BRIEFLY: Ford, BYD, BMW & more | 13 Feb 2026
About this episode
Ford partners with Renault to develop two small electric cars for Europe by 2028, aiming to cut costs after significant losses. BYD plans to introduce small plug-in hybrids to Europe's underserved market with their ATO2 model. BMW and EON launch Germany's first vehicle-to-grid program for private customers using the iX3, offering financial incentives. Kia's all-electric PV5 van wins Korea's international van of the year, with a new camper conversion from a U.S. startup. Rivian addresses safety concerns about manual door latches on its R2 vehicles amid evolving regulations. EV charging in Kenya has tripled, showing global EV adoption growth.
It's EV News Briefly for Friday 13 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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FORD TURNS TO RENAULT TO CUT EUROPE EV COSTS https://evne.ws/4rWmrX8
FORD’S EV LOSSES WIDEN AS SALES SLIP https://evne.ws/3ZI8wIs
BYD TAKES AIM AT EUROPE’S TINY PHEV SMALL-SUV NICHE https://evne.ws/4tI0Tzl
BMW AND E.ON LAUNCH V2G FOR PRIVATE DRIVERS https://evne.ws/3ONylUV
KIA PV5 GETS QUICK-FIT CAMPER KIT https://evne.ws/3ZDVMCB
RIVIAN TO SHIP OS 2.0 WITH R2 https://evne.ws/40efqFl
TENNESSEE PUBLIC CHARGING TAX BILL STALLS https://evne.ws/4rVxtfp
HOUSE PANEL ADVANCES BILL ON MANUAL DOOR RELEASES https://evne.ws/4rhxQku
HYPERVOLT PITCHES EV CHARGING AS A SOFTWARE GAME https://evne.ws/4kIpdNv
KENYA EV CHARGING LOAD JUMPS 188% IN 2025 https://evne.ws/4tDw92B
Ford Explorer
"...rhaging money. They've been making the Puma Gen E Explorer and Capri in Europe in a deal with Volkswagen"
The Ford Explorer is a big car that many families use because it has lots of space and can do many things. In Europe, Ford works with another car company called Volkswagen to make some of their cars together, which helps them build better cars more easily.
The Ford Explorer is a popular midsize SUV known for its versatility and family-friendly features. In Europe, Ford has been collaborating with Volkswagen to produce models like the Puma, Gen E Explorer, and Capri, leveraging shared platforms and technology to optimize production and market reach.
Ford Puma
"They've been making the Puma Gen E Explorer and Capri in Europe in a deal with Volkswagen"
The Ford Puma is a small SUV made by Ford. They are making electric versions of it for Europe.
The Ford Puma is a small crossover SUV produced by Ford, known for its sporty styling and compact size. The mention here refers to an electric version or generation related to Ford's EV efforts in Europe.
Ford Capri
"They've been making the Puma Gen E Explorer and Capri in Europe in a deal with Volkswagen"
Ford makes a small electric car called the Capri in Europe, working with Volkswagen to build it.
The Ford Capri is a historic model name revived for a small electric car in Europe, produced in partnership with Volkswagen. It is part of Ford's strategy to expand its electric vehicle lineup in Europe.
Volkswagen ID 4
"Think of it as the Volkswagen ID 495, if you like, in Ford clothing."
The Volkswagen ID 4 is a fully electric SUV made by Volkswagen. The Ford electric car mentioned is compared to it because they share similar design or technology.
The Volkswagen ID 4 is an all-electric compact SUV from Volkswagen, part of their ID series of electric vehicles. It is referenced here as a comparison to a Ford electric vehicle styled similarly.
Universal EV platform
"However, going forward in the United States, they'll be rolling out to the Universal EV platform,"
A Universal EV platform is like a basic design that many electric cars can be built on. Ford will use this to make new electric cars in the US more easily and cheaply.
A Universal EV platform is a standardized electric vehicle architecture that automakers use to build multiple electric models efficiently. Ford plans to roll out vehicles based on this platform in the United States to streamline production and reduce costs.
Ford Maverick
""the first going to be a mid-sized truck. Call it the Maverick, if you will.""
The Ford Maverick is a smaller pickup truck that you can use for carrying stuff or driving around town. It has a special engine that can save gas.
