The Watt Car EV Podcast

Turns out, a vehicle needn’t be made in China for the U.S. to chuck it from these shores for being a Chinese car, but was Polestar simply a sacrificial lamb for Geely, since Volvo’s presence has been spared? That’s just the first topic on this week’s podcast. The conversation then wanders somewhat autonomously to Tesla, VW, and Bosch and the future of self-driving cars, plus dielectric battery EVs, and more.Subscribe to the audio version of the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Spotify, PocketCasts, iHeartRadio, Podbean, or wherever else top-quality podcasts are served.SHOW NOTESPolestar exits US market: https://www.thedrive.com/news/polestar-is-done-selling-new-cars-in-the-us Tesla rolls out FSD v14 “lite” to HW3: https://electrek.co/2026/06/29/tesla-fsd-v14-lite-hw3-rollout/ VW reportedly cutting losses with Bosch over autonomous driving software not achieving goals: https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/volkswagen-plans-end-automated-driving-tie-up-with-bosch-bild-reports-2026-06-28/ DOT proposes elimination of the brake pedal for fully autonomous vehicles: https://techcrunch.com/2026/06/25/trump-admin-proposes-axing-brake-pedal-requirement-for-avs-in-a-boost-for-tesla/ Shell shows prototype with dielectric fluid battery: https://www.autoblog.com/news/shell-built-an-ev-that-uses-half-the-carbon-of-todays-electric-cars Ferrari marketing chief “leaves” company following Luce launch: https://electrek.co/2026/06/23/ferrari-replaces-marketing-chief-luce-ev-backlash/ Ferrari Luce sells out in China: https://www.autoblog.com/news/ferraris-first-ev-got-roasted-online-then-sold-out-in-china This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. SanchezEpisode art courtesy PolestarMusic courtesy Twisterium at PixabayWebsite: https://www.thewattcar.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar

Rivian is in the news! From R2 production to R3 expectations, radio features, CalTrans orders, and more, this week’s podcast is packed full of Rivian goodness. But before we get there, first we tackle the BMW M Concept Neue Klasse unveiling, Tesla Cybercab EPA figures, the promise of Telo production, 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 NOTESBMW unveils M Concept Neue Klasse: https://www.motor1.com/news/798518/bmw-electric-m3-concept/ Tesla Cybercab specs revealed in EPA docs: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a71590701/tesla-cybercab-specs-epa-documents-revealed/ Telo claims it has secured a supplier for the MT1’s “Body-in-White”: https://insideevs.com/news/798776/telo-mt1-production-update-partnership/ In an interview with The Drive, RJ Scaringe says R3 and R3X will enter production by the end of the decade:https://www.thedrive.com/news/r2-profits-r4-is-very-cool-rad-variants-rivians-ceo-just-gave-us-the-roadmap CalTrans orders 524 more Rivian R1s for its fleet: https://www.electrive.com/2026/06/15/caltrans-orders-524-additional-evs-from-rivian/ Rivian R2 drops traditional radio tuning for all-streaming audio: https://www.carscoops.com/2026/06/rivian-r2-fm-radio/ 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

Does electric propulsion mean a vehicle is in some way less enjoyable to drive? A recent video by Jason Camissa somewhat implies that, and we can’t help but discuss on this week’s podcast. In other news, Lotus recommits to ICE development, Rolls-Royce updates its Spectre with NACS and more, Rivian R2 looks efficient, and Hummer reveals a wild new concept car.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 NOTESJason Camissa says “Gasoline is far too precious a resource to be wasted on those who are not enjoying the act of combusting it”: https://youtu.be/l74of0u_RBE?si=mNNC1yGoxh6PoHj6&t=612 Lotus recommits to ICE development: https://www.motor1.com/news/797272/lotus-thought-electric-vehicles-future/ Rolls-Royce Spectre gets more range, power, NACS port: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a71473034/2027-rolls-royce-spectre-details/ Rivian R2 matches Tesla Model Y Performance on EPA test despite boxier profile, heavier weight: https://electrek.co/2026/05/29/rivian-r2-epa-efficiency-matches-tesla-model-y/ GM shows Hummer X midsize pickup & SUV concepts, says “No plans for production”: https://insideevs.com/news/797175/gmc-hummer-x-suv-pickup-midsize-concept/ This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. SanchezEpisode art courtesy Rolls-RoyceMusic courtesy Twisterium at PixabayWebsite: https://www.thewattcar.comBuy merch: https://www.thewattcar.com/storeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar

