BRIEFLY: BMW, Rivian, Walmart & more | 05 Feb 2026
About this episode
BMW kicks off pre-series production of its new i3, featuring an aerodynamic design and a transition to electric at their Munich plant. Rivian reveals its re-engineered R2 SUV, focusing on manufacturing efficiency. Walmart announces the installation of 78 DC fast charging stations across 19 states, enhancing convenience for EV users. Meanwhile, Canada shifts from an EV sales mandate to a significant investment fund to boost EV adoption. The episode also discusses the evolving landscape of used EV prices and the challenges American dealers face with the potential influx of Chinese EVs.
It's EV News Briefly for Thursday 05 February 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 STARTS DRESS REHEARSAL FOR NEUE KLASSE IN MUNICH https://evne.ws/3OcZVe4
RIVIAN STRIPS COSTS FROM R2 WITHOUT STARTING FROM SCRATCH https://evne.ws/46DnCCy
WALMART DOUBLES DOWN ON OWN-BRAND EV CHARGING https://evchargingstations.com/chargingnews/walmart-ev-charging-plans-expand/)
DURACELL BETS ON BRANDING WITH SECOND UK EV SITE https://bit.ly/45JLapg
OTTAWA TO DROP EV SALES MANDATE FOR C$1.5BN FUND https://bit.ly/3ZS9CkE
USED EV SALES SURGE AS PRICES SLIDE ON CINCH https://evne.ws/46Gfz87
DEALERS BACK SECURITY CURBS ON CHINESE CARS https://bit.ly/4r0Bsax
TESLA’S GRIP ON US EVS STARTS TO SLIP https://evne.ws/4rc248w
FLEETS DRIVE ELECTRIC SURGE AS PRIVATE BUYERS STALL https://evne.ws/4racZj9
BMW i3
"...they've called it the i3. Or do we call it the new i3? Anyway, this is noir class of platform..."
The BMW i3 is a small electric car made by BMW. It's designed for city driving and is known for its unique look and eco-friendly materials.
The BMW i3 is an electric vehicle that was designed for urban mobility, featuring a compact design and sustainable materials. It represents BMW's commitment to electric mobility and innovation in the automotive sector.
platform
"...this is noir class of platform, just like all the goodness in the iX3..."
A platform in cars is like the foundation of a house. It's the basic structure that supports different car models and helps them share parts and designs.
In automotive terms, a 'platform' refers to the underlying structure and components of a vehicle that can be shared across different models. This can include the chassis, suspension, and other key elements that define a vehicle's design and engineering.
BMW iX3
"...just like all the goodness in the iX3, but possibly going even further..."
The BMW iX3 is an electric SUV from BMW. It offers the space and comfort of a regular SUV but runs on electricity instead of gasoline.
The BMW iX3 is an all-electric version of the BMW X3, combining the practicality of an SUV with electric power. It showcases BMW's transition towards electric mobility while maintaining the brand's performance standards.
DC fast charging
"which makes DC fast charging extremely convenient while you pop in and grab some supplies."
DC fast charging is a way to quickly charge electric cars using special equipment. It fills up the car's battery much faster than regular charging methods.
DC fast charging refers to a type of electric vehicle charging that uses direct current (DC) to charge the vehicle's battery quickly. This method is significantly faster than standard AC charging, allowing for rapid recharging of electric vehicles.
kilowatt
"which are 300 kilowatt charges serving two cars each."
A kilowatt is a measure of power. When charging electric cars, it tells you how fast the electricity is being supplied to the battery.
A kilowatt (kW) is a unit of power equal to 1,000 watts. In the context of electric vehicle charging, it indicates the rate at which energy is delivered to the vehicle's battery.
Alpetronic
"firstly it's the Alpetronic hardware, which is just about the best stuff they can get,"
Alpetronic is a company that makes charging stations for electric cars. They are known for making very good and reliable charging equipment.
Alpetronic is a company that specializes in providing high-quality charging solutions for electric vehicles. Their hardware is known for its reliability and efficiency in charging electric cars.
electric vehicles
"Monthly payments for electric vehicles on platforms like the Marketplace Cinch. They say today that they are edging so close now to the combustion equivalent to pretty much a price parity."
Electric vehicles are cars that run on electricity instead of gasoline. They are usually better for the environment and can save you money on fuel costs.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are cars that are powered entirely or partially by electricity, using electric motors instead of internal combustion engines. They are known for being more environmentally friendly and often have lower operating costs compared to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.
combustion engine
"They say today that they are edging so close now to the combustion equivalent to pretty much a price parity. But of course EVs much cheaper to run if you charge them..."
A combustion engine is a type of engine that makes cars go by burning fuel like gasoline. It's the most common type of engine in cars before electric ones became popular.
A combustion engine is an engine that generates power by burning fuel, such as gasoline or diesel. This type of engine is commonly found in traditional vehicles and is contrasted with electric motors used in electric vehicles.
price parity
"They say today that they are edging so close now to the combustion equivalent to pretty much a price parity. But of course EVs much cheaper to run if you charge them..."
Price parity means that electric cars cost about the same as regular gas cars. When this happens, more people might choose to buy electric cars.
Price parity refers to the point at which the cost of electric vehicles is comparable to that of traditional combustion engine vehicles. This is significant as it can influence consumer decisions and the adoption of EVs.
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