InsideEVs Plugged-In Podcast

This week’s episode is a special one, as Mack and Tim take some time to go through listener questions and comments. What would happen to startups like Lucid and Rivian if Chinese EVs were allowed into the U.S.? Is the Tesla Cybertruck doomed? What’s going to win out, the Rivian R2 or the BMW iX3? Was the EV tax credit just a handout to the rich? Why doesn’t Tim have an EV (yet)? The guys dig into all of these questions and more on this week’s episode. If you want to be featured in the next round of listener questions, drop your thoughtful comments on YouTube or InsideEVs.com. Read some of our related stories: SpaceX Bought Nearly 20% Of Tesla Cybertrucks Sold In Q4 https://insideevs.com/news/793205/tesla-spacex-cybertruck-20-sales/ 2027 BMW iX3 Review: BMW Is Back https://insideevs.com/reviews/793046/bmw-ix3-review-neue-klasse/ The Rivian R2 Launches At $57,990 With 330 Miles Of Range https://insideevs.com/news/789597/rivian-r2-launch-pricing-specs-2026/ Check out InsideEVs for the latest future of transportation news and find us online: • Instagram • Threads • YouTube • BlueSky • X

This week, Mack and Tim dive into the latest from America’s EV startups. Lucid Motors hired a new CEO and got $750 million in fresh funding. Slate Auto locked in a $650 million Series C round, and the guys discuss their latest thoughts on whether the affordable electric truck can be a success. Plus, Rivian inked an interesting deal with battery recycling company Redwood Materials, and its EDV commercial van sales are blowing the competition out of the water. In Plus/Minus, the guys chat about the end of the BMW iX in America and Tesla veteran Doug Field’s departure from Ford. Lucid Motors Has A New CEO And A Bunch More Funding https://insideevs.com/news/792958/lucid-new-ceo-named-funding/ Slate's Affordable EV Truck Plans Just Got A Major New Lifeline https://insideevs.com/news/792809/slate-affordable-ev-truck-650-million-funding/ The BMW iX Is Done In The U.S. But A Way Better Electric SUV Is Nearly Here https://insideevs.com/news/792949/bmw-ix-discontinued-united-states-2026/ Rivian's Factory Will Run On Its Own Used EV Batteries https://insideevs.com/news/792980/rivian-redwood-materials-battery-deal-2026/ Ford's Head Of EVs Is Leaving The Company https://insideevs.com/news/793104/ford-doug-field-ev-chief-departs/ Check out InsideEVs for the latest future of transportation news and find us online: InstagramThreadsYouTubeBlueSkyX

Sales numbers are starting to roll in for the first quarter of 2026, and Mack and Tim dig deep into what’s happened since the EV tax credit ended last year. They break down the latest sales from Tesla, GM, Ford, Stellantis, and more. Later in the show, the guys discuss Geely’s new fast-charging tech, whether Americans really want back-to-basics cars, and Walmart’s EV charging glow-up. New EV Sales Dropped 28%. But Used EVs Are Booming. https://insideevs.com/news/791253/ev-sales-used-new-hybrids-q1-2026/ Walmart’s DC Fast Charging Network Already Has Hundreds Of Ports https://insideevs.com/news/792338/walmart-ev-charging-development/ Why American Cheap EVs May Be Far More Spartan Than Chinese Ones https://insideevs.com/news/792172/dodge-slate-cheaper-american-evs/ This New Electric Car Nearly Fills Its Battery In Under 9 Minutes https://insideevs.com/news/792274/lynk-co-10-charging-test/ Check out InsideEVs for the latest future of transportation news and find us online: InstagramThreadsYouTubeBlueSkyX

Mack and Tim are joined by InsideEVs Staff Writer Suvrat Kothari, who was on the ground at the New York auto show this week and got to see some of the biggest debuts. They discuss the new three-row Subaru Getaway EV SUV, the Kia EV3, and Nissan’s unusual series-hybrid system called P-power, coming to the 2027 Nissan Rogue. Plus, they chat about the Hyundai Boulder concept, the Kia PV5 van, and Toyota’s blowout first quarter for the bZ. Kia's Cheapest EV Is An Unexpected Range Monster. But Will It Still Cost $35,000? https://insideevs.com/news/791648/2027-kia-ev3-us-debut-range-official/ The 2027 Subaru Getaway 3-Row EV Has Over 300 Miles Of Range https://insideevs.com/news/791672/2027-subaru-getaway-range-specs-photos/ Mack drives Nissan’s e-Power hybrid: Nissan's Next-Gen Hybrids Are Actually EREVs https://insideevs.com/news/754997/nissan-erev-e-power-rogue/ Kia's Futuristic EV Van Could Become A New York Taxi https://insideevs.com/news/791862/nyc-pv5-taxi-ada-compliant/ Check out InsideEVs for the latest future of transportation news and find us online: InstagramThreadsYouTubeBlueSkyX

