BRIEFLY: Germany, Ford, Hyundai & more | 28 Nov 2025
About this episode
Germany is pushing back against the EU's 2035 ban on combustion cars, advocating for plug-in hybrids and more efficient engines, which could hinder air quality improvements. Volkswagen struggles with job cuts amid financial challenges, while Ford updates the Ranger with new tech. Hyundai expands its vehicle-to-grid services, and Tesla faces declining sales and investor concerns about its future as a car manufacturer. The episode also touches on Nissan's new battery plant and Fiat's price adjustments for the Panda.
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GERMANY SETS UP FIGHT OVER EU 2035 ENGINE BAN https://evne.ws/4p7rG5B
VOLKSWAGEN STRUGGLES TO HIT JOB-CUT TARGET AS EV COSTS BITE https://evne.ws/3MqpGXk
FORD RANGER PHEV TURNS INTO A TECH‑HEAVY WORKHORSE https://evne.ws/4pADVqS
FRANCE EXTENDS EV BONUS SCHEME INTO 2026 https://evne.ws/43XP253
HYUNDAI TURNS EVS INTO GRID‑READY POWER SOURCES https://evne.ws/48lOwiF
LEAPMOTOR GOES HARD ON GLOBAL GROWTH https://evne.ws/483Bl72
RENAULT LAUNCHES V2G GRID SERVICE FOR DUTCH EV DRIVERS https://evne.ws/43SnZbo
TESLA GIGA BERLIN BOOSTS OUTPUT AS NORWAY SALES HIT RECORD https://evne.ws/48ohVc4
TESLA SALES SLUMP AS EUROPE RIVALS SURGE https://evne.ws/4px1AbJ
AESC OPENS SUNDERLAND GIGAFACTORY FOR NEW NISSAN LEAF https://evne.ws/4p2JlLr
FIAT CUTS UK ENTRY PRICE FOR GRANDE PANDA EV https://evne.ws/3M1rZ3b
KGM TORRES EVX: LONG-RANGE MID-SIZE EV TARGETS MAINSTREAM BUYERS https://evne.ws/3M3dkEC
RUSSIA SHIFTS FROM IMPORTING CHINESE EVS TO BUILDING THEM AT HOME https://evne.ws/48DURHn
FIRST BUS UNVEILS ESSEX’S FIRST ALL‑ELECTRIC BUS DEPOT https://evne.ws/4inEPVk
RIVIAN R1T FLEET HEADS TO AUSTRALIAN AUCTION https://evne.ws/4pG9mQW
plug-in hybrids
"Germany will now argue for allowing plug-in hybrids, combustion engine range extenders and more efficient conventional engines even after 2035."
A plug-in hybrid is a car that can run on electricity and gasoline. You can charge it at home, and it can switch to gas when the battery runs out, giving you more options for driving.
Plug-in hybrids are vehicles that can be charged from an external power source and also have a combustion engine. They offer the flexibility of electric driving for short distances while still being able to use gasoline for longer trips.
combustion engine
"Germany will now argue for allowing plug-in hybrids, combustion engine range extenders and more efficient conventional engines even after 2035."
A combustion engine is what most cars use to run. It burns fuel to create power, which makes the car move. It's different from electric engines that run on batteries.
A combustion engine is a type of engine that generates power by burning fuel, such as gasoline or diesel, inside the engine's cylinders. This process creates a series of controlled explosions that push the pistons and ultimately drive the vehicle.
range extenders
"Germany will now argue for allowing plug-in hybrids, combustion engine range extenders and more efficient conventional engines even after 2035."
A range extender is a small engine that helps electric cars go further by generating electricity when the battery runs low. It’s like a backup power source for long trips.
Range extenders are additional power sources used in electric vehicles to increase their driving range. They typically consist of a small combustion engine that generates electricity to recharge the battery while driving, allowing the vehicle to travel further without needing to plug in.
Volkswagen
"Volkswagen is struggling to hit their job cut target. Their main car brand is falling behind its own overhaul."
Volkswagen is a big car company from Germany that makes many different types of cars. Right now, they are having trouble with their plans to cut jobs and keep up with the market.
