{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"BONUS: Top 10 Forgotten EVs From Current EV Makers","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/bonus-top-10-forgotten-evs-from-current-ev-makers","audioUrl":"https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/audioboom.com/posts/8794873.mp3?modified=1761173647&sid=5051980&source=rss","description":"Welcome back to EV News Daily.  And welcome to a special bonus edition of the podcast. \n\nToday, we're going into automotive history with a countdown of ten forgotten electric vehicles—all from manufacturers making the some of the best current generation of new EVs. These pioneering EVs pushed boundaries, tested technologies, and taught valuable lessons decades before the current electric revolution. From wartime ingenuity to California mandates, these vehicles tell fascinating stories of ambition, innovation, and sometimes heartbreaking discontinuation.\n"},"annotations":[{"startTime":176.9,"endTime":182.1,"type":"term","title":"electric motor","url":"/glossary/electric-motor","quote":"It featured a 27 horsepower electric motor, 16 gel batteries at 96 volts...","canonicalId":"term:electric-motor","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"An electric motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy, allowing vehicles to move. In electric vehicles (EVs), the motor is a key component that drives the wheels.","simplifiedExplanation":"An electric motor is a part that helps cars move by using electricity instead of gasoline. It's different from regular car engines that burn fuel."}},{"startTime":203.57999999999998,"endTime":208.08,"type":"car","title":"Volkswagen Golf","url":"/cars/volkswagen/golf","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8a/2020_Volkswagen_Golf_Style_1.5_Front.jpg","quote":"Interestingly, unlike modern EVs with a single-speed transmission, the original Volkswagen Golf Electric had a four-speed manual box.","canonicalId":"car:volkswagen:golf","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Volkswagen Golf Electric is an early electric vehicle that was developed in the 1980s. It featured a four-speed manual transmission and was notable for its modest range and power output compared to modern electric vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Volkswagen Golf Electric is an early version of an electric car made by Volkswagen. It was one of the first cars to use electricity instead of gas, but it didn't go very far on a single charge.","imageAttribution":"Vauxford (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":211.6,"endTime":216.9,"type":"term","title":"kilowatt-hour","url":"/glossary/kilowatt-hour","quote":"improvements, a 31 horsepower motor, and 11.4 kilowatt-hour battery pack. Range remained disappointing 50 kilometers.","canonicalId":"term:kilowatt-hour","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is a unit of energy that measures how much electricity is used over time. It's commonly used to describe the capacity of batteries in electric vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"A kilowatt-hour is a way to measure how much energy a battery can store. It's like saying how much power you can use over a certain period."}},{"startTime":224.24,"endTime":226.92,"type":"car","title":"Volkswagen Egolf","url":"/cars/volkswagen/e-golf","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c1/VOLKSWAGEN_e-GOLF_%28Mk7%2C_Typ_5G%29_China.jpg","quote":"generation based on the Golf 3 and made from 1993 to 1996.  Did you even know there was an E-Golf back in the 90s?  Was an advancement. Had a 17.3 kilowatt-hour pack and it weighed","canonicalId":"car:volkswagen:e-golf","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Volkswagen e-Golf is an all-electric version of the popular Golf hatchback, produced to provide an eco-friendly alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. It is significant as one of the early mainstream electric cars, showcasing Volkswagen's commitment to electric mobility.","simplifiedExplanation":"The e-Golf is a version of the regular Golf car that runs on electricity instead of gas. It was one of the first electric cars that many people could buy, helping to show how cars can be more environmentally friendly.","imageAttribution":"Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":235.6,"endTime":240.3,"type":"term","title":"lead acid battery","url":"/glossary/lead-acid-battery","quote":"They used lead acid battery technology. While the city stroma emerged from the early 1970s research into","canonicalId":"term:lead-acid-battery","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Lead acid batteries are a type of rechargeable battery that uses lead dioxide and sponge lead as electrodes and sulfuric acid as the electrolyte. They are commonly used in vehicles and have been around for a long time, but they are heavier and less efficient than newer technologies.","simplifiedExplanation":"Lead acid batteries are a kind of battery that has been used for many years. They are heavy and not as good as newer types of batteries, but they are still found in some older cars."