InsideEVs Plugged-In Podcast

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

On this special bonus episode of the Plugged-In Podcast recorded at Climate Week NYC, Patrick and Tim sit down with two BMW executives to discuss “circularity” in automotive manufacturing and what that means.Nils Hesse, BMW’s vice president of product sustainability, and Glenn Schmidt, its vice president of global sustainability, break down the automaker’s efforts across battery recycling and recycled materials—and how those principles came to life in the BMW iX3. They talk about the need to create circular supply chains, not just for sustainability reasons but also to make a resilient business.

This week on the Plugged-In Podcast, Patrick and Tim are joined by Mark Reuss, President of General Motors. He gets candid about the new 2027 Chevy Bolt, how GM is tackling this chaotic moment, and why GM is “absolutely” getting ready for Chinese EV brands to hit the U.S. Patrick asks about an electric Corvette and Tim wants to know about what other affordable cars are coming after the Bolt.  The guys also break down Patrick’s driving impressions of the overhauled Nissan Leaf. And they discuss the 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, which we now know will be America’s first modern EREV.  2027 Chevy Bolt: Meet America's Cheapest New EV https://insideevs.com/news/775172/2027-chevrolet-bolt-range-price-revealed/  The 2027 Chevy Bolt Will Be ‘Limited Run’ Only  https://insideevs.com/news/775256/2027-chevrolet-bolt-limited-run-only/  The New Chevy Bolt Is Much Better At Fast-Charging. But That's Not All https://insideevs.com/news/775280/2027-chevy-bolt-ev-fast-charging-improvements/  The 2026 Nissan Leaf After A Week: Surprisingly Great, Slightly Maddening  https://insideevs.com/reviews/775427/2026-nissan-leaf-5-things-we-love/  This Jeep Is America's First Extended-Range Electric SUV https://insideevs.com/news/775742/jeep-wagoneer-range-extender-announced/  Check out InsideEVs for the latest future of transportation news and find us online: Instagram Threads YouTube BlueSky X

Do you know where all the parts on your car come from, and how they got there? Most carmakers don't, actually. But BMW is working to change this. Starting with the grille on the new electric iX3, it's finding ways to track the carbon emissions of its entire supply chain—from raw minerals to the final product.  This episode features a discussion about supply chain innovations and investments in future technologies, including sustainable materials. As part of our Climate Week NYC partnership with BMW, you can hear more about how the carmaker tackles its decarbonization goals and integrates these efforts into its business strategy.

Tesla’s new “more affordable models” are here. But they’re not actually new, and not that cheap. In this episode, Patrick and Tim break down the Model 3 Standard and Model Y Standard. They dig into what these cars are missing, what’s good about them, and whether they’re a good deal or not.  Then Albert Gore, executive director of the Zero Emission Transportation Association, joins the show to chat about how America’s battery makers and EV brands are grappling with this current moment.  In Plus/Minus, they discuss GM’s controversial EV tax credit play and Patrick’s impressions of the Lucid Gravity.  Even Tesla Fans Are Slamming Its Hyped-Up Cheaper EVs https://insideevs.com/news/775115/tesla-model-y-affordable-trash/  Tesla's New Cheap Models Drop Autopilot's Lane Centering https://insideevs.com/news/775001/tesla-model-3-y-autosteer/ 2026 Tesla Model 3 Standard: This Is It https://insideevs.com/news/775007/tesla-model-3-standard/  2026 Tesla Model Y Standard: This Is It https://insideevs.com/news/774980/2026-tesla-model-y-standard-affordable-ev/  Check out InsideEVs for the latest future of transportation news and find us online: Instagram Threads YouTube BlueSky X

Hydrogen-powered cars have never quite gotten off the ground. But BMW thinks the new iX5 Hydrogen coming in 2028 can change that. On this special episode of the InsideEVs Plugged-In Podcast, brought to you in partnership with BMW, Patrick and Tim sit down with Dr. Michael Rath, the automaker’s VP of hydrogen vehicles. They discuss the history of hydrogen-powered cars—from BMW’s first effort in the 1970s to its 12-cylinder engine that ran on liquified hydrogen to the iX5 Hydrogen going on sale soon. Dr. Rath explains why BMW is still betting big on hydrogen as a zero-emission option for people who can’t conveniently charge a conventional battery-powered EV. The guys also ask about the challenges facing hydrogen fuel-cell EVs. What would it take to build out hydrogen fueling infrastructure in a major way? Will fuel-cell EVs ever be as popular as battery-powered ones? Are commercial vehicles the best application for this technology? Stick around for this fascinating conversation about the future of BMW’s hydrogen-vehicle efforts.

