BRIEFLY: BMW, Cold Testing, Electrify America & more | 30 Jan 2026
About this episode
The episode dives into the latest developments in the EV sector, highlighting BMW's cold weather testing and the impressive performance of the Lucid Air in extreme conditions. Electrify America is adapting to dual charging standards, prioritizing user amenities over peak charging speeds. Ford faces ongoing challenges with its EV strategy amid scrutiny over its Michigan factory, while GM criticizes Canada's tariff changes. The episode also touches on new charging infrastructure in Australia and the latest on Tesla's Roadster. Insights into consumer preferences and market shifts make this a compelling listen.
It's EV News Briefly for Friday 30 January 2026, everything you need to know in less than 5 minutes if you haven't got time for the full show.
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BMW TWEAKS INVERTERS FOR EXTRA RANGE https://bit.ly/3NM5wIf
COLD HURTS EVERY POWERTRAIN, NOT JUST EV BATTERIES https://bit.ly/3NMVu9F
ELECTRIFY AMERICA ADDS TESLA PLUGS, BACKS BOTH STANDARDS https://bit.ly/4bsWr0S
AMENITIES NOW TRUMP KILOWATTS FOR UK EV DRIVERS https://bit.ly/4tgcNQT
EV DRIVERS TURN CHARGERS INTO RETAIL GOLDMINE https://bit.ly/4t8VMIa
FORD’S CHINA BATTERY GAMBIT FACES WASHINGTON HEAT https://bit.ly/3ZDWj7l
GM TURNS ON OTTAWA OVER CHINA EV TARIFF DEAL https://bit.ly/49PG6Cb
400KW CHARGERS RAISE THE BAR IN AUSTRALIA https://bit.ly/4aofAzS
BYD TOPPLES MITSUBISHI IN AUSTRALIA'S PHEV MARKET https://bit.ly/3LXgutS
TECH JOURNALIST MKBHD SAYS TESLA ROADSTER IS ‘COOKED’ https://bit.ly/467zSLu
SLATE AUTO BETS BIG ON FACTORY BEFORE FIRST TRUCK https://bit.ly/46crKJD
battery range
"More range for the same battery."
Battery range is how far an electric car can go before it needs to be charged again. It's important for planning longer trips.
Battery range refers to the distance an electric vehicle can travel on a single charge of its battery. It is a critical factor for EV owners as it determines how far they can drive before needing to recharge.
Mini Countryman
"... battery. They did the similar thing with a mini countryman. Of course, they gave it a slightly bigger batte..."
The Mini Countryman is a small SUV that looks like a bigger version of the regular Mini car. It's popular because it has more space for people and stuff, making it a good option for families or anyone who needs a bit more room.
The Mini Countryman is a compact crossover that combines the iconic Mini styling with added space and versatility. It is significant for appealing to those who want a Mini but need more room for passengers and cargo, making it a practical choice for families.
electric vehicle (EV)
"Cold hurts every powertrain and every EV."
An electric vehicle, or EV, is a car that runs on electricity instead of gasoline. They are better for the environment and can save money on fuel.
An electric vehicle (EV) is a car that is powered entirely or partially by electricity, using electric motors instead of traditional internal combustion engines. EVs are known for being more environmentally friendly and often have lower operating costs.
Lucid Air
"...enheit. But if you did, you would want to take a lucid air, because that's the one that went the furthest o..."
The Lucid Air is a fancy electric car that can drive a long way without needing to be charged. It's designed to be really comfortable and has a lot of cool technology inside, making it a top choice for people who want a luxury electric vehicle.
The Lucid Air is a luxury electric sedan that emphasizes range, performance, and advanced technology. It has gained attention for its long driving range on a single charge and high-end features, positioning it as a competitor to established luxury brands in the electric vehicle market.
MGS6
"...was a Chinese one. That'll be the MGS6. Electrify America is adding more Tesla plugs..."
The MGS6 is a car made by a Chinese company called MGS. It's an electric vehicle that is recognized for how well it meets its expected driving range.
The MGS6 is a model from the Chinese automotive manufacturer MGS, known for its electric vehicles. It is noted for its efficiency in terms of promised mileage versus actual performance.
Electrify America
"...Electrify America is adding more Tesla plugs and backing both standards. Now, we're going to go through a period of adapt to hell in America..."
Electrify America is a company that builds charging stations for electric cars. They help people charge their electric vehicles easily while traveling.
