155: The $19k 2023 Subaru Solterra: An EV Deal We Didn't Expect To Find

The Ram ProMaster Delivery Van BEV is a battery-electric delivery van, meaning it’s powered by an electric motor and a large traction battery instead of a gasoline engine. In this episode, the “Super High Roof” variant matters because it’s the taller cargo configuration, which is often chosen for delivery and upfitting needs.

MSRP is the manufacturer’s suggested retail price—the list price the automaker sets before discounts. “Original MSRP” here is used to show how much the dealer’s price is below the van’s starting list price.

The Dodge Ram (Ram pickup trucks) is a line of full-size trucks commonly used for work and towing, and it’s frequently discussed in local dealer availability. In the podcast context, the mention is about a specific dealer having multiple units on hand, which can matter for pricing, selection, and getting a vehicle quickly. It’s not being discussed for EV charging here, but for availability and inventory.

A “kWh battery” refers to the battery capacity measured in kilowatt-hours. Higher kWh generally means more stored energy, which usually translates to more potential driving range (though real range also depends on vehicle efficiency and conditions).

Front wheel drive (FWD) means the engine’s power is sent to the front wheels to propel the vehicle. For EVs, FWD layout can influence traction, packaging, and how the vehicle feels in acceleration and cornering.

The Alpine A110 is a lightweight, sports-focused coupe known for agile handling and a driver-focused layout. It’s likely mentioned in the podcast as part of a broader comparison of vehicles and their specs, even though the surrounding context is about EV range and charging. Its significance here is mainly as a performance car reference point rather than an EV charging discussion.

The 2023 Subaru Solterra is Subaru’s battery-electric SUV, built around an EV powertrain rather than a gasoline engine. In this segment, the hosts point out it’s electronically limited to 70 mph, which directly affects highway usability and top-end speed.

“Electronically limited” means the car’s software caps a performance parameter—here, top speed—regardless of what the driver requests with the accelerator. For EVs, these limits are often used for safety, efficiency, or to protect components.

An electric delivery van is an EV configured for commercial routes—typically prioritizing predictable daily range, cargo space, and lower operating costs versus gasoline. In the segment, the YMCA is considering EVs to replace multiple gas vans and reduce fuel spending.

The Tesla Model S is a high-performance, long-range electric sedan known for strong acceleration and a large battery pack. In the segment, it’s mentioned as part of the YMCA CEO’s household EV lineup, showing he’s already an EV fan.

A “cost conscious” EV decision focuses on total cost of ownership—how much the vehicle costs to run over time—rather than just purchase price. Here, the CEO is weighing EVs because he’s already spending $50,000 on fuel annually with gas vans.

Zevo is mentioned in the context of a “bright drop van” with a listed price, implying it’s an electric delivery-van option being evaluated for commercial use. The podcast discussion focuses on comparing purchase cost and suitability for routes, rather than passenger-car features. The key point is that Zevo is part of the shortlist of delivery EVs under consideration.

When dealerships use a third party to manage listings, the advertised price and deal details can be updated or calculated outside the dealer’s direct control. That can lead to errors like rebates being applied incorrectly, making it important to verify the final out-the-door numbers with the dealer.

A rebate is money the manufacturer (or sometimes another party) pays back after purchase or as part of the deal structure, effectively reducing the selling price. In this segment, they’re talking about a GM-provided rebate being applied incorrectly multiple times, which can drastically change whether the listed price is real.

“Bait and switch” is a sales tactic where a seller advertises an attractive price or deal to get you interested, then changes the terms or availability so you can’t get the advertised offer. In car shopping, it often shows up as confusing pricing, missing rebates, or unexpected fees that make the final price much higher.

The Fiat Ducato is a light commercial van platform that the hosts mention as the origin of the “branded” vehicles they’re discussing. The point is that some EVs or badge-engineered vehicles can share underlying hardware with established van platforms, which can affect parts availability and pricing.

EPA refers to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s testing and rating process for vehicle range. When the hosts ask for the “range… EPA,” they mean the standardized, published miles-per-charge figure used for EV comparisons.

The Volvo EX30 is a compact electric crossover built around a small, efficient EV package—great for city driving but it can feel tight for families. In this segment, Derek says it’s been fun but too cramped for road trips, which is a common real-world tradeoff for smaller EV crossovers.

“Highway range” is the distance an EV can travel at highway speeds on a full charge. It matters because EV efficiency typically drops at higher speeds, so real-world highway range is often lower than advertised city-range numbers.

