BRIEFLY: BMW, Volvo, Micro EVs & more | 22 Jan 2026
About this episode
BMW is advancing its US EV factory plans despite delays in battery production, while Volvo prepares for a massive over-the-air update for 2.5 million vehicles, enhancing older models with new tech. The European Union's small EV initiative garners mixed reactions from automakers due to local content rules. Hyundai launches the N version of the Arnex 6, and Kia responds to competitive pricing pressures by reducing EV prices. Additionally, Scotland invests significantly in EV charging infrastructure, and Rivian offers alternatives for fleet buyers after Ford's F-150 Lightning cancellation.
It's EV News Briefly for Thursday 22 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 PRESSES AHEAD WITH US EV BUILD PLANS https://evne.ws/4a0tFCd
VOLVO TO REBOOT 2.5M CARS OVER THE AIR https://evne.ws/4a0tFCd
EU SMALL-EV PLAN WINS SUPPORT, BUT RULES WORRY CARMAKERS https://evne.ws/3YWduRt
HYUNDAI IONIQ 6 N CHASES EV THRILL-SEEKERS https://evne.ws/4pXiUq4
KIA SLASHES EV PRICES AS KOREAN PRICE WAR ESCALATES https://evne.ws/49DQsoz
SCOTLAND PUTS £85M INTO EV CHARGING PUSH https://evne.ws/4bRpDOY
EV INTEREST OUTPACES SALES AS MANDATE LOOMS https://evne.ws/4sMq2Zj
IRIZAR LANDS 39-BUS ARRIVA ORDER IN DUTCH BRT PUSH https://evne.ws/4k0m4Iw
RIVIAN MOVES TO FILL FORD F-150 LIGHTNING VOID https://evne.ws/4k0m4Iw
EV factory
"BMW is pressing ahead with its US EV factory plans."
An EV factory is a place where electric cars are made. These factories build the special parts that electric cars need to run.
An EV factory is a manufacturing facility specifically designed to produce electric vehicles. These factories focus on assembling electric drivetrains, battery systems, and other components unique to electric cars.
BMW
"Let's get you up to speed in a jiffy. BMW is pressing ahead with its US EV factory plans."
BMW is a well-known car brand from Germany that makes luxury cars. They are now also making electric cars.
BMW is a German automotive manufacturer known for its luxury vehicles and performance-oriented cars. The company is also focusing on electric vehicles (EVs) as part of its future strategy.
battery cell factory
"...they paused work on a $1.6 billion battery cell factory in South Carolina..."
A battery cell factory makes the small parts that go into the batteries of electric cars. These parts help the cars run and determine how far they can go.
A battery cell factory produces the individual cells that make up battery packs for electric vehicles. These cells are crucial for the performance and range of EVs.
Neuerklasse
"...that was meant to feed BMW's Neuerklasse vehicles. Meanwhile, BMW tooled up Spartanburg to make those vehicles."
Neuerklasse is a new line of electric cars that BMW is creating. It's part of their effort to make more environmentally friendly vehicles.
Neuerklasse is a new generation of electric vehicles being developed by BMW, focusing on sustainability and advanced technology. It represents a significant shift in BMW's approach to vehicle design and production.
BMW IX-5
"So things like the IX-5 coming by the end of the year, IX-7, or will be US made by BMW."
The BMW IX-5 is a new electric SUV that BMW is planning to release soon. It's part of their line of electric cars.
The BMW IX-5 is an upcoming electric SUV from BMW, part of their i series which focuses on electric mobility.
BMW IX-7
"So things like the IX-5 coming by the end of the year, IX-7, or will be US made by BMW."
The BMW IX-7 is a larger electric SUV that BMW is also planning to release. It's designed to be more luxurious than the IX-5.
The BMW IX-7 is another upcoming electric SUV from BMW, expected to be larger and more luxurious than the IX-5.
over-the-air update
"Volvo say they're about to roll out the single biggest over-the-air update history..."
An over-the-air update means that car companies can send software updates to your car through the internet, so you don't have to go to a shop to get them.
An over-the-air update is a method of delivering software updates to vehicles wirelessly, allowing manufacturers to improve features and fix issues without requiring a physical visit to a dealership.
Volvo Xc40 Recharge
"So anything from its 2020 and the XC40 recharge that runs on Android is going to get an update over the air."
The Volvo XC40 Recharge is an electric version of Volvo's XC40 SUV. It's designed to be eco-friendly and has modern technology.
The Volvo XC40 Recharge is an all-electric version of Volvo's popular XC40 compact SUV, featuring advanced technology and sustainability.
Volvo XC40
"...update history So anything from its 2020 and the XC40 recharge that runs on Android is going to get an..."
Volvo EX90
"...the same spec as if you walked in and bought a new 100 grand EX90."
The Volvo EX90 is a new electric SUV that Volvo is introducing, featuring the latest technology and safety features.
The Volvo EX90 is a new electric SUV from Volvo, designed with advanced safety features and cutting-edge technology.
M1E subcategory
"This new M1E subcategory for cars under 4.2 meters is a great idea. There's all sorts of tax benefits you could have with it."
The M1E subcategory is a way to group smaller cars that are less than 4.2 meters long. It can help car makers save money and get tax benefits when they build these smaller vehicles.
The M1E subcategory refers to a classification for passenger cars that are under 4.2 meters in length. This classification can influence regulations and incentives for manufacturers, particularly in terms of taxation and production costs.
