BRIEFLY: Lucid Cosmos, Rivian R2, Polestar 3 & more | 14 Mar 2026
About this episode
Lucid introduced the Cosmos, a $50,000 mid-size SUV with advanced 800-volt architecture and Tesla Supercharging compatibility, alongside the Luna RoboTaxi concept featuring steer-by-wire technology and Uber collaboration. Rivian revealed the R2 with delayed deliveries expected by late summer. Polestar 3 is receiving a major update to an 800-volt system and faster charging, leaving some recent buyers with outdated hardware. Stellantis is exploring partnerships with Chinese firms Xiaomi and Xpeng, while Volkswagen missed 2025 CO2 targets and is pushing electric urban cars. Leap Motor and GM also made news with software updates and EV restoration support.
t's EV News Briefly for Saturday 14 March 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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LUCID SHOWS COSMOS AHEAD OF 2026 LAUNCH
Lucid Motors revealed the Cosmos, a midsize SUV targeting "upscale nurturers," with production planned by end of 2026 but meaningful sales not expected until 2027. The cab-forward SUV rides on an 800V architecture with Atlas drive unit motors, a J3400 charging port, and a new centralised electrical architecture designed to cut wiring costs and lower insurance expenses.
LUCID SHOWS LUNAR ROBOTAXI CONCEPT
Lucid unveiled the Lunar, a two-seat robotaxi concept with steer-by-wire, no steering wheel or pedals, and a large central display, built on the same 800V midsize platform as the Cosmos. It targets an impressive 5.5–6 miles per kWh efficiency and DC fast-charging performance of 200+ miles of range in 15 minutes, achieved through aggressive aerodynamic tuning that allows a smaller battery pack.
UBER NEARS SECOND LUCID ROBOTAXI DEAL
Uber is finalising a deal with Lucid to deploy its midsize platform as a robotaxi at volumes comparable to the existing 20,000-unit Gravity SUV contract. If confirmed at similar scale, the combined Lucid-Uber robotaxi programme would total roughly 40,000 vehicles across two platforms.
RIVIAN R2 TIMELINE TIGHTENS
Rivian has unveiled the R2 Performance starting at $57,990, but buyers cannot yet configure the car online and reservation holders won't learn their estimated order time until June. This puts Rivian's previously stated Spring delivery window in serious doubt, as orders won't enter production until June at the earliest.
POLESTAR 3 ADDS 800V TECH FOR AUSTRALIA
Polestar has updated the Polestar 3 with 800V architecture enabling up to 350kW DC fast charging and a 10–80% charge time of just 22 minutes, alongside a new NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Orin processor replacing the older Xavier chip. The range now spans three trims with battery packs of 92kWh or 106kWh, and existing owners will receive a complimentary hardware retrofit for the upgraded computing platform.
STELLANTIS HOLDS TALKS WITH XIAOMI AND XPENG
Stellantis is in talks with Xiaomi and Xpeng about deals that could include Chinese carmakers taking stakes in Stellantis brands like Maserati and accessing European manufacturing facilities. In return, Stellantis hopes to gain EV and software technology it has struggled to develop competitively, and is also exploring a deeper tie-up with Leapmotor for affordable EVs in Europe.
VOLKSWAGEN MISSES EU CO2 TARGET, AVOIDS FINES
Volkswagen missed its 2025 EU fleet CO2 target, finishing at 100g/km against its 95g/km limit, despite BEV deliveries rising 32% to nearly 1 million units. The EU's three-year compliance mechanism means no immediate fines, but the group must now meet fleet limits in 2026 and 2027, primarily through an accelerated BEV push built around its Electric Urban Car Family rollout.
LEAPMOTOR B10 OTA ADDS ONE-PEDAL DRIVING
Leapmotor pushed a major OTA update to the B10 six months after launch, adding one-pedal driving, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, split-screen navigation, and a Quick Start mode — all without requiring a dealer visit. The update also brings customisable steering wheel shortcut buttons and more natural adaptive cruise control behaviour in bends, with the B10 priced from €33,300.