Electric-vehicle tax credits are dead, and if you didn’t act fast, you’ll pay more than you would have a few months ago. Or so we thought! Car companies like Ford, General Motors and Hyundai are here for you, offering discounts, deals and price cuts on their most popular EVs. But for how long?  Meanwhile, Porsche tells us why the new Cayenne Electric will be much more than just a bigger version of the new Macan. It’s going to be a high-tech flagship that reinvents the user experience, and rethinks how EV batteries are assembled.  Finally, Patrick and Tim interview Elaine Buckberg, Senior Fellow at Harvard University’s Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability and former Chief Economist of General Motors, about what’s next in the EV market.  Ford's EV sales had a record quarter https://insideevs.com/news/774426/ford-ev-sales-q3-2025/ GM has already sold more EVs in 2025 than in all of 2024 https://insideevs.com/news/774389/gm-ev-sales-q3-2025/ The EV Tax Credit is dead. What's 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

That whole EV thing was fun while it lasted, right? America is going back to gas, as electric models from the Acura ZDX to the Nissan Ariya hit the chopping block. Patrick and Tim break down how we got to this moment, and why electric cars are here to stay.  Plus, BMW announced the iX5 Hydrogen, hitting the market in 2028, and Volvo is trying to put the EX90’s software headaches behind it.  In Plus/Minus, the guys discuss how the Yangwang U9 became the world’s fastest car and Warren Buffett’s big BYD investment.  Automotive News on the end of the EV tax credit:  https://www.autonews.com/ev/an-ev-tax-credit-impact-preview-0924/?utm_id=gfta-ur-250925&share-code=CHVO5P4255DBVPYFSYWDJNCBG4&user_id=4542845&customer_secondary_source=aac_articleGifting  BMW Is Still Betting On Hydrogen SUVs https://insideevs.com/news/773027/bmw-ix5-fuel-cell-2028/  'A Dumpster Fire Inside A Train Wreck:' Why Volvo Is Replacing Every EX90's Central Computer https://insideevs.com/news/773202/volvo-ex90-software-issues/  A BYD EV Is Now The Fastest Car In The World https://insideevs.com/news/773037/byd-yangwang-u9-extreme-fastest-car-world/ Check out InsideEVs for the latest future of transportation news and find us online: Instagram Threads YouTube BlueSky X

The great EV pullback has begun. And the latest casualty is Ram’s electric pickup truck. Patrick and Tim debate whether canceling the 1500 REV was the right move—and whether the brand’s gas-powered EREV pickup can pick up the slack.  Plus, U.S. regulators opened an investigation into whether Tesla’s electronic door handles are defective after a bombshell report. Tesla design chief Franz von Holzhausen even commented on the news, teasing a door-release redesign.  To close out the show, Tim speaks with Joe Cohen, co-founder and CEO of Infinite Machine, a New York City-based micromobility company making some stunning and high-tech two-wheelers: P1 and the Olto. Joe talks about what made him start a mobility company, what’s wrong with today’s e-bikes and why it’s so important to get people out of cars.  Bloomberg investigation into Tesla door handles https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2025-tesla-dangerous-doors/  Ram Has Canceled Its Electric Pickup Truck https://insideevs.com/news/772186/ram-1500-rev-dead/ Ram Killed Its Electric Truck. That's The Smartest Thing It's Done In Years https://insideevs.com/features/772485/why-ram-killed-its-electric-truck/  Tim’s Take On The Infinite Machine Olto https://insideevs.com/news/762597/infinite-machine-olto-electric-bike/ Check out InsideEVs for the latest future of transportation news and find us online: Instagram Threads YouTube BlueSky X