}},{"startTime":274.6,"endTime":278.9,"type":"car","title":"BMW E1","url":"/cars/bmw/5-series","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a4/BMW_5_SERIES_LWB_SEDAN_%28BMW_G38%29_China.jpg","quote":"At number nine, we have the BMW E1. This was a purpose-built electric city car, unlike taking the Golf 1 we just looked at and putting batteries in it.","canonicalId":"car:bmw:5-series","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The BMW E1 was a concept electric city car developed by BMW in the early 1990s. It was designed to showcase electric mobility and was distinct from other models by being purpose-built for electric use.","simplifiedExplanation":"The BMW E1 is a small electric car that BMW made to show what electric cars could be like. It was specially designed for city driving.","imageAttribution":"Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":286.64,"endTime":292.74,"type":"car","title":"Bmw I3","url":"/cars/bmw/i3","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/32/BMW_i3_%282017%29_1X7A0151.jpg","quote":"...e foresight in design philosophy. It predated the BMW i3 by  over two decades. Developed by BMW Technic in...","canonicalId":"car:bmw:i3","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The BMW i3 is a compact electric car that was introduced as part of BMW's i Series, focusing on sustainability and innovative design. It is significant for its unique construction using lightweight materials and its role in promoting electric mobility in the luxury segment.","simplifiedExplanation":"The BMW i3 is a small car that runs on electricity and is made with special lightweight materials. It was designed to be eco-friendly and stands out because of its unusual look and modern technology.","imageAttribution":"Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":312.1,"endTime":317.0,"type":"part","title":"aluminium space frame chassis","url":"/glossary/aluminium-space-frame-chassis","quote":"featuring groundbreaking construction, an aluminium space frame chassis...","canonicalId":"part:aluminium-space-frame-chassis","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"An aluminium space frame chassis is a lightweight structural design used in vehicles that provides strength and rigidity while minimizing weight. This design is beneficial for electric vehicles to improve efficiency.","simplifiedExplanation":"This is a type of car frame made from aluminum that is strong but light. It helps cars use less energy, which is especially important for electric cars."}},{"startTime":340.6,"endTime":346.1,"type":"part","title":"AC motor","url":"/glossary/ac-motor","quote":"excited rotating-filled AC motor, 32 kW of power on the rear axle,","canonicalId":"part:ac-motor","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"An AC motor is an electric motor that runs on alternating current. It is commonly used in electric vehicles due to its efficiency and ability to provide high torque at low speeds.","simplifiedExplanation":"An AC motor is a type of electric motor that uses electricity to turn and make the car move. It's efficient and good for cars."}},{"startTime":352.9,"endTime":360.3,"type":"term","title":"top speed","url":"/glossary/top-speed","quote":"top speed 120kmh, and you'd get to 50kmh in less than 6 seconds.","canonicalId":"term:top-speed","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Top speed refers to the maximum speed a vehicle can achieve under optimal conditions. It is an important performance metric for cars, indicating their speed capabilities.","simplifiedExplanation":"Top speed is the fastest a car can go when everything is working perfectly. It's a measure of how fast the car can drive."}},{"startTime":371.0,"endTime":375.7,"type":"term","title":"Zebra battery","url":"/glossary/zebra-battery","quote":"switched to sodium nickel chloride batteries, a Zebra battery, fascinating technology,","canonicalId":"term:zebra-battery","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A Zebra battery is a type of sodium nickel chloride battery known for its high energy density and safety. It operates at high temperatures and is used in some electric vehicles for improved performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"A Zebra battery is a special kind of battery that is very safe and can hold a lot of energy. It's used in some electric cars."}},{"startTime":384.1,"endTime":388.4,"type":"term","title":"regenerative braking","url":"/glossary/regenerative-braking","quote":"and enabled regen braking that covered up to 20% of energy recuperation during deceleration. Tragically, the only first generation prototype was destroyed in a fire, ironically whilst charging.","canonicalId":"term:regenerative-braking","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Regenerative braking is a technology that allows electric and hybrid vehicles to recover energy during braking. This energy is converted back into electricity and stored in the battery, improving overall efficiency.","simplifiedExplanation":"Regenerative braking helps cars save energy by using the energy created when you slow down to recharge the battery, making the car more efficient."