GM BACKS RARE EV1 RESTORATION
GM is actively supporting the restoration of V212, one of the few surviving EV1s, after the car sold at auction for over $100,000 following its discovery in a Georgia impound lot. GM President Mark Reuss invited the restoration team to GM's Global Technical Center, supplying parts and technical documentation, with the goal of completing the project before the EV1's 30th anniversary in November 2026.
Lucid Cosmos
"Lucid revealed the Cosmos, that's their mid-size $50,000 SUV, targeting who they described as upscale nurturers. That's the demographic thereafter."
The Lucid Cosmos is a new electric SUV made by Lucid. It's a comfortable and modern car that uses electricity instead of gas, and it's made for people who want a nice, mid-sized SUV.
The Lucid Cosmos is a mid-size electric SUV from Lucid Motors, positioned around a $50,000 price point. It targets upscale consumers and features advanced electric architecture and charging capabilities.
Chevrolet Volt
"...r. It's described as a cab forward SUV on an 800 volt architecture using the new Atlas drive motor uni..."
The Chevrolet Volt is a car that uses both electricity and gas to help you drive longer distances. It can run on electric power for a while, then switch to gas when needed. This makes it easier to drive without worrying about charging all the time.
The Chevrolet Volt is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that combines an electric motor with a gasoline engine to extend driving range. It was significant for popularizing extended-range electric technology and is often discussed in the context of early electrification efforts. The mention of an 800-volt architecture and Atlas drive motor suggests a new generation or platform evolution.
800 volt architecture
"It's described as a cab forward SUV on an 800 volt architecture using the new Atlas drive motor units and a J3400 charging port in just the right place to use the Tesla Supercharging network as well."
The 800 volt system in an electric car means it can charge faster and work more efficiently than cars with lower voltage systems.
An 800 volt electrical architecture in EVs allows for faster charging and improved efficiency compared to the more common 400 volt systems. It supports higher power delivery to the battery and motors.
cab forward SUV
"It's described as a cab forward SUV on an 800 volt architecture using the new Atlas drive motor units and a J3400 charging port in just the right place to use the Tesla Supercharging network as well."
A cab forward SUV is a type of car where the seats and windows are moved closer to the front, so there's more room inside and you can see better when driving.
A cab forward SUV design means the passenger cabin is pushed forward, maximizing interior space and improving visibility. This design often results in a shorter hood and a more spacious feel inside.
J3400 charging port
"It's described as a cab forward SUV on an 800 volt architecture using the new Atlas drive motor units and a J3400 charging port in just the right place to use the Tesla Supercharging network as well."
The J3400 charging port is the plug on the car that lets it charge its battery very quickly, and it can work with Tesla's charging stations too.
The J3400 charging port is a new fast-charging connector standard that supports high power delivery for rapid EV charging. It is designed to be compatible with existing charging networks like Tesla Superchargers.
Atlas drive motor units
"It's described as a cab forward SUV on an 800 volt architecture using the new Atlas drive motor units and a J3400 charging port in just the right place to use the Tesla Supercharging network as well."
Atlas drive motors are special electric motors made by Lucid that help the car move by turning the wheels using electricity.
Atlas drive motor units are Lucid's proprietary electric motors designed for efficiency and performance in their vehicles. They are part of the drivetrain that powers the wheels.
Tesla Supercharging network
"J3400 charging port in just the right place to use the Tesla Supercharging network as well. A new centralised electrical architecture cuts wiring costs and they say lower insurance expenses..."
Tesla Superchargers are special charging stations that can fill up electric cars quickly, making it easier to travel long distances.
The Tesla Supercharging network is a widespread fast-charging infrastructure originally built for Tesla vehicles, but increasingly accessible to other EVs. It allows for rapid recharging on long trips.
centralised electrical architecture
"A new centralised electrical architecture cuts wiring costs and they say lower insurance expenses with more replaceable crash structure parts not going down the route of mega-casting."
Centralised electrical architecture means the car's electrical parts are organized together in one system, making it cheaper and easier to fix.
Centralised electrical architecture in EVs means consolidating electrical components and wiring into a more integrated system. This reduces complexity, lowers costs, and can improve reliability and repairability.
mega-casting
"They say lower insurance expenses with more replaceable crash structure parts not going down the route of mega-casting."
