BRIEFLY: MG4 Urban, Rivian, BMW iX3 & more | 28 Jan 2026
About this episode
The latest episode dives into exciting developments in the electric vehicle world, featuring the new MG4 Urban, which offers a budget-friendly entry point for EV buyers. Rivian's push for direct sales in Colorado is highlighted, alongside the UK Car of the Year shortlist, dominated by electric vehicles. BMW begins delivering IX3s, while KGM introduces the Musso EV pickup in the UK. Volvo discusses profitability in electric vehicle production, and Tesla expands its semi truck infrastructure. The episode wraps up with Nissan's solar panel-covered Ariya showcased in Australia.
It's EV News Briefly for Wednesday 28 January 2026, everything you need to know in less than 5 minutes if you haven't got time for the full show.
Patreon supporters fund this show, get the episodes ad free, as soon as they're ready and are part of the EV News Daily Community. You can be like them by clicking here: https://www.patreon.com/EVNewsDaily
MG4 URBAN CUTS PRICES AS ORIGINAL MG4 GETS REFRESH https://bit.ly/3LZ3DHB
RIVIAN BETS $4.6M ON COLORADO DIRECT-SALES FIGHT https://bit.ly/4t3oKZM
ELECTRONS DOMINATE 2026 UK CAR OF THE YEAR SHORTLIST https://bit.ly/4q2lvPJ
BMW SEEDS IX3 IN MUNICH AHEAD OF EUROPE LAUNCH https://bit.ly/4a2F8RW
KGM MUSSO EV TARGETS BRITAIN’S DIESEL PICK-UP HEARTLAND https://bit.ly/4qVcIAc
VOLVO BETS EX60 EV WILL OUT-EARN ITS HYBRID BESTSELLER https://bit.ly/4q7xSKp
TESLA SEMI TO CHARGE AT AMERICA’S BIGGEST TRUCK-STOP CHAIN https://bit.ly/3LZR66z
GRIDSERVE OPENS FIRST MOTORWAY E-HGV HUBS https://bit.ly/4bmDH2R
ELECTRIC RENAULT HITS 1,000KM DAY ON 300KM RANGE https://bit.ly/4ahOWbR
DS 7 EV CHASES RANGE, NOT RAPID CHARGING https://bit.ly/3ZxguDV
NISSAN ARIYA TESTS SOLAR TOP-UP FOR CITY DRIVERS https://bit.ly/49Xiavn
MG4
"Here, the MG4 is quite a big deal, actually. The MG4 is a small family car, but sells really well. 50,000 sold so far."
The MG4 is a small electric car made by MG. It's popular because it's affordable and practical for families.
The MG4 is a small family electric vehicle that has gained popularity, with 50,000 units sold. It's known for its affordability and practicality in the EV market.
front-wheel drive
"In China, it's not rear-wheel drive, it's front-wheel drive, and it's a different chassis, but they're still calling it the MG4."
Front-wheel drive is when the front wheels of a car get the power from the engine. This setup can help the car handle better, especially in bad weather.
Front-wheel drive (FWD) means that the engine's power is directed to the front wheels, which can improve traction and handling in various driving conditions.
chassis
"In China, it's not rear-wheel drive, it's front-wheel drive, and it's a different chassis, but they're still calling it the MG4."
The chassis is the main frame of a car that holds everything together, like the engine and wheels. It's important for how the car drives and its safety.
The chassis is the base frame of a vehicle, which supports the body and components like the engine and suspension. It plays a critical role in the car's handling and safety.
MG4 Urban
"Meanwhile, the cheaper one, MG4 Urban, which does look different, starts at £23,495."
The MG4 Urban is a less expensive version of the MG4, with some changes in its look and features to make it more affordable.
The MG4 Urban is a variant of the MG4, designed to be a more budget-friendly option with some differences in design and features compared to the standard MG4.
X-Power
"...if you want the full fire-breathing X-Power version. That's very cool."
X-Power is a name MG uses for its faster and more powerful cars, showing that they have special performance features.
X-Power is a performance branding used by MG for its high-performance models, indicating enhanced power and sporty features compared to standard versions.
Rivian
"Rivian has put $4.6 million behind a new Colorado measure"
Rivian is a company that makes electric vehicles, like trucks and SUVs, designed for outdoor adventures and new technology.
Rivian is an American electric vehicle manufacturer known for its electric trucks and SUVs, focusing on adventure-oriented vehicles with innovative technology.
EV
"...direct and avoid the franchise dealership model so far, the strong dealer groups, and lobbies haven't responded. Eight cars have made the UK car of the year shortlist..."
An EV, or Electric Vehicle, runs on electricity instead of gas. This means it uses batteries to power the motor, making it more environmentally friendly.
EV stands for Electric Vehicle, which is a type of vehicle that is powered entirely or partially by electricity instead of traditional gasoline or diesel fuel.
franchise dealership model
"...direct and avoid the franchise dealership model so far, the strong dealer groups, and lobbies haven't responded. Eight cars have made the UK car of the year shortlist..."
The franchise dealership model is how car companies usually sell cars through independent dealerships. This means you can't buy directly from the manufacturer, but rather through a dealer that has a contract with them.
The franchise dealership model refers to the system where car manufacturers grant licenses to independent dealers to sell their vehicles, which can create a barrier for direct sales from manufacturers to consumers.
pure EVs
"...and guess what? All of them can run on electrons. Like five of the eight are pure EVs. And so whichever one wins car of the year in the UK this year..."
Pure EVs are cars that only use electricity to run, with no gas engine at all. They rely completely on batteries for power.
Pure EVs are electric vehicles that operate solely on electric power and do not have a gasoline engine, making them fully reliant on battery power for operation.
