AD #4256 - BMW Unveils 560-Mile Electric i3 Sedan; BYD Looks to Buy Foreign Automakers; House Republicans Propose New EV Fees
About this episode
The episode covers key automotive industry updates including BMW's launch of the electric i3 sedan with an impressive 560-mile range and advanced computing system. It discusses BYD's ambitions to acquire a foreign automaker outright to bypass tariffs, sparking speculation about potential targets. The show also highlights political moves by House Republicans proposing new fees on EVs to fund infrastructure, and the growing global impact of EVs in reducing oil consumption. Additionally, Mexican startup Olenia's affordable EV prototypes and DS Automobiles' new electric crossover with long-range battery options are featured.
Index of consumer confidence
"The University of Michigan's Index of consumer Confidence fell nearly two percent in early March, and that survey was conducted before the war and Iran started in gasoline prices shot upward."
This index shows how people feel about their money and the economy. When people feel good, they buy more things like cars. When they feel bad, they buy less.
The Index of Consumer Confidence is a measure that gauges how optimistic or pessimistic consumers are regarding their expected financial situation and the overall economy. It is often used to predict future consumer spending, including car sales.
electric vehicles (EVs)
"Republicans in the House of Representatives are once again looking to collect fees from electric vehicles to pay for highway repairs. Last year, House Republicans proposed an annual two hundred and fifty dollars fee on evs and a one hundred dollars fee on hybrids."
Electric vehicles are cars that run on electricity instead of gas. Because they don't use gas, they don't pay gas taxes, which are usually used to fix roads.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are cars powered entirely by electric motors using energy stored in batteries, rather than internal combustion engines running on gasoline or diesel. They do not pay traditional fuel taxes, which has led to proposals for alternative fees to fund road maintenance.
hybrids
"Last year, House Republicans proposed an annual two hundred and fifty dollars fee on evs and a one hundred dollars fee on hybrids. To pay for highway repairs. The current five year surface transportation law expires in September, and Republicans want to add up to five hundred and fifty million dollars in funding for highways and bridges."
Hybrids are cars that use both gas and electricity to drive. They use less gas, so they pay less in gas taxes than regular cars.
Hybrid vehicles combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. They typically pay less in fuel taxes than traditional gasoline vehicles because they use less fuel.
federal gas taxes
"Most revenue for federally funded road repairs is collected through diesel and gasoline taxes, which evs don't pay and hybrids pay less than ICYE vehicles. But the Republican proposal is opposed by the EV advocacy group Electrification Coalition, which argues it's unfair because gas powered vehicles only pay eighty eight dollars on average in federal gas taxes."
Gas taxes are extra money you pay when you buy gas. This money helps fix roads. Electric cars don’t use gas, so they don’t pay these taxes.
Federal gas taxes are taxes collected on gasoline and diesel fuel sales, which are primarily used to fund highway and road maintenance. Electric vehicles do not pay these taxes, which has led to discussions about alternative funding methods.
EV adoption
"While EV adoption has been slower than expected, sales continue to grow globally, and they're helping to significantly cut oil use. According to a study from Ember, a London based think tank, EV's helped cut global oil use by one point seven million barrels per day last year."
EV adoption means how many people are buying and using electric cars. At first, it was slow, but now more people are choosing electric cars.
EV adoption refers to the rate at which consumers and markets are purchasing and using electric vehicles. While initially slower than expected, EV adoption is growing globally and contributing to reduced oil consumption.
oil use reduction by EVs
"According to a study from Ember, a London based think tank, EV's helped cut global oil use by one point seven million barrels per day last year. A separate study from Bloomberg NEF found that EV's helped avoid the use of two point three million barrels. Amber's study is lower because of conservative estimates of how often plugin hybrids run on fossil fuels. By the end of the decade, Bloomberg projects oil use will be cut by five point two five million barrels per day. While passenger EV supplied most of the savings. Electric two to three wheelers were next. Thanks to their growing popularity in developing countries."
Electric cars don’t use gas, so they help save a lot of oil. Studies show that electric cars have helped cut how much oil the world uses every day.
