AD #4255 - Tesla Buys $4.3B LG LFP Batteries; Buick Launches $70K Luxury EV Van; New Kia Telluride Hybrid First Drive
About this episode
Gasoline and diesel prices are soaring globally, impacting vehicle sales trends. Tesla is investing $4.3 billion in LG-supplied LFP batteries for energy storage, while Volvo discontinues its EX30 electric SUV in the US due to poor sales. Uber is expanding its robotaxi services with Nvidia's autonomous driving tech, aiming for global reach by 2028. Renault plans to deploy 350 humanoid robots in its plants to boost efficiency. Buick launches a $70K luxury electric van in China with fast charging and premium interiors. The new Kia Telluride Hybrid impresses with quietness, fuel efficiency, and off-road capability, featuring tech to reduce carsickness.
Toyota Highlander
"Toyota will ship Cameras, Highlanders and Tundra pickup trucks."
The Toyota Highlander is a type of SUV made by Toyota. It's a popular family car that many people like because it's reliable and comfortable.
The Toyota Highlander is a mid-size crossover SUV produced by Toyota. It is popular in the US market and known for its reliability and family-friendly features.
Toyota Tundra
"Toyota will ship Cameras, Highlanders and Tundra pickup trucks."
The Toyota Tundra is a big truck made by Toyota. People use it for carrying heavy stuff and for tough jobs because it's strong and reliable.
The Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup truck made by Toyota, known for its durability and capability. It is a key model in Toyota's truck lineup, especially in North America.
Honda Passport
"Honda will ship Passports and Acura Integras,"
The Honda Passport is a medium-sized SUV made by Honda. It's bigger than some of their other SUVs and good for families or people who want extra space.
The Honda Passport is a mid-size SUV produced by Honda, positioned between the CR-V and Pilot in Honda's SUV lineup. It offers a balance of utility and comfort.
Acura Integra
"Honda will ship Passports and Acura Integras,"
The Acura Integra is a small car made by Acura, which is Honda's luxury brand. It's popular because it's fun to drive and looks nice.
The Acura Integra is a compact car produced by Acura, Honda's luxury brand. It is known for sporty handling and has a strong enthusiast following.
Nissan Murano
"while Nissan will ship Moranos. The Japanese government recently eased"
The Nissan Murano is a medium-sized SUV made by Nissan. It's designed to be comfortable and stylish for everyday driving.
The Nissan Murano is a mid-size crossover SUV produced by Nissan. It is known for its comfortable ride and distinctive styling.
LG Energy Solution
"LG Energy Solution is going to supply Tesla with four point three billion dollars worth of LFP batteries for its energy storage business."
LG Energy Solution is a company that makes batteries for electric cars and energy storage. They work with many car companies to supply these batteries.
LG Energy Solution is a South Korean company specializing in the production of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage systems. It is a major supplier to many automakers including Tesla.
LFP batteries
"LG Energy Solution is going to supply Tesla with four point three billion dollars worth of LFP batteries for its energy storage business."
LFP batteries are a kind of battery used in electric cars and energy storage. They are safe and last a long time, which makes them good for these uses.
LFP stands for Lithium Iron Phosphate, a type of lithium-ion battery chemistry known for its safety, long cycle life, and thermal stability. These batteries are commonly used in electric vehicles and energy storage systems.
Tesla Megapack
"The batteries will be used to power Tesla's Megapac three energy storage systems, which are made in Houston."
The Tesla Megapack is a big battery system that stores electricity. It helps keep power available when people need it, especially from solar or wind energy.
The Tesla Megapack is a large-scale energy storage system designed for utility and commercial use. It stores electricity from renewable sources or the grid to provide power when needed.
Volvo EX30
"Volvo had high hopes for its small electric suv, the EX thirty, but now the model is being axed. In the US, sales will be discontinued after the twenty twenty six model year."
The Volvo EX30 is a small electric SUV made by Volvo. It started selling in 2023 but will stop being sold in the US after 2026 because not many people bought it.
The Volvo EX30 is a small electric SUV launched by Volvo in 2023. It was intended as a volume model but is being discontinued in the US after the 2026 model year due to sales challenges and pricing.
tariffs
"tariffs have pushed the starting price closer to forty thousand bucks. As a result, car buyers never really warmed up to the model."
Tariffs are extra taxes that a country puts on things it buys from other countries. This can make cars from other countries cost more money.
Tariffs are taxes imposed by a government on imported goods, which can increase the cost of those goods in the domestic market. They can affect car prices and sales by making imported vehicles more expensive.
Nvidia
"Nvidia announced it's going to start supplying Uber with its end to end autonomous driving stack in the first half of next year."
Nvidia makes computer chips and software that help cars drive themselves. Uber is using Nvidia's technology for its self-driving taxis.