Mega-casting means making big parts of the car's frame from one piece of metal instead of many smaller parts, which can make the car lighter but harder to fix if broken.
Mega-casting is a manufacturing technique where large single-piece metal castings replace multiple smaller parts in a vehicle's structure. It can reduce weight and complexity but may increase repair costs if damaged.
Lucid Luna
"And talking of Lucid, they unveiled the Luna, the two-seat RoboTaxi concept, steer by wire, no steering wheel or pedals and a large central display for those riding inside the RoboTaxi to watch during their journey. Same platform as the Cosmos."
The Lucid Luna is a small electric car made to drive itself and carry passengers without a driver, and it doesn't have a steering wheel or pedals.
The Lucid Luna is a two-seat RoboTaxi concept vehicle designed for autonomous ride-hailing without a steering wheel or pedals. It shares the same platform as the Lucid Cosmos SUV.
RoboTaxi
"They unveiled the Luna, the two-seat RoboTaxi concept... Same platform as the Cosmos. They want six miles per kilowatt hour efficiency and they're targeting adding 200 miles of range in 15 minutes of stoppage. Of course, if it's a RoboTaxi, it's a working vehicle."
A RoboTaxi is a car that can drive itself and take people where they want to go without a driver.
A RoboTaxi is an autonomous taxi service vehicle designed to operate without a human driver, providing ride-hailing services through self-driving technology.
steer by wire
"They unveiled the Luna, the two-seat RoboTaxi concept, steer by wire, no steering wheel or pedals and a large central display for those riding inside the RoboTaxi to watch during their journey."
Steer by wire means the car uses computers to turn the wheels instead of a steering wheel connected by rods and gears.
Steer by wire is a technology that replaces the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and wheels with electronic controls. It allows for more flexible vehicle design and advanced driver assistance features.
aero-tuning
"Used to carry on working as much as possible to make money, aggressive aero-tuning they say in a smaller battery pack going right up against Tesla's idea for a RoboTaxi..."
Aero-tuning means shaping the car so it moves through the air more easily, which helps it use less energy and go farther.
Aero-tuning refers to optimizing a vehicle's shape and features to reduce aerodynamic drag, improving efficiency and range, especially important for electric vehicles.
Uber technology
"Uber is also finalising a deal with Lucid to deploy their mid-size platform as a RoboTaxi at volumes using Uber technology."
Uber technology is the computer system that helps people order rides and drivers find passengers, used here to help RoboTaxis work smoothly.
Uber technology refers to the ride-hailing platform and related software systems that manage vehicle dispatch, payments, and customer interactions for services like RoboTaxis.
Rivian R2
"Alright, moving on. Rivian's unveiled the R2. Talks a lot about it as a special podcast in yo..."
Rivian R2
"Rivian's unveiled the R2. Rivian R2 starting at $57,990 for the launch edition with delivery at under $60,000 but buyers can't yet configure online."
The Rivian R2 is a new electric car made by Rivian. It's designed to be more affordable and for people who want an electric vehicle for everyday use or adventure.
The Rivian R2 is an electric vehicle model from Rivian, known for its focus on adventure-oriented electric trucks and SUVs. The R2 is a newer, more affordable model aimed at expanding Rivian's market reach.
Polestar 3
"Polestar 3 is changing after, well, for some markets the car isn't even out, for some markets the car's pretty new and they're already updating it."
The Polestar 3 is a new electric SUV made by Polestar. It's designed to be a high-tech and stylish electric car for families or anyone wanting an electric SUV.
The Polestar 3 is an electric SUV from Polestar, a brand jointly owned by Volvo and Geely. It features advanced electric architecture and is part of Polestar's effort to compete in the premium electric vehicle market.
350 kilowatt DC fast charging
"It moves to a high voltage 800 volt architecture with 350 kilowatt DC fast charging, 80% charge in 22 minutes."
This is a very fast way to charge electric cars, giving a lot of power quickly so the battery fills up faster than usual.