Electric vehicles help reduce global oil consumption because they do not use gasoline or diesel fuel. Studies estimate that EVs have cut millions of barrels of oil per day, with projections for even greater reductions by the end of the decade.
electric two to three wheelers
"By the end of the decade, Bloomberg projects oil use will be cut by five point two five million barrels per day. While passenger EV supplied most of the savings. Electric two to three wheelers were next. Thanks to their growing popularity in developing countries."
These are small electric vehicles with two or three wheels, like electric scooters or tuk-tuks. They are popular in some countries and help save oil.
Electric two- and three-wheelers are small electric vehicles such as scooters, motorcycles, and auto rickshaws. They are popular in developing countries and contribute significantly to reducing oil consumption.
EV market share growth
"Evs now account for at least ten percent of the overall market in thirty nine countries, which is up from just four countries in twenty nineteen. And here's an EV's startup that caught our attention called Olenia."
More and more people in many countries are buying electric cars. Now, electric cars make up at least 10% of all cars sold in 39 countries, which is a big increase from a few years ago.
The market share of electric vehicles has grown significantly worldwide, reaching at least 10% in 39 countries compared to just 4 countries in 2019. This reflects increasing consumer acceptance and government support for EVs.
Olenia
"And here's an EV's startup that caught our attention called Olenia. The startup is based in Mexico, which is kind of rare and is backed by the Mexican government. The company is developing small, low cost evs, and it plans to unveil its first two prototypes in June."
Olenia is a new company from Mexico that makes electric cars. The Mexican government supports it, and they are working on small, affordable electric cars.
Olenia is an electric vehicle startup based in Mexico, notable for being backed by the Mexican government. It focuses on developing small, low-cost electric vehicles and plans to unveil prototypes soon.
OEM engineers
"At CSP. We work with OEM engineers across the country on their journeys to lighter, safer, and more eco friendly vehicles."
OEM engineers are the people who make cars and car parts. They work to make cars lighter, safer, and better for the environment.
OEM engineers are professionals who work for Original Equipment Manufacturers, the companies that produce vehicles or vehicle components. They collaborate on designing and developing lighter, safer, and more eco-friendly vehicles to meet industry standards and consumer demands.
BYD
"BYD says it would like to buy a foreign automaker and believes outright ownership would get it around any tariffs or protectionist measures in North America and Europe."
BYD is a big car company from China that makes electric cars. They want to buy other car companies in different countries to sell more cars without extra taxes.
BYD is a major Chinese automaker known for producing electric vehicles and batteries. The company has been growing rapidly and is looking to expand internationally by acquiring foreign automakers to bypass tariffs and protectionist trade measures.
Nissan
"Nissan is clearly in trouble stillants has a handful of brands and assembly plants that are floundering, and Fords European passenger."
Nissan is a car company from Japan that has some problems with its factories and brands not doing well.
Nissan is a Japanese automaker facing challenges with some of its brands and assembly plants struggling. The company has been under pressure to improve its business performance and product lineup.
Ford
"Fords European passenger. Car business has been sinking for years."
Ford is a big car company from the USA. Their car business in Europe has not been doing well for a long time.
Ford is a major American automaker whose European passenger car business has been declining for several years. The company has been restructuring and refocusing its efforts on more profitable segments.
Smart
"Gilie already set the stage for a Chinese company buying a foreign automaker. It counts Volvo, Lotus, Proton and Smart as its brands and owns over nine percent of Mercedes Benz."
Smart is a car brand that makes very small cars for city driving. It is owned by a Chinese company called Geely.
Smart is a brand specializing in compact city cars, originally a joint venture between Daimler and Swatch. It is now owned by the Chinese company Geely, which is growing its portfolio of global automotive brands.
Volvo
"Gilie already set the stage for a Chinese company buying a foreign automaker. It counts Volvo, Lotus, Proton and Smart as its brands and owns over nine percent of Mercedes Benz."
Volvo is a car company from Sweden famous for making safe cars. It is owned by a Chinese company called Geely, which also owns other car brands.
Volvo is a Swedish automaker known for safety and durability. It is owned by the Chinese company Geely, which also owns other brands like Lotus, Proton, and Smart, and holds a stake in Mercedes-Benz.
Lotus
"Gilie already set the stage for a Chinese company buying a foreign automaker. It counts Volvo, Lotus, Proton and Smart as its brands and owns over nine percent of Mercedes Benz."