}},{"startTime":412.6,"endTime":417.7,"type":"car","title":"Skoda Ultra","quote":"Coming in at number 8 is the Skoda Ultra, a fascinating collaboration between Czech engineering prowess and Swiss business ambition that produced one of Eastern Europe's first modern electric vehicles.","canonicalId":"car:skoda-ultra","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Skoda Ultra was one of the first modern electric vehicles developed in Eastern Europe, showcasing a collaboration between Czech engineering and Swiss business. It represents an important step in the region's automotive history.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Skoda Ultra is an early electric car from Skoda, a Czech car manufacturer. It was part of an effort to create modern electric vehicles in Eastern Europe."}},{"startTime":442.4,"endTime":448.2,"type":"part","title":"lead acid batteries","url":"/glossary/lead-acid-batteries","quote":"Now, this racer unexpectedly won and so caught the attention of a Swiss businessman... with eight lead acid batteries.","canonicalId":"part:lead-acid-batteries","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Lead acid batteries are a type of rechargeable battery that use lead dioxide and sponge lead as electrodes and sulfuric acid as the electrolyte. They are commonly used in vehicles due to their reliability and low cost.","simplifiedExplanation":"Lead acid batteries are a common type of battery used in cars. They are made of lead and acid and are known for being reliable and affordable."}},{"startTime":442.4,"endTime":448.2,"type":"term","title":"DC motors","url":"/glossary/dc-motors","quote":"with two 25kW DC motors and eight lead acid batteries.","canonicalId":"term:dc-motors","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"DC motors are electric motors that run on direct current (DC) electricity. They are widely used in various applications, including electric vehicles, due to their simplicity and efficiency.","simplifiedExplanation":"DC motors are a type of electric motor that uses direct current to operate. They are often found in electric cars because they are easy to use and efficient."}},{"startTime":461.0,"endTime":466.4,"type":"car","title":"Skoda Favorit","url":"/cars/skoda/favorit","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c0/1991_Skoda_Favorit_136_LS.jpg","quote":"Bruno Friedes, who requested delivery of a thousand battery electric vehicles based on the old Skoda Favorit. However, Skoda, based in Mladow-Bolosev, initially refused...","canonicalId":"car:skoda:favorit","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Skoda Favorit is a compact car produced by the Czech automaker Skoda from 1987 to 1995. It was one of the first models developed after the fall of communism in Czechoslovakia.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Skoda Favorit is a small car made by Skoda, a Czech company. It was popular in the late 1980s and early 1990s and was one of the first cars made after the country changed its political system.","imageAttribution":"Toquehusk (CC BY 4.0)"}},{"startTime":531.1,"endTime":535.3,"type":"car","title":"Skoda ELMO","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e7/1992_Skoda_Elmo_Pick_Up.jpg","quote":"...additional vehicles were sold to Germany, the UK, where they were called the Skoda ELMO, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Canada.","canonicalId":"car:skoda-elmo","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Skoda ELMO was a vehicle produced by Skoda, primarily for postal services and limited markets. It was part of a collaboration that began in 1991, but production was limited due to market saturation.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Skoda ELMO is a car made by the Skoda company, designed for specific uses like postal services. It wasn't produced in large numbers, which makes it somewhat rare.","imageAttribution":"kieranwhite599 (CC BY 2.0)"}},{"startTime":579.1,"endTime":584.0,"type":"car","title":"Citroën AX","quote":"Of lucky number seven, we have the Citroën Electric City Car Duo, the AX and the success of the Saxo. Practical urban EVs that served French cities in the 1990s.","canonicalId":"car:citroen-ax","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Citroën AX was a supermini car produced by Citroën in the 1990s. The electric version, introduced in 1994, was designed for urban use and featured a compact design.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Citroën AX is a small car that was made by the French company Citroën. The electric version was built for city driving and was quite small and lightweight."}},{"startTime":596.8,"endTime":604.3,"type":"term","title":"battery pack","url":"/glossary/battery-pack","quote":"The motor drew power from a 16kWh battery pack, so 46 miles of range, 75km in combined driving.","canonicalId":"term:battery-pack","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A battery pack is a set of batteries that are connected together to provide power to an electric vehicle. The capacity is usually measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh).","simplifiedExplanation":"A battery pack is a group of batteries that work together to store energy for electric cars. It helps the car run by providing electricity."}},{"startTime":621.06,"endTime":625.3,"type":"car","title":"Peugeot 106","url":"/cars/peugeot/106","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/03/1995_Peugeot_106_Rallye.jpg","quote":"...s Citroën and Peugeot's joint effort based on the 106 platform.  