The Tesla Model Y is a battery-electric crossover that’s widely known for its charging network and road-trip practicality. In this segment, the host argues its interior materials, build quality, and highway quietness are better than the Volvo EX30, and notes a 2026 refresh.

Volvo is the automaker being compared here as an EV alternative to Tesla’s Model Y. The host’s point is that the Tesla feels more premium and better overall, even before getting into software differences.

In Tesla’s lineup, “standard” refers to a lower-spec Model Y configuration (often the entry trim) with fewer features than higher trims. The host uses it to explain tradeoffs like equipment differences and how controls are handled.

A glass roof (panoramic roof) is a large section of transparent material that lets more light into the cabin. The host mentions it as part of the “standard” Model Y’s equipment, while also criticizing other limitations.

“Waterproof” here is used to describe whether the front area (likely the front trunk/frunk or front opening area) is sealed against water intrusion. The host’s point is that the entry “standard” configuration doesn’t protect the front as well as expected.

Using the car’s screen to control functions (like seat adjustments) is a UI/controls design choice common in modern EVs. The host implies the “standard” Model Y makes seat changes less convenient by requiring screen interaction.

The EX-60 is referenced as an upcoming or discussed vehicle with questions about its status and timing. In the podcast context, the speaker is trying to figure out when it will arrive, which is important for buyers planning purchases around availability. The mention is about product timing rather than detailed specs.

UI here means “user interface,” the on-screen menus and controls you interact with in the car’s infotainment system. The hosts are comparing the UI experience across different EVs/brands and discussing whether it feels good to use.

An Android system in a car refers to using Google’s Android-based software stack for the infotainment and apps. The hosts are saying the EX-40/EX-60 UI is built on an Android/Google-style platform, and they’re sharing whether that approach feels better or worse than alternatives.

The Kia EV6 is a compact electric crossover known for its performance options and fast-charging potential. It’s brought up in the podcast alongside other EVs because shoppers compare charging speed and overall usability. The context suggests it’s part of the same shortlist of vehicles the hosts are considering.

The Ford Mustang Mach-E is Ford’s electric crossover built on a modern EV platform and aimed at mainstream buyers. In the segment, it’s mentioned as one of the key EV options competing in the same general space as other popular EV crossovers.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a battery-electric crossover known for its fast-charging capability and modern EV packaging. Here it’s grouped with other popular EVs as part of the same shopping set.

The Genesis GV60 is a compact electric crossover positioned as a more premium alternative in the EV market. It’s discussed alongside other fast-charging EVs because buyers often compare charging performance and daily usability across similar-sized vehicles. In the podcast, it’s mentioned as a small crossover the hosts have owned.

EGMP is Hyundai Motor Group’s Electric-Global Modular Platform, a shared EV architecture used across multiple brands and models. Using the same platform helps engineers standardize battery and charging integration, which is why the host can talk about similar charging behavior across different cars.

“270 kilowatts” refers to a high DC fast-charging power level, which determines how quickly the battery can accept energy during charging. Higher peak kilowatt numbers generally mean shorter charging sessions, though real-world time still depends on battery temperature and the car’s charging curve.

“10 to 80% in 18 minutes” is a charging-time benchmark describing how long it takes to add usable battery capacity. EV charging is usually fastest at lower states of charge and slows as the battery approaches higher percentages, so the 10–80% window is commonly used for comparisons.

“NAC” here refers to North American Charging (commonly used to mean compatibility with the North American EV fast-charging ecosystem). Being “NAC supported” implies the car can use widely available fast-charging networks in North America more easily than cars that rely on fewer standards or networks.

“Juniper Refresh” refers to a Tesla update cycle (often tied to software and/or hardware revisions) for the Model Y. The host is using it to describe improvements that address specific annoyances they had with the car.

This describes EV fast-charging performance: how long it takes to add energy from 10% battery to 80%. The “10 to 80” window is commonly used because charging is usually fastest in the middle and slows as the battery fills up.

“Super fast charging” is a marketing/descriptor for high-power DC fast charging that significantly reduces time spent at chargers. In this segment, it’s backed up by the stated 10–80% charging time.

“0 to 60” is a common performance metric measuring how many seconds it takes to accelerate from 0 mph to 60 mph. It’s used as a simple way to compare acceleration between cars, though it doesn’t fully describe real-world driving feel.

