BRIEFLY: Scout, Rivian, Price Parity & more | 09 Mar 2026
About this episode
Scout Motors has 160,000 reservations for its Traveller SUV and Terra pickup, with 87% opting for the extended range Harvester model. Rivian is set to reveal pricing and specs for the R2 at South by Southwest, removing the $45,000 starting price from its site. Leasing company Avons reports BEVs now have lower total ownership costs than ICE cars in many European markets. Global EV charging infrastructure is growing, led by China. UK energy tariffs are rising due to Middle East conflicts, impacting EV charging costs. Stellantis invests in UK electric van production and opens a battery plant in Canada. London police seized illegal high-speed electric bikes. Ford cites battery tech limits for extended range EVs in pickups.
It's EV News Briefly for Monday 09 March 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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SCOUT RESERVATIONS SWING TO RANGE-EXTENDED HYBRIDS
Scout Motors now holds over 160,000 reservations for its Traveler SUV and Terra pickup, with 87% of reservation holders choosing the gas-assisted extended-range hybrid over pure BEV — well above the 60/40 split CEO Scott Keogh originally expected. First customer deliveries have slipped to 2028, with delays attributed to technical challenges in developing a rugged ladder-frame platform with dual powertrains.
RIVIAN DROPS $45,000 R2 STARTING-PRICE LINE
Rivian has quietly removed the "$45,000 starting price" reference from its R2 product page, replacing it with a countdown clock ahead of a March 12 reveal at South by Southwest where full pricing and specs are expected. The R2 will launch first as a higher-priced dual-motor variant, with a more affordable single-motor base model to follow shortly after.
BEVS NOW BEAT ICE ON COST IN MORE MARKETS
Ayvens' 2026 Car Cost Index finds BEVs now undercut comparable ICE models on total cost of ownership in a growing number of European markets, with Western and Northern Europe leading the way. In the compact segment BEVs hold a TCO advantage in 19 of 30 markets, and the BMW i4 beats the petrol 3 Series on TCO in 20 of 30 European countries.
GLOBAL PUBLIC EV CHARGERS HEAD FOR 9.01M IN 2026
Global public EV charging infrastructure is forecast to reach 9.01 million plugs in 2026, up from 7.11 million in 2025, though China alone accounts for 67% of the global total and the top eight countries host 88% of all chargers. Growth is slowing in Europe and losing momentum in the US, while Germany is on track to overtake the Netherlands in installed chargers during 2026.
UK SUPPLIERS PULL FIXED DEALS AS GAS SPIKES
UK energy suppliers slashed available fixed tariffs from 38 to 17 in a matter of days as wholesale gas prices spiked roughly 75% following disruption to Middle Eastern gas infrastructure, with the cheapest typical annual dual-fuel fixed deal rising from £1,509 to £1,640. EV-specific tariffs were also affected, with EDF pausing some EV tariffs and E.ON briefly freezing one, threatening the cost advantage of off-peak home charging for EV drivers.
NEXTSTAR SWITCHES ON CANADA'S FIRST EV CELL PLANT
NextStar Energy, a Stellantis and LG Energy Solution joint venture, has opened Canada's first commercial-scale EV battery cell plant in Windsor, Ontario, having already produced over one million cells since production began in November 2025. Beyond supplying Stellantis brands, NextStar aims to expand into stationary energy storage for municipal and provincial grids.
STELLANTIS PLANS £50M ELLESMERE PORT VAN LINE
Stellantis will invest £50 million at Ellesmere Port to add an assembly line for electric Vauxhall Vivaro vans and other midsize zero-emission commercial vehicles from next year, building on the site's existing all-electric output. However, Stellantis warns the plant may not be commercially viable under the UK's ZEV mandate for vans, which carries an £18,000 fine per non-compliant vehicle at a 24% electric sales threshold that the industry is currently only half-meeting.