The Saxo featured similar specs, an el...","canonicalId":"car:peugeot:106","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Peugeot 106 is a small hatchback that gained popularity in Europe for its compact size and efficient design. It is significant for its role in the automotive market as a practical choice for city driving and its availability in various versions, including electric.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Peugeot 106 is a small car that's easy to park and drive around town. It's known for being practical and comes in different types, including one that runs on electricity.","imageAttribution":"Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":621.1,"endTime":625.9,"type":"car","title":"Citroën Saxo Electric","quote":"The Saxo Electric would what would follow in 1997, and that was Citroën and Peugeot's joint effort based on the 106 platform.","canonicalId":"car:citroen-saxo-electric","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Citroën Saxo Electric was an electric vehicle developed in 1997 as part of a joint effort between Citroën and Peugeot, based on the 106 platform. It featured an electric motor and a battery system designed for urban mobility.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Citroën Saxo Electric is a small electric car that was made in 1997. It was created by Citroën and Peugeot and was similar in design to their gasoline-powered cars."}},{"startTime":642.9,"endTime":650.5,"type":"term","title":"liquid cooling","url":"/glossary/liquid-cooling","quote":"Also, liquid cooling for optimal thermal management back in the 1990s.","canonicalId":"term:liquid-cooling","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Liquid cooling is a method used to manage the temperature of components in electric vehicles, ensuring optimal performance and preventing overheating. It involves circulating a coolant through the system to absorb and dissipate heat.","simplifiedExplanation":"Liquid cooling is a way to keep electric car parts from getting too hot. It uses a special liquid to help cool down the car's systems so they work better."}},{"startTime":691.0,"endTime":697.7,"type":"term","title":"zero emission transport","url":"/glossary/zero-emission-transport","quote":"Both models addressed urban pollution concerns and provided practical zero emission transport for postal workers...","canonicalId":"term:zero-emission-transport","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Zero emission transport refers to vehicles that do not produce any harmful emissions during operation, typically including electric vehicles. This concept is crucial for reducing air pollution in urban areas.","simplifiedExplanation":"Zero emission transport means vehicles that don't release harmful gases into the air when they are used. Electric cars are a good example of this."}},{"startTime":780.0,"endTime":786.7,"type":"term","title":"four speed gearbox","url":"/glossary/four-speed-gearbox","quote":"The Eletra also retained the standard four speed gearbox and clutch.","canonicalId":"term:four-speed-gearbox","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A four speed gearbox is a type of transmission that allows the driver to select from four different gear ratios, providing a balance between performance and fuel efficiency.","simplifiedExplanation":"A four speed gearbox is a system in a car that lets you change gears four times, which helps the car run better and save fuel."}},{"startTime":805.02,"endTime":809.28,"type":"car","title":"Fiat Panda Fiat","url":"/cars/fiat/panda","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/14/1988_Fiat_Panda_4x4.jpg","quote":"and replaced the heavy lead gel batteries with new efficient light nickel cadmium units. However,  it was still much much heavier than the Fiat Panda. Fiat aimed to demonstrate leadership in  environmental sustainability and prove that electric urban mobility was feasible in the early 1990s.","canonicalId":"car:fiat:panda","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Fiat Panda is a small city car known for its practicality and efficient use of space. It has been significant in the automotive market for its affordability and versatility, making it a popular choice in urban environments.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Fiat Panda is a tiny car that's easy to drive around in the city. It's designed to be simple and useful, making it a good choice for people who need a small, affordable vehicle.","imageAttribution":"Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":1008.06,"endTime":1012.66,"type":"car","title":"Ford Ranger","url":"/cars/ford/ranger","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/28/Ford_Ranger_%28T6%2C_P703%29_Wildtrak_IMG_7320.jpg","quote":"the Ford Ranger EV was made to accommodate those, or to accommodate itself to those rules. Lot in 1998, the Ford Ranger Electric ran through to 2022...","canonicalId":"car:ford:ranger","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Ford Ranger EV is an electric version of the popular Ford Ranger pickup truck, produced from 1998 to 2022. It was designed to meet specific regulations and offered both lead-acid and nickel-metal hydride battery options.