BRIEFLY: Tesla, BYD, Lotus & more | 17 Jan 2026
About this episode
Recent developments in the EV market are highlighted, including BYD's extended battery warranty and Lotus significantly reducing the price of its Electro model. The episode also discusses VW's revival of its ID series, the world's largest electric ship undergoing trials, and the potential entry of Chinese EV makers into the US market. Notably, Will I Am's new three-wheeled urban EV and Apple's confirmed involvement in EV development are also covered, making for an engaging overview of the latest in electric vehicles.
It's EV News Briefly for Saturday 17 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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TESLA ENDS LIFETIME FSD IN U.S. BUT UK DODGES CHANGES https://evne.ws/4jNhiOt
BYD STRETCHES BLADE BATTERY WARRANTY IN EUROPE https://evne.ws/4a2WT4A
LOTUS HALVES ELETRE PRICE AFTER CANADA-CHINA EV DEAL https://evne.ws/3ZipGfc
VW REVIVES EV PUSH WITH ID. 4 BECOMING TIGUAN https://evne.ws/4jKA7lb
WORLD'S BIGGEST ELECTRIC SHIP BEGINS TRIALS IN HOBART https://evne.ws/4qEFODO
CHINA’S EV MAKERS STALK THE US MARKET https://evne.ws/4qSfKEY
CHINESE EREV TECH COULD POWER STELLANTIS SMALL CARS https://evne.ws/4bpJBjZ
KIA EV5 STRUGGLES TO STAND OUT https://evne.ws/3ZiWvsr
WILL.I.AM BETS ON THREE-WHEELED URBAN EV https://evne.ws/49KS5Qb
APPLE’S SECRET CAR DIES, BUT LIVES ON THANKS TO AIR BNB https://evne.ws/4qtIeVO
BYD
"...BYD is stretching its blade battery warranty from 150 to 250,000 kilometers. The lifetime of those vehicles I think is 1.2 million kilometers..."
BYD is a car company from China that makes electric cars and batteries. They are known for creating vehicles that are better for the environment.
BYD is a Chinese automotive manufacturer known for its electric vehicles and battery technology. The company has been expanding its presence in various international markets, focusing on sustainable transportation solutions.
blade battery
"...BYD is stretching its blade battery warranty from 150 to 250,000 kilometers. The lifetime of those vehicles I think is 1.2 million kilometers..."
A blade battery is a special kind of battery used in electric cars that helps them go further and is safer than regular batteries. BYD makes these batteries.
The blade battery is a type of lithium iron phosphate battery developed by BYD. It is designed for safety, longevity, and efficiency, providing a longer range for electric vehicles compared to traditional battery designs.
Lotus
"...Lotus, one of the first ones out of the block from last night's news that Canada and China..."
Lotus is a car brand from the UK that makes fast and lightweight sports cars. They are famous for their racing history and great driving experience.
Lotus is a British automotive company known for its lightweight sports cars and innovative engineering. The brand has a strong motorsport heritage and is recognized for its focus on performance and handling.
Geely
"The first one's Lotus, part of Geely, of course. Now, there's more to talk about with Volvo's and Polestar's being made in China."
Geely is a big car company from China that owns several other car brands, including Lotus and Volvo. They are growing their business by buying other companies.
Geely is a Chinese automotive manufacturer that has expanded its portfolio by acquiring several international brands, including Lotus, Volvo, and Polestar. This has allowed them to increase their presence in the global automotive market.
Polestar
"Now, there's more to talk about with Volvo's and Polestar's being made in China. That's a great deal for those brands."
Polestar is a brand that makes electric performance cars and is connected to Volvo. They also have some manufacturing in China.
Polestar is a performance electric vehicle brand that originated as a tuning division of Volvo. It has since become a standalone brand focused on electric performance cars, with manufacturing ties to China.
Volvo
"Now, there's more to talk about with Volvo's and Polestar's being made in China. That's a great deal for those brands."
Volvo is a car company from Sweden that makes safe and reliable cars. They are now making some of their cars in China.
Volvo is a Swedish automotive manufacturer known for its focus on safety and innovation. It has been producing vehicles in China as part of its strategy to tap into the growing Asian market.
