BRIEFLY: BMW iM3, Bolt Is Back and California Funding
About this episode
BMW is set to launch a quad-motor version of the M3 by 2027, boasting impressive specs like an 800-volt system and a 100 kWh battery, while maintaining a focus on driving experience. The Chevrolet Bolt makes a comeback with a new LFP battery and improved charging capabilities, starting at an attractive price point. California is planning a $200 million initiative to support EV adoption following the loss of federal tax credits. Additionally, insights on battery degradation reveal minimal impact over time, debunking common myths about EV longevity.
It's EV News Briefly for Monday 12 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 READIES QUAD-MOTOR M3 EV FOR 2027 https://evne.ws/4qeQYPA
BOLT RETURNS AS AMERICA’S CHEAPEST EV https://evne.ws/45UfHjY
CALIFORNIA MOVES TO PLUG FEDERAL EV INCENTIVE GAP https://evne.ws/3NJTjDF
DACIA BETS ON TWO MINICARS TO FIX CO2 GAP https://evne.ws/4qKHaga
FAST CHARGING, NOT MILEAGE, HURTS EV BATTERIES MOST https://evne.ws/45UgvFw
LEAPMOTOR USES BRUSSELS LAUNCH TO PRESS EUROPE BET https://evne.ws/459dnp3
MAZDA TAPS CHINESE TECH FOR NEW EUROPEAN EV https://evne.ws/3NkvEd1
MERCEDES OPENS HIGH-SPEED, MIXED-STANDARD CHARGERS IN B.C. https://evne.ws/49kYD97
VOLVO SHRINKS ELECTRIC SEMI FOR CITY STREETS https://evne.ws/3LKDufq
LUCID FORCED INTO SOFTWARE CLIMBDOWN AFTER VIRAL REVIEW https://evne.ws/4jJ4iJF
BMW M3
"BMW is readying a quad-motor version of the M3. albeit covered in camouflage."
The BMW M3 is a fast and sporty car made by BMW. It's designed for performance and is popular among car enthusiasts.
The BMW M3 is a high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series, known for its sporty handling and powerful engines. The upcoming quad-motor version indicates a shift towards electric performance in the M lineup.
800-volt system
"They're talking about M3 grade pace, 800-volt system, a sports car, a track car, full-blooded M car,"
An 800-volt system is a type of electrical system used in some electric cars that allows them to charge faster. It helps the car get power more quickly than regular systems.
An 800-volt system in electric vehicles allows for faster charging and improved efficiency compared to the standard 400-volt systems. This technology helps in reducing charging times significantly.
100 kilowatt-hour battery
"but of course it will have fantastic EV specs, 100 kilowatt-hour battery, and they're not pretending that sound and sensation don't matter."
A 100 kilowatt-hour battery is a large battery used in electric cars. It helps the car go further on a single charge.
A 100 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery is a measure of energy storage capacity in electric vehicles. It indicates how much energy the battery can store, affecting the vehicle's range and performance.
Chevrolet Bolt
"The Chevrolet Bolt is back in American dealers and showrooms right now."
The Chevrolet Bolt is an electric car that is practical and affordable. It's designed for everyday use and is now available again in showrooms.
The Chevrolet Bolt is an all-electric hatchback known for its affordability and practicality. Its return to dealerships indicates Chevrolet's commitment to electric vehicles.
LFP pack
"it's back with a new LFP pack."
An LFP pack is a kind of battery used in electric cars. It's known for being safe and lasting a long time.
An LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) pack is a type of battery used in electric vehicles that offers good thermal stability and safety. It typically has a longer lifespan and is less prone to overheating compared to other lithium-ion batteries.
fast-charging
"The fast-charging is 150 kilowatts, night and day better than the old one. Again, not class-leading."
Fast-charging means you can charge an electric car's battery much faster than usual. This is helpful for drivers who want to spend less time waiting for their car to charge.
Fast-charging refers to a technology that allows electric vehicles (EVs) to recharge their batteries significantly quicker than standard charging methods. This is particularly important for EV users who need to minimize downtime during long trips.
$28,995
"It starts at $28,995. Now, the first version of the LT trim is $29,990."
$28,995 is the starting price for this car. It's important because it shows how much you would need to pay to buy it.
This price point indicates the starting cost for a vehicle, which is important for consumers looking for affordable options in the automotive market. It highlights the vehicle's positioning in the market as a budget-friendly choice.
Nissan Leaf
"That and the Nissan Leaf, America's cheapest electric vehicles. Still not a patch on what I can buy, the 10, 12, 14,000-pound cars."