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Ford Ranger EV is an electric pickup truck made by Ford that was available from 1998 to 2022. It came with different types of batteries to power it.","imageAttribution":"Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":1134.4,"endTime":1139.7,"type":"car","title":"Volkswagen Electro Transporter","quote":"Number four, the Volkswagen Electro Transporter. Coming in at number four is based on the iconic T2 van. This was Volkswagen's first electric vehicle in 1972.","canonicalId":"car:volkswagen-electro-transporter","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Volkswagen Electro Transporter was Volkswagen's first electric vehicle, introduced in 1972, based on the iconic T2 van. It represents an early attempt at electric mobility by the brand.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Volkswagen Electro Transporter is an early electric version of the famous Volkswagen van, known for its unique shape and history. It was made in 1972 and was one of the first electric vehicles."}},{"startTime":1152.74,"endTime":1158.6,"type":"car","title":"Volkswagen Id Buzz","url":"/cars/volkswagen/id-buzz","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bc/Volkswagen_ID._Buzz_1X7A1610.jpg","quote":"...any. The Electro Transporter was  effectively the ID buzz of its day. Powertrain DC motor in the rear of th...","canonicalId":"car:volkswagen:id-buzz","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is an all-electric reinterpretation of the classic VW Microbus, designed to evoke nostalgia while incorporating modern electric vehicle technology. It is significant for its spacious interior and family-friendly features, aiming to bring the iconic design into the electric age.","simplifiedExplanation":"The ID. Buzz is a new electric version of the old Volkswagen bus that many people loved. It's designed to be roomy and fun, perfect for families or anyone who wants a cool, eco-friendly ride.","imageAttribution":"Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":1258.3,"endTime":1264.9,"type":"car","title":"Peugeot VLV","url":"/cars/peugeot/vlv","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/44/1941_Peugeot_VLV.JPG","quote":"But they were trying. Number three, the Peugeot VLV. The bronze medal in our countdown goes to Peugeot's Vehicle Leger de Ville, light city vehicle, the VLV.","canonicalId":"car:peugeot:vlv","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Peugeot VLV was an electric vehicle produced during World War II, designed to address fuel shortages caused by wartime rationing. It was aimed at providing mobility for essential workers like doctors and postal workers.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Peugeot VLV is a small electric car made during World War II when fuel was hard to get. It was built to help people like doctors get around when they couldn't use regular cars.","imageAttribution":"Alf van Beem (Public domain)"}},{"startTime":1366.48,"endTime":1373.6,"type":"car","title":"Ford Escape","url":"/cars/ford/escape","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/69/FORD_ESCAPE_%28CX482%29_China.jpg","quote":"...actor that could  boost speed when needed. Not to escape the enemy, but to climb hills. The convertible fa...","canonicalId":"car:ford:escape","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Ford Escape is a compact SUV that offers a balance of practicality, comfort, and performance, making it a popular choice for families and individuals alike. Its versatility and range of engine options, including hybrid variants, contribute to its significance in the SUV market.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Ford Escape is a small SUV that can carry more people and stuff than a regular car. It's designed to be comfortable and can handle different types of driving, like going up hills.","imageAttribution":"Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":1417.0,"endTime":1423.6,"type":"car","title":"Renault Celtiquatra","quote":"the unusual entry of the Renault Celtiquatra, which I'm not sure I'm saying that right, but not originally designed as an EV. It became one through special conversion programs in 1937.","canonicalId":"car:renault-celtiquatra","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Renault Celtiquatra was a vehicle that underwent a special conversion to become an electric vehicle in 1937. It was originally designed with a standard combustion engine and is notable for its historical significance in the evolution of electric vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Renault Celtiquatra is a car that was modified to run on electricity in the late 1930s. It started as a regular car before being converted to an electric model, making it an early example of electric vehicle technology."