The Ford Maverick is a compact/mid-sized pickup truck primarily sold in North America, known for its unibody construction and hybrid powertrain options.
Renault
""Whereas in Europe, we'll get Renault's rebadged as Fords.""
Renault is a company from France that makes cars and trucks.
Renault is a French automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of passenger cars and commercial vehicles, often collaborating with other brands.
plug-in hybrid
""Of the 2.24 million small SUVs sold in Europe last year, three and a half thousand had a plug-in hybrid power trade.""
A plug-in hybrid is a car that can run on both gas and electricity. You can charge its battery by plugging it in, so it can drive some distance using only electricity.
A plug-in hybrid is a vehicle that combines an internal combustion engine with an electric motor and a rechargeable battery that can be charged from an external power source, allowing for limited all-electric driving range.
BYD
""BYD want to bring small plug-in hybrids to Europe because, well, frankly, that market is empty.""
BYD is a company from China that makes electric cars and batteries.
BYD is a Chinese automotive and battery manufacturer specializing in electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, expanding its presence in global markets including Europe.
BYD Atto 2
""BYD want to change that with the ATO2, their DMI technology we normally find in the larger cars, like the CLU.""
The BYD ATO 2 is a small car that can run on both gas and electricity. It has a battery that lets it drive some distance without using gas.
The BYD ATO 2 is a small plug-in hybrid SUV designed for the European market, featuring BYD's DMI technology and an 18 kWh battery for electric driving.
DMI technology
""their DMI technology we normally find in the larger cars, like the CLU.""
DMI technology is a special system in some BYD cars that helps the car use gas and electricity in the best way to save fuel.
DMI (Dual Mode Intelligent) technology is BYD's proprietary hybrid system that optimizes power delivery and efficiency by intelligently switching between electric and combustion power.
BYD CLU
""like the CLU. They've been doing really good business in Europe, now rolling out to smaller cars like the ATO2""
The BYD CLU is a bigger car that uses the same special gas and electric system as the smaller ATO 2.
The BYD CLU is a larger vehicle from BYD that features the DMI hybrid technology, serving as a reference point for the smaller ATO 2 model.
kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery
""that has a little 18 kilowatt-hour battery. It'll do 90 kilometers on electric power alone.""
The kilowatt-hour number tells you how much electricity a car's battery can hold. Bigger numbers mean the car can drive farther on electricity.
A kilowatt-hour battery rating indicates the energy storage capacity of an electric vehicle's battery; higher kWh means more stored energy and typically longer electric driving range.
EON
""BMW and EON have launched Germany's first vehicle-to-grid offer for private customers as a turnkey solution. ... So if you buy an IX3 and you have the EON Home Energy Tariff, it's called Home and Drive, V2G, they'll look after the hardware.""
EON is a big company that provides electricity and gas, and they are working with car makers to help electric cars connect to the power grid.
EON is a major European energy company involved in electricity and gas supply, now partnering with automakers to offer vehicle-to-grid services.
vehicle-to-grid (V2G)
""BMW and EON have launched Germany's first vehicle-to-grid offer for private customers as a turnkey solution. They're doing it with their IX3. The first vehicle on the Neuerklasse platform. ... So if you buy an IX3 and you have the EON Home Energy Tariff, it's called Home and Drive, V2G, they'll look after the hardware.""
Vehicle-to-grid means your electric car can give electricity back to the power company when they need it, like a battery you can plug in both ways.
Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology allows electric vehicles to send electricity back to the power grid, helping balance energy supply and demand and potentially providing cost savings to owners.
BMW iX3
""They're doing it with their IX3. The first vehicle on the Neuerklasse platform.""
The BMW iX3 is a fully electric SUV, which means it runs only on electricity and is based on one of BMW's popular SUV models.
The BMW iX3 is an all-electric SUV based on the X3 platform, notable for being BMW's first electric vehicle built on the Neuerklasse platform.
Neuerklasse platform
""The first vehicle on the Neuerklasse platform. And this is what we've been waiting for, is for big energy companies and big car makers to do the deal.""
The Neuerklasse platform is a new way BMW builds cars so they can be electric or use gas, with better technology and performance.