MET SEIZES 52 ILLEGAL E-BIKES AND MOPEDS
The Metropolitan Police seized 52 illegal electric bikes and mopeds across London over two days, using targeted checkpoints in high-pedestrian-risk areas including Harlesden and Cambridge Circus. Officers also made arrests for dangerous driving, weapons possession, and outstanding prison recall warrants, linking illegal e-bikes to phone snatches and broader street crime.
MEXICO AUTO PLANTS PIVOT TO HIGHER-VALUE EVS
Mexico's auto sector is shifting focus from volume to higher-value output between 2025 and 2027, with GM concentrating Cadillac OPTIQ production at Ramos Arizpe and BMW committing its San Luis Potosí plant to build the iX3 — its first Neue Klasse EV — from 2027. Both manufacturers have maintained their Mexican strategies despite ongoing uncertainty from US tariffs and trade policy under President Trump.
FARLEY POURS COLD WATER ON ELECTRIC UTES
Ford CEO Jim Farley says current BEV technology is poorly suited to mainstream ute and pickup buyers who tow heavy loads, calling a large-battery BEV "a really bad tow-er," and Ford has already shelved the F-150 Lightning following weak demand and a $19.5 billion EV writedown. Farley backs extended-range EVs as the near-term bridge solution for work-capable vehicles, while dismissing solid-state batteries and fuel cells as not yet on Ford's product horizon.
Scout Traveler
"Scout Motors has revealed they now have 160,000 reservations for the Traveller and the Terra. Traveller's SUV, Terra is pick-up, here's the big number though."
The Scout Motors Traveller is an electric SUV, which means it runs on electricity instead of gasoline. It's one of the new electric cars people are reserving to buy.
The Scout Motors Traveller is an electric SUV model offered by Scout Motors, a company focusing on electric vehicles. It is one of the two main models mentioned, the other being the Terra pickup.
Scout Terra
"Scout Motors has revealed they now have 160,000 reservations for the Traveller and the Terra. Traveller's SUV, Terra is pick-up, here's the big number though."
The Scout Motors Terra is an electric pickup truck, which means it uses electricity to run instead of gas. It's one of the new electric vehicles people are signing up to buy.
The Scout Motors Terra is an electric pickup truck model offered by Scout Motors. It complements the Traveller SUV in their lineup and is part of their electric vehicle offerings.
Traveler Travellers Suv
"Scout Motors has revealed they now have 160,000 reservations for the Traveller and the Terra. Traveller's SUV, Terra is pick-up, here's the big number though. 87% of reservation holders have gone with the extended range version, the so-called Harvester."
The Traveler is a new electric SUV made by a company called Scout Motors. Lots of people have already asked to buy it, showing that many are excited about this new electric car that can go off-road.
The Traveler is an upcoming electric SUV from Scout Motors, a brand reviving the classic Scout name with modern electric vehicles. It has garnered significant interest, evidenced by 160,000 reservations combined with its pickup counterpart, the Terra, highlighting strong market demand for electric off-road capable vehicles.
extended range version
"87% of reservation holders have gone with the extended range version, the so-called Harvester. Well above the CEO's original splits of 60-40 in favour of the Harvester."
Some electric cars have a bigger battery or extra parts that let them drive farther before needing to be charged again. This is called an extended range version.
An extended range version of an electric vehicle typically includes a larger battery or additional technology to increase the driving range before needing to recharge. It allows drivers to travel longer distances on a single charge.
Rivian R2
"March the 12th at South by Southwest Festival, full pricing and specs will be revealed, but how close to $45,000 will they get for the R2?"
The Rivian R2 is a new electric car that Rivian is making. People are waiting to find out how much it will cost and what features it will have.
The Rivian R2 is an upcoming electric vehicle model from Rivian, a company known for producing electric trucks and SUVs. Pricing and specifications are eagerly awaited by the market.
ICE models
"Avons, a leasing company, have put out their car cost index and they now find that BEVs undercut comparable ICE models on total cost of ownership in a growing number of European markets,"
ICE cars are regular cars that run on gas or diesel fuel, not electricity. They have engines that burn fuel to make the car move.