BMW iX3
"I think you know what it tells you. BMW have very quietly started shipping the first customer IX3s to BMW owners in Munich."
The BMW iX3 is a fully electric version of BMW's popular X3 SUV, meaning it runs on electricity instead of gasoline, which is better for the environment.
The BMW iX3 is an all-electric SUV that represents BMW's entry into the electric vehicle market, showcasing their commitment to sustainability and innovation.
BMW Neue Klasse
"...bout it. But if you see an IX3 on the road, that Neue Klasse platform in Germany. Yeah, their customer cars, ..."
The BMW Neue Klasse is a new type of car design that BMW is working on, especially for electric cars. It's important because it shows how BMW is changing to make better and more efficient vehicles for the future.
The BMW Neue Klasse refers to a new platform that BMW is developing for its upcoming electric vehicles. This platform is significant as it represents a shift towards electrification and modern design, aiming to enhance performance and efficiency in their future models.
Musso EV
"Musso EV is their pickup truck is coming to the UK, starts at 45,000 pounds without VAT."
The Musso EV is an electric pickup truck made by Sang-Yong, which is designed for people who need a truck that can also be environmentally friendly.
The Musso EV is an electric pickup truck from Sang-Yong, aimed at providing utility and efficiency for both personal and commercial use. It features a robust design suitable for various tasks.
73 kilowatt hour pack
"We can say that price because it's a business vehicle, 73 kilowatt hour pack."
A 73 kilowatt hour battery pack is the size of the battery in an electric vehicle, which determines how far the car can drive on a single charge.
A 73 kilowatt hour battery pack refers to the capacity of the battery used in electric vehicles, indicating how much energy it can store. This impacts the vehicle's range and performance.
payload
"But it tows three and a half thousand kilograms, payloads of thousand kilograms."
Payload is the total weight a truck can safely carry, including everything inside it, like tools or equipment.
Payload refers to the maximum weight that a vehicle can carry, including passengers and cargo. It's an important specification for trucks and vans, indicating their utility.
Ssangyong Musso
"...ee if I need to get any takers for that. The KGM Musso EV now coming to the UK. Volvo have said that ou..."
The Ssangyong Musso is a type of pickup truck that is useful for carrying things and is known for being affordable. Now, there's a new electric version of it, which means it runs on electricity instead of gas, making it more eco-friendly.
The Ssangyong Musso is a mid-size pickup truck known for its practicality and value in markets like the UK. Recently, the introduction of the Musso EV variant highlights the brand's commitment to electrification and offers consumers an alternative to traditional gasoline-powered trucks.
Volvo EX60
"They've been talking about the EX60 launched last week and just adding a few more details to it."
The Volvo EX60 is a new electric car from Volvo. It's designed to be more profitable for the company as they focus on electric vehicles instead of traditional gas-powered ones.
The Volvo EX60 is an all-electric vehicle that represents Volvo's shift towards electric mobility. It was recently launched and is part of their strategy to enhance profitability through electric vehicle sales.
giga casting
"...also the giga casting of the whole row rent means that we can sell the EX60 and make more money selling electrics."
Giga casting is a way of making big parts of a car all at once, instead of putting them together from smaller pieces. This helps save time and money in making electric cars.
Giga casting refers to the process of using large-scale casting techniques to create significant vehicle components in one piece, which can reduce manufacturing complexity and costs. This method is becoming popular in electric vehicle production.
Volvo XC60
"...more money selling electrics. Than one of the existing XC60 plug in hybrids."
The Volvo XC60 is a hybrid SUV, meaning it uses both a gas engine and electric power. The discussion compares how much money Volvo can make from this model versus their new electric model.
The Volvo XC60 is a plug-in hybrid SUV that has been a popular model for Volvo. The mention highlights the comparison in profitability between traditional hybrids and new electric models like the EX60.
Tesla Semi
"...ds and now they call the downward slope. Tesla's semi done a big deal with pilots. Now there are loads..."
The Tesla Semi is a big electric truck made by Tesla, meant for transporting goods. It's important because it helps companies save money on fuel and is better for the environment since it doesn't use gas.
The Tesla Semi is an all-electric truck designed for freight transport, showcasing Tesla's innovation in the commercial vehicle sector. It aims to reduce operating costs for trucking companies while also lowering emissions, making it a significant step towards sustainable logistics.
supercharger
"Going to add Tesla superchargers or mega charge ready for the Tesla semi trucks"
A supercharger is a special charging station for Tesla cars that can charge the battery very quickly, so you can drive long distances without waiting too long.
Tesla superchargers are high-speed charging stations designed to quickly charge Tesla electric vehicles, allowing for long-distance travel with minimal downtime.
solar panels
"...Nissan have shown off a Nissan Ariya covered in solar panels for Clean Energy Day in Australia..."
Solar panels are special panels that catch sunlight and turn it into electricity. Some electric cars use them to help charge their batteries using sunlight.
Solar panels are devices that convert sunlight into electricity. In electric vehicles, they can be used to supplement the car's battery, providing additional energy for driving or powering accessories.
Tata Motors Aria
"...k on the A1M. And Nissan have shown off a Nissan Aria covered in solar panels for Clean Energy Day in ..."
Nissan Aria
"...Nissan have shown off a Nissan Ariya covered in solar panels for Clean Energy Day in Australia..."
The Nissan Ariya is a new electric car from Nissan. It's designed to be eco-friendly and has a lot of modern features, making it a good choice for people looking for an electric vehicle.
The Nissan Ariya is an all-electric crossover SUV that represents Nissan's push into the electric vehicle market. It features advanced technology and a spacious interior, making it suitable for both urban and long-distance driving.
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
Help improve this episode
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.