Integrated booster seats are built into the vehicle’s rear seating so children can use them without installing separate booster seats. The host highlights this as a practical solution for families with kids who need booster seating.

Heated booster seats add a warming function to the built-in booster seating area. This is a comfort feature that can make cold-weather trips more pleasant for children.

The Volkswagen ID.4 is a compact electric SUV that’s been a mainstream option for EV buyers. In the podcast context, it’s specifically noted that Volkswagen is no longer selling ID.4s, and the speaker mentions having owned multiple of them. That makes the discussion relevant to availability, ownership experience, and what happens when a model is discontinued.

The Volkswagen Tiguan is a mainstream compact SUV line. In this segment, the host is talking about an electric Tiguan concept/variant, which would be a shift from the traditional gas/diesel Tiguan lineup.

Aspect Reviews is a YouTube channel the host points listeners to for EV reviews. The mention is used as a credibility cue for the EX60/EX30 discussion.

A Level 2 charger is a home EV charging setup that uses higher-voltage power (typically 240V) to charge faster than a standard outlet. For daily commuting, it’s the difference between “slow top-ups” and reliably recharging overnight.

The Dodge Charger is a full-size sedan that’s commonly discussed as a performance-oriented, comfortable highway car. In an EV-focused conversation, it’s brought up because the speaker is considering home charging options and wants a practical setup within a tight budget. The key point is how charging access and cost affect what kind of car makes sense for their needs.

The battery pack is the EV’s large rechargeable battery assembly that stores energy for driving. Its long-term health matters because battery degradation can reduce usable range over time.

Battery degradation is the gradual loss of battery capacity in an EV. As it degrades, the car may show less usable range even if the battery still “works.”

The Tesla Model 3 is a mainstream electric sedan known for its efficient electric drivetrain and strong aftermarket support. In this segment, the hosts focus on an LFP rear-wheel-drive version as a budget-friendly way to buy into Tesla’s EV ecosystem.

LFP (lithium iron phosphate) is a battery chemistry used in some EVs. Compared with more energy-dense chemistries, LFP batteries are often cheaper and can be very durable, which is why the hosts recommend an LFP Model 3 when shopping on price.

This refers to a warranty that covers the EV-specific high-voltage battery system for 10 years or 100,000 miles. For EV shoppers, it’s a key protection because battery and high-voltage components are among the most expensive parts to repair or replace.

A transferable warranty means the coverage can move from the original owner to later owners when the car is sold. That matters for used EVs because it can preserve battery-system protection even after the first owner is gone.

In EVs, “high voltage” refers to the battery and electrical components that operate at much higher voltages than a normal 12V system. The hosts are emphasizing that the EV system warranty covers these high-voltage components, which is the expensive stuff you want protected.

A powertrain warranty covers the major components that make the car move. On an EV, that often includes the motor/inverter and related drivetrain electronics, not just the battery.

A battery warranty is the warranty coverage specifically for the EV’s traction battery pack. It’s usually the longest and most important warranty because battery replacement is expensive.

Inverters convert the EV battery’s electrical power into the correct form for the electric motor. They’re a key part of the power electronics, so warranty coverage for inverters is effectively coverage for critical drivetrain electronics.

A transaxle is the combined transmission/drivetrain unit that packages the gearbox and related components together. In many EVs, the motor and power electronics are integrated into a drivetrain module that can be described as part of the transaxle.

Real world range is the distance an EV can drive in everyday conditions, rather than the idealized numbers from standardized testing. It’s influenced by factors like speed, temperature, driving style, and how much energy the car uses for heating/cooling.

The Hyundai Kona EV is a compact electric crossover that’s often cross-shopped with other mainstream EVs. The hosts bring it up as part of their shortlist of EVs they considered when looking for a deal with manageable daily range needs.

The Chevrolet Bolt is a compact electric car that’s often discussed for its value and straightforward ownership. It comes up in EV shopping conversations because it can be a budget-friendly way to get into an EV. In the podcast context, it’s listed alongside other EVs as a candidate to consider.

The Nissan Leaf is one of the most common mass-market EVs, typically used for commuting and city driving. In this segment, it’s mentioned as another option the hosts considered when trying to match charging time and daily mileage.

“60-minute” here refers to charging time—how long it takes to add enough energy for daily driving. For EV shoppers, the key is whether the car’s charging speed and your charging setup make the routine practical.

