257: When Will Then Be Now?
About this episode
Power outages and lighting experiments set the stage for a lively discussion about Toyota's upcoming Highlander EV and Nissan's Rogue PHEV pricing. Hosts Phil and Ed delve into Toyota's shift towards electric vehicles, speculating on the Highlander's specs and its potential impact on the BZ lineup. They also compare the Rogue's pricing against Tesla's Model Y, highlighting the evolving landscape of EVs and hybrids. Personal anecdotes about EV ownership challenges add a relatable touch to the technical discussions.
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!
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SHOW NOTES
Toyota 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-charging
China 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/9.7075302
BYD sues the US government on tariffs: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/byd-sues-us-government-over-165900311.html
Ferrari 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.html
This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. Sanchez
Episode art courtesy Toyota
Music courtesy Twisterium at Pixabay
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Nissan Rogue
"...if you're into things like Toyota Highlanders and Nissan Rogues, which we've already lost..."
The Nissan Rogue is another type of SUV that is smaller than the Highlander but still has plenty of room for people and their stuff. It's known for being easy to drive and having good safety ratings.
The Nissan Rogue is a compact SUV that offers a comfortable ride and good fuel efficiency. It's designed for everyday use and is known for its safety features and practicality.
Toyota Highlander
"...if you're into things like Toyota Highlanders and Nissan Rogues, which we've already lost..."
The Toyota Highlander is a type of SUV that has a lot of space inside for passengers and cargo. It's a popular choice for families because it's reliable and comfortable.
The Toyota Highlander is a midsize SUV known for its spacious interior and family-friendly features. It's popular for its reliability and versatility, making it a great choice for families and daily driving.
PHEV
"...and the plug-in hybrids, PHEV. And this one said BEV, which is a new one."
PHEV means Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle. It's a car that can use both gas and electricity, and you can charge it by plugging it in.
PHEV stands for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle, which can be charged from an external power source and typically offers a longer electric-only range than standard hybrids.
BEV
"...and this one said BEV, which is a new one. So well, in Toyota land, that could just mean it has a battery..."
BEV means Battery Electric Vehicle. It's a car that runs only on electricity and doesn't use any gas.
BEV stands for Battery Electric Vehicle, which is a vehicle that runs entirely on electricity and does not use any gasoline or diesel fuel.
Toyota Land
"...is one said BEV, which is a new one. So well, in Toyota land, that could just mean it has a battery, not that ..."
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a big, tough SUV that can handle rough roads and off-road adventures. It's popular because it's built to last and can carry a lot of people and gear.
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a full-size SUV known for its off-road capabilities and durability. It has a long history of being a reliable vehicle for both adventure seekers and luxury buyers, making it a significant model in Toyota's lineup.
Toyota Grand Highlander
"...they also have a model called the Grand Highlander now, which is a little bit bigger, slightly stretch wheelbase..."
The Toyota Grand Highlander is a bigger version of the Highlander SUV, designed for families who need extra space for passengers and luggage. It's a great choice for those who want more room in their vehicle.
The Toyota Grand Highlander is a larger version of the standard Highlander, featuring a stretched wheelbase for added interior space. This model caters to families needing more room without stepping up to a full-size SUV.
Toyota bZ4X
"...you don't think they learned their lesson with the BZ4X? No, but I was thinking that this would be the BZ4X replacement then, or BZ replacement."
The Toyota BZ4X is a new electric SUV from Toyota. It's part of their effort to make more electric cars and has a stylish design.
The Toyota BZ4X is an all-electric SUV that represents Toyota's entry into the electric vehicle market. It features a modern design and is part of Toyota's broader BZ (Beyond Zero) lineup aimed at sustainable mobility.
electric vehicle (EV)
"...but I was thinking that this would be the BZ4X replacement then, or BZ replacement."
An electric vehicle, or EV, is a type of car that runs on electricity instead of gasoline. They are better for the environment because they produce less pollution.
An electric vehicle (EV) is a car that is powered entirely or partially by electricity. EVs are known for being more environmentally friendly compared to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.
Toyota RAV4
"...some people say it's kind of like the EV RAV4, but size-wise, it's kind of in between the RAV and the Highlander, the BZ is."
The Toyota RAV4 is a popular compact SUV known for being practical and reliable. It comes in different versions, including hybrid options.
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV that has been popular for its practicality, reliability, and versatility. It is available in both traditional gasoline and hybrid versions, making it a versatile choice for many drivers.