350 kilowatt DC fast charging is a high-power charging standard for electric vehicles that enables very rapid battery charging, significantly reducing the time needed to recharge compared to slower AC charging methods.
NVIDIA Drive AGX
"The new hardcore NVIDIA drive, AGX are in processor replacing the older ones."
NVIDIA Drive AGX is a powerful computer inside some cars that helps the car understand its surroundings and drive itself or assist the driver.
NVIDIA Drive AGX is a high-performance computing platform designed for autonomous driving and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). It processes sensor data and runs AI algorithms to enable features like self-driving capabilities.
hardware retrofit
"And some owners will get a complimentary hardware retrofit for the compute but you can't upgrade of course the basic architecture, the voltage of the vehicle..."
Sometimes car makers update parts inside a car after you buy it to make it better. This is called a hardware retrofit.
A hardware retrofit refers to upgrading or replacing physical components in a vehicle after purchase to improve or add new features, such as updated computing hardware for better performance.
Stellantis
"Stellantis is in talks with Xiaomi and Xpong about deals that could include Chinese car makers taking steaks in Stellantis brands like Maserati and using excess production facility they have in Europe."
Stellantis is a big car company made by joining two other big car companies. It owns many different car brands you might know.
Stellantis is a multinational automotive manufacturing corporation formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group. It owns multiple car brands including Maserati, Jeep, and Peugeot.
X9 Xpong
"China. Stellantis is in talks with Xiaomi and Xpong about deals that could include Chinese car maker..."
The X9 is an electric car made in China. It is part of a plan where different companies work together to make new kinds of cars that use electricity instead of gas.
The X9 is a Chinese electric vehicle model that is part of Stellantis' potential collaboration with Xiaomi and Xpeng, indicating a strategic move into the Chinese EV market. It represents the growing influence of Chinese automakers and technology companies in global electric vehicle development.
fleet CO2 targets
"Volkswagen missed its 2025 fleet CO2 targets to get around that."
Fleet CO2 targets are rules that car companies must follow to keep pollution low for all the cars they sell together. If they don't meet these rules, they might have to pay money.
Fleet CO2 targets are regulatory limits set by governments on the average carbon dioxide emissions of all vehicles sold by a manufacturer within a certain period. Missing these targets can result in fines or penalties.
Alpina B10
"...ap motor doing a big over the air update to their B10, that's their midsize SUV, one pedal driving, Ap..."
The Alpina B10 is a special kind of SUV that is faster and fancier than normal cars. It can get updates through the internet to add new features and make driving easier.
The Alpina B10 is a high-performance midsize SUV developed by Alpina, known for enhancing BMW models with sportier tuning and luxury features. The mention of a significant over-the-air update highlights its advanced technology integration, including features like one-pedal driving for improved efficiency and convenience.
Leapmotor B10
"Leap motor doing a big over the air update to their B10, that's their midsize SUV, one pedal driving, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and more coming to that..."
The Leapmotor B10 is an electric SUV from China. It has features that make driving easier and can connect to your phone for apps and music.
The Leapmotor B10 is a midsize electric SUV produced by Chinese automaker Leapmotor. It features modern tech like one-pedal driving and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Android Auto
"...Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and more coming to that..."
Android Auto lets you use your Android phone on your car's screen so you can get directions, listen to music, and use apps safely while driving.
Android Auto is a technology that connects Android smartphones to a car's infotainment system, enabling access to apps, navigation, and media through the car's display.
one-pedal driving
"...one pedal driving, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and more coming to that..."
One-pedal driving means you can speed up and slow down your car using just one pedal. When you take your foot off the pedal, the car slows down by itself.
One-pedal driving is a feature in many electric vehicles that allows the driver to accelerate and decelerate using only the accelerator pedal. When the pedal is released, regenerative braking slows the car, reducing the need to use the brake pedal.
Apple CarPlay
"...Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and more coming to that..."
Apple CarPlay lets you use your iPhone on your car's screen so you can get directions, listen to music, and use apps easily while driving.
Apple CarPlay is a system that allows you to connect your iPhone to your car's infotainment system to use apps, navigation, and music safely while driving.
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