ICE stands for Internal Combustion Engine, referring to traditional vehicles powered by gasoline or diesel engines, as opposed to electric vehicles.
total cost of ownership
"Avons, a leasing company, have put out their car cost index and they now find that BEVs undercut comparable ICE models on total cost of ownership in a growing number of European markets,"
Total cost of ownership means all the money you spend to have and use a car, like buying it, paying for fuel or charging, fixing it, and insurance.
Total cost of ownership includes all expenses related to owning a vehicle, such as purchase price, fuel or electricity, maintenance, insurance, and depreciation over time.
BEV
"Avons, a leasing company, have put out their car cost index and they now find that BEVs undercut comparable ICE models on total cost of ownership in a growing number of European markets,"
A BEV is a car that only uses electricity to run, with no gas engine at all. It gets power from big batteries that you charge up.
BEV stands for Battery Electric Vehicle, which is a type of electric vehicle that runs solely on electricity stored in batteries, without any gasoline engine.
Bmw I4
"The BMW i4 beats something like the petrol 3-series in 20 of the 30 European markets they serve."
The BMW i4 is a car that runs only on electricity, made by BMW. It's like their electric version of the regular 3-series car that uses gas.
The BMW i4 is an all-electric sedan from BMW, positioned as a competitor to traditional petrol-powered 3-series models with electric powertrain technology.
public EV charging infrastructure
"Global public EV charging infrastructure will reach 9 million plugs this year, up from 7.1 million at the end of 2025. China alone accounts for 67% of global, total and top eight countries hosting 88% of all charges."
Public EV charging infrastructure means the places you can go to plug in and charge your electric car when you're not at home.
Public EV charging infrastructure refers to the network of publicly accessible charging stations where electric vehicle owners can recharge their cars' batteries.
electric vehicles
"but we are about electric vehicles and that for many people is how they charge their EV at home. And so their at home electricity tariff is a direct link to what they pay to go driving."
Electric vehicles run on batteries instead of gas. You charge them up with electricity, like charging your phone, and then drive without using petrol.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are cars or other vehicles powered entirely or partially by electricity stored in batteries, rather than relying solely on internal combustion engines using gasoline or diesel.
electricity tariff
"And so their at home electricity tariff is a direct link to what they pay to go driving. Now this is because of the conflict in the Middle East pushing up gas prices,"
Electricity tariff means how much you pay for electricity. If you pay more for electricity, it costs more to charge your electric car.
An electricity tariff is the rate or price consumers pay for electricity usage, often varying by time of day or contract terms, which directly affects the cost of charging electric vehicles at home.
energy prices impact on EV charging costs
"Now this is because of the conflict in the Middle East pushing up gas prices, not petrol gas, but the kind of gas that we generate electricity on, and that is becoming more expensive. We pay the global prices of energy, so even though we might not be completely reliant on things like the Hummus Straits and getting gas and oil out of the Middle East, although we are partly, it does push up the price that our energy providers charges for electricity and that impacts the price we pay to go driving. If you can fix your energy prices, maybe for a year or a similar term,"
When the price of gas goes up, it costs more to make electricity. Since electric cars use electricity, charging them gets more expensive too.
Energy prices, especially natural gas prices used to generate electricity, influence the cost of electricity and thus the cost to charge electric vehicles. Global events can push these prices higher, affecting consumers indirectly.
fixed energy prices
"If you can fix your energy prices, maybe for a year or a similar term, it decouples you from anything like that. Imagine getting a guaranteed price that you'd pay on petrol for the next 12 months."
Fixed energy prices mean you pay the same amount for electricity for a set time, so you don't have to worry about prices going up suddenly.
Fixed energy prices are contracts where consumers pay a set rate for electricity over a period, protecting them from market fluctuations and price spikes, which can help stabilize electric vehicle charging costs.
