BRIEFLY: Jeep Retreats, Kia GT Models, BMW iX4 & more
About this episode
Stellantis is shifting its focus in the U.S. from plug-in hybrids to mild hybrids, while in Europe, Jeep is embracing plug-in hybrids. Kia is introducing GT versions of its EV lineup, enhancing performance without reaching Tesla-like specs. BMW's iX4 has been spotted on public roads, showcasing its EV capabilities. Polestar is thriving in Europe despite challenges, and Vietnam is pushing for more EVs to combat pollution. Meanwhile, Turkey sees a rise in EV sales, led by local and Tesla models, as the market braces for competition from Chinese manufacturers.
It's EV News Briefly for Saturday 10 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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FOR AMERICA STELLANTIS DUMPS KEY PLUG‑IN HYBRIDS https://evne.ws/4jA032P
BUT IN EUROPE JEEP STACKS UP ITS PHEV CHOICES https://evne.ws/4qRMPks
KIA TURNS UP THE VOLTAGE ON GT LINE-UP https://evne.ws/4qQKRkn
BMW IX4 COUPE TARGETS STYLE-CONSCIOUS EV BUYERS https://evne.ws/49lMReB
POLESTAR GROWS FAST BUT SUPPLY CHAINS STILL LAG https://evne.ws/4bEdo8i
RIVIAN’S APP TAKES MOTORTREND TECH HONOURS https://evne.ws/4pyAOiW
HO CHI MINH CITY'S ELECTRIC SQUEEZE https://evne.ws/4jDiRyn
CARMAKERS ON TRACK TO BLOW 1.5°C CARBON BUDGET https://evne.ws/49zma4X
TURKEY DRIVES EV SALES WITH TOGG AND TESLA https://evne.ws/49kn3zw
Stellantis
"Let's get into it. Stellantis of America will drop plug-in hybrids. They say they're moving to mild, plug-less hybrids..."
Stellantis is a big car company that makes many different brands of cars. It was created when two companies, Fiat Chrysler and PSA Group, combined.
Stellantis is a multinational automotive manufacturing corporation formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and the PSA Group. It encompasses several well-known brands, including Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler.
plug-in hybrids
"Stellantis of America will drop plug-in hybrids. They say they're moving to mild, plug-less hybrids..."
Plug-in hybrids are cars that can use electricity from a plug to run, but they also have a gasoline engine. This means you can drive them on electricity or gas, depending on what you need.
Plug-in hybrids are vehicles that can be charged from an external power source and can run on both electric power and gasoline. They offer the flexibility of electric driving with the backup of a gasoline engine.
mild hybrids
"They say they're moving to mild, plug-less hybrids, but also extended range vehicles in time."
Mild hybrids are cars that have a little electric motor to help the gas engine, but they can't run on electricity by themselves. They help save fuel and are better for the environment.
Mild hybrids are vehicles that have a small electric motor that assists the gasoline engine but cannot drive the car on electric power alone. They improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions without the need for external charging.
extended range vehicles
"They say they're moving to mild, plug-less hybrids, but also extended range vehicles in time."
Extended range vehicles are cars that usually run on electricity but have a gas engine that helps keep them going when the battery runs out. This means you can drive them longer distances without worrying about charging.
Extended range vehicles are a type of hybrid that primarily runs on electric power but has a gasoline engine that acts as a generator to extend the driving range when the battery is depleted.
Dodge Avenger
".... Also showing off a black edition of the Little Avenger that sold almost a quarter of a million units now..."
The Dodge Avenger is a car that looks sporty and is designed for everyday driving. It was sold in many versions, including a special black version, and many people liked it because it was affordable and stylish.
The Dodge Avenger is a mid-size sedan that was produced from 2007 to 2014. It was known for its sporty design and affordable pricing, appealing to budget-conscious buyers looking for a stylish vehicle. The mention of its 'black edition' highlights its popularity and the special variants that were released during its production run.
Jeep Compass
"...old almost a quarter of a million units now. The Compass 4 by E leaning into being off-road. They raised ..."
The Jeep Compass is a small SUV that can handle rough roads and off-road adventures while still being good for daily use. It has been updated over the years to make it more comfortable and tech-friendly, which is why it's popular among people who like to explore.
The Jeep Compass is a compact SUV that combines off-road capability with everyday usability. It has undergone several updates since its introduction in 2007, with the latest models focusing on improved performance and technology features, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy outdoor adventures. Its mention in the context of off-road capability emphasizes its versatility and appeal to adventure-seekers.
kilowatt hour
"600 horsepower over 100 kilowatt hour pack in that. Kia also used the Brussels Motor Show to sharpen their electric range at the top end."
Kilowatt hour is a way to measure how much energy a battery can store. It tells you how long the battery can power something before it needs to be recharged.