EV
"...I can't imagine them doing EV only for that."
EV means Electric Vehicle. It's a car that runs on electricity instead of gasoline, and it's part of a growing trend to make cars more environmentally friendly.
EV stands for Electric Vehicle, which includes any vehicle that is powered by electricity. This category encompasses various types of vehicles, including BEVs, plug-in hybrids, and more, as the automotive industry moves towards sustainable energy sources.
Mercedes-Benz SL
"...g on your perspective, starting at 47,485 for the SL trim and 51,485 for the platinum grade, the fanc..."
The Mercedes-Benz SL is a fancy convertible car that is both stylish and fast. It's designed for people who want a comfortable ride with a touch of luxury.
The Mercedes-Benz SL is a luxury roadster that combines performance with elegance. Known for its advanced technology and comfortable ride, it has been a staple in the luxury sports car segment for decades.
SL trim
"starting at 47,485 for the SL trim and 51,485 for the platinum grade, the fancy model."
The SL trim is a version of the Nissan Rogue that comes with extra features and upgrades, making it nicer than the basic model.
The SL trim is a specific level of features and options for the Nissan Rogue, typically offering more luxury and technology compared to the base model.
Platinum grade
"and 51,485 for the platinum grade, the fancy model. Considering this is basically a decontented outlander P have, I'm like."
The Platinum grade is the top version of the Nissan Rogue, which includes all the best features and upgrades you can get.
The Platinum grade is the highest trim level for the Nissan Rogue, offering the most premium features, technology, and luxury options available for the model.
Mitsubishi Outlander
"Considering this is basically a decontented outlander P have, I'm like. I was going to ask, how does the price compare?"
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is another SUV like the Rogue, but it can use both electricity and gasoline to drive, which can save money on fuel.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a plug-in hybrid SUV that offers a combination of electric and gasoline power, providing versatility for drivers looking for efficiency and range.
Tesla Model Y
"There you go. I can I looked up Model Y pricing. So and I started, I didn't start with t..."
The Tesla Model Y is an electric SUV that doesn’t need gas to run. It's known for being roomy and having cool tech features, making it a popular choice for families.
The Tesla Model Y is an all-electric compact SUV that shares many components with the Model 3 sedan. It has gained popularity for its spacious interior, advanced technology, and impressive range, making it a strong contender in the electric vehicle market.
Tesla Model 3
"Yeah, he bought a Model 3 performance used last year, maybe."
The Tesla Model 3 Performance is a fast electric car that can go from 0 to 60 mph quickly. It's part of Tesla's lineup of electric vehicles and has many tech features.
The Tesla Model 3 Performance is a high-performance variant of Tesla's popular electric sedan, known for its impressive acceleration and advanced technology features.
supercharger
"So he has to charge at the superchargers and there's one five minutes from the house and that's fine. Also, his wife, who it's her car, got a new job and is now driving 40-something miles into L.A."
A supercharger is a fast charging station for electric cars. It helps you charge your car quickly, so you can continue your journey without waiting too long.
A supercharger is a type of charging station for electric vehicles (EVs) that provides high-speed charging, allowing drivers to quickly recharge their vehicles. These stations are typically found along highways and major routes to facilitate long-distance travel for EV owners.
plug-in hybrid
"...suddenly a plug-in hybrid is the better answer. Okay, I will grant you that."
A plug-in hybrid is a car that can use both electricity and gasoline. You can charge it by plugging it in, and it can drive a certain distance on just electricity before it needs to use gas.
A plug-in hybrid is a vehicle that combines a conventional internal combustion engine with an electric propulsion system, allowing it to be charged from an external power source. This type of vehicle can operate on electric power alone for a certain distance before switching to gasoline or diesel.
level two charging
"...I would say requires level two, 240 volt home charging. For no sweat, no, really no compromise experience..."
Level two charging is a way to charge electric cars faster than using regular home outlets. It uses a special 240-volt outlet, which helps you get more power to your car in less time.
Level two charging refers to a type of electric vehicle (EV) charging that uses a 240-volt outlet, allowing for faster charging compared to standard household outlets. This is essential for EV owners who want to charge their vehicles overnight or during the day without long wait times.
GMC Hummer EV
"...like a long range lightning or a Hummer EV. Because I think even at a 50 amp outlet..."
The Hummer EV is a new electric truck that looks tough and can go off-road. It's designed for people who want a powerful vehicle without using gas.
