Briefly | 15 Sep 2025
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so you'll never miss a call again.
In just a few minutes, you can personalize your own AI receptionist
to answer questions, route calls, schedule appointments,
and even send texts in multiple languages.
Plus, it's easy to scale.
Create unlimited AI receptionists across any phone system.
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It's TV News briefly for Monday 15th of September.
Everything you need to know in less than five minutes
if you haven't got time for the full show, you won't miss anything.
If you've just got it here, Patreon supporters fund the show.
Go ad-free, get the episodes first and be part of the gang.
The link in the show notes.
Globally, the sales are on the rise.
Global plug-ins were 1.7 million in August up on July
and up 15% on the same month last year.
In terms of plug-ins, 12.5 million have been sold so far this year.
That's significantly up on the same period last year as well.
Ford will launch a European mid-sized crossover-shaped vehicle.
They won't be a direct replacement for the Ford Focus,
but they could probably use that name.
Let's face it, since they ditched cars like the Fiesta and the Focus,
Ford's had a real problem.
They've had only premium vehicles to sell.
Explore a Capri.
That's almost £60,000, the Capri, in its top spec all-wheel drive
and other drive-resistant stuff.
Now they've got the Puma with the full UK government grant, by the way.
That brings it down to £25,000 or so, maybe a bit less with offers.
There's a huge chunk of the family market missing that £30,000 price point
that will be made in Valencia in Spain 2027.
By then, the Chinese will certainly have had a nibble of that segment.
European automotive leaders are calling for flexibility in the EU's
2035 Pure Combustion ban.
Automakers say that hybrids and transitional support beyond 2035 will be needed.
Toyota's going to begin making their first EVs in the US next year
to three-row SUVs.
They're going to be at Georgetown in their Kentucky site,
part of a $1.3 billion investment focused on domestic EV growth.
Ram has scrapped its all-electric 1500 rev pickup in favour of a plug-in hybrid model,
citing weak demand for battery-only trucks.
And there are financial constraints at Stellantis, by the way.
The new Ram Rev or E-rev or Arri EV, depending on what they call it,
features a petrol generator charging the battery.
They had one of those.
It was called the Ram Charger, and they just kind of renamed it.
And that's not a bad idea, because for those truck pickup owners
who want to do towing and long-distance capability,
relying on liquids for a little bit longer rather than just a battery
could be right for them.
Nissan held a live event in Rotterdam showing off the new sixth-generation Micra.
OK, so this is using Renault's technology, part of the partnership
that they are in the AMPR platform.
Two battery sizes, 260 miles, WLT very range in the big trim.
Starting at 21,495, that'll be a lot less when offers kick in.
Delivery's beginning January.
GM's CEO, Mary Barra, has been reaffirming their long-term goal
of going all-electric by 2035, positioning it as their North Star,
but acknowledging that the full transition may take decades
due to the industry complexity.
Amazon has started testing GM's Bright Drop EV Vans,
not exclusively to the Rivian Electric delivery van, of course.
But Amazon have, well, many vehicles that they need to put on the road
and Rivian can't fulfill all of that order.
100,000 of them will be the Rivian Vans,
but now they're testing the Bright Drop Vans
to see if they suit the needs of Amazon.
Volvo recently rehired its former CEO, Huck and Samuelson,
who reaffirmed the inevitability of going all-electric,
saying Volvo's not wavering and expects some legacy automakers
to struggle with survival dependent on their agility to go all EV.
Industry experts at the Detroit Automotive News Congress from China
say that some outside of China are underestimating
the competitive threat still by Chinese brands.
The scout motors CEO,
saying that the company will pursue direct sales,
comparing traditional dealer models unfavorably
with buying direct.
And main school districts are having real problems with service
on their EV school buses from the bankrupt Lyon Electric,
and that's briefly.
The holidays are expensive.
You're paying for gifts, travel, decorations, food,
and before you know it,
you've blown way past what you were planning to spend.
Don't start the new year off with bad money vibes.
Download rocket money to stay on top of your finances.
The app pulls your income, expenses,
and upcoming charges into one place,
so you can get the clearest picture of your money.
It shows how much to set aside for bills
and how much is safe to spend for the month,
so you can spend with confidence.
No guesswork needed.
Get alerts before bills hit, track budgets,
and see every subscription you're paying for.
Rocket money also finds extra ways to save you money
by canceling subscriptions you're not using
and negotiating lower bills for you.
On average, rocket money users can save up to $740 a year
when using all of the app's premium features.
Start the year off right by taking control of your finances.
Go to rocketmoney.com slash cancel to get started.
That's rocketmoney.com slash cancel.
Rocketmoney.com slash cancel.