“Keeping the miles low” is a used-EV shopping strategy: lower odometer readings can mean less wear and (often) more remaining warranty coverage. Since EV battery warranties and charging habits are central to EV ownership cost, mileage becomes part of the value calculation.

“Penalty box” is a metaphor for a car that feels like a compromise—something you can own, but it comes with drawbacks that make daily use annoying or stressful. In this context, it’s about avoiding an EV that would feel limiting due to range, charging, or ownership trade-offs.

“Range” is how far an EV can drive on a full charge under typical conditions. Here, the hosts cite 228 miles of range to explain why the 2023 Solterra can work well for commuting and weekend trips.

A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is the unit used to measure an EV battery’s energy capacity. A 72.8 kWh battery generally indicates how much energy the car can store, which strongly influences how much range it can deliver.

Wheel size affects ride comfort and efficiency on an EV. Larger wheels (like 18-inch) often come with lower-profile tires, which can feel a bit firmer and may slightly impact efficiency compared with smaller wheels.

“Bumper-to-bumper” is a warranty phrase meaning broad coverage across most vehicle systems, not just the drivetrain. The hosts mention it alongside mileage/time limits to explain how much warranty protection a used 2023 EV buyer might still have.

Level 2 charging is home or workplace EV charging that uses a 240V outlet (faster than standard Level 1). The hosts argue that if you’re mostly charging at home on Level 2, you may not need the fastest DC charging.

DC charging (direct current) is the fast-charging method used by public fast chargers. It’s especially important for road trips or frequent long-distance driving, because it can refill the battery much quicker than Level 2 charging.

Off-road capability is how well a vehicle handles unpaved or rough terrain, typically influenced by ground clearance, traction, and drivetrain setup. The hosts connect this to the Solterra’s suitability for “slightly off road” trips, even though it’s still an EV crossover.

Ground clearance is the distance between the road and the lowest part of the vehicle. More ground clearance helps prevent scraping the underbody when driving over rocks, ruts, or uneven terrain.

A factory water-depth rating tells you the maximum depth the vehicle is designed to wade through without causing water intrusion into critical systems. This is especially important for EVs because submersion risk can damage high-voltage components and electronics.

Approach angle is the steepest angle you can drive up toward an obstacle (like a curb, ditch, or hill) without the front bumper or underbody hitting first. Smaller approach angles mean more front overhang contact risk when climbing over obstacles.

Subaru’s X-Mode is an off-road driving mode that coordinates traction control and throttle/brake behavior to help the vehicle maintain grip on loose surfaces. The idea is to reduce wheelspin and improve control when traction is inconsistent.

Traction control is a system that detects wheelspin and then reduces it by adjusting engine power and/or applying braking to individual wheels. It’s crucial for off-road and low-grip surfaces because it helps the vehicle keep moving without losing control.

The Toyota bZ4X is Toyota’s electric crossover that’s closely related to the Subaru Solterra (they share platform and many EV components). Here, the hosts are treating it as the “same thing” as the Solterra for shopping purposes, then discussing charging power and daily range needs.

“100 kilowatts” refers to the charging power level the EV can accept from a DC fast charger, which strongly influences how quickly you can add range. The hosts argue that even if the Solterra tops out around 100 kW, its charging curve stays relatively flat, so it may not feel dramatically slower than newer cars that can reach higher peak power.

Active thermal management is the system that actively heats or cools an EV battery to keep it in an optimal temperature range. Without it, fast charging can cause the battery pack to overheat, which triggers protective limits that reduce charging speed.

A “flat curve” describes the shape of an EV’s charging curve—how charging power changes as the battery state of charge increases. A flatter curve means the car maintains a higher charging rate for longer, which can make a lower peak-kW EV feel closer to faster-charging models in real use.

Buying a pre-owned EV means shopping used rather than new, which can dramatically change the total cost of ownership. In this segment, it’s tied to the episode’s theme of finding an EV deal under a specific budget and evaluating whether charging performance still fits real-life needs.

Charging architecture is how an EV is designed to charge—its charging hardware, software, and compatibility with common charging standards. For road trips, the right architecture can make charging faster and more predictable, which matters when you’re driving long distances between towns.

Buying used is a strategy where you prioritize recent model years or specific trims that have already proven themselves in real-world ownership. In EV shopping, this often means looking for cars with a track record of good performance and support rather than taking a chance on the newest, least-proven option.

