BRIEFLY: Mercedes GLB, Lynk&Co PHEV, Tesla Korea & more | 21 Jan 2026
About this episode
Mercedes has kicked off production of the all-electric GLB SUV in Hungary, aiming to cut costs and compete with Chinese rivals. Renault saw a significant 77% increase in EV sales last year, while Lynk&Co claimed a dubious world record for their plug-in hybrid's range. Tesla is testing aggressive price cuts in South Korea, leading to a surge in Model 3 sales. The UK is rapidly increasing its EV charging infrastructure, with projections showing a significant shift away from petrol stations. Additionally, the EU is addressing potential tariffs on Chinese plug-in hybrids.
It's EV News Briefly for Wednesday 21 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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MERCEDES SHIFTS ELECTRIC GLB TO LOW‑COST HUNGARY https://evne.ws/4b8SxKn
RENAULT GROWS MODESTLY AS ELECTRIFIED SALES SURGE https://evne.ws/4qzn4px
LYNK & CO 08 PHEV SETS 293KM EV-ONLY RECORD https://evne.ws/4qzVdFE
TESLA TURNS KOREA INTO A PRICE WAR TEST BED https://evne.ws/49QuihJ
LEASE COSTS FALL AS EV ENQUIRIES CLIMB IN 2025 https://evne.ws/4sNQqSx
BRITAIN NEARS NORWAY-STYLE EV CHARGING DENSITY https://evne.ws/4jRf8gM
BRITAIN SWITCHES ON FIRST MEGAWATT HGV CHARGER https://evne.ws/3LFaS7q
EU COOLS TALK OF HYBRID TARIFFS ON CHINESE CARS https://evne.ws/49KtA5w
MAZDA PUSHES OWN-BRAND EVS TO 2029 AS HYBRIDS DOMINATE https://evne.ws/4sOcf4j
CHINA’S CARMAKERS MUSCLE INTO EUROPE IN DECEMBER 2025 https://evne.ws/49wtGig
WAYMO HITS LONDON STREETS AHEAD OF UK DRIVERS https://evne.ws/3NuYCXB
AMISH E-BIKES SHOW HOW ELECTRIFICATION QUIETLY SPREADS https://evne.ws/4qEqTda
Mercedes GLB
"Mercedes has begun their production of the all electric GLB SUV. They're using Hungary, not Mexico, to cut their cost base and fend off Chinese rivals that can do things cheaper."
The Mercedes GLB is a small luxury SUV that is designed to be practical and comfortable. It has a lot of space inside and comes with modern technology, making it a good choice for families or anyone needing extra room.
The Mercedes GLB is a compact luxury SUV that offers a blend of practicality and performance, featuring a spacious interior and advanced technology. It is part of Mercedes-Benz's growing lineup of electric vehicles, reflecting the brand's commitment to sustainability.
electric vehicles
"Well, you guessed it, it's electric vehicles. EV sales up 77% at Renault in the last year, not surprised."
Electric vehicles are cars that run on electricity instead of gasoline. They are better for the environment and can save money on fuel.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are cars that are powered entirely or partially by electricity instead of traditional fuels like petrol or diesel. They are known for being more environmentally friendly and often have lower operating costs.
Renault 4
"Renault 4, Renault 5 and more are very compelling."
The Renault 4 is a small car that Renault made a long time ago. It was popular because it was practical and could be used for many different purposes.
The Renault 4 is a small family car produced by Renault from 1961 to 1992. It was known for its practicality and versatility, becoming a popular choice in various markets, especially in Europe.
Renault 5
"Renault 4, Renault 5 and more are very compelling."
The Renault 5 is a small car that Renault produced in the 1970s and 1980s. It was well-liked for being easy to drive and park in cities.
The Renault 5 is a supermini car produced by Renault from 1972 to 1985. It was known for its compact size and was popular in urban environments, contributing to Renault's reputation for practical vehicles.
plug-in hybrid
"Lincoln Co, a G. Lee company that specializes in plug-in hybrids, claimed to have a new world record, of course, our friends at Guinness turned up to make it a world record."
Plug-in hybrids are cars that can run on electricity or gasoline. You can charge them at home, and they usually save more fuel than regular cars.