The Neuerklasse platform is BMW's new vehicle architecture designed to underpin future electric and internal combustion vehicles with improved efficiency and technology integration.
BMW wallbox
"You get 700 euros off the BMW wallbox that you need. They'll do the smart metering as well."
A BMW wallbox is a special charger you install at home to charge your BMW electric car faster and easier than using a regular plug.
A BMW wallbox is a home charging station designed specifically for BMW electric vehicles, enabling faster and more convenient charging compared to standard outlets.
smart metering
"They'll do the smart metering as well. And you can make up to 720 euros per year in terms of just letting your car feed energy back into the grid."
Smart metering is a way to track how much electricity you use so you can save energy and charge your car at the best times.
Smart metering refers to technology that monitors and manages electricity usage in real-time, allowing for optimized energy consumption and integration with electric vehicle charging.
Kia EV9
"Kia's PV5 is their van commercial vehicle. All electric, obviously. And it's now Korea's first international van of the year. It's got passenger cargo and open bed variants."
The Kia EV9 is a big electric car that can carry people, stuff, or even has an open back like a pickup truck.
The Kia EV9 is an all-electric large SUV or van-like vehicle from Kia, notable for its electric powertrain and versatile configurations including passenger, cargo, and open bed variants.
PV5 Kias Pv5
"And it'll all just work in theory. Kia's PV5 is their van commercial vehicle. All electric, obviously."
The Kia PV5 is a big electric van made for carrying goods or equipment, especially for businesses. It doesn’t use gas and helps reduce pollution while still being useful for work.
The Kia PV5 is an all-electric commercial van designed for business and cargo use, reflecting Kia’s push into electric commercial vehicles. It aims to provide a practical and eco-friendly solution for urban deliveries and transport needs.
camper conversion
"And now a U.S. startup called VanLab have developed a slot in camper conversion, if you like. So this unit fits in. You can do it yourself with a screwdriver."
A camper conversion means changing a van so you can sleep, cook, and live in it when you go on trips.
A camper conversion is the process of modifying a vehicle, often a van, to include living amenities such as beds, cooking facilities, and storage, enabling it to be used for camping or travel.
traction battery
"and an outdoor induction hob than refrigerator that is powered from the big old traction battery."
The traction battery is the big battery in an electric car that makes it go and powers things like the fridge or stove.
The traction battery is the main high-voltage battery in an electric vehicle that powers the electric motor and other vehicle systems.
Rivian R2
"...ch Nelson, pointed out that the rear doors of the Rivian R2 don't have the safety manual latch"
The Rivian R2 is a new electric car that is meant to be cheaper and easier for more people to buy. However, some people noticed that the back doors don’t have a special handle inside to open them in an emergency, which might be a safety problem.
The Rivian R2 is an upcoming electric vehicle from Rivian, designed to be more affordable and accessible than their earlier models. A noted safety concern is that the rear doors lack a manual safety latch, which could affect emergency egress or child safety, making it a point of discussion among reviewers.
electronic doors
"The front doors have manual pulls. They are electronic doors, which is being outlawed anyway in China."
Electronic doors open and close using electric parts instead of regular handles. Some places are stopping their use because they can be unsafe in emergencies.
Electronic doors use electric actuators to lock and unlock instead of traditional mechanical latches. They can be controlled remotely or automatically, but some regions are moving to ban them due to safety concerns.
Safe Exit Act
"And with new legislation heading through the house in the United States, that could be outlawed completely with the safe exit act as that goes through the lawmaking process."
The Safe Exit Act is a new law being considered to make cars safer by stopping the use of doors that might trap people inside during accidents.
The Safe Exit Act is proposed legislation aimed at improving vehicle safety by potentially banning electronic doors that can trap occupants during emergencies. It reflects growing regulatory attention on vehicle egress safety.
EV charging
"Well, EV charging has tripled year-on-year from 2024 to 2025. The numbers are still small, but it's more evidence that wherever you look around the world on the globe, everyone's going EV."
EV charging means putting electricity into electric cars so they can run. More places are building chargers to help more people use electric cars.
EV charging refers to the process of replenishing the batteries of electric vehicles using electric power stations. The growth in EV charging infrastructure is a key factor enabling the adoption of electric vehicles worldwide.
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