The Mercedes-AMG GT EV is unveiled, with some interesting styling choices. Does this car have what it takes to become a Porsche Taycan killer? That’s just one of the topics discussed on this week’s podcast. We also talk about federal EV fees, Rivian R2 pricing, Honda reversing course, 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 NOTESBill in Congress proposing national fee for EVs/PHEVs: https://www.autoblog.com/news/ev-owners-lost-tax-credits-now-lawmakers-want-a-yearly-fee Mercedes shows AMG GT EV: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a71337669/2027-mercedes-amg-gt-4-door-ev-revealed/ ID.Buzz is back for ‘27, adds new trims: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a71305922/2027-volkswagen-id-buzz-return-details/ Official specs drop on ID.Polo GTI: https://insideevs.com/news/796000/vw-id-polo-gti-reveal/ Rivian R2 configurator opens: https://electrek.co/2026/05/15/rivian-r2-configurator-live-pricing-options/ Honda retreats from all-EV by 2040 pledge: https://www.teslarati.com/honda-gives-up-on-all-ev-future-not-realistic/ California launches Clean Fuel Reward program for commercial trucks: https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/news/california-launching-1-billion-rebate-program-electric-trucks Cybertruck stuck on beach yanked out of trouble by Toyota Sienna: https://www.thedrive.com/news/minivan-to-the-rescue-beached-cybertruck-extracted-by-a-rental-spec-sienna This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. SanchezEpisode art courtesy Mercedes-AMGMusic courtesy Twisterium at PixabayWebsite: https://www.thewattcar.comBuy merch: https://www.thewattcar.com/storeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar

Between Jaecoo, BYD, Yangwang, and Geely, Chinese automakers are most definitely coming. In fact, in Europe, they’re already there, and selling well. Is what’s keeping them from the U.S. fear on America’s side, or is there a legitimate reason to keep these vehicles from our shores? We look at some recent news and chew on what it all means. Also, Rivian ups production capacity, the Tesla Semi gets a slow charger, 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 NOTES“Temu Range Rover” Jaecoo J7 tops UK sales charts in March: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/may/01/jaecoo-7-china-electric-car-chery-price-temu-range-rover BYD moving into top spot for EV sales in multiple markets: https://electrek.co/2026/05/05/byd-overtakes-tesla-kia-best-selling-ev-brand-key-overseas-markets/ Yangwang U9 Extreme price announced: https://carnewschina.com/2026/04/30/byd-u9-xtreme-sold-at-2760000-becomes-most-expensive-byd-ever/ CNBC says Geely is best positioned for entry in U.S. market: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNPzWaafsCARivian expands plans for Georgia plant: https://www.electrive.com/2026/05/04/rivian-plans-georgia-plant-50-larger/Tesla announces “Basecharger” slow-charging for big rigs: https://evchargingstations.com/chargingnews/tesla-semi-charging-business/ AAA studies effects of high/low temperatures on EVs, hybrids: https://newsroom.aaa.com/2026/05/aaa-study-reveals-temperature-impacts-on-ev-and-hybrid-performance-efficiency-and-costs/ This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. SanchezEpisode art courtesy BYDMusic courtesy Twisterium at PixabayWebsite: https://www.thewattcar.comBuy merch: https://www.thewattcar.com/storeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled its new C-Class EV, boasting not only the company’s bold new grille, but also a nice and juicy 94.3 kWh battery. At the same time, EV sales have surged in the EU, Lucid receives funding from two sources (but will it be enough?), BMW follows Tesla in ease of charging, and more, all on this week’s podcast.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 NOTESEV sales surge in Europe in March: https://electrek.co/2026/04/20/europe-ev-sales-surge-51-percent-oil-is-the-reason-why/ Lucid gets additional investment from Uber, Saudi PIF: https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/lucid-group-shares-jump-uber-154000044.html New Mercedes C-Class EV shows off its big “grille”: https://insideevs.com/reviews/793375/mercedes-benz-c-class-ev/ BMW introduces “contract-free” plug & charge in Germany: https://electriccarsreport.com/2026/04/bmw-simplifies-ev-charging-with-contract-free-plug-charge/ CATL says its newest battery can charge from 10-98% in 7 minutes: https://carnewschina.com/2026/04/21/catl-unveils-3rd-gen-shenxing-lfp-battery-charging-10-80-in-3-min-44-seconds-10-98-in-6-min-27-seconds/Sony & Honda say they’re going to continue to collaborate: https://carbuzz.com/sony-honda-partnership-still-on/ Tesla Cybertruck approved for V2G program with PG&E: https://www.electrive.com/2026/04/21/pge-and-tesla-integrate-cybertruck-into-v2g-programme/ 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