A plug-in hybrid is a type of vehicle that can be charged from an external power source and uses both an electric motor and a gasoline engine for propulsion.
Lincoln Co
"Lincoln Co, a G. Lee company that specializes in plug-in hybrids, claimed to have a new world record, of course, our friends at Guinness turned up to make it a world record."
Lincoln Co makes cars that can use both electricity and gasoline, which helps save fuel and reduce emissions.
Lincoln Co is a company that specializes in plug-in hybrid vehicles, focusing on combining electric and gasoline power for improved efficiency.
dynamical Picasso racetrack
"They took one of their plug-in hybrids and drove very slowly around Mexico City's centre, dynamical Picasso racetrack."
The dynamical Picasso racetrack is a place where cars are driven fast to see how well they perform. It's designed for testing cars safely.
The dynamical Picasso racetrack is a specific racing circuit, likely used for testing vehicle performance under controlled conditions.
range testing
"However, may I just remind people, that's not how we do range testing."
Range testing is when you check how far a car can go before it needs more fuel or a recharge. It's important to know how efficient a car is.
Range testing is a method used to determine how far a vehicle can travel on a single charge or tank of fuel, often under specific conditions.
Tesla Model 3
"In fact, you can get a Model 3 for around $27,000 US dollars equivalent in South Korea, because of subsidies."
The Tesla Model 3 is an electric car that is known for being affordable and having good performance. In South Korea, it's being sold at lower prices to attract more buyers.
The Tesla Model 3 is a compact electric sedan that has gained popularity for its performance, range, and affordability compared to other electric vehicles. In South Korea, aggressive pricing strategies have made it a competitive option in the market.
subsidies
"In fact, you can get a Model 3 for around $27,000 US dollars equivalent in South Korea, because of subsidies."
Subsidies are money given by the government to help people buy things, like electric cars. This makes the cars cheaper for buyers.
Subsidies are financial incentives provided by the government to encourage the purchase of certain products, such as electric vehicles. In this context, they help lower the price of the Tesla Model 3 in South Korea, making it more accessible to consumers.
Mercedes-Benz Eclass
"They're now the number one imported brand. They've overtaken Mercedes-Benz with their E-Class. Lease costs are falling."
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a fancy car that many people like because it’s comfortable and has a lot of cool features. It’s part of a brand known for making high-quality vehicles, and now it’s becoming cheaper to lease, which means more people might be able to drive one.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a line of executive cars known for their luxury, performance, and advanced technology. It has been a significant player in the automotive market, often representing the brand's commitment to quality and innovation. The mention of its lease costs falling suggests that it is becoming more accessible to consumers, which could impact its popularity in the competitive luxury segment.
leasing
"...leasing is a better way to get a car. Because even though headline prices, ticket prices, MSRPs are rising all the time,"
Leasing is like renting a car for a few years instead of buying it. You pay a monthly fee to use the car, and then you give it back when the lease is over.
Leasing is a method of obtaining a vehicle where you pay to use it for a specific period, typically 2-3 years, without owning it. At the end of the lease, you return the car or have the option to buy it.
MSRP
"Because even though headline prices, ticket prices, MSRPs are rising all the time,"
MSRP is the price that the car maker suggests you should pay for a new car. It's like a starting point for how much a car costs.
MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, which is the price that the manufacturer recommends for a vehicle. It serves as a guideline for both dealers and consumers when buying a car.
range anxiety
"You want to know what range anxiety is? Driving a petrol car in a few years' time."
Range anxiety is when drivers worry that their electric car will run out of battery before they can find a place to recharge it. It's becoming less of a problem as more charging stations are built.
Range anxiety refers to the fear or concern that an electric vehicle (EV) will run out of battery power before reaching a charging station. This concern is less prevalent now as EV infrastructure improves and charging stations become more widespread.
megawatt charges
"Britain is switching on its first megawatt charges for HDVs in the eastern Midlands."
Megawatt charging is a type of fast charging that can deliver a lot of power quickly, making it easier to charge large vehicles like trucks in a short amount of time.
Megawatt charging refers to high-power charging stations capable of delivering electricity at a rate of one megawatt or more. This technology is particularly important for heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) as it significantly reduces charging time compared to standard chargers.
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