“800 volts” refers to an EV’s high-voltage electrical architecture. Higher voltage can enable faster charging and lower current for the same power, which often means quicker charge times on compatible chargers.

The Audi e-tron is Audi’s battery-electric SUV line. It’s being used here as a “used market” option in the same budget discussion as other EVs.

CPO stands for “certified pre-owned.” It’s a dealer-backed used-car program where the vehicle is inspected and often comes with added warranty coverage or guarantees compared to a regular used car.

The Mercedes EQE is an all-electric sedan built on Mercedes’ EV platform. In this segment it’s mentioned as another CPO used option, with the host commenting on its styling.

“Hardware three” refers to a specific generation of EV/driver-assistance computer hardware. Different hardware generations can support different levels of software features, which is why the host says there’s a difference.

“Hardware four” is another generation of the car’s driver-assistance/automation computer. The host is contrasting it with “hardware three” to highlight that software like FSD may depend on which hardware generation the car has.

The Audi Q8 e-tron is a larger, more upscale electric SUV that sits above the standard e-tron in Audi’s lineup. In this segment, it’s brought up as a model that can sometimes be found near certain price points in the used market.

The Honda Prologue is Honda’s battery-electric SUV offering, positioned as a mainstream EV alternative. The host mentions it because it shows up heavily in their search results, illustrating how certain EVs dominate used listings.

The Chevrolet Blazer is a crossover that, in EV form, competes in the mainstream electric SUV space. Here it’s mentioned as one of the most common results the host saw when searching for a deal.

The Kia EV9 is a three-row, battery-electric SUV built around an all-electric powertrain, so its key selling points are range and charging behavior rather than fuel economy. In this segment, the host specifically calls out the 2024 Kia EV9 Light Long Range with 10,920 miles, priced around $35,000, and notes it has over 300 miles of range and fast charging.

“Charges quick” refers to how fast an EV can add usable battery energy during charging, which depends on the charger type and the vehicle’s charging capability. The host is treating it as a convenience advantage for everyday use.

A “third row” means the vehicle has seating behind the second row, typically for extra passengers or kids. The host highlights it as useful for “future family expansion,” and notes the seats fold down to increase cargo space.

The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is discussed in terms of styling preference, with the speaker saying they like it better than the Ioniq 9’s mentioned alternative. The context suggests it’s part of a lineup conversation where buyers are comparing design and overall direction of the EV range. The significance here is mainly the buyer’s preference and how it fits their expectations.

“Out the door” (OTD) price is the total amount you pay to take the car home, including the base price plus taxes, registration, and dealer fees. It’s often higher than the advertised price, so it’s a more realistic number for comparing deals.

The Prologue is referenced as a recommendation candidate, specifically the Honda Prologue, in a context where the hosts are deciding which EV makes the most sense. The significance is that it’s being used as a practical suggestion based on the speaker’s reasoning, not as a deep technical dive. The podcast frames it as a decent choice for the situation being discussed.

The Chevrolet Blazer EV is an electric SUV that the host uses as a comparison point for the Equinox EV. They specifically say they prefer the Equinox EV’s seating position and overall size, implying the Blazer EV feels different in practice.

The Chevrolet Equinox EV is an all-electric version of the Equinox nameplate, but it’s a different vehicle than the conventional gas Equinox. In this segment, the host highlights it as a value-focused EV and compares it to other GM EVs like the Blazer EV.

Adaptive cruise control (ACC) automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a set following distance from the vehicle ahead. Unlike basic cruise control, it can slow down and speed back up as traffic changes, which reduces driver workload.

Lane centering is an advanced driver-assistance feature that helps keep the car near the middle of its lane using steering inputs. It’s commonly bundled with adaptive cruise control so the car can manage both speed and lane position in certain conditions.

Automated lane change is a driver-assistance capability where the car can help perform a lane change with less manual steering. Typically it requires the driver to signal with the turn indicator and the system checks that the maneuver is safe before initiating it.

Ventilated seats use fans (and often small air channels) to blow air through the seat cushions. This helps cool you in hot weather and can make the cabin feel more comfortable without relying only on the HVAC system.

All-wheel drive (AWD) sends power to all four wheels, improving traction when roads are slippery. The speaker connects it to winter driving in Colorado, where snow and ice make grip a bigger deal than on dry pavement.

Horsepower is a measure of how much power an engine or motor can produce. The speaker uses it alongside vehicle weight to argue the EV isn’t “quick,” i.e., it doesn’t accelerate briskly.