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BRIEFLY: Mercedes CLA, Starbucks Charging, BMW Range Extenders and more | 26 Nov 2025

BRIEFLY: Mercedes CLA, Starbucks Charging, BMW Range Extenders and more | 26 Nov 2025

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About this episode

Mercedes-Benz unveils the CLA shooting brake with impressive range and performance, while also partnering with Starbucks for high-power charging stations. Tesla faces a significant decline in European sales, with the Model Y dropping in rankings. Meanwhile, BMW's range extenders see a downturn in China, raising questions about their future. MG plans to introduce a budget-friendly EV, and Porsche experiments with new features for future models. The episode covers key trends and challenges in the EV market, providing insights into the shifting landscape.

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Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Car

Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake

"The first one is the CLA shooting break."

The CLA Shooting Brake is a type of car made by Mercedes-Benz. It's a sporty-looking wagon that has more space in the back for carrying things compared to a regular sedan.

Term

kilowatt-hour (kWh)

"it starts at £47,000 here in the UK for an 85 kilowatt-hour battery..."

A kilowatt-hour is a way to measure how much energy a battery can store. It helps you understand how far an electric car can go before it needs to be charged again.

Term

horsepower

"...still 268 horsepower and big range..."

Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful a car's engine is. More horsepower usually means the car can go faster and accelerate better.

Term

all-wheel drive (AWD)

"...there's also a 350 version of that too, which is all wheel drive."

All-wheel drive means that power goes to all four wheels of the car, which helps it grip the road better, especially in rain or snow.

Term

EPA rating

"...the Saloon version is now confirmed in terms of its EPA rating."

The EPA rating tells you how far a car can go on a full charge or tank of gas. It's a helpful number for comparing how efficient different cars are.

Term

800-volt architecture

"...an 800-volt architecture, 320 kilowatt DC fast charging..."

An 800-volt architecture means the car can charge faster. It helps the battery fill up more quickly when you plug it in.

Term

DC fast charging

"...320 kilowatt DC fast charging, and Mercedes-Benz teaming up with Starbucks."

DC fast charging is a quick way to charge electric cars. It gives a lot of power to the battery in a short amount of time, so you don't have to wait long.

Company

Mercedes-Benz

"...Mercedes-Benz high-power charging and Starbucks opening the first DC fast charging hub there..."

Mercedes-Benz is a famous car brand from Germany that makes luxury cars and trucks. They are known for their quality and advanced technology.

Car

Tesla Model Y

"Well, the old top-step gold medal-winning Model Y is no longer taking the crown. Scotter's L-Rock was number one, Renault 5 was number two, Tesla's Model Y down in eighth."

The Tesla Model Y is an electric SUV made by Tesla. It's popular because it has a lot of space inside and comes with smart technology that helps with driving.

Car

Renault 5

"Scotter's L-Rock was number one, Renault 5 was number two, Tesla's Model Y down in eighth."

The Renault 5 is a small car that was made by the French company Renault a long time ago. It's known for being easy to drive and good on fuel.

Car

BMW X5

"BMW i's range extenders for China, for the X5 and the 7 series as well."

The BMW X5 is a high-end SUV made by BMW. It's designed for comfort and has a lot of space inside, making it a popular choice for families.

Car

BMW 7 Series

"BMW i's range extenders for China, for the X5 and the 7 series as well."

The BMW 7 Series is a large luxury car made by BMW. It's known for being very comfortable and having a lot of high-tech features.

Term

EREV

"but the last four months in a row, EREVs, as they are, have actually declined."

An EREV is a special kind of electric car that can also use a small gas engine to help it go further when the battery runs out.

Term

CO2 reduction targets

"Stalantis Chairman John Elkin warning of the European auto industry in reversible decline, if they are held to the CO2 reduction targets..."

CO2 reduction targets are rules that tell car companies how much they need to lower their carbon dioxide emissions to help the environment.

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