BRIEFLY: Renault Twingo, Ferrari Elettrica, Google AI & more | 10 Oct 2025
About this episode
Exciting updates in the EV world include the upcoming Renault Twingo E-Tec, set to launch at an affordable price in 2026, and Ferrari's impressive first EV, the Elettrica, boasting 1,000 horsepower and a 323-mile range. Rivian's CEO expresses confidence in the R2 model, while Volvo gears up for the EX40 with a focus on in-house engineering. Tesla's recent cost-cutting measures have sparked mixed reactions, particularly regarding the Model Y's features. Other highlights include BYD's surge in German registrations and Nissan's redesigned Leaf opening orders in Japan.
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RENAULT TWINGO E‑TECH TO LAUNCH IN NOVEMBER https://evne.ws/4mQlpJj
THE ELETTRICA, FERRARI’S FIRST EV, WILL BE A FOUR-MOTOR FOUR-DOOR NON-SUPERCAR https://evne.ws/4h2DgeR
RIVIAN SWAPS AMAZON’S ALEXA FOR GOOGLE'S GEMINI https://evne.ws/4n2R6PV
RIVIAN CEO RJ SCARINGE CLAIMS CONFIDENCE AHEAD OF 2026 LAUNCH OF $45,000 R2 https://evne.ws/47hwK0v
NEXT GENERATION VOLVO EX40 WILL USE SPA3 PLATFORM https://evne.ws/3KB8fTn
TESLA'S NEW BASE MODEL 3 EVEN CUTS POWER MIRRORS https://evne.ws/4oaQad9
BYD SALES SURGE IN GERMANY AND OVERSEAS https://evne.ws/3KKZXYU
SKODA OVERTAKES BMW IN GERMAN BEV SALES https://evne.ws/48VaJFW
NISSAN TO LAUNCH THIRD-GENERATION LEAF ORDERS IN JAPAN https://evne.ws/4o51E1Q
IONITY LAUNCHES POWER 365 AND MOTION 365 SUBCRIPTION OFFERS https://evne.ws/4mZ8xRl
FEDEX AUSTRALIA ADDS 55 ELECTRIC DELIVERY VEHICLES https://evne.ws/4mXWlQO
FUELL COMPANY, IP SOLD FOR $170,000 https://evne.ws/4h11vdk
PAKISTAN EV BIKES MOSTLY USE FAKE “GRAPHENE” BATTERIES https://evne.ws/3VUkXim
Renault Twingo E‑Tech launch
Renault will unveil the new Twingo E‑Tech on 6 November, starting below £17,000 with UK deliveries in 2026. Built on the Ampr Small platform and targeting 6.2 miles per kWh, it aims to combine efficiency, affordability, and rapid production turnaround.
Ferrari Elettrica revealed
Ferrari’s first EV, the Elettrica, is a four‑door, four‑motor GT producing over 1,000 hp and 0–62 mph in 2.5 seconds. With 323‑mile range and advanced in‑house engineering, it showcases Ferrari’s blend of luxury innovation in electric form.
Rivian adopts Google Gemini AI
Rivian is replacing Alexa with Google’s Gemini AI for a more advanced in‑vehicle assistant that manages navigation, messaging, and media naturally. The new system keeps Rivian’s software platform independent while enhancing control and integration.
Rivian CEO confident for R2
CEO RJ Scaringe says development of Rivian’s $45,000 R2 compact EV is on track for 2026, marking his highest confidence in the company’s future. Backed by Amazon and Volkswagen, Rivian aims to expand EV accessibility through advanced, software‑led design.
Volvo EX40 to use SPA3
Volvo’s upcoming EX40 will debut the SPA3 platform with cell‑to‑body batteries, new motors and megacasting for major cost and efficiency gains. Launching in 2027 under $50,000, it will offer up to 350 miles of range and support future‑ready tech.
Tesla trims Model 3 features
Tesla’s new base Model 3 and Model Y remove certain comfort and powered features to cut cost and entry price. The pared‑back design lowers prices to make ownership more accessible, though with slightly reduced performance and range.
BYD sales surge overseas
BYD’s September German registrations jumped 2,225% year‑on‑year, driving European growth despite softer China demand. Overseas sales rose 123% to 697,000 units this year, reinforced by upcoming local assembly plants in Hungary, Brazil, and Uzbekistan.
Skoda overtakes BMW in German BEV sales
Skoda has climbed to second place in Germany’s BEV market behind Volkswagen with 34,567 sales, edging out BMW. Higher discounts and more choice are boosting EV market share while Tesla stabilizes after earlier dips.