Nvidia is a technology company known for its graphics processing units (GPUs) and AI computing platforms. It supplies autonomous driving software stacks and hardware to companies like Uber for robotaxi services.
robotaxi
"Uber must see huge potential in robotaxi services because it's been investing so heavily in the tech, and it could soon become the biggest provider of driverless rides in Nvidia announced it's going to start supplying Uber with its end to end autonomous driving stack in the first half of next year."
A robotaxi is a self-driving car that can take passengers around like a taxi, but without a driver. Companies want to use these to give rides in cities automatically.
A robotaxi is an autonomous vehicle designed to provide taxi services without a human driver. Companies like Uber are investing heavily in robotaxi technology to offer driverless rides in various cities worldwide.
Nissan Leaf
"which will include those leaf based robotaxis that we've been talking about recently, which are part of a partnership with Nissan and av company Wave"
The Nissan Leaf is an electric car that runs on batteries instead of gas. It's used by some companies for self-driving taxi tests.
The Nissan Leaf is a popular all-electric compact car that is often used in autonomous vehicle testing and robotaxi services due to its electric powertrain and affordability.
Lucid Air
"and it has partnerships with automakers like the Hyundai Group, Lucid and Volkswagen Tesla."
The Lucid Air is a fancy electric car that can go far on a single charge. The company works on self-driving car technology too.
The Lucid Air is a luxury electric sedan known for its long range and high performance. Lucid is involved in partnerships for autonomous vehicle technology.
Hyundai Group
"Uber will also work on robotaxis with other tech companies including neuro Waimo, we ride in zoops, and it has partnerships with automakers like the Hyundai Group, Lucid and Volkswagen Tesla."
Hyundai Group is a big car company from South Korea that makes cars and works on self-driving car technology.
Hyundai Group is a South Korean automotive conglomerate that includes Hyundai Motor Company and Kia. They are involved in autonomous vehicle development and robotaxi partnerships.
Volkswagen ID. Buzz
"and it has partnerships with automakers like the Hyundai Group, Lucid and Volkswagen Tesla."
Volkswagen makes an electric van called the ID. Buzz that looks like an old-school bus. It's used for electric and self-driving car projects.
Volkswagen's ID. Buzz is an electric van inspired by the classic VW Microbus, used in robotaxi and electric vehicle markets. Volkswagen is partnering in autonomous vehicle projects.
humanoid robots in manufacturing
"Hyundai, Mercedes, Toyota, and BMW have announced plans or already have pilot programs testing out humanoid robots in their plants, and now Renault is joining that list. The French automaker will deploy three hundred and fifty humanoids at its plants starting next year."
Humanoid robots are machines that look and move like people. They help in factories by doing jobs like lifting heavy parts so workers don't have to.
Humanoid robots are robots designed with human-like features and movements, used in manufacturing plants to perform repetitive tasks such as lifting tires and carrying panels to improve efficiency.
Renault
"and now Renault is joining that list. The French automaker will deploy three hundred and fifty humanoids at its plants starting next year."
Renault is a car company from France that is using robots that look like people to help build cars faster.
Renault is a French automaker investing in humanoid robots to improve manufacturing efficiency by reducing production hours per vehicle.
Wandercraft
"The robots were developed with French startup Wandercraft, which Renault holds a minority stake in."
Wandercraft is a company that makes robots that can help build cars in factories.
Wandercraft is a French robotics startup that developed the humanoid robots deployed by Renault in their manufacturing plants.
Buick Enclave EV
"Buick is expanding its luxury van lineup in China with the all electric and Kasa it launched the plug and hybrid version at the end of last year, but now the EV is hitting the market with a price tag of roughly seventy thousand dollars, which is about seven thousand dollars more than the p have."
The Buick Enclave EV is a big electric van that you can buy in China. It has a large battery that lets it drive far and can charge quickly.
The Buick Enclave EV is an all-electric luxury van launched in China, featuring a 96 kWh battery pack and fast charging capabilities. It is positioned above the plug-in hybrid version in price and range.
kilowatt hour (kWh) battery pack
"A good chunk of that extra cost is likely tied up in the ninety six kilowatt hour battery pack, which we estimate would return about two hundred and fifty miles or four hundred kilometers of range on the EPA test cycle."
A kilowatt hour battery pack is how much electricity a car's battery can hold. The bigger it is, the farther the car can drive.
A kilowatt hour (kWh) battery pack measures the energy capacity of an electric vehicle's battery, indicating how much energy it can store and thus affecting the vehicle's driving range.
EPA test cycle
"which we estimate would return about two hundred and fifty miles or four hundred kilometers of range on the EPA test cycle."
The EPA test cycle is a way to test how far a car can go or how much gas it uses, so buyers know what to expect.
The EPA test cycle is a standardized procedure by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to measure vehicle fuel economy and electric range under controlled conditions.
