset by tenant monthly fees, and supplemented by state tax credits to facilitate nationwide scalability in dense urban areas. But wait, there's more! Of course we had to keep the conversation fun because this is technically a WATT'S SO FUNNY episode, so you'll also hear some anecdotes about Dan's blind Shih Tzu, Toby Keith, and his one time encounter with wrestler John Cena. This is a can't miss episode if you're currently working in the multi-family charging space._______________________________Connect with Dan Krassner: dan@evsforamerica.orgEVs for All America is a nonprofit public education group working to ensure the benefits of electric vehicles reach every community. We conduct independent research, highlight solutions to the toughest barriers (“pinch points”) in electrification, and share practical tools that help consumers, dealers, and policymakers make informed choices. Our mission is simple: break down the partisan divide over EVs and accelerate an equitable, durable transition to clean transportation. Learn more at https://www.evsforallamerica.org/_______________________________POLITICO Highlights EVs for All America’s Research to Solve California’s Apartment Charging GapRead the full article here_________________________________Connect with Elena:https://evs4everyone.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/Let's talk on X:https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryoneAre you connected with the show on LinkedIn? https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/________________________

Imagine a world where China doesn't just compete in the auto industry—they conquer it. Their master plan? "Scale up, flood in, starve out": Ramp up production to flood global markets with affordable EVs, then squeeze out rivals through sheer volume and cost advantages. And guess what? The stakes couldn't be higher for U.S. innovation, jobs, and national security. Joining me once again to decode this high-stakes game is Michael Dunne, CEO of Dunne Insights and a leading expert on Asian automotive trends, he's back to reveal what's really at risk.China's playbook is ruthless and effective. They've turbocharged factories across the country, churning out twice as many vehicles as their domestic market demands. The surplus? It's pouring into export markets worldwide, fueling explosive growth for brands like BYD, which skyrocketed 880% year-over-year in the UK alone. Don't take our word for it: Peter Fleet, former Group Vice President at Ford Motor Company, warns that Chinese automakers could seize a staggering 30% of the UK market within just two years. That's not gradual disruption, it's a tidal wave.And here's the kicker: China doesn't stop at scale. They control a near-monopoly on rare earth minerals and magnets, essential ingredients for EV batteries and motors, giving them an unbreakable edge in the electric revolution. Without these, Western manufacturers are left scrambling.The fallout for America? We're exposed. Detroit's legacy giants are bogged down by outdated strategies, fumbling the shift to EVs amid surging consumer demand for sustainable rides. As Michael puts it, we need a "Sputnik moment," that urgent, all-hands-on-deck wake-up call from the Space Race era, to supercharge our own battery and EV supply chains. Why? Because a secure domestic ecosystem isn't just smart business; it's vital for energy independence, technological leadership, and safeguarding our future against foreign dominance. Tune in now to grasp the full force of China's automotive juggernaut and arm yourself with the insights to fight back._____________________________PUBLISHING NOTE: This episode was recorded on October 24th 2025. As of October 30th 2025, following Trump's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, China committed to pausing new export restrictions on five key rare earth metals announced on October 9, 2025, and agreed not to tighten controls on rare earth exports or related processing equipment. (Restrictions on seven other rare earths, imposed in April 2025, remain in place.) This directly addressed U.S. threats of 100% tariffs on Chinese EVs and other goods if Beijing weaponized its dominance in rare earths. The truce provides immediate breathing room. By halting new restrictions, it averts an acute supply crunch that could have halted EV assembly lines or inflated prices amid booming U.S. demand (EV sales hit 1.2 million units in 2025 so far). This stabilizes costs for U.S. automakers, supporting Biden-era incentives like the Inflation Reduction Act's $7,500 EV tax credit, which ties eligibility to North American sourcing—but still leans on Chinese-processed materials. In essence, the meeting bought time but no transformation— a tactical win for Trump, but a reminder that U.S. EV ambitions hinge on outmaneuvering China's mineral monopoly.______________________________Read Michael's full article here and subscribe to his newsletter here.Connect with Michael on X and on

Recorded on-site at the Auto Finance Summit in Las Vegas this month, Mitch Fadel, former Upbound / Rent-A-Center CEO and John Possumato, DriveItAway's CEO join me for an exciting episode that will change the auto industry forever. Mitch Fadel's proven track record at Rent-A-Center—scaling from 50 stores to over 2,000—demonstrates his unmatched ability to drive exponential growth and redefine access to essential goods for underserved consumers. Under his leadership, the company evolved into the Upbound Group, introducing Acima, a cutting-edge virtual leasing platform that empowers customers with limited credit to acquire furniture and appliances from trusted partners like Ashley Furniture, bypassing traditional barriers. Now, Mitch is strategically pivoting into the automotive sector, advising DriveItAway on their initiative to target used electric vehicles returning from leases to address a critical gap in sustainable transportation for lower-middle-income families. Why? Because the dusty old buy-here-pay-here car scene hasn't evolved since the flip phones ruled. More specifically, the stagnant buy-here-pay-here market, unchanged for 35 years, leaves millions behind, but DriveItAway's lease-to-own approach promises to revolutionize it through targeted partnerships with dealerships, delivering mobility that's both aspirational and attainable. With the potential to capture 5-10% of car sales, this initiative creates enduring value for consumers, dealers, and manufacturers alike, (a triple win!) positioning DriveItAway as the indispensable force for equitable progress in the EV era. Tune in for something truly disruptive!______________________________This episode is sponsored by DriveItAway. If you’re a franchise dealer, you can now launch a profitable (and scalable) micro-lease to own program with zero upfront costs, to transform your unsold inventory into monthly revenue, effortlessly. And if you want to support DriveItAway’s mission directly, check out their stock on the OTC markets, "DWAY." Learn more at driveitway.com/dealers_______________________________Connect with Mitch Fadel on LinkedInConnect with John Possumato at john@driveitaway.com or on LinkedIn ________________________________Connect with Elena:https://evs4everyone.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/Let's talk on X:https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryoneAre you connected with the show on LinkedIn? https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/________________________