This week, we discuss a number of automotive brands finding their “there” in the EV world. For starters, Toyota’s bZ gains footing while Subaru gets into the three-row EV game and Rivian’s R2 ups its efficiency. Meanwhile, Afeela’s dead, plus some politicians say Chinese cars are not welcome on America’s shores (although that ship has certainly sailed). 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 NOTESSony and Honda discontinue Afeela: https://www.autoweek.com/news/a70847226/sony-honda-kill-afeela-ev/ Refreshed Toyota bZ turns out to be a hit: https://electrek.co/2026/04/02/toyota-sold-more-evs-in-the-us-than-ford-q1-one-suv/ 2026 Toyota bZ doesn’t have built-in route planning in nav (suggested charging stops): https://insideevs.com/reviews/787629/2026-toyota-bz-review/ Subaru pulls sheet off 3-row Getaway: https://gizmodo.com/new-getaway-means-subaru-has-an-electric-suv-in-every-size-2000741132 Preliminary numbers show Rivian R2 could beat Tesla Model Y on efficiency: https://insideevs.com/news/792230/rivian-r2-epa-range-efficiency/ Chinese-made EVs won’t be allowed in the U.S., says American ambassador to Canada: https://www.autoblog.com/news/u-s-draws-the-line-at-the-border-chinese-evs-wont-enter-america Senator Bernie Moreno wants to enact tougher restrictions on Chinese EVs: https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/republican-senator-proposes-widen-us-ban-chinese-autos-2026-03-31/ Study claims franchise dealership model adds nearly $5,000 to the price of a new car: https://www.thedrive.com/news/study-quantifies-how-much-the-dealership-model-costs-customers-and-it-aint-pretty Tesla unveils “folding” superchargers for quicker deployment: https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-folding-supercharger-v4/ 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 world’s energy sources being uncertain thanks to the war, let’s talk EVs. For starters, Jay Leno recently drove the Tesla Semi (which has already undergone a redesign) and the Slate (we reveal Slate’s real competitor). Also, Lexus unveils a luxury EV sedan, Mercedes is working on a Maybach minivan, Bentley kills (most of) its future EV lineup, 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 NOTESEVs have already displaced 70% of the oil coming out of the Persian Gulf: https://thedriven.io/2026/03/19/global-ev-fleet-avoided-oil-consumption-equivalent-to-70-pct-of-irans-exports-in-2025/ Jay Leno drives the refreshed Semi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCXSq1dmEB8 Lexus announces ES EV prices: https://electrek.co/2026/03/19/lexus-launches-es-ev-with-300-mi-range-undercuts-rival-prices/ Bentley reportedly stops development on four out of five planned EVs: https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/bentley/369182/bentley-kills-almost-all-its-future-ev-models-hybrids-taking-centre-stage Mercedes reportedly working on a Maybach ultra-luxury EV minivan: https://insideevs.com/news/790984/mercedes-maybach-vls-teaser-image/ BMW, Mini, Mercedes-Benz outperform EPA range estimates in Consumer Reports testing, Ford, Lucid, Rivian and Tesla at bottom: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/real-world-ev-range-tests-models-that-beat-epa-estimates-a1103288135/ Patent applications reveals concept for trailer-mounted auxiliary battery for Cybertruck: https://electrek.co/2026/03/23/tesla-patent-dual-battery-range-extender-trailer/ This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. SanchezEpisode art courtesy SlateMusic 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

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

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

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

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