Volkswagen is a major German automotive manufacturer known for its wide range of vehicles, including the iconic Beetle and Golf. The company is currently facing challenges in meeting its job cut targets and adapting to market changes.
Ford Ranger
"The Ford Ranger is a plug-in hybrid and it's being updated with more tech inside, new trims and blue crews as well here in the UK."
The Ford Ranger is a type of pickup truck that Ford makes. It's getting new features and a hybrid version that uses both gas and electricity.
The Ford Ranger is a midsize pickup truck known for its versatility and capability. The latest updates include a plug-in hybrid variant and advanced technology features, making it more competitive in the market.
Hyundai
"Hyundai is expanding their vehicle to grid and vehicle to home services in Korea, Europe and the United States"
Hyundai is a car company from South Korea that makes many different kinds of cars. They are working on new technology that lets electric cars help power homes or send energy back to the electricity grid.
Hyundai is a South Korean automotive manufacturer known for producing a range of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and electric vehicles. The company is expanding its innovative vehicle-to-grid and vehicle-to-home services, which allow electric vehicles to supply energy back to homes or the grid.
Renault
"And Renault is launching vehicle to grid for Dutch EV drivers in the first half of 2026."
Renault is a car company from France that makes various types of vehicles, including electric ones. They are working on technology that lets electric cars send energy back to the power grid.
Renault is a French automotive manufacturer known for producing a range of vehicles, including electric cars. They are actively involved in the development of vehicle-to-grid technology, which allows electric vehicles to return energy to the grid.
vehicle to grid
"And Renault is launching vehicle to grid for Dutch EV drivers in the first half of 2026."
Vehicle to grid is a system that lets electric cars send power back to the electricity grid. This helps manage energy use and can support renewable energy sources like solar and wind.
Vehicle to grid (V2G) is a technology that allows electric vehicles to communicate with the power grid to send electricity back when needed. This can help balance energy supply and demand, especially with renewable energy sources.
Tesla
"Tesla's Gigaburlin, the manager there, the Berlin plant manager Andre Teary telling German news agency, TPA,"
Tesla is a well-known car company from the United States that makes electric cars. They are famous for their advanced technology and have factories in different countries, including Germany.
Tesla is an American electric vehicle manufacturer known for its innovative technology and high-performance electric cars. The company has been expanding its production capabilities globally, including a factory in Berlin, Germany.
tax credits
"after having a good September because of the exploration of the tax credits in the US,"
Tax credits are benefits from the government that can help you save money when you buy something, like an electric car. They lower the amount of taxes you have to pay.
Tax credits are financial incentives provided by the government to encourage certain behaviors, such as purchasing electric vehicles. They can reduce the overall cost of buying a car by lowering the amount of tax owed.
AESC
"...the global cell maker AESC, switching on 15.8 gigawatt hours of capacity in this country."
AESC is a company that makes batteries for electric cars. They help power the vehicles so they can run without gasoline.
AESC, or Automotive Energy Supply Corporation, is a global manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles. They are known for producing high-quality battery cells that power many electric cars.
Nissan Sunderland factory
"...next to Nissan's Sunderland factory, the global cell maker AESC..."
The Nissan Sunderland factory is a place in the UK where Nissan makes cars, including electric ones. It's important for their business in Europe.
The Nissan Sunderland factory is a significant manufacturing facility in the UK where Nissan produces various models, including electric vehicles. It plays a crucial role in Nissan's operations in Europe.
Fiat Panda
"...Fiat is cutting its entry price of the panda to 21,000 pounds."
The Fiat Panda is a small car made by Fiat. It's known for being affordable and easy to drive in the city.
The Fiat Panda is a compact city car known for its practicality and affordability. It has been popular in Europe for its small size and efficient use of space.
KGM Torres EVX
"...The KGM Torres EVX is a mid-sized SUV heading to Australia..."
The KGM Torres EVX is a new electric SUV that will be available in Australia. It's part of the trend of more electric cars being made.
The KGM Torres EVX is a mid-sized electric SUV that is set to launch in Australia. It represents the growing trend of electric vehicles in the SUV market.
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