Nissan third‑generation Leaf orders
Nissan will open Japan orders for its redesigned Leaf on 17 October, offering 702 km range and faster 35‑minute charging. Priced from about ¥5.2 million before subsidies, it signals Nissan’s renewed push for global EV leadership.
Ionity launches subscription plans
Ionity’s new Power 365 and Motion 365 plans offer fixed‑rate, transparent ultra‑rapid charging across Europe for 12 months at the price of 10. With access to 5,000 chargers, the subscriptions make long‑distance EV travel simpler and more predictable.
FedEx Australia adds 55 electric vehicles
FedEx has deployed 55 electric delivery vehicles across Australian cities, marking a shift from trials to daily operations. Using Fuso eCanters and Mercedes eSprinters, the rollout supports FedEx’s goal to fully electrify its fleet by 2040.
Fuell assets sold
Fuell, Erik Buell’s electric mobility firm, sold its assets for just $170,000 following bankruptcy and low awareness. The sale concludes a once‑promising venture, though a new owner could yet revive the innovative brand.
Pakistan’s fake “graphene” batteries issue
About 90% of Pakistan’s e‑bikes reportedly use mislabeled lead‑acid “graphene” batteries, undermining EV subsidy goals. Industry leaders are urging the government to shift incentives toward true lithium‑ion systems for quality and consumer protection.
Renault Twingo
"I'll kick off with news about this brilliant Renault Twingo that's coming. Renault will unveil the Twingo E-Tec very soon..."
The Renault Twingo is a small car that's easy to drive in cities. The new electric version, called the Twingo E-Tec, will be affordable and efficient.
The Renault Twingo is a small city car known for its compact design and maneuverability. The upcoming Twingo E-Tec is an electric version that aims to provide an affordable and efficient driving experience.
kilowatt hour
"...very lightweight, 6.2 miles per kilowatt hour, but also really affordable..."
A kilowatt hour is a way to measure how much electricity a car uses. It helps to understand how far an electric car can go on a certain amount of energy.
A kilowatt hour (kWh) is a unit of energy commonly used to measure electricity consumption. In the context of electric vehicles, it indicates how much energy the vehicle can use to travel a certain distance.
affordable EVs
"...you wait till two, three years time there on the second hand market, they are truly, truly brilliant, affordable EVs, can't wait."
Affordable EVs are electric cars that cost less money, making it easier for more people to buy and use them. This is good because it helps more people drive electric cars.
Affordable EVs refer to electric vehicles that are priced within reach of the average consumer, making them more accessible for everyday use. This trend is important as it encourages the adoption of electric vehicles for a wider audience.
1,000 horsepower
"Now Ferrari's first EV, the Eletrica is a four door, four motor GT, 1,000 horsepower..."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful a car's engine is. The Eletrica has 1,000 horsepower, which means it can go really fast.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, indicating how much work an engine can perform. In this case, the Eletrica's 1,000 horsepower signifies its high performance and speed capabilities.
Ferrari Eletrica
"Now Ferrari's first EV, the Eletrica is a four door, four motor GT, 1,000 horsepower..."
The Ferrari Eletrica is the first electric car made by Ferrari. It has four doors and four electric motors that together create a lot of power, making it very fast.
The Ferrari Eletrica is Ferrari's first electric vehicle, featuring a four-door design and four electric motors that produce a combined output of 1,000 horsepower.
range
"62 miles an hour in 2.5 seconds, range of 323 miles and all in-house engineering as well."
Range is how far an electric car can go before it needs to be recharged. The Eletrica can travel 323 miles on a full charge.
In the context of electric vehicles, range refers to the distance a vehicle can travel on a single charge. The Eletrica has a range of 323 miles, which is competitive for EVs.
electric motors
"Ferrari say no fake noises here, we'll just let you be exposed to the engineering sounds of electric motors."
Electric motors are parts that help electric cars move by using electricity instead of gasoline. They work quietly and efficiently.
Electric motors are devices that convert electrical energy into mechanical energy, allowing electric vehicles to move without the use of traditional internal combustion engines.
Volvo EX40
"Volvo's upcoming EX40 will debut on the SPA3 platform, that's the Volvo platform... launching in 2027 under $50,000, over 350 miles of range."
The Volvo EX40 is a new electric car that will be available in 2027. It will be built on a new platform and is designed to be affordable with a long driving range.
