BRIEFLY: BYD Ramps In UK, New York City Charging and World Car Finalists | 07 Jan 2026
About this episode
BYD sees a significant boost in UK sales, particularly with plug-in hybrids, while Volvo experiences contrasting fortunes in the US and Europe. New York City is set to unveil its largest public EV charging site near JFK Airport. The World Car Awards have announced their finalists, predominantly featuring electric models. Additionally, Dongfeng is considering manufacturing in Turkey to bypass EU tariffs, and Arnold Clark Charge expands its ultra-rapid EV network in Scotland. The Brussels auto show is approaching, showcasing a strong interest from both European and Asian manufacturers.
It's EV News Briefly for Wednesday 07 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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VOLVO BUCKS TREND WITH MORE EVS SOLD IN U.S. https://evne.ws/4pxuvMB
BYD ENDS 2025 WITH SURGE IN UK SALES https://evne.ws/452znBV
NEW YORK CITY’S BIGGEST EV-CHARGING HUB IS COMING TO JFK https://evne.ws/3YrvB1p
WORLD CAR AWARDS NAMES 2026 FINALISTS https://evne.ws/3Z3I4IG
DONGFENG WEIGHS VEHICLE PRODUCTION IN TURKEY https://evne.ws/4qH8FqP
ARNOLD CLARK CHARGE: SCOTLAND’S ULTRA-RAPID UPSTART https://evne.ws/4qHwD5l
BRUSSELS SHOW AIMS TO OVERTAKE PARIS https://evne.ws/49cGH0n
CATERHAM LAYS PLANS FOR ELECTRIC FUTURE https://evne.ws/4qGUVfA
LUCID TO SHIFT BATTERY SUPPLY TO THE US https://evne.ws/4pznRFF
US LAWMAKER TARGETS ELECTRIC DOOR HANDLES https://evne.ws/4sLj3jk
Volvo
"Volvo cars is bucking the trend by doing really well in the US and not so well in Europe."
Volvo is a car brand from Sweden that makes vehicles known for being safe and environmentally friendly. They are also working on electric cars.
Volvo is a Swedish automotive manufacturer known for its focus on safety and innovation. The brand has a strong presence in the electric vehicle market and is recognized for its commitment to sustainability.
BYD
"But in the US, they were surging by 91%. BYD ended the year 2025 with a sharp jump in UK sales. Particularly strong with plug-in hybrids."
BYD is a car company from China that makes electric cars and batteries. They are becoming popular around the world for their eco-friendly vehicles.
BYD is a Chinese automotive manufacturer known for producing electric vehicles and batteries. The company has gained significant traction in the global market, particularly with its electric and plug-in hybrid models.
plug-in hybrid
"Particularly strong with plug-in hybrids. UK buyers giving BYD the seal of approval. Sorry about that. The Seal UDMI is a plug-in hybrid SUV."
A plug-in hybrid is a car that can use both electricity and gasoline. You can charge it like an electric car, but it also has a regular engine for longer trips.
A plug-in hybrid is a type of vehicle that combines a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric motor and a rechargeable battery. This allows the car to be driven on electric power alone for a certain distance before switching to gasoline.
Seal UDMI
"Sorry about that. The Seal UDMI is a plug-in hybrid SUV central to their performance."
The Seal UDMI is a type of SUV made by BYD that can run on electricity and gasoline. It's designed to be efficient and perform well.
The BYD Seal UDMI is a plug-in hybrid SUV that offers a combination of electric and gasoline power, designed for efficiency and performance.
ultra rapid EV network
"So they are now Scotland's largest ultra rapid EV network. They've got 50 hubs at their branches across the country..."
An ultra rapid EV network is a system of charging stations for electric cars that can charge the vehicle's battery very quickly. This means you can get back on the road faster compared to regular charging stations.
An ultra rapid EV network refers to a charging infrastructure that provides very fast charging capabilities for electric vehicles (EVs), typically offering charging rates of 150 kilowatts or more. This allows EVs to recharge significantly faster than standard charging stations, making long-distance travel more feasible for electric vehicle owners.
kilowatt hour
"Costs 55 pence per kilowatt hour to charge there which does sound expensive to some of my international listeners..."
A kilowatt hour is a way to measure electricity usage. When you charge an electric car, the amount of energy you use is measured in kilowatt hours, which helps determine how much you pay for charging.
A kilowatt hour (kWh) is a unit of energy that measures how much electricity is used over time. In the context of electric vehicles, it indicates how much energy is consumed to charge the vehicle's battery. The cost of charging is often expressed in pence or dollars per kilowatt hour.
Tesla Superchargers
"Could be a bit like Tesla Superchargers..."
Tesla Superchargers are special charging stations for Tesla cars that allow you to charge the battery very quickly. This makes it easier for Tesla drivers to travel long distances without waiting too long to recharge.
Tesla Superchargers are a network of fast-charging stations specifically designed for Tesla electric vehicles. They provide high-speed charging, allowing Tesla owners to recharge their vehicles quickly during long trips, significantly reducing downtime compared to standard charging stations.
Kia EV2
"Kia will be a big launch in two days time by the way. The EV2 will be launched on Friday. That's gonna be a small 25,000 or so crossover style SUV."
The Kia EV2 is a new electric car that Kia is introducing. It's a small SUV that will be available soon, which is great for people who want an electric vehicle that's easy to drive and park.
The Kia EV2 is an upcoming electric vehicle that will be launched at the Brussels auto show. It is expected to be a small crossover SUV, appealing to consumers looking for compact electric options.
Renault 4
"...but right up against the Renault Fours, Renault Fives of the world."
The Renault 4 is an older model of a small car made by Renault. It's known for being practical and was popular in many countries for its simple design and usefulness.
The Renault 4, also known as the Renault 4L, is a classic compact car that was produced from 1961 to 1992. It is known for its practicality and versatility, often considered a predecessor to modern hatchbacks.
Renault 5
"...Renault Fours, Renault Fives of the world. Made in Slovakia, designed in Europe."
The Renault 5 is another small car from Renault that was made a long time ago. It was well-liked for being affordable and easy to drive around the city.
The Renault 5 is a supermini car produced by Renault from 1972 to 1985. It is known for its distinctive design and was popular in Europe as a compact and economical vehicle.
Caterham
"Caterham is a famous name in track day stuff and they're gonna bring their new electric car to the United States."
Caterham is a car company from the UK that makes small, lightweight sports cars, often used for racing or fun driving on tracks.
Caterham is a British manufacturer known for its lightweight sports cars, particularly the Caterham Seven, which is popular for track days and driving enthusiasts.
weight distribution
"...they're gonna try and mimic the front and rear weight distribution. Not use a skateboard design to get the driver really low."
Weight distribution is how the weight of a car is balanced between the front and back. It affects how well the car handles and drives, especially during turns.
Weight distribution refers to how the weight of a vehicle is spread across its axles. Proper weight distribution is crucial for handling and stability, especially in performance cars.
skateboard design
"...Not use a skateboard design to get the driver really low."
Skateboard design is a way to build electric cars where the battery and motors are placed in a flat base, which helps keep the car low to the ground for better handling.
Skateboard design refers to a vehicle architecture where the battery and drivetrain are integrated into a flat platform, allowing for a low center of gravity and flexible body designs, commonly used in electric vehicles.
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