Melinda Zabritski, Head of Automotive Financial Insights at Experian joined me at the Auto Finance Summit in Las Vegas last week and highlighted her recent report: Experian's State of the Automotive Finance Market Report: Q2 2025. Buyers are going old-school with cold hard cash. 67% of used vehicle deals closed all-cash in Q2, thanks to sky-high affordability hurdles. But don't hit the panic button, credit scores are skyrocketing, showing consumers are still nailing that money game amid economic speed bumps. EVs took a slight detour, dipping below 9% market share. The fix? Leasing's the hero here, dishing out low payments that make going electric like a joyride steal. New car payments are soaring to approximately $770 a month, fueled by tariffs and beefier loans. Meanwhile, the used market's owning the track with 40 million transactions (vs. just 12 million new). But there's good news from the lender lane: Loan-to-value (LTV) ratios are dropping smartly to around 90% for top players, new and used alike. And EVs? Lenders are ditching the doubt on residuals and batteries, finally cruising with some confidence. Don't miss this episode for everything you need to know about the current state of the automotive finance market!_______________________________Experian's State of the Automotive Finance Market Report: Q2 2025Experian Automotive's exclusive quarterly report on the latest trends and analysis of the U.S. automotive finance market, presented by Melinda Zabritski, Head of Automotive Financial Insights at Experian.Gain insights into:New and used financingLender market share shiftsCredit scores and risk distributionChanges to loan amounts, terms, rates, and paymentsDownload herehttps://www.experian.com/automotive/auto-credit-webinar-form_______________________________Check out Experian's EV Resource Page for all things electric vehicle data_______________________________This episode is sponsored by Experian. Experian is a global data and technology company, powering opportunities for people and businesses around the world. Experian helps to redefine lending practices, uncover and prevent fraud, simplify healthcare, deliver digital marketing solutions, and gain deeper insights into the automotive market, all using their unique combination of data, analytics and software. Learn more here https://www.experian.com/automotive/ev-resource-center?cmpid=EVS_for_Everyone_______________________________Connect with Melinda on LinkedIn_______________________________Connect with Elena:https://evs4everyone.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/Let's talk on X:https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryoneAre you connected with the show on LinkedIn? https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/________________________

Comedian Blake Wexler joins the show today as Tesla unveils a no-frills Model Y that's cheaper than a fake Labubu but roasted harder than a cup of overcooked ramen. Elon asks, "does your mom have a question?" on X and Aubrey Strobel's mom scores a SpaceX launch invite—hmm, was it waste of a Q&A? OpenAI's Sora 2 unleashes physics-perfect deepfake video creation. From Bob Ross painting a Cybertruck to Tupac chatting up Mr. Rogers, the lines are now even blurrier between what's real and what's not. And finally, Tesla's Optimus appeared out of nowhere last week and drop-kicked the world with some Kung Fu flair before narrating a vote-hype video for the Nov 6th shareholder bash, dangling a trillion-dollar CEO carrot for Elon. Reality is stranger than fiction but hey, I'm here for it!________________________Blake Wexler is a New York-based comedian who started doing stand-up at the age of 15 as a high school student in Philadelphia. In addition to writing for and appearing on Comedy Central & ABC, Blake also has been a featured performer in (too) many comedy festivals and can be regularly heard on The Cracked, Daily Zeitgeist & The Todd Glass Show podcasts. He is also the host of the gameshow LIES! for the Philadelphia Eagles. All four of Blake’s critically acclaimed stand-up comedy records debuted at #1 on the iTunes & Amazon comedy charts, and his album 12 Years of Voicemails from Todd Glass to Blake Wexler charted on Billboard.________________________Follow Blake on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blakewexlerhttps://x.com/blakewexlerWebsite: https://www.blakewexler.com/ ________________________Tour Dates!​October 24-25: Wits End Comedy Club w/ Cy Amundson – Charleston, SC.November 7: The Hideout – Boston, MA.December 7: Lincoln Lodge – Chicago, IL.January 16: Littlefield – Brooklyn, NY__________________________This episode is sponsored by The Merlin Group, your go-to partner for B2B success. We help companies tackle complex challenges quickly by connecting you with hard-to-reach decision makers, accessing exclusive resources, and boosting demand like nobody else. Our mission? To make your business growth simple by linking you with the key players who can take it to the next level. Learn more here: https://www.themerlingroup.co/_______________________________Connect with Elena:https://evs4everyone.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/Let's talk on X:https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryoneAre you connected with the show on LinkedIn? https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/________________________

Tesla's most "affordable vehicle" yet? Nah. I scoured the internet this afternoon for everything you need to know about the brand new Model Y Standard and Model 3 Standard announcement. I gotta be honest, I feel a bit let down with this one. Tune in to hear why. BBQ ribs not included : )______________________________Tell me what's on your mind! Email me at elena@evs4everyone.com_______________________________Connect with Elena:https://evs4everyone.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/Let's talk on X:https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryoneAre you connected with the show on LinkedIn? https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/________________________