Renault
"However, some of the car makers like Renault and Stellantis are just starting to lobby on some of the local content rules."
Renault is a car company from France that makes many types of vehicles, including smaller cars and SUVs. They are well-known in Europe.
Renault is a French automotive manufacturer known for producing a range of vehicles, including small cars, sedans, and SUVs. The brand is significant in the European market and is involved in various collaborations and alliances.
Stellantis
"However, some of the car makers like Renault and Stellantis are just starting to lobby on some of the local content rules."
Stellantis is a large car company that was created by merging two other companies. It owns many different car brands, like Jeep and Peugeot.
Stellantis is a multinational automotive manufacturer formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group. It encompasses a variety of brands, including Jeep, Dodge, Peugeot, and Citroën, among others.
local content rules
"However, some of the car makers like Renault and Stellantis are just starting to lobby on some of the local content rules."
Local content rules are laws that say a certain amount of parts in a product must come from the area where it's made. This can affect how much it costs to build cars.
Local content rules refer to regulations that require a certain percentage of a product's components to be sourced from within a specific region or country. This can impact manufacturing costs and supply chains for car makers.
European parts
"And so you have to make those cars, if it all comes to pass, in the EU with European parts."
European parts are car parts that are made in Europe. Using these parts can help car companies follow local laws and support the economy there.
European parts refer to automotive components that are manufactured within Europe. This can be important for compliance with local regulations and standards, as well as for supporting local economies.
Dacia
"because we've got some Chinese bits in our cheap dachias"
Dacia is a car brand from Romania that makes budget-friendly cars. They focus on keeping costs low while still providing reliable vehicles.
Dacia is a Romanian automotive manufacturer that is a subsidiary of Renault. The brand is known for producing affordable vehicles, often using simpler designs and lower-cost materials to keep prices down.
Hyundai i30 N
"Hyundai have rolled out the N version of the Arnex 6. They've improved the Arnex 5N, that simulated gear shift with the paddles."
The Hyundai i30 N is a sportier version of the regular i30 car, made for people who enjoy driving fast and want a more exciting experience.
The Hyundai i30 N is a high-performance version of the standard i30 hatchback, designed for enthusiasts with features like sportier handling and a more powerful engine.
simulated gear shift
"They've improved the Arnex 5N, that simulated gear shift with the paddles. They've shortened the gear ratios on that."
A simulated gear shift lets you change gears in a car that usually does it automatically, making it feel more like a race car when you drive.
A simulated gear shift allows drivers to manually control gear changes in an automatic transmission, often using paddle shifters, providing a sportier driving experience.
gear ratios
"They've shortened the gear ratios on that. And they've just generally improved."
Gear ratios are like the settings in a car that help it speed up or go faster. Shorter ratios help the car go faster off the line but might not let it go as fast overall.
Gear ratios determine how power is transmitted from the engine to the wheels, affecting acceleration and top speed. Shorter gear ratios provide quicker acceleration but may limit top speed.
N brand
"I mean, the N brand is so interesting. They re-engineer the vehicles."
The N brand is Hyundai's line of cars that are made to be faster and more fun to drive than their regular cars.
The N brand from Hyundai represents their performance-oriented vehicles, designed to offer enhanced driving dynamics and sporty features compared to standard models.
wider stance
"They're physically wider."
A wider stance means the car is built to be wider, which helps it stay steady and balanced when turning or going fast.
A wider stance in vehicles improves stability and handling, particularly during high-speed cornering, making the car feel more planted on the road.
Tesla Model Y
"...though. Tesla started this. They dropped 10 million won off the Model Y. And so that's now 60 million won."
The Tesla Model Y is an electric SUV made by Tesla. It's known for being high-tech and having a long driving range on a single charge.
The Tesla Model Y is a compact electric SUV that offers impressive range and performance. It's part of Tesla's lineup of electric vehicles, known for their cutting-edge technology and features.
BYD Dolphin
"...at the bottom end are coming in with cars like the Dolphin at US$13,000 equivalent."
The BYD Dolphin is a budget-friendly electric car made by BYD, a Chinese company. It's designed to be an affordable option for people looking to drive electric.
The BYD Dolphin is an affordable electric vehicle aimed at the budget-conscious consumer. It represents BYD's efforts to provide economical electric mobility solutions.
Ford F150 Lightning
"...if you wanted to buy a Ford F-150 Lightning for your fleet and Ford has scrapped it, come and buy a Rivian R1-T."
The Ford F-150 Lightning is an electric version of the F-150, a well-known pickup truck. It's designed to be powerful and useful for work or everyday driving, with the added benefit of being environmentally friendly.
The Ford F-150 Lightning is an all-electric version of the popular F-150 pickup truck, designed for both performance and utility. It features advanced technology and a significant electric range, making it suitable for various applications, including fleet use.
Rivian R1T
"if you wanted to buy a Ford F-150 Lightning for your fleet and Ford has scrapped it, come and buy a Rivian R1-T. We've also got the electric delivery van"
The Rivian R1T is a new type of truck that runs on electricity instead of gasoline. It's designed for people who love the outdoors and want a vehicle that’s good for the environment, making it a popular choice among those looking for a modern pickup.
The Rivian R1T is an all-electric pickup truck that has garnered attention for its innovative design and impressive performance capabilities. It is significant as it represents a shift towards electric vehicles in the traditionally gas-powered truck market, appealing to both adventure seekers and environmentally conscious consumers.
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