BRIEFLY: German Subsidies, Rivian R2, Porsche Declines & more | 19 Jan 2026
About this episode
Germany is reintroducing substantial EV subsidies, offering up to €6,000 per vehicle, including for plug-in hybrids, with a focus on lower and middle-income families. Rivian is advancing its R2 production with validation vehicles, while Porsche faces declining sales amid a shift back to combustion engines. Mercedes has resumed EQ sales in the U.S., and a new popular EV from Geely is set to enter the UK market. Additionally, BYD's Turkish plant faces delays, and Kia plans a new halo EV to enhance brand image.
It's EV News Briefly for Monday 19 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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GERMANY SUBSIDIES INCLUDE HYBRIDS AND CHINESE CARS https://evne.ws/4sKWc7g
RIVIAN R2 MOVES FROM PROTOTYPE TO FACTORY TEST https://evne.ws/3NBfr33
PORSCHE HITS SALES BRAKE AS EV BET STALLS https://evne.ws/49uOB5q
MERCEDES QUIETLY RESTARTS EQ EV SALES IN AMERICA https://evne.ws/3LMwGhg
GEELY’S £20K EX2 TAKES AIM AT EUROPE’S SMALL EVS https://evne.ws/4sIZIzj
BRITAIN PITCHES ELECTRIC CARS AS SIMPLE THRIFT https://evne.ws/49v6bX0
BYD’S TURKISH FACTORY STALLS, BUT ADVANTAGE HOLDS https://evne.ws/4r1bbbE
FASTNED SHIFTS FROM EXPANSION TO MAKING SITES WORK HARDER https://evne.ws/4qxpjto
KIA BETS ON A HALO EV TO AVOID BLANDNESS https://evne.ws/4t34g3E
ROLLS-ROYCE PLANS ELECTRIC CULLINAN SIBLING FOR 2027 https://evne.ws/4t2EpZE
SOLAREDGE BETS ON SMARTS OVER SPEED FOR NEW EV CHARGER https://evne.ws/49HCEYP
VOLVO BETS ON GEMINI TO DRIVE ITS NEXT EV https://evne.ws/3NzaUOE
plug-in hybrids
"...They're going to include plug-in hybrids and EREVs if they go 50 miles or 80 kilometers on battery power alone."
Plug-in hybrids are cars that can use both electricity and gas. You can charge them up at home, and they can drive a bit on just electricity before needing gas.
Plug-in hybrids are vehicles that can run on both electricity and gasoline. They have a battery that can be charged from an external power source, allowing them to drive a certain distance on electric power alone before switching to gasoline.
EREVs
"...They're going to include plug-in hybrids and EREVs if they go 50 miles or 80 kilometers on battery power alone."
EREVs are cars that mainly use electricity but have a gas engine to help them drive further when the battery runs out. This way, you don't get stuck without power.
EREVs, or Extended Range Electric Vehicles, are a type of plug-in hybrid that primarily runs on electricity but has a gasoline engine that acts as a generator to extend the driving range when the battery is depleted.
MSRP
"...but there is no limit on what the car can cost in terms of a cap on MSRP. And so the base grant for BEVS is three grand..."
MSRP is the price that the car maker suggests a dealer should sell a car for. It helps buyers know what a fair price might be when shopping for a car.
MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, which is the price that the manufacturer recommends that the dealer sell the vehicle for. It's often used as a benchmark for pricing negotiations between buyers and dealerships.
BEVs
"...the base grant for BEVS is three grand, but it can go up to six grand. Huge, huge news from Germany today..."
BEVs are cars that run only on electricity and don't use gas at all. They are better for the environment because they don't produce harmful emissions.
BEVs, or Battery Electric Vehicles, are vehicles that are entirely powered by electricity stored in batteries. They do not have a gasoline engine and produce zero tailpipe emissions, making them environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional vehicles.
Rivian
"...Also massive news. Rivian is now making R2 validation vehicles"
Rivian is a company that makes electric cars, especially trucks and SUVs. They aim to create vehicles that are good for the environment and great for outdoor adventures.
Rivian is an American electric vehicle manufacturer known for its innovative electric trucks and SUVs. They focus on producing vehicles that are designed for adventure and outdoor activities, with a strong emphasis on sustainability.
Rivian R2
"...make sure that the R2 is ready for prime time because this vehicle has to work and sell the Rivian to be around."
The Rivian R2 is a new electric vehicle that Rivian is planning to produce. It's meant to be more affordable and attract more customers looking for electric cars.
The Rivian R2 is an upcoming electric vehicle from Rivian, designed to expand their lineup beyond the R1T and R1S models. It aims to be more accessible and cater to a broader audience in the electric vehicle market.
electric vehicles
"They think they're going to blame electric vehicles because Porsche said, well, we're going to go back and do combustion."