Lotus is a car company from the UK that makes light and sporty cars. It is owned by a Chinese company called Geely.
Lotus is a British automaker specializing in lightweight sports cars. It is owned by the Chinese company Geely, which has expanded its global automotive portfolio.
Proton
"Gilie already set the stage for a Chinese company buying a foreign automaker. It counts Volvo, Lotus, Proton and Smart as its brands and owns over nine percent of Mercedes Benz."
Proton is a car company from Malaysia that makes affordable cars. It is owned by a Chinese company called Geely.
Proton is a Malaysian automaker producing affordable vehicles primarily for Asian markets. It is owned by the Chinese company Geely, which has been expanding its global reach through acquisitions.
Mercedes-Benz
"Gilie already set the stage for a Chinese company buying a foreign automaker. It counts Volvo, Lotus, Proton and Smart as its brands and owns over nine percent of Mercedes Benz."
Mercedes-Benz is a famous German company that makes luxury cars. A Chinese company called Geely owns a small part of it.
Mercedes-Benz is a German luxury automaker known for premium vehicles and advanced technology. Geely owns a minority stake of over nine percent in the company, reflecting its interest in global automotive markets.
800 Volt architecture
"It's an eight hundred. Volt architecture that features a more centralized computing system which controls most vehicle functions through a computer BMW calls Heart of Joy."
800 Volt architecture means the car's electric system uses a higher voltage, so it can charge faster and work better than older electric cars.
An 800 Volt electrical architecture in electric vehicles allows for faster charging and improved efficiency compared to traditional 400 Volt systems. It supports higher power delivery to the battery and electric motors.
Heart of Joy
"Volt architecture that features a more centralized computing system which controls most vehicle functions through a computer BMW calls Heart of Joy. The system offers ten times faster processing speeds and enables things like expanded OTA updates, the newest generation of eye drive, and hands free driving functions."
Heart of Joy is the name BMW gives to the computer system in the car that controls many things. It makes the car smarter and lets it get updates and drive itself in some ways.
Heart of Joy is BMW's name for its centralized vehicle computing system that manages most functions of the car. It offers significantly faster processing speeds, enabling advanced features like over-the-air updates, improved driver assistance, and hands-free driving capabilities.
BMW i3
"version of the I three to launch will be a dual motor all wheel drive model that makes three hundred and forty five kilowatts or about four hundred and seventy horse power, and will do zero to one hundred kilometers an hour in four and a half seconds thanks to new cylindrical battery cells that have twenty percent more energy density than BMW's previous prismatic cells. The three will have a WLTP range of up to nine hundred kilometers or roughly five hundred and sixty miles. Due to its smaller size and. Sleeker body, the I three has about one hundred kilometers more range than the IX three, and it's also a little faster two."
The BMW i3 is a small electric car that uses batteries to run instead of gas. The new model has two motors that power all four wheels, making it faster and able to drive farther on a single charge.
The BMW i3 is an all-electric compact car known for its innovative use of lightweight materials and electric drivetrain. The new version features a dual motor all-wheel drive setup with increased power and range thanks to advanced cylindrical battery cells.
dual motor all wheel drive
"version of the I three to launch will be a dual motor all wheel drive model that makes three hundred and forty five kilowatts or about four hundred and seventy horse power, and will do zero to one hundred kilometers an hour in four and a half seconds thanks to new cylindrical battery cells that have twenty percent more energy density than BMW's previous prismatic cells."
This means the car has two motors that make all four wheels move, helping it drive better on different roads and go faster.
Dual motor all wheel drive means the vehicle has two electric motors, one powering the front wheels and one powering the rear wheels, providing better traction and acceleration.
cylindrical battery cells
"version of the I three to launch will be a dual motor all wheel drive model that makes three hundred and forty five kilowatts or about four hundred and seventy horse power, and will do zero to one hundred kilometers an hour in four and a half seconds thanks to new cylindrical battery cells that have twenty percent more energy density than BMW's previous prismatic cells."
These are small, tube-shaped batteries inside the car that store energy. They can hold more power and help the car go farther.
Cylindrical battery cells are a type of lithium-ion battery cell shaped like a cylinder, which can offer higher energy density and better thermal management compared to prismatic cells.