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About this episode
The latest episode of EV News Daily highlights significant trends in the electric vehicle market, including a 15% increase in global plug-in sales compared to last year. Ford's plans for a new crossover vehicle and Toyota's upcoming EV production in the U.S. are discussed, alongside Stellantis's shift from an all-electric to a plug-in hybrid model due to demand concerns. The episode also touches on the challenges faced by traditional automakers in transitioning to electric, emphasizing the competitive landscape shaped by both legacy brands and new entrants.
Original notes
It's EV News Briefly for Monday 15 September 2025, everything you need to know in less than 5 minutes if you haven't got time for the full show.
Patreon supporters fund this show, get the episodes ad free, as soon as they're ready and are part of the EV News Daily Community. You can be like them by clicking here: https://www.patreon.com/EVNewsDaily
GLOBAL EV SALES RISE AUGUST 2025 https://evne.ws/4gpyec9
FORD'S FOCUS-SIZED RECOVERY PLAN https://evne.ws/4meLq4M
EUROPEAN AUTOMAKERS SEEK 2035 FLEXIBILITY https://evne.ws/3Vi2snC
TOYOTA BUILDS EV SUVS IN KENTUCKY https://evne.ws/4nvokI6
STELLANTIS CANCELS ELECTRIC RAM 1500 REV https://evne.ws/4nftZCk
NISSAN MICRA LIVE EVENT SHOWCASES NEW SUPERMINI EV https://evne.ws/42g5jS7
GM REAFFIRMS EV-ONLY FUTURE, SLOWS TRANSITION https://evne.ws/42g5jS7
AMAZON TESTS GM BRIGHTDROP DELIVERY VANS https://evne.ws/42xweZr
VOLVO CEO EXPECTS OTHER BRANDS TO FAIL https://evne.ws/46JM199
CHINA AUTO INDUSTRY THREAT TO GLOBAL MARKET https://evne.ws/3K1F6QR
HYUNDAI-LG GEORGIA BATTERY PLANT STARTUP DELAY https://evne.ws/42qMDif
SCOUT CEO ARGUES FOR DIRECT SALES STRATEGY https://evne.ws/3K1vNjS
MAINE DISTRICTS FACE ELECTRIC SCHOOL BUS SERVICE ISSUES https://evne.ws/46kbFAN
GLOBAL EV SALES RISE AUGUST 2025
Global electric vehicle sales reached 1.7 million in August, marking a 5% rise from July and 15% year-on-year, with BEVs and PHEVs contributing to a strong year-to-date total of 12.5 million—25% higher than 2024. Europe led growth, North America hit a record as buyers rushed to secure tax credits, and China saw robust, if moderating, expansion, while BYD cut its sales target but expects significant overseas volume.
FORD'S FOCUS-SIZED RECOVERY PLAN
Ford will launch a new mid-sized crossover in 2027, built in Valencia, Spain, reflecting a shift toward affordable EVs following Fiesta and Focus factory closures. The model will compete directly with the likes of Tiguan and Sportage at a mid-£30,000 price point—aiming to recover relevance with lower emissions and competitive pricing without expecting past market share highs.
EUROPEAN AUTOMAKERS SEEK 2035 FLEXIBILITY
European automotive leaders are calling for flexibility in the EU’s 2035 ban on petrol and diesel cars, citing tougher global supply chains and increased reliance on Chinese battery suppliers. Automakers advocate for hybrids and transitional support beyond 2035, while member states like Italy and France push for exceptions, highlighting the division over the full fossil fuel phase-out deadline.
TOYOTA BUILDS EV SUVS IN KENTUCKY
Toyota will begin producing its first electric vehicles in the U.S. next year, including two three-row SUVs at its Georgetown, Kentucky site, part of a $1.3 billion investment focused on domestic EV growth. The move aims to serve rising American demand, add jobs, and advance Toyota toward carbon neutrality by 2050, while balancing hybrids, plug-ins, and full EVs.
STELLANTIS CANCELS ELECTRIC RAM 1500 REV
Ram has scrapped its planned all-electric 1500 REV pickup in favor of a plug-in hybrid model, citing weak demand for battery-only trucks and financial constraints at Stellantis. The new Ram REV, featuring a gasoline generator with over 690 miles of range, appeals to users needing greater towing and long-distance capability, while Stellantis refocuses on hybrids and profitable platforms.
NISSAN MICRA LIVE EVENT SHOWCASES NEW SUPERMINI EV
Nissan unveiled its fully electric sixth-generation MICRA in Rotterdam, built on the dedicated AmpR platform, offering two battery sizes, 198–260 miles WLTP range, and advanced handling and tech features. Starting at £21,495 in the UK with government support, deliveries begin January 2026 as MICRA leads Nissan’s European EV lineup expansion.