Electrify America is a subsidiary of Volkswagen Group of America, focused on building a network of electric vehicle charging stations across the United States. They aim to support the growing electric vehicle market by providing accessible charging solutions.
dual route system
"...going down the dual route system, which does mean you haven't got to have as many adapters floating around in your cars."
A dual route system means that charging stations can work with more than one type of plug for electric cars. This makes it easier for drivers because they won't need extra adapters to charge their vehicles.
A dual route system refers to the implementation of multiple charging standards for electric vehicles, allowing compatibility with different types of charging plugs. This helps reduce the need for adapters and enhances accessibility for EV users.
Lotus
"That's Shanghai built Teslas and Lotuses for all those poll stars, as well as Chinese brands, of course, they all count."
Lotus is a brand that makes sports cars, which are designed to be fast and fun to drive. They focus on making their cars lightweight and agile.
Lotus is a British car manufacturer known for producing lightweight sports cars and performance vehicles.
kilowatt
"400 kilowatt charges arriving in Australia now, the first 400 charges down under."
A kilowatt is a way to measure how much power something uses or produces. In electric cars, it helps indicate how quickly a charger can charge the car's battery.
A kilowatt is a unit of power equal to 1,000 watts, often used to measure the power output of electric vehicle chargers.
fast charger
"400 kilowatt charges arriving in Australia now, the first 400 charges down under."
Fast chargers are special stations that can charge electric cars much faster than regular chargers. This means you can get back on the road more quickly.
Fast chargers are electric vehicle charging stations that provide a higher power output, allowing for quicker charging times compared to standard chargers.
Dodge Charger
"...of miles anymore, but 350s to find a 400 kilowatt charger is pretty rare."
The Dodge Charger is a big car that looks sporty and can go really fast. People like it because it has a powerful engine and is fun to drive, especially for those who enjoy cars that feel exciting.
The Dodge Charger is a full-size sedan known for its powerful engine options and muscular design. It has a significant place in American automotive culture, often associated with performance and a sporty driving experience, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts.
e-rev
"Talking of Australia, the BYD Shark 6 is that plug-in hybrid slash e-rev, truck, big battery, plug socket on the side, has got an engine that is a generator, can drive the wheels at high speed."
An e-rev is a car that usually runs on electricity but has a gas engine that helps it go further when the battery runs out. It gives you more driving options.
An e-rev, or extended-range electric vehicle, is a type of plug-in hybrid that primarily runs on electricity but has a gasoline engine that can generate power to extend the driving range when the battery is depleted.
plug-in hybrid
"Talking of Australia, the BYD Shark 6 is that plug-in hybrid slash e-rev, truck, big battery, plug socket on the side, has got an engine that is a generator, can drive the wheels at high speed."
A plug-in hybrid is a car that can use electricity from a plug to charge its battery and also has a gas engine. This means it can drive using just electricity or use gas when needed.
A plug-in hybrid is a vehicle that can be charged from an external power source and can run on both electricity and gasoline. This allows for greater flexibility in driving range and fuel efficiency.
BYD Shark 6
"Talking of Australia, the BYD Shark 6 is that plug-in hybrid slash e-rev, truck, big battery, plug socket on the side, has got an engine that is a generator, can drive the wheels at high speed."
The BYD Shark 6 is a type of car that uses both electricity and gasoline. It can run on electric power and has a gas engine that helps charge the battery when needed.
The BYD Shark 6 is a plug-in hybrid vehicle that combines electric power with a gasoline engine that acts as a generator. It's designed for efficiency and utility, making it suitable for various driving needs.
payload
"So otherwise it's mostly an electric truck, decent payload, decent towing. It's now become Australia's best selling plug-in hybrid vehicle."
Payload is how much weight a truck can carry, including people and stuff. It's important for knowing how much you can load in the truck.
Payload refers to the maximum weight that a vehicle can carry, including passengers and cargo. It's an important specification for trucks and commercial vehicles.
towing
"So otherwise it's mostly an electric truck, decent payload, decent towing. It's now become Australia's best selling plug-in hybrid vehicle."
Towing is when a vehicle pulls something heavy, like a trailer or another car. It's an important feature for trucks that need to carry extra loads.
Towing refers to the ability of a vehicle to pull a trailer or another vehicle. It's a key feature for trucks and SUVs, indicating how much weight they can safely tow.
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