BRIEFLY: Nissa, BMW, Spanish EV Factories & more | 23 Feb 2026
About this episode
The discussion covers key updates in the EV industry including Nissan postponing the Leaf S in the US, BMW transitioning the X4 to an all-electric IX4 built in Hungary, and Spain's ambitions to become Europe's EV manufacturing hub. Lamborghini's cancellation of its all-electric Lanzador concept is addressed with context on supercar electrification timelines. The episode also highlights challenges like the UK's shortage of qualified EV technicians and Toyota facing a US class action lawsuit over hydrogen fuel convenience. Celebrity sightings and market pricing dynamics with Chinese EV entrants add extra color to the news.
It's EV News Briefly for Monday 23 February 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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NISSAN SHELVES CHEAPEST LEAF FOR US 2026 https://evne.ws/3OsLQti
BMW ENDS X4 ICE, READIES ELECTRIC IX4 https://evne.ws/4kUEivt
SPAIN BIDS TO BECOME EUROPE’S EV FACTORY https://evne.ws/4aHd6eY
LAMBORGHINI DUMPS LANZADOR EV, GOES ALL-IN ON PHEVS https://evne.ws/4c5Spvy
UNECE WEIGHS RULES FOR EXTERIOR EV ENGINE SOUNDS https://evne.ws/4aHHiGJ
EUROPE’S CAR PRICING POWER FADES FAST https://evne.ws/4aMot5s
ONLY 26% OF UK TECHNICIANS HOLD EV QUALS https://evne.ws/3ZTZA2F
BMW DONATES 750E PHEV TO BULGARIAN TECH SCHOOL https://evne.ws/40qu8Ju
MIRAI RESALE COLLAPSES AS HYDROGEN COSTS SOAR https://evne.ws/3MYHz07
RAMSAY SPOTTED IN ASTON MARTIN VALHALLA IN LONDON https://evne.ws/4tS7qYh
Nissan Leaf
"Nissan has postponed, but not cancelled, nor confirmed a date for the Leaf S variant. That's the base model, which is now no longer coming to the United States, at least for now."
The Nissan Leaf S is the simplest and cheapest version of Nissan's electric car called the Leaf. It's a good choice if you want an electric car that doesn't cost too much.
The Nissan Leaf S is the base variant of Nissan's all-electric Leaf model, known for being an affordable electric vehicle option in the US market.
Chevrolet Bolt
"It is beaten slightly on price by the cheapest possible spec Chevrolet Bolt, a $28,995. Now that Nissan Leaf S spec could have even beaten that."
The Chevrolet Bolt is a small electric car that doesn't cost too much and can drive a good distance on a single charge. It's a popular choice for people wanting an electric car.
The Chevrolet Bolt is an all-electric compact hatchback that offers competitive pricing and range, making it a popular affordable electric vehicle in the US.
BMW X4
"BMW has shut the door for good on the X4's combustion run."
The BMW X4 is a fancy small SUV that looks sporty. BMW is stopping the versions that use regular gas engines, probably to make more electric cars instead.
The BMW X4 is a luxury compact SUV with a coupe-like design. The mention refers to BMW ending production of combustion engine versions of this model, likely shifting focus to electric variants.
small urban cars
"...Volkswagen are gonna make all their small urban cars there, like the Skoda, if not the Skoda Epic..."
Small urban cars are little cars made to drive easily in cities. They use less gas and can fit in small parking spots.
Small urban cars are compact vehicles designed primarily for city driving. They are typically fuel-efficient, easy to park, and maneuverable in tight spaces.
Skoda Epic
"...mall urban cars there, like the Skoda, if not the Skoda Epic, then certainly to begin with the Cooper Reval"
The Skoda Epiq is a small car made for driving around cities easily. It's simple, easy to park, and good on fuel, making it a popular choice for people who need a car mainly for short trips and busy streets.
The Skoda Epiq is a compact urban vehicle designed for city driving, emphasizing practicality and efficiency. It is often discussed in the context of affordable, small cars suitable for tight urban environments. Its mention alongside other small cars highlights its role as an accessible option for city commuters.
VW ID Polo
"...then certainly to begin with the Cooper Reval and VW ID Polo, CATL, batteries there..."
The VW ID Polo is a new electric car made by Volkswagen. It's designed to be small and good for driving in cities without using gas.
The VW ID Polo is an upcoming electric vehicle from Volkswagen, part of their ID family of electric cars. It is expected to be a small urban electric car designed for city use.
CATL
"...and VW ID Polo, CATL, batteries there..."
CATL is a big company from China that makes batteries for electric cars and other uses. These batteries help cars run without gas.
CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited) is a Chinese company specializing in the production of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage systems. They are one of the largest battery manufacturers globally.