GM REAFFIRMS EV-ONLY FUTURE, SLOWS TRANSITION
GM CEO Mary Barra reaffirmed the company's long-term goal of going all-electric by 2035, positioning it as a strategic "North Star". However, she acknowledged that the full transition may take decades due to industry complexity and evolving market and regulatory challenges.
AMAZON TESTS GM BRIGHTDROP DELIVERY VANS
Amazon has started testing GM’s BrightDrop electric vans alongside its existing Rivian fleet, part of its strategy to deploy 100,000 electric delivery vehicles by 2030. The pilot comes as GM faces production slowdowns, offering a chance to boost BrightDrop’s visibility and demand while Amazon diversifies its supplier base.
VOLVO CEO EXPECTS OTHER BRANDS TO FAIL
Volvo recently rehired former CEO Håkan Samuelsson, who affirmed the inevitability of electrification and predicted only a few Chinese brands will dominate globally in the next decade. He expects legacy automakers will struggle, with survival dependent on agility and partnership with advanced firms like Geely, as newcomers like Tesla and BYD reshape the market.
CHINA AUTO INDUSTRY THREAT TO GLOBAL MARKET
Industry experts at the Detroit Automotive News Congress warned that U.S. automakers are underestimating the competitive threat posed by Chinese brands, whose EV market share in China surged to 50%. Fierce home competition is fueling aggressive export plans, targeting Europe, Mexico, and North America, with cost and technology advantages challenging established automakers.
HYUNDAI-LG GEORGIA BATTERY PLANT STARTUP DELAY
Hyundai and LG’s Georgia battery plant faces a two- to three-month startup delay after a major U.S. immigration raid detained hundreds of workers, most employed by LG suppliers. Hyundai will offset production impact by sourcing batteries from other facilities while both governments negotiate skilled labor solutions for future projects.
SCOUT CEO ARGUES FOR DIRECT SALES STRATEGY
Scout Motors CEO Scott Keogh stated the company will pursue direct sales, comparing traditional dealer model unfavorably to buying directly from Apple and advocating for a seamless brand experience. He dismissed dealers as a distraction, reinforcing direct-to-consumer as the company's strategic retail approach.
MAINE DISTRICTS FACE ELECTRIC SCHOOL BUS SERVICE ISSUES
Maine school districts have seen electric buses sidelined due to unresolved service issues, with manufacturer Lion Electric’s bankruptcy halting repairs and parts, leaving districts stuck with non-functional vehicles under federal grant terms. The state faces mounting frustration, a federal lawsuit against Lion, and reliance on emergency replacement options while the EPA oversees the troubled program.
Patreon supporters fund this show, get the episodes ad free, as soon as they're ready and are part of the EV News Daily Community. You can be like them by clicking here: https://www.patreon.com/EVNewsDaily
GLOBAL EV SALES RISE AUGUST 2025 https://evne.ws/4gpyec9
FORD'S FOCUS-SIZED RECOVERY PLAN https://evne.ws/4meLq4M
EUROPEAN AUTOMAKERS SEEK 2035 FLEXIBILITY https://evne.ws/3Vi2snC
TOYOTA BUILDS EV SUVS IN KENTUCKY https://evne.ws/4nvokI6
STELLANTIS CANCELS ELECTRIC RAM 1500 REV https://evne.ws/4nftZCk
NISSAN MICRA LIVE EVENT SHOWCASES NEW SUPERMINI EV https://evne.ws/42g5jS7
GM REAFFIRMS EV-ONLY FUTURE, SLOWS TRANSITION https://evne.ws/42g5jS7
AMAZON TESTS GM BRIGHTDROP DELIVERY VANS https://evne.ws/42xweZr
VOLVO CEO EXPECTS OTHER BRANDS TO FAIL https://evne.ws/46JM199
CHINA AUTO INDUSTRY THREAT TO GLOBAL MARKET https://evne.ws/3K1F6QR
HYUNDAI-LG GEORGIA BATTERY PLANT STARTUP DELAY https://evne.ws/42qMDif
SCOUT CEO ARGUES FOR DIRECT SALES STRATEGY https://evne.ws/3K1vNjS
MAINE DISTRICTS FACE ELECTRIC SCHOOL BUS SERVICE ISSUES https://evne.ws/46kbFAN
GLOBAL EV SALES RISE AUGUST 2025
Global electric vehicle sales reached 1.7 million in August, marking a 5% rise from July and 15% year-on-year, with BEVs and PHEVs contributing to a strong year-to-date total of 12.5 million—25% higher than 2024. Europe led growth, North America hit a record as buyers rushed to secure tax credits, and China saw robust, if moderating, expansion, while BYD cut its sales target but expects significant overseas volume.