WLTP range
"The three will have a WLTP range of up to nine hundred kilometers or roughly five hundred and sixty miles. Due to its smaller size and. Sleeker body, the I three has about one hundred kilometers more range than the IX three, and it's also a little faster two. BMW says production of the all electric sedan will kick off in August and deliveries."
WLTP range tells you how far the car can drive on one battery charge based on a special test that tries to copy real driving.
WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure) range is a standardized measure of how far an electric vehicle can travel on a single charge under typical driving conditions.
BMW iX3
"Sleeker body, the I three has about one hundred kilometers more range than the IX three, and it's also a little faster two. BMW says production of the all electric sedan will kick off in August and deliveries."
The BMW iX3 is a small electric SUV that uses batteries to run instead of gas. It is a bit bigger than the i3 and designed for more space and comfort.
The BMW iX3 is an all-electric SUV based on the X3 model, offering electric powertrain technology with a focus on range and performance in a compact SUV form.
DS 7
"For the first time since it was spun off into its own independent brand in twenty fourteen, a vehicle from DS Automobiles is getting a second gen model. It's new DS number seven replaces the DS seven crossover and will move to parent companies Stella Medium platform. While the model fits into the compact crossover segment, it actually has the option for a fairly large ninety seven kilowad hour battery pack. When paired with front wheel drive, it provides a WLTP range of up to seven hundred and forty kilometers or about four hundred and sixty miles. There's also the option for all. Wheel drive and a smaller nearly seventy four kilowat hour battery that returns up to five hundred and forty three kilometers or roughly three hundred and thirty five miles of range. The DS number seven has three powertrain choices that range from two hundred and thirty horse power up to three hundred and fifty for all wheel drive, which will move the crossover from zero to one hundred kilometers an hour in five point four seconds. Orders have already opened for the DS number seven in France, but we were a little shocked to see that the starting price is a little over sixty four thousand euros and that wraps up today's show."
The DS 7 is a fancy small SUV from a French car company. The new model has different battery sizes and can drive either with just front wheels or all four wheels.
The DS 7 is a compact luxury crossover SUV from DS Automobiles, a French brand. The second generation moves to the Stellantis Medium platform and offers various battery sizes and powertrain options including front-wheel and all-wheel drive.
Stellantis Medium platform
"It's new DS number seven replaces the DS seven crossover and will move to parent companies Stella Medium platform. While the model fits into the compact crossover segment, it actually has the option for a fairly large ninety seven kilowad hour battery pack."
This is the basic design and parts that many cars from the Stellantis company use to build medium-sized vehicles, making it easier and cheaper to make different cars.
The Stellantis Medium platform is a modular vehicle architecture used by Stellantis brands for mid-size vehicles, allowing shared components and flexibility across models.
kilowatt hour (kWh) battery pack
"fits into the compact crossover segment, it actually has the option for a fairly large ninety seven kilowad hour battery pack. When paired with front wheel drive, it provides a WLTP range of up to seven hundred and forty kilometers or about four hundred and sixty miles. There's also the option for all. Wheel drive and a smaller nearly seventy four kilowat hour battery that returns up to five hundred and forty three kilometers or roughly three hundred and thirty five miles of range."
This number tells you how much energy the car's battery can hold. Bigger numbers mean the car can drive farther before needing to recharge.
A kilowatt hour (kWh) battery pack measures the total energy capacity of an electric vehicle's battery. Larger kWh values generally mean longer driving range.
front wheel drive
"When paired with front wheel drive, it provides a WLTP range of up to seven hundred and forty kilometers or about four hundred and sixty miles. There's also the option for all. Wheel drive and a smaller nearly seventy four kilowat hour battery that returns up to five hundred and forty three kilometers or roughly three hundred and thirty five miles of range."
This means the car's front wheels are the ones that make it move.
Front wheel drive means the engine or motor powers the front wheels of the vehicle, which is common in many passenger cars for better fuel efficiency and packaging.
powertrain
"The DS number seven has three powertrain choices that range from two hundred and thirty horse power up to three hundred and fifty for all wheel drive, which will move the crossover from zero to one hundred kilometers an hour in five point four seconds."
This is everything that helps the car move, like the motor and the parts that send power to the wheels.
Powertrain refers to the components that generate power and deliver it to the road, including the engine or motor, transmission, and drivetrain.
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