Mercedes
"...Stalantis build their small cars there in Madrid, Mercedes builds their vans there."
Mercedes is a famous car company from Germany that makes fancy cars and vans. Their vans are used for work and personal driving.
Mercedes-Benz is a German luxury automobile manufacturer known for producing premium cars, vans, and commercial vehicles. They have a strong presence in the van market with models used for both commercial and personal use.
Omoda 5 EV
"...the Omoda 5 EV is made in Barcelona."
The Omoda 5 EV is a small electric SUV made by a Chinese car company. It runs on electricity instead of gas and is good for city driving.
The Omoda 5 EV is an electric vehicle produced by Omoda, a brand under the Chinese automotive group Chery. It is a compact electric SUV aimed at urban markets.
Ford
"Geely are looking at using the form of Ford plant in Valencia."
Ford is a big car company from America that makes many types of cars and trucks. They have factories in different countries, like Spain.
Ford is a major American automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles from trucks to passenger cars. It has manufacturing plants worldwide, including in Valencia, Spain.
Geely
"Geely are looking at using the form of Ford plant"
Geely is a car company from China that makes different types of cars, including electric ones. They also own other car brands around the world.
Geely is a Chinese automotive manufacturer known for producing a range of vehicles including electric and hybrid models. It has expanded internationally by acquiring several other automotive brands.
Lanzador
"Lamborghinis killed off its all electric Lanzador concept, which was meant to be coming"
The Lamborghini Lanzador was a special electric car idea that Lamborghini planned to make but then stopped. It showed what their electric cars might look like.
The Lamborghini Lanzador was an all-electric concept car intended to showcase Lamborghini's future electric performance capabilities. It was ultimately cancelled and not put into production.
electric vehicle (EV)
"A lot was made about it in the headlines today, as you can imagine, negative EV headlines tend to do good business on clicks"
An electric vehicle is a car that runs on electricity instead of gas. It doesn't make pollution from the tailpipe like regular cars do.
An electric vehicle (EV) is a car powered entirely or primarily by electricity instead of gasoline or diesel. EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions and are considered more environmentally friendly.
Lamborghini
"If Lamborghini doesn't go electric now, that's really not a problem."
Lamborghini makes very fast and fancy cars that many people dream of owning. They are famous for their cool looks and speed.
Lamborghini is an Italian luxury sports car manufacturer known for producing high-performance supercars with striking designs and powerful engines.
electric vehicles
"If Lamborghini doesn't go electric now, that's really not a problem. ... the buses and all the working vehicles that we can go electric with current technology"
Electric vehicles are cars that run on electricity instead of gas. They are better for the environment and can be charged at home or special stations.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are cars powered entirely or partially by electric motors using energy stored in batteries, offering an alternative to traditional gasoline engines and reducing emissions.
supercars
"For the handful of cars they sell every year that would do a thousand miles on a Sunday for their owners that probably have many other supercars in their garage."
Supercars are very fast and expensive cars that are made for people who love driving and want something special and rare.
Supercars are high-performance sports cars that offer extreme speed, advanced technology, and exclusive design, often produced in limited numbers for enthusiasts and collectors.
plug-in hybrid
"They're gonna go plug in hybrid instead, by the way, they still got batteries."
A plug-in hybrid car uses both gas and electricity, and you can charge its battery by plugging it in.
A plug-in hybrid is a vehicle that combines an internal combustion engine with an electric motor and a battery that can be recharged by plugging into an external power source.
EV qualification
"26% of technicians hold an EV qualification, but we need to focus more on small businesses that don't have the money to invest ahead of demand,"
An EV qualification means a mechanic has special training to work safely and correctly on electric cars.
An EV qualification is a certification that technicians earn to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in servicing and repairing electric vehicles, especially their high voltage systems.
Toyota Mirai
"Toyota is facing class action lawsuit in the United States and Los Angeles and Mirai owners who said that they were oversold the convenience of filling up with hydrogen"
The Toyota Mirai is a car that runs on hydrogen instead of gas or electricity. It uses special technology to turn hydrogen into power, but you need special places to fill it up with hydrogen.
The Toyota Mirai is a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle that uses hydrogen gas to generate electricity, powering an electric motor. It offers an alternative to traditional gasoline or battery electric vehicles, but requires access to hydrogen refueling stations.
Aston Martin Valhalla
"Gordon Ramsay has been spotted driving his new plug-in hybrid, Aston Martin Valhalla, an engine but also three electric motors,"
The Aston Martin Valhalla is a very fast car that uses both a gasoline engine and electric motors to move. It can use electricity to help it go faster and save fuel.
The Aston Martin Valhalla is a high-performance plug-in hybrid supercar that combines a traditional internal combustion engine with multiple electric motors to deliver exceptional power and efficiency.
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