FORD'S FOCUS-SIZED RECOVERY PLAN
Ford will launch a new mid-sized crossover in 2027, built in Valencia, Spain, reflecting a shift toward affordable EVs following Fiesta and Focus factory closures. The model will compete directly with the likes of Tiguan and Sportage at a mid-£30,000 price point—aiming to recover relevance with lower emissions and competitive pricing without expecting past market share highs.
EUROPEAN AUTOMAKERS SEEK 2035 FLEXIBILITY
European automotive leaders are calling for flexibility in the EU’s 2035 ban on petrol and diesel cars, citing tougher global supply chains and increased reliance on Chinese battery suppliers. Automakers advocate for hybrids and transitional support beyond 2035, while member states like Italy and France push for exceptions, highlighting the division over the full fossil fuel phase-out deadline.
TOYOTA BUILDS EV SUVS IN KENTUCKY
Toyota will begin producing its first electric vehicles in the U.S. next year, including two three-row SUVs at its Georgetown, Kentucky site, part of a $1.3 billion investment focused on domestic EV growth. The move aims to serve rising American demand, add jobs, and advance Toyota toward carbon neutrality by 2050, while balancing hybrids, plug-ins, and full EVs.
STELLANTIS CANCELS ELECTRIC RAM 1500 REV
Ram has scrapped its planned all-electric 1500 REV pickup in favor of a plug-in hybrid model, citing weak demand for battery-only trucks and financial constraints at Stellantis. The new Ram REV, featuring a gasoline generator with over 690 miles of range, appeals to users needing greater towing and long-distance capability, while Stellantis refocuses on hybrids and profitable platforms.
NISSAN MICRA LIVE EVENT SHOWCASES NEW SUPERMINI EV
Nissan unveiled its fully electric sixth-generation MICRA in Rotterdam, built on the dedicated AmpR platform, offering two battery sizes, 198–260 miles WLTP range, and advanced handling and tech features. Starting at £21,495 in the UK with government support, deliveries begin January 2026 as MICRA leads Nissan’s European EV lineup expansion.
GM REAFFIRMS EV-ONLY FUTURE, SLOWS TRANSITION
GM CEO Mary Barra reaffirmed the company's long-term goal of going all-electric by 2035, positioning it as a strategic "North Star". However, she acknowledged that the full transition may take decades due to industry complexity and evolving market and regulatory challenges.
AMAZON TESTS GM BRIGHTDROP DELIVERY VANS
Amazon has started testing GM’s BrightDrop electric vans alongside its existing Rivian fleet, part of its strategy to deploy 100,000 electric delivery vehicles by 2030. The pilot comes as GM faces production slowdowns, offering a chance to boost BrightDrop’s visibility and demand while Amazon diversifies its supplier base.
VOLVO CEO EXPECTS OTHER BRANDS TO FAIL
Volvo recently rehired former CEO Håkan Samuelsson, who affirmed the inevitability of electrification and predicted only a few Chinese brands will dominate globally in the next decade. He expects legacy automakers will struggle, with survival dependent on agility and partnership with advanced firms like Geely, as newcomers like Tesla and BYD reshape the market.
CHINA AUTO INDUSTRY THREAT TO GLOBAL MARKET
Industry experts at the Detroit Automotive News Congress warned that U.S. automakers are underestimating the competitive threat posed by Chinese brands, whose EV market share in China surged to 50%. Fierce home competition is fueling aggressive export plans, targeting Europe, Mexico, and North America, with cost and technology advantages challenging established automakers.
HYUNDAI-LG GEORGIA BATTERY PLANT STARTUP DELAY
Hyundai and LG’s Georgia battery plant faces a two- to three-month startup delay after a major U.S. immigration raid detained hundreds of workers, most employed by LG suppliers. Hyundai will offset production impact by sourcing batteries from other facilities while both governments negotiate skilled labor solutions for future projects.
SCOUT CEO ARGUES FOR DIRECT SALES STRATEGY
Scout Motors CEO Scott Keogh stated the company will pursue direct sales, comparing traditional dealer model unfavorably to buying directly from Apple and advocating for a seamless brand experience. He dismissed dealers as a distraction, reinforcing direct-to-consumer as the company's strategic retail approach.
MAINE DISTRICTS FACE ELECTRIC SCHOOL BUS SERVICE ISSUES
Maine school districts have seen electric buses sidelined due to unresolved service issues, with manufacturer Lion Electric’s bankruptcy halting repairs and parts, leaving districts stuck with non-functional vehicles under federal grant terms. The state faces mounting frustration, a federal lawsuit against Lion, and reliance on emergency replacement options while the EPA oversees the troubled program.
0:00
4:16