The Nissan Leaf is a popular electric car that's known for being affordable and practical. It's a good option for people who want to drive an electric vehicle without spending too much money.
The Nissan Leaf is an all-electric vehicle that has been one of the best-selling electric cars worldwide. It is known for its affordability and practicality, making it a popular choice for those entering the electric vehicle market.
Renault Twingo
"...also make a Dacia small version of the Twingo, that's the Renault car, built alongside it..."
The Renault Twingo is a small car designed for city driving. It's easy to park and great for getting around town.
The Renault Twingo is a small city car known for its compact size and practicality. It has been popular in Europe for its maneuverability and efficiency, making it ideal for urban driving.
Nissan microcar
"...that little Twingo, and that little Nissan microcar as well, very similar to it..."
Nissan makes very small cars called microcars. These cars are great for driving in cities because they are easy to handle and park.
Nissan microcars are small, economical vehicles designed for urban environments. They are typically compact and fuel-efficient, catering to drivers looking for practicality and affordability.
Dacia Spring
"... are going to be a much more modern version, the Dacia spring fitting a bit long in the tooth. That spring's m..."
The Dacia Spring Electric Cargo is a small electric van that businesses can use to transport goods around the city. It's important because it helps companies save money on fuel and is better for the environment since it doesn't produce exhaust fumes. People talk about it because it's a newer, more efficient option compared to older vans.
The Dacia Spring Electric Cargo is an all-electric commercial vehicle designed for urban environments, offering practicality and efficiency for businesses. It is significant as it represents an affordable entry into the electric vehicle market, especially for small businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint. The discussion around it often highlights its modern features and how it compares to older models in the Dacia lineup.
degradation to batteries
"What causes degradation to batteries? Well, a new GeoTab, haul of real-world data shows honestly not much."
Degradation to batteries means that over time, batteries lose their ability to hold a charge. This can make electric cars not work as well as they used to.
Battery degradation refers to the loss of battery capacity over time, which can affect the performance and range of electric vehicles (EVs). Factors contributing to degradation include temperature, charging cycles, and age of the battery.
battery degradation
"The average battery degradation was 2.3% per year, so after 20 years, your EV's still going to be very much serviceable, compare that to an engine block in a car..."
Battery degradation is how much less charge a battery can hold as it gets older. For electric cars, this means that even after many years, the battery can still work pretty well.
Battery degradation refers to the reduction in a battery's capacity to hold charge over time, which is a common concern for electric vehicles (EVs). A degradation rate of 2.3% per year means that after 20 years, the battery will still retain a significant portion of its original capacity.
LeapMotor B03X
"LeapMotor used the Brussels Motor Show to unveil some new vehicles like the B03X, a compact city model of the B05..."
The LeapMotor B03X is a small electric car made for city driving. It was shown at a big car show in Brussels, showing how electric cars are becoming more popular.
The LeapMotor B03X is a compact electric vehicle unveiled at the Brussels Motor Show, designed for urban environments. It represents the growing trend of electric vehicles catering to city driving needs.
C-segment coupe
"...that's a C-segment coupe, of course, along with Stellantis."
A C-segment coupe is a type of small car that looks sporty and is fun to drive. It's designed to be efficient while still being stylish, making it a popular choice for many drivers.
A C-segment coupe refers to a classification of cars that are typically compact in size, offering sporty styling and performance characteristics. These vehicles are designed for a balance of efficiency and driving enjoyment, appealing to consumers looking for style and practicality.
Mercedes
"We're getting a pretty good car, and Mercedes is opening high-speed charging in Canada with both the CCS and Nax plugs on the hardware."
Mercedes is a famous car brand known for luxury vehicles. They are working on providing more charging stations for electric cars.
Mercedes-Benz is a well-known luxury automotive brand that is expanding its electric vehicle infrastructure, including high-speed charging stations.
Nax plugs
"Mercedes is opening high-speed charging in Canada with both the CCS and Nax plugs on the hardware."
Nax plugs are another kind of charging connector used for electric cars, similar to CCS but with different specifications.
Nax plugs refer to a type of charging connector for electric vehicles, though specific details about the Nax standard may vary.
CCS
"Mercedes is opening high-speed charging in Canada with both the CCS and Nax plugs on the hardware."
CCS is a type of charging plug used for electric cars, allowing them to charge quickly and efficiently.
CCS stands for Combined Charging System, a standard for charging electric vehicles that allows for both AC and DC charging.
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