The Hummer EV is an all-electric pickup truck from GMC, known for its rugged design and off-road capabilities. It features advanced technology and impressive power, appealing to both adventure seekers and truck enthusiasts.
Ford F-150 Lightning
"...would be like a long range lightning or a Hummer EV. Because I think even at a 50 amp outlet..."
The Ford F-150 Lightning is an electric truck that can be used for many purposes, just like a regular truck, but it runs on electricity instead of gasoline.
The Ford F-150 Lightning is an all-electric version of the popular F-150 pickup truck. It offers impressive performance and range, making it suitable for various applications, including work and recreation.
level one charging
"...depending on your state of charge when you come home, it could be two to three days. Yeah, when I had several EVs that I was testing..."
Level one charging means plugging your electric car into a regular wall outlet at home. It's the slowest way to charge, so it takes a long time to fill up the battery.
Level one charging refers to using a standard household outlet (120V) to charge an electric vehicle (EV). This method is the slowest form of charging and is typically used for overnight charging at home.
Tesla Semi
"...what are we talking about? Tesla. The Tesla Semi. All right. So they recently styled it."
The Tesla Semi is a large electric truck made by Tesla. It's designed to carry heavy loads and is part of the move towards electric vehicles in the trucking industry.
The Tesla Semi is an all-electric Class 8 truck designed for freight transport. It features advanced technology and aims to reduce operational costs for trucking companies.
range
"Standard range, 325 mile range, long range 500."
'Range' is how far an electric car can go before it needs to be charged again. It's an important number for people who want to know if they can drive their car far enough without running out of power.
In the context of electric vehicles, 'range' refers to the distance a vehicle can travel on a single charge. It is a critical factor for consumers when considering an electric vehicle's practicality.
Tesla miles
"...do you think these are real miles or do you think these are Tesla miles? Like Tesla is known for overstating and under delivering when it comes to range."
'Tesla miles' means that some people think Tesla says their cars can go further on a charge than they actually can in real life. It's a way of questioning the company's honesty about how far their cars can really drive.
The term 'Tesla miles' refers to the perception that Tesla often reports higher range estimates for their electric vehicles than what users experience in real-world conditions. This has led to skepticism about the accuracy of their advertised range.
Pepsi
"...they've had them out in the field with like test fleets with like, you know, Pepsi, Frito Lay, SIA, that's a truck fleet company."
Pepsi is a big company that makes drinks and snacks. They are trying out electric trucks to see if they can use them for delivering their products.
PepsiCo is a multinational food and beverage corporation known for its wide range of products, including soft drinks, snacks, and other food items. The company has been involved in testing electric trucks for its delivery fleet.
Frito Lay
"...they've had them out in the field with like test fleets with like, you know, Pepsi, Frito Lay, SIA, that's a truck fleet company."
Frito-Lay is a part of Pepsi that makes snacks like chips. They are also looking at using electric trucks to deliver their snacks.
Frito-Lay is a subsidiary of PepsiCo that specializes in snack foods, including popular brands like Doritos, Lay's, and Cheetos. They have also been testing electric trucks for their distribution needs.
gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR)
"...around 325 for a standard range 500 miles and we're going to guessfully loaded with 80,000 pounds. Well, 82,000 is gross."
GVWR is the total weight a vehicle can handle safely. This includes the weight of the vehicle itself and anything or anyone inside it.
Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is the maximum weight a vehicle is rated to safely carry, including its own weight plus any cargo and passengers. It is an important specification for ensuring safety and compliance with regulations.
horsepower
"...just under 1,100 horsepower. I don't know the torque figure, but I imagine it would be..."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. The more horsepower an engine has, the faster and stronger it can make a vehicle go.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to quantify the output of engines. It indicates how much work an engine can perform over time, with higher horsepower generally translating to better performance.
torque
"...I don't know the torque figure, but I imagine it would be good typical diesel trucks or like 2,000 something pound feet."
Torque is a way to measure how strong an engine is when it comes to turning things. More torque means the engine can pull heavier loads or accelerate faster.
Torque is a measure of rotational force, often associated with how much pulling power an engine has. In vehicles, higher torque values can improve acceleration and towing capacity, especially in trucks.
kilowatt hour
"1.7 kilowatt hours per mile efficiency, which doing the math comes out to almost 20 MPGE, which for a class eight truck, I don't know about you."