Electric vehicles are cars that run on electricity instead of gasoline. They are considered better for the environment because they produce fewer emissions.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are cars that are powered entirely or partially by electricity, rather than traditional gasoline or diesel. They are often seen as a more environmentally friendly alternative to combustion engine vehicles.
Porsche Cayenne
"The Porsche Cayenne is next level engineering, not just outside of China, but globally. That car is incredible."
The Porsche Cayenne is a luxury SUV made by Porsche, known for its powerful engines and comfortable interior. It's popular among those who want a sporty vehicle with more space.
The Porsche Cayenne is a luxury SUV that combines performance with practicality, known for its powerful engine options and high-quality interior. It has been a significant model for Porsche, contributing to the brand's expansion into the SUV market.
EQ
"Mercedes has quietly restarted EQ sales in the U.S. after pausing them six months ago."
EQ is the name Mercedes uses for its electric cars. They focus on making luxury electric vehicles that are good for the environment.
EQ is Mercedes-Benz's sub-brand for electric vehicles, focusing on producing fully electric models that combine luxury with sustainability. The EQ lineup includes various models aimed at competing in the growing EV market.
Mercedes
"Mercedes has quietly restarted EQ sales in the U.S. after pausing them six months ago."
Mercedes is a famous car brand from Germany that makes luxury vehicles. They are known for their high quality and advanced technology.
Mercedes-Benz is a German automotive brand known for luxury vehicles, buses, and trucks. The brand is recognized for its innovation, quality, and performance, especially in the luxury car segment.
tax credit
"because the tax credit was ending."
A tax credit is money that the government allows you to subtract from what you owe in taxes, which can make buying an electric car cheaper.
A tax credit is a financial incentive that reduces the amount of tax owed, often used to encourage the purchase of electric vehicles (EVs).
Geely
"It's actually something from Geely."
Geely is a car company from China that makes different types of vehicles, including electric cars.
Geely is a Chinese automotive manufacturer known for producing a range of vehicles, including electric vehicles, and has expanded its presence in the global automotive market.
Renault 5
"...Right up against your Citroen E3s, your Renault 5s."
The Renault 5 is a small car made by Renault. It's been updated as an electric vehicle, making it more eco-friendly.
The Renault 5 is a classic hatchback that has been reimagined as an electric vehicle. Known for its compact size and efficiency, it represents Renault's commitment to modern electric mobility.
Citroën E3
"...Class leading space in the boot, actually. Right up against your Citroen E3s, your Renault 5s."
The Citroën E3 is a small electric car made by Citroën. It's designed to be practical and is good for city driving.
The Citroën E3 is a compact electric vehicle that emphasizes practicality and efficiency. It's part of Citroën's push into the EV market, offering features aimed at urban drivers.
BYD
"...BYD's Turkish plant is falling further behind schedule."
BYD is a company from China that makes electric cars and batteries. They are one of the biggest companies in the electric vehicle industry.
BYD is a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer known for producing a wide range of electric cars and batteries. The company is a major player in the global EV market.
Kia EV
"Kia is that they'll make a halo EV to have the brand seem a little bit edgy..."
Kia is working on a new electric car to make their brand look more modern and exciting. They want to show that electric cars can be high-tech and desirable.
Kia is developing an electric vehicle (EV) to enhance its brand image and showcase innovative technology. This move aligns with the industry's shift towards electrification.
Rolls-Royce Cullinan
"Rolls-Royce will make an electric version of the Cullinan, but it won't be the electric Cullinan."
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan is a very fancy SUV that is known for being super comfortable and stylish. It's like a really high-end car that people buy to show off their wealth, and now they're talking about making an electric version to be more environmentally friendly.
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan is a luxury SUV that represents the brand's first foray into the SUV market. Known for its opulent design, advanced technology, and unmatched comfort, the Cullinan has become a symbol of status and prestige. The mention of an electric version highlights the brand's commitment to sustainability while maintaining its luxurious heritage.
Volvo EX60
"...we get the full launch of their SUV, the EX60, but it'll have full natural language processing on board."
The Volvo EX60 is a new SUV model from Volvo that will include smart technology to help drivers and passengers communicate with the car more easily.
The Volvo EX60 is an upcoming SUV from Volvo that is expected to feature advanced technology, including AI systems for enhanced user interaction.
natural language processing
"...but it'll have full natural language processing on board."
Natural language processing is a technology that helps computers understand and talk back to people in a way that makes sense, like how you would talk to a friend.
Natural language processing (NLP) is a technology that allows computers to understand and respond to human language in a way that is both meaningful and useful, enhancing user interaction with devices like cars.
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