A kilowatt hour (kWh) is a unit of energy that measures how much electricity is used over time. It's commonly used to describe the capacity of electric vehicle batteries.
GT
"Going GT, not GT line because that's a trim line. These are the proper GT versions of the vehicles."
GT means Gran Turismo, which is a type of car that is made for speed and comfort on long drives. It's usually more powerful than regular versions of the same car.
GT stands for Gran Turismo, a term used to describe high-performance vehicles designed for long-distance driving. In this context, it refers to a performance-oriented version of Kia's vehicles.
Kia EV5
"Kia EV3, EV4 and EV5 getting the GT treatment. So that means they get performance tuning."
Kia EV5 is another electric car from Kia, part of their new line of electric vehicles that aim to be powerful and efficient.
The Kia EV5 is part of Kia's electric vehicle range, focusing on performance and advanced technology features.
Kia EV3
"... are the proper GT versions of the vehicles. Kia EV3, EV4 and EV5 getting the GT treatment. So that m..."
Kia EV4
"Kia EV3, EV4 and EV5 getting the GT treatment. So that means they get performance tuning."
Kia EV4 is an electric car from Kia, similar to the EV3, and is designed to be efficient and fun to drive.
The Kia EV4 is another electric vehicle in Kia's lineup, designed to provide a balance of performance and practicality for drivers.
tuned suspension
"But otherwise, yeah, tuned suspension, different drive characteristics and the proper GT treatment for those vehicles."
A tuned suspension means the car's suspension has been adjusted to improve how it handles on the road, making it feel better to drive.
A tuned suspension refers to modifications made to a vehicle's suspension system to enhance handling, ride comfort, or performance characteristics.
all-wheel drive
"Stronger motors, all-wheel drive, but not particularly performance Tesla specs,"
All-wheel drive means that all four wheels of a car get power from the engine. This helps the car grip the road better, especially in bad weather.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is a drivetrain configuration that provides power to all four wheels of a vehicle, improving traction and stability, especially in adverse conditions.
0 to 60 time
"as in 0 to 60 in seven seconds, pretty much for all of those."
The '0 to 60 time' tells you how fast a car can go from a stop to 60 miles per hour. It's a common way to compare how quick cars are.
The '0 to 60 time' measures how quickly a vehicle can accelerate from a complete stop to 60 miles per hour, often used as a benchmark for performance.
BMW iX4
"BMW have now left the test track and turned up on public German roads, all bit covered in camouflage with the IX4."
The BMW iX4 is a new electric SUV from BMW. It's designed to be practical while still being fun to drive.
The BMW iX4 is an electric SUV that is part of BMW's expanding electric vehicle lineup, designed to offer a blend of performance and utility.
BMW iX3
"So taking the IX3, that Neuer class of vehicle, all the great tech, all the great high voltage powertrain..."
The BMW iX3 is a fully electric SUV made by BMW. It's designed to be eco-friendly and has a lot of modern technology.
The BMW iX3 is an all-electric SUV that represents BMW's entry into the electric vehicle market. It features advanced technology and a high-voltage powertrain.
fast charging
"really fast charging, but put it in more of a lift back..."
Fast charging means you can recharge an electric car's battery much quicker than usual, so you spend less time waiting.
Fast charging refers to the ability to recharge an electric vehicle's battery at a significantly higher rate than standard charging, allowing for quicker turnaround times.
Polestar
"Polestar is selling really well in Europe. They had a record year, by the way."
Polestar is a brand that makes electric cars. It started with Volvo and is known for its sporty and high-performance models.
Polestar is a performance electric vehicle brand that originated from Volvo and is now owned by the Geely group. It focuses on high-performance electric cars.
Renault
"...The Busan factory will be made with Renault Korea. That's for the North American market, or to do with tariffs and things like that."
Renault is a car company from France that makes many types of vehicles, including electric cars. They have factories in different countries to produce their cars.
Renault is a French multinational automobile manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including cars and vans. The company has a significant presence in various global markets and is involved in electric vehicle development.
Rivian
"...Motor Trends has crowned Rivian's mobile app as the best automaker app in a day,..."
Rivian is a new American car company that makes electric trucks and SUVs. They are known for their focus on outdoor and adventure features in their vehicles.
Rivian is an American electric vehicle manufacturer known for its all-electric trucks and SUVs, such as the R1T and R1S. The company focuses on adventure-oriented electric vehicles and has gained attention for its innovative features and technology.
EVs
"...lawmakers want to put more EVs on the road. But that's at odds with, or frankly, with everybody in Ho Chi Minh City..."
EVs stand for electric vehicles. These cars run on electricity instead of gasoline, which helps reduce pollution in the air.
EVs, or electric vehicles, are cars that are powered entirely by electricity rather than gasoline or diesel. They are seen as a solution to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from traditional combustion engines.
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