Nextstar Energy
"Now, Nextstar Energy, a Stellantis and LG joint venture has now opened Canada's first commercial scale battery cell plant in Windsor Artario. They've now just made over a million cells since initial production began last November."
Nextstar Energy is a company that makes batteries for electric cars and other uses. It's a team-up between two big companies, Stellantis and LG.
Nextstar Energy is a joint venture between Stellantis and LG that operates a commercial scale battery cell manufacturing plant in Windsor, Ontario, producing cells for electric vehicles and energy storage.
Stellantis
"Now, Nextstar Energy, a Stellantis and LG joint venture has now opened Canada's first commercial scale battery cell plant in Windsor Artario. Beyond supplying Stellantis brands, Nextstar will expand interstationary storage as well. Staying with Stellantis, they've confirmed they'll invest £50 million in Ellesmere ports here in the UK to add assembly lines for electric Vauxhall, Opel, Vivaro vans and mid-sized zero-emission commercial vehicles from next year,"
Stellantis is a big car company that owns many brands like Jeep and Vauxhall. They make lots of different cars and vans.
Stellantis is a multinational automotive manufacturing corporation formed by the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group, owning brands like Jeep, Dodge, Vauxhall, Opel, and others.
Vivaro Opel Vivaro
"Staying with Stellantis, they've confirmed they'll invest £50 million in Ellesmere ports here in the UK to add assembly lines for electric Vauxhall, Opel, Vivaro vans and mid-sized zero-emission commercial vehicles from next year,"
The Vauxhall Vivaro is a van used by businesses to carry goods or tools. There's a new electric version that doesn't use petrol or diesel.
The Vauxhall Vivaro is a mid-sized van commonly used for commercial purposes, now available in an all-electric zero-emission version as part of Stellantis' electric vehicle lineup.
Opel Vivaro
"Staying with Stellantis, they've confirmed they'll invest £50 million in Ellesmere ports here in the UK to add assembly lines for electric Vauxhall, Opel, Vivaro vans and mid-sized zero-emission commercial vehicles from next year,"
The Opel Vivaro is a van like the Vauxhall Vivaro, used for carrying things. It also has an electric version that doesn't use gas.
The Opel Vivaro is a mid-sized commercial van similar to the Vauxhall Vivaro, offered in electric versions as part of Stellantis' strategy for zero-emission commercial vehicles.
zero-emission commercial vehicles
"mid-sized zero-emission commercial vehicles from next year, building on the site's existing all-electric output."
Zero-emission vehicles don't put out dirty smoke or gases when they run. They help keep the air clean.
Zero-emission commercial vehicles are trucks or vans that produce no tailpipe emissions, typically powered by electricity or hydrogen fuel cells, helping reduce pollution in urban and industrial areas.
all-electric output
"building on the site's existing all-electric output. London Net Police seized 52 electric vehicles over the weekend,"
All-electric output means making only electric cars or vans that run on batteries, not gas.
All-electric output refers to manufacturing or production focused entirely on electric vehicles that use no internal combustion engine components.
electric bikes and mopeds
"London Net Police seized 52 electric vehicles over the weekend, illegal electric bikes and moped, so we have laws on how fast they can travel."
Electric bikes and mopeds are like bikes or small scooters that use electricity to move instead of pedaling or gas.
Electric bikes and mopeds are two-wheeled vehicles powered by electric motors, often subject to legal speed limits and regulations to ensure safety and compliance.
battery technology
"And Ford CEO Jim Farley says its current battery technology, which is the limiting factor,"
Battery technology means the kind of batteries used in electric cars. It decides how far the car can go and how fast it can charge.
Battery technology refers to the type and performance of batteries used in electric vehicles, which affects range, charging time, and overall vehicle capability.
extended range EVs
"which is why they've gone down the route of extended range EVs."
Extended range EVs are electric cars that have a backup engine or generator to help them go farther when the battery runs low.
Extended range EVs are electric vehicles equipped with an additional power source, like a small gasoline engine, to extend driving range beyond the battery capacity.
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