A kilowatt hour is a way to measure how much electricity is used. If you use a lot of power for a short time, or a little power for a long time, it all adds up to kilowatt hours.
A kilowatt hour (kWh) is a unit of energy that represents the amount of energy consumed if a device uses one kilowatt of power for one hour. It's commonly used to measure electricity consumption in homes and electric vehicles.
Ford F150
"Yeah. So my understanding is like F-150 lining or like an every Rivian R1. They're basically one, I think they're about one kilowatt hour per mile towing."
The Ford F-150 is a popular pickup truck that can carry heavy loads and tow trailers. It's known for being tough and useful for both work and everyday driving.
The Ford F-150 is one of the best-selling pickup trucks in the United States, known for its versatility, durability, and strong towing capabilities. It is often highlighted for its various configurations and advanced technology features that cater to both work and leisure.
Chevrolet Silverado EV
"...ecause if you're talking about like lightning or Silverado EV or something, this is not that far off from the e..."
The Chevrolet Silverado EV is an electric truck that doesn't use gas. It's made for people who need a tough truck but want to be kinder to the environment.
The Chevrolet Silverado EV is an all-electric version of the popular Silverado pickup truck, designed to compete in the growing electric truck market. It promises impressive range and capabilities, appealing to both traditional truck buyers and environmentally conscious consumers.
Tesla Cybertruck
"...nnounced. Again, I mean, if you look back at the Cybertruck, oh $40,000. Yeah, that didn't happen."
The Tesla Cybertruck is an electric truck that looks very different from regular trucks. It's designed to be strong and useful for many tasks, and people are excited about its unique style.
The Tesla Cybertruck is an all-electric pickup truck that features a unique, angular design and high-performance specifications. Its announcement generated significant buzz due to its unconventional look and promises of durability and utility.
Tesla Model S
"...sla kind of popularized those originally with the Model S and later with the Model 3. So they're kind of f..."
The Tesla Model S is a fancy electric car that can go really fast and drive a long way on a single charge. It's one of the first electric cars that made people excited about going electric.
The Tesla Model S is a luxury all-electric sedan that has been pivotal in popularizing electric vehicles since its launch. It is known for its high performance, long range, and cutting-edge technology, setting benchmarks in the EV industry.
Subaru SVX
"...he cheese wedge, the cheese wedge. It was not the SVX. It was the one before that. Yeah, it was the, t..."
The Subaru SVX is a cool-looking sports car from the 90s that stands out because of its unusual design. It's loved by fans for its fun driving experience.
The Subaru SVX is a unique sports coupe produced in the 1990s, known for its distinctive design and all-wheel-drive system. It has a cult following among enthusiasts due to its quirky styling and performance characteristics.
Chevrolet C8
"...ause I know that there were issues with like the C8 Corvette, where somebody like died in one during ..."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a fast sports car that many people love for its cool looks and speed. The newest version has a special engine design that makes it even better to drive.
The Chevrolet Corvette is an iconic American sports car known for its performance and distinctive design. The latest generation, the C8, has garnered attention for its mid-engine layout, which enhances handling and speed.
Infiniti Q50
"...r whatever it was. Infinity, it was the Infinity Q50. So there was a, the manufacturer had put in a f..."
The Infiniti Q50 is a nice luxury car that feels comfortable and has lots of tech features. It's a good choice for people who want a stylish and smooth ride.
The Infiniti Q50 is a luxury sedan that offers a blend of performance, comfort, and technology. It is recognized for its stylish design and advanced features, making it a competitive option in the luxury car market.
Ferrari Luce
"..., first of all, they renamed it from Electrica to Luce. I guess that's better."
The Ferrari Luce is a new electric car from Ferrari, showing that they are making cars that are better for the environment. The name change means they are focusing on a fresh start with this model.
The Ferrari Luce is a new model that represents Ferrari's venture into electric vehicles, showcasing the brand's commitment to innovation. The name change from Electrica to Luce signifies a new direction for the iconic automaker.
Pontiac Fiero
"...where that said the steering wheel looked like a Fiero steering wheel. Well, no, good."
The Pontiac Fiero is a small sports car from the 80s that was different from most cars because its engine was in the middle. It's now a classic car that some people really like.
The Pontiac Fiero was a mid-engine sports car produced in the 1980s, notable for its innovative design and affordability. It has become a classic among car enthusiasts, often discussed for its unique styling and performance potential.
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