Patrick just got back from IAA Mobility, Europe’s biggest auto show. We run through the expo’s biggest EV reveals, including the BMW iX3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ technology. Both are next-gen efforts with 400 miles of range, super-fast charging and way better tech than before.  But are they enough to stand up to the flood of Chinese cars hitting Europe? BYD, GAC, Xpeng, CATL and more had major announcements at the show, proving that these Chinese firms aren’t messing around.  In Plus/Minus, we recap Patrick’s Polestar 5 drive and chat about solid-state batteries.  The New BMW iX3 Gets On Rivian And Tesla's Level To Battle China's EVs https://insideevs.com/news/771106/bmw-ix3-preview-video-iaa-munich/  2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC EV: A 440-Mile Electric Do-Over With 'Multi-Agent' AI https://insideevs.com/news/771403/mercedes-glc-ev-reveal/  Volkswagen Is Finally Headed In The Right Direction https://insideevs.com/features/771608/volkswagen-headed-in-the-right-direction/  'This Model Does Not Work Anymore': Volkswagen Group CEO Gets Candid On EVs And Future Plans https://insideevs.com/news/771546/volkswagen-ceo-blume-interview-iaa-munich/  'This Is Game-Changing': BYD Brings EV Production, Megawatt Charging To Europe https://insideevs.com/news/771756/byd-iaa-megawatt-europe-seal/  New CATL EV Battery Tech Lasts 600,000 Miles, Charges In 10 Minutes https://insideevs.com/news/771621/catl-lfp-battery-charging-degradation/  First Drive: The Polestar 5 Isn't Just A Porsche Taycan Fighter. It's Even More Interesting https://insideevs.com/reviews/770315/polestar-5-first-drive-prototytpe/  This New Solid-State EV Battery Charges Quicker Than Getting Gas https://insideevs.com/news/771520/rimac-solid-state-battery-specs/  A Solid-State Battery Mercedes EQS Went 749 Miles On A Charge. It Still Had Range Left https://insideevs.com/news/771682/mercedes-eqs-solid-state-range-over-700-miles/  Check out InsideEVs for the latest future of transportation news and find us online: Instagram Threads YouTube BlueSky X

Tesla’s “Master Plan Part IV” dropped this week, filled with vague notions about “sustainable abundance” and lacking the concrete goals of Tesla’s prior mission statements. Patrick and Tim break down what it says about Tesla right now—and whether the X post was written by Grok. Then, they discuss August’s EV surge, led by GM and fueled by expiring tax credits. Plus, InsideEVs Staff Writer Kevin Williams joins the show to talk about his tour of Slate Auto’s upcoming factory and his chat with its CCO. In Plus/Minus, the guys gas up Audi’s stunning electric concept car. Tesla's New 'Master Plan 4' Puts EVs On The Backburner https://insideevs.com/news/770810/tesla-master-plan-part-4/ Tesla Master Plan 4 Teases Possible Cybervan, Cyber-SUV https://insideevs.com/news/770897/tesla-cybertruck-additional-designs-leaked/ General Motors Knows Its EV Party Won't Last https://insideevs.com/news/770950/gm-ev-sales-record-august/ Slate Says Some People Will Still Get Its Truck For Under $20,000. Here's How https://insideevs.com/news/770963/slate-truck-state-tax-incentive/ Check out InsideEVs for the latest future of transportation news and find us online: Instagram Threads YouTube BlueSky X

Another day, another car company scaling back plans for the future. But is that the right move? On today’s show, Patrick and Tim discuss the news that Stellantis is shelving its hands-off, eyes-off driver assistance program. The company has been a laggard on EVs, but it’s also dealing with a lot of other problems right now. Plus, Porsche is scrapping plans to manufacture its own EV batteries as demand for electric cars slumps. And it’s not the only one. Stick around for Patrick’s chat with longtime auto journalist Dave Undercoffler. Dave is now the editor-in-chief at Autolist and head of consumer insights at CarGurus, and he has a ton of interesting insights into the car market these days and how to get a great deal on an EV. Further reading: Stellantis shelves L3 plans; Porsche cancels battery manufacturing Check out InsideEVs for the latest future of transportation news and find us online: Instagram Threads YouTube BlueSky X

This week, we sit down for a fascinating conversation with Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe. RJ takes us back to the startup's origins in 2009 and talks about what he’s working on next, like the R2, R3, R4 and R5. He breaks down how AI is revolutionizing self-driving technology and explains where he sees battery tech going next. We chat about the looming threat of Chinese EVs, why America needs more great electric cars that aren't Teslas and how policy shifts will reshape the U.S. EV landscape for years to come. Further Reading: Rivian CEO On What’s Holding Back EVs In The U.S., Rivian R2 Live Deep-Dive Impressions: It's Going To Be A Hit, Rivian, Lucid And Slate Face A Tough Road Ahead Check out InsideEVs for the latest future of transportation news and find us online: Instagram Threads YouTube BlueSky X