Chevrolet Volt
"...e on the EPA test cycle. Thanks to a nine hundred volt system, the Incasa EV can also charge significant..."
The Chevrolet Volt is a car that can run on electricity and gas. It can drive using electricity for short trips and switch to gas when the battery runs low, so you don’t have to worry about running out of power.
The Chevrolet Volt is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that combines an electric motor with a gasoline engine to extend driving range. It was significant as one of the early mainstream plug-in hybrids, offering electric driving with the flexibility of a gas engine for longer trips. The Volt is often discussed in the context of efficient, transitional electric vehicle technology.
900 volt electrical system
"Thanks to a nine hundred volt system, the Incasa EV can also charge significantly faster than the plug in hybrid, capable of going from ten to eighty percent in just under twelve minutes."
A 900 volt system means the car's battery and charging parts work at a higher power level, so it can charge faster.
A 900 volt electrical system in an EV allows for faster charging speeds and improved efficiency compared to lower voltage systems commonly used in electric vehicles.
acoustic glass
"the doors have triple seals, and the windshield and side glass for the first and second rows have acoustic glass. At steady cruising speeds, we think it's nearly as quiet as an ev."
Acoustic glass is special car window glass that helps keep outside noises from bothering you inside the car.
Acoustic glass is specially designed laminated glass that reduces noise entering the vehicle cabin, enhancing interior quietness and comfort.
Jeep Wrangler
"...t's not going to keep up with the likes of a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, it will get you threw some surpri..."
The Jeep Wrangler is a type of car made for driving on rough roads and trails. It is built to handle tough outdoor conditions and is often used for activities like camping and off-road driving.
The Jeep Wrangler is a rugged, off-road focused SUV known for its iconic design and exceptional capability in challenging terrain. It is significant for its strong heritage in off-roading and is often discussed in contexts involving adventure and durability. The Wrangler is popular among enthusiasts who prioritize off-road performance and versatility.
Ford Bronco
"...keep up with the likes of a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, it will get you threw some surprisingly rough te..."
The Ford Bronco is a type of SUV made for driving on rough and uneven roads. It is designed to be tough and is good for outdoor activities and off-road trips.
The Ford Bronco is a midsize SUV designed with strong off-road capabilities and a retro-modern style that revives the classic Bronco name. It is significant for competing directly with other off-road vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler, offering advanced terrain management systems and removable roof options. The Bronco is often discussed for its blend of daily usability and rugged adventure readiness.
pitch mitigation in hybrid vehicles
"One feature of the Tale Ride that we've never heard about on any other vehicle is that Kia uses the two electric motors in the hybrid system to mitigate the pitch of the vehicle during acceleration. By cutting torque in relation to pitch. Kia says you can reduce carsickness."
Pitch mitigation means the car stops you from feeling like you're tipping forward or backward when it speeds up, so you feel more comfortable and less sick.
Pitch mitigation in hybrid vehicles uses electric motors to reduce the forward and backward tilting (pitch) of the vehicle during acceleration, improving ride comfort and reducing carsickness.
Intrepid Control Systems
"Intrepid we produce network hardware and software solutions enabling vehicle manufacturers to innovate and design the next generation of modern mobility. Delivering scalable next generation solutions requires thorough testing and validation of vehicle platforms. Intrepid's Neovi cloud platform helps manufacturers quickly identify diagnostic trouble codes and defects by pinpointing which vehicles have specific software versions."
Intrepid Control Systems makes tools that help car makers find problems in their vehicles quickly. They use cloud technology to check if cars have any issues before they are sold.
Intrepid Control Systems provides network hardware and software solutions for vehicle manufacturers, enabling them to innovate and design modern mobility platforms. Their Neovi cloud platform helps identify diagnostic trouble codes and defects, facilitating real-time analytics and vehicle validation.
diagnostic trouble codes
"Intrepid's Neovi cloud platform helps manufacturers quickly identify diagnostic trouble codes and defects by pinpointing which vehicles have specific software versions. This allows them to isolate non compliant vehicles in real time using analytics, part numbers, DTCs, and organized secure cloud based data."
Diagnostic trouble codes are like warning messages from your car that tell mechanics what might be wrong. They help find problems faster.
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) are codes generated by a vehicle's onboard computer when it detects a problem. These codes help technicians identify and fix issues in the vehicle's systems.
fleet testing
"All of these steps ensure vehicles are cleared for production and ready for the road, taking your fleet testing into the future of mobility. Intrepid Control Systems driven by your data."
Fleet testing means checking many cars together to make sure they work well and are safe before selling them.
Fleet testing refers to the process of evaluating and validating a group of vehicles, often from the same manufacturer or model, to ensure quality, safety, and compliance before they reach customers.
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
Help improve this episode
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.