The Volvo EX40 is an upcoming electric vehicle set to debut in 2027. It will feature the new SPA3 platform and aims to offer a range of over 350 miles at a price under $50,000.
SPA3 platform
"Volvo's upcoming EX40 will debut on the SPA3 platform, that's the Volvo platform..."
The SPA3 platform is a new design that Volvo is using for their electric cars. It helps the cars perform better and be more efficient.
The SPA3 platform is a new vehicle architecture developed by Volvo, designed to support electric vehicles with improved performance and efficiency.
Tesla Model 3
"...ard to what Volvo do with EX40. Tesla's new base Model 3 and Model Y, the standard ones we've been talking..."
Tesla Model Y
"Tesla's new base Model 3 and Model Y, the standard ones we've been talking about all the week, have removed certain comfort and power features to cut the cost..."
The Tesla Model Y is an electric SUV that is similar to the Model 3. The latest version has been made cheaper by taking away some extra features.
The Tesla Model Y is a compact electric SUV that shares many components with the Model 3. Like the Model 3, the base version has seen some features removed to lower the price.
autopilot
"...the removal of autopilot has also not gone down very well, but I think that's just Tesla moving you, nudging you towards paying for full self-driving..."
Autopilot is a feature in Tesla cars that helps with driving by controlling speed and steering. It's not fully self-driving, but it makes driving easier.
Autopilot is Tesla's advanced driver-assistance system that provides features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance. It aims to enhance driving convenience but is not fully autonomous driving.
BYD
"...BYD's September German registrations were up, well, I mean a ridiculous amount, but from a very low base..."
BYD is a car company from China that makes electric cars. They are becoming more popular in Europe and are selling a lot of cars there.
BYD is a Chinese automotive manufacturer known for producing electric vehicles and batteries. The company has rapidly expanded its market presence, particularly in Europe.
Skoda
"...Skoda has overtaken BMW in German BEV sales, climbing to second place in the German BEV market..."
Skoda is a car brand from the Czech Republic that makes affordable cars. They are doing well in selling electric cars in Germany.
Skoda is a Czech automobile manufacturer that is part of the Volkswagen Group. It has gained popularity for its value-oriented vehicles and has seen significant growth in the electric vehicle market.
BMW
"...Skoda has overtaken BMW in German BEV sales, climbing to second place in the German BEV market..."
BMW is a well-known car brand from Germany that makes luxury cars. They are also making electric cars but are currently behind Skoda in sales in Germany.
BMW is a German luxury vehicle manufacturer known for its performance-oriented cars and SUVs. The brand has a strong presence in the electric vehicle market with its i series.
Volkswagen
"...now of course number one in Germany is the Volkswagen brand itself..."
Volkswagen is a big car company from Germany that makes many types of cars, including electric ones. They are currently the top seller of electric cars in Germany.
Volkswagen is a major German automotive manufacturer known for its wide range of vehicles, including the iconic Beetle and the Golf. It is a leader in the electric vehicle market with its ID series.
Nissan Leaf
"Nissan's third generation leaf is opening its orders, now in Japan, the redesigned leaf, we get a full unveil on September..."
The Nissan Leaf is a fully electric car that doesn't use gasoline. The third generation of this model has new features that make it better than earlier versions.
The Nissan Leaf is an all-electric hatchback that has been popular for its affordability and practicality. The third generation features improvements in range and technology, making it a competitive option in the EV market.
thermal management
"...faster charging, all the goodness that Nissan have worked into that with proper thermal management..."
Thermal management is about keeping the car's parts at the right temperature. This is especially important for electric cars to make sure the battery works well and lasts a long time.
Thermal management refers to the systems and processes used to control the temperature of a vehicle's components, particularly in electric vehicles where battery temperature is critical for performance and longevity.
IONITY
"...IONITY is launching a subscription plan, or a couple of plans actually, to lower the cost of charging..."
IONITY is a company that builds charging stations for electric cars, making it easier for people to charge their vehicles quickly while traveling.
IONITY is a high-power charging network for electric vehicles in Europe, aimed at providing fast charging solutions to support the growing number of EVs on the road.
electric delivery vehicles
"...FedEx Australia deploying 55 electric delivery vehicles across Australian cities as they move to EV..."
Electric delivery vehicles are trucks or vans that run on electricity instead of gasoline. They help reduce pollution and can save money on fuel.
Electric delivery vehicles are commercial vehicles powered by electric motors instead of traditional internal combustion engines, contributing to reduced emissions and lower operating costs.
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