Mack and Tim unpack the latest from Faraday Future, once hailed as the next “Tesla killer.” FF is still doing cars, but it’s also selling Chinese robots now? Plus, RIP to the Sony-Honda Afeela 1. The guys explain why this was probably a good move—and debate the merits of an Apple car. Mack and Tim also tackle the age-old question: How much EV range do you really need? 300 miles is becoming the new standard, but is that enough? In Plus/Minus, the guys discuss hot new EVs from Mercedes. The SEC drops its four-year-old investigation into EV startup Faraday Future https://techcrunch.com/2026/03/22/the-sec-drops-its-four-year-old-investigation-into-ev-startup-faraday-future/ 300 Miles Of EV Range Is The New Normal. Is 400 Next? https://insideevs.com/features/790876/300-mile-range-evs-400-2026/ Andrei reviews the Mercedes-Benz GLC EV: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpcNYCw5nYE Maybach Is Making An Ultra-Luxury Minivan. Here's Our First Glimpse https://insideevs.com/news/790984/mercedes-maybach-vls-teaser-image/ Check out InsideEVs for the latest future of transportation news and find us online: InstagramThreadsYouTubeBlueSkyX

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 Patience https://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: InstagramThreadsYouTubeBlueSkyX

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 Range https://insideevs.com/news/789597/rivian-r2-launch-pricing-specs-2026/ Slate Names New CEO Months Before Launching Its Cheap EV Truck https://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: InstagramThreadsYouTubeBlueSkyX

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 Answer https://insideevs.com/reviews/788590/subaru-trailseeker-first-drive/ Which Automakers Build The Cleanest EVs? This Study Has Answers https://insideevs.com/news/788992/cleanest-evs-automakers-supply-chain-study/ Volkswagen Is A Sneaky EV Success Story https://insideevs.com/news/788767/vw-ev-sales-2-million-2026/ What Donut Lab’s Latest Solid-State EV Battery Test Actually Reveals https://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: InstagramThreadsYouTubeBlueSkyX

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 Plans https://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 Horses https://insideevs.com/news/787935/how-uber-plans-to-win-the-autonomous-vehicle-race/ Exclusive: Nissan's Most Affordable EV Just Got Delayed Indefinitely https://insideevs.com/news/787926/nissan-leaf-delayed/ Why Lucid Needs Its $50,000 Midsize EV More Than Ever https://insideevs.com/news/788289/lucid-production-guidance-gravity-midsize-2026/ Check out InsideEVs for the latest future of transportation news and find us online: InstagramThreadsYouTubeBlueSkyX

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 Details https://insideevs.com/features/787450/ford-uev-platform-details/ Check out InsideEVs for the latest future of transportation news and find us online: InstagramThreadsYouTubeBlueSkyX

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 R2 https://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 SUV https://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: InstagramThreadsYouTubeBlueSkyX

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 Ever https://insideevs.com/news/786170/china-ev-door-handles-banned/ BMW's Most Important Electric Car Is One Big Step Closer To Your Driveway https://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: InstagramThreadsYouTubeBlueSkyX

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 Ever https://insideevs.com/news/786170/china-ev-door-handles-banned/ BMW's Most Important Electric Car Is One Big Step Closer To Your Driveway https://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: InstagramThreadsYouTubeBlueSkyX

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 Robots https://insideevs.com/news/785761/tesla-model-s-x-discontinued-2026-earnings/ America’s EV Charging Network Just Had Its Biggest Year Of Growth Ever https://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 Says https://insideevs.com/news/785636/scout-motors-range-extender/ Check out InsideEVs for the latest future of transportation news and find us online: InstagramThreadsYouTubeBlueSkyX

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 EVs https://insideevs.com/news/784657/china-ev-tariff-canada/ Volvo EX60 Revealed: 'An End To Range Anxiety', With Next-Generation Seat Belts https://insideevs.com/news/785050/2027-volvo-ex60-revealed-details/ Tesla FSD Super Users Can Now Get Half-Price Car Insurance https://insideevs.com/news/785085/test-fsd-lemonade-cost-reduce/ Check out InsideEVs for the latest future of transportation news and find us online: InstagramThreadsYouTubeBlueSkyX

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 About https://insideevs.com/news/782572/2026-ev-predictions-best-cars/ Check out InsideEVs for the latest future of transportation news and find us online: InstagramThreadsYouTubeBlueSkyX

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: InstagramThreadsYouTubeBlueSkyX

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: InstagramThreadsYouTubeBlueSkyX