}},{"startTime":1538.02,"endTime":1546.22,"type":"car","title":"Toyota RAV4","url":"/cars/toyota/rav4","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5b/2021_Toyota_RAV4_PHV.jpg","quote":"... what might have been. And number one, the Toyota RAV4 EV. Taking the top spot at  number one is the fir...","canonicalId":"car:toyota:rav4","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV that has been a leader in its segment since its introduction, known for its reliability, versatility, and fuel efficiency. It is significant for popularizing the SUV category and remains a top choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Toyota RAV4 is a small SUV that can hold more people and gear than a regular car. It's popular because it's dependable and good for both city driving and outdoor adventures.","imageAttribution":"TTTNIS (CC0)"}},{"startTime":1579.58,"endTime":1585.84,"type":"car","title":"Chevrolet Volt","url":"/cars/chevrolet/volt","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c5/2011_Chevrolet_Volt_--_05-03-2011.jpg","quote":"...ed nickel metal hydride battery technology. 24 12 volt batteries from Panasonic were used,  so 27 kilowa...","canonicalId":"car:chevrolet:volt","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Chevrolet Volt is a plug-in hybrid vehicle that combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor, allowing for extended electric driving range. It is significant for its innovative approach to hybrid technology, providing a practical solution for those looking to reduce fuel consumption.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Chevrolet Volt is a car that can run on electricity and gas. You can plug it in to charge the battery, and it helps save on gas while still being able to drive long distances.","imageAttribution":"IFCAR (Public domain)"}},{"startTime":1597.2,"endTime":1603.5,"type":"term","title":"single speed transmission","url":"/glossary/single-speed-transmission","quote":"the motor drove the front wheel through a single speed transmission. Performance exceeded expectations for a 1500 kilogram electric SUV.","canonicalId":"term:single-speed-transmission","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A single speed transmission is a type of gearbox that provides one gear ratio for the vehicle. It's often used in electric vehicles to simplify the drivetrain and improve efficiency.","simplifiedExplanation":"A single speed transmission means the car only has one gear. This is common in electric cars because they don't need multiple gears like gasoline cars do."}},{"startTime":1597.22,"endTime":1603.54,"type":"car","title":"Ram 1500","url":"/cars/ram/1500","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3a/2025_RAM_1500_REV%2C_front_NYIAS_2023.jpg","quote":"...smission. Performance exceeded expectations for a 1500 kilogram electric  SUV. Top speed, they limited i...","canonicalId":"car:ram:1500","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Ram 1500 is a full-size pickup truck known for its strong performance, comfortable ride, and advanced technology features. It is significant in the automotive market for its blend of capability and luxury, making it a popular choice among truck enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Ram 1500 is a big truck that can carry heavy loads and tow trailers. It's known for being comfortable to drive, almost like a regular car, but with the strength to do tough jobs.","imageAttribution":"Kevauto (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":1622.1,"endTime":1632.3,"type":"car","title":"Toyota RAV4 EV","url":"/cars/toyota/rav4","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5b/2021_Toyota_RAV4_PHV.jpg","quote":"The RAV4 EV came with a 60,000 battery warranty demonstrating Toyota's confidence in early EV technology.","canonicalId":"car:toyota:rav4","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Toyota RAV4 EV is an electric version of the popular RAV4 SUV. It was one of the first electric SUVs on the market, showcasing Toyota's early commitment to electric vehicle technology.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Toyota RAV4 EV is an electric SUV made by Toyota. It was one of the first electric cars and showed that Toyota believed in electric technology.","imageAttribution":"TTTNIS (CC0)"}},{"startTime":1679.32,"endTime":1685.1200000000001,"type":"car","title":"General Motors Ev1","url":"/cars/general-motors/ev1","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8f/1996_General_Motors_EV1_--_Shanghai_Automobile_Museum_--_2023-10-31.jpg","quote":"...RAV4 program the minute they could alongside GM's EV1.  And unlike the EV1, Toyota did sell EVs during ...","canonicalId":"car:general-motors:ev1","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The General Motors EV1 was one of the first modern electric vehicles produced in the late 1990s, representing a significant step in the development of electric mobility. Its limited production and eventual discontinuation sparked discussions about the future of electric cars.","simplifiedExplanation":"The GM EV1 was an early electric car made in the 1990s that didn't use gas at all. It was important because it showed that cars could run on electricity, but not many were made, and it didn't last long.","imageAttribution":"Randall Ferry (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Martyn Lee","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/bonus-top-10-forgotten-evs-from-current-ev-makers/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}