Lotus Electro
"But Lotus will cut the price of its Electro by 50%, starting not from 127,000 Canadian, but 63,000 Canadian dollars for the entry-level model."
The Lotus Electro is an electric car made by Lotus. They are lowering its price to attract more buyers.
The Lotus Electro is an electric vehicle from Lotus, reflecting the brand's shift towards electrification. The significant price cut indicates a strategic move to make it more competitive in the EV market.
ID series
"VW is reviving its ID series."
The ID series is a group of electric cars made by Volkswagen. They are part of VW's effort to make more electric vehicles.
The ID series is Volkswagen's line of electric vehicles, designed to offer a range of electric models that cater to different segments of the market. This series represents VW's commitment to electrification and sustainability.
Volkswagen Id4
"...ng is currently underway for the highly refreshed ID4 before it becomes the ID Tiguan, which is a very..."
The Volkswagen ID.4 is an electric SUV, which means it runs on electricity instead of gasoline. It's designed to be roomy and comfortable, making it a great option for families or anyone who wants to drive an eco-friendly car.
The Volkswagen ID.4 is an all-electric SUV that represents Volkswagen's push into the electric vehicle market. As part of the ID family, it combines modern technology with spaciousness and comfort, making it a significant model as the automotive industry shifts towards sustainability.
Volkswagen Tiguan
"...before it becomes the ID Tiguan, which is a very sensible move, because Volkswagen have some of the best names..."
The Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact SUV from Volkswagen. It’s known for being practical and comfortable, making it a good choice for families.
The Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact SUV that has been popular for its practicality and versatility. It is known for its comfortable ride and spacious interior, making it a strong competitor in the SUV market.
Volkswagen Golfs
"...ood thing. We're looking forward to ID Polos and Golfs and Tiguan's and, well, MEB Plus platform is wha..."
The Volkswagen Golf is a small car that many people like to drive because it's easy to handle and has a lot of space inside. It's popular for being reliable and fun, making it a good choice for everyday use.
The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car that has been a staple in the automotive market since its introduction in the 1970s. Known for its practicality, performance, and quality, the Golf has garnered a loyal following and is often discussed for its balance of everyday usability and driving enjoyment.
MEB Plus platform
"...MEB Plus platform is what they've had to move to, because their scalable systems platform, their new platform..."
The MEB Plus platform is a special base that Volkswagen uses to build their electric cars. It helps them make different models more easily and efficiently.
The MEB Plus platform is Volkswagen's scalable electric vehicle architecture designed to support a range of electric models. It allows for flexibility in design and production, helping to streamline the manufacturing process for electric vehicles.
Detroit Motor Show
"Detroit Motor Show is on. He was talking to the auto industry,"
The Detroit Motor Show is a big car show in Detroit where car companies display their newest models and technologies each year.
The Detroit Motor Show, officially known as the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), is an annual event held in Detroit, Michigan, showcasing the latest automotive innovations and vehicles from manufacturers around the world.
Ford
"which will be a delightful bit of news to someone like Ford, who tried to do exactly that,"
Ford is a well-known American car company that makes various vehicles like cars and trucks. They have been around for a long time and are famous for models like the Ford Mustang.
Ford is an American multinational automaker known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including cars, trucks, and SUVs. It has a long history in the automotive industry and is one of the largest car manufacturers in the world.
CATL
"paid by Ford, but licensing CATL technology. They got so much pushback from the Republican party"
CATL is a Chinese company that makes batteries, especially for electric cars. They are one of the biggest battery makers globally and supply many car manufacturers.
Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL) is a Chinese battery manufacturer that specializes in lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage systems. They are one of the largest battery suppliers in the world.
EREV technology
"...Chinese EREV technology could end up in more cars. Stellantis have an investment in Leap Motor. They say that they could roll that out into things like Vauxhall, Citroens, Peugeots, DSs and FIATs as EREV technology."
An EREV is a type of electric car that can also use a gas engine to help it go further when the battery runs out. It can drive on electricity but has a backup gas engine to make sure you don't get stranded.
EREV stands for Extended Range Electric Vehicle, which combines electric propulsion with a gasoline engine that acts as a generator to extend the vehicle's range. This technology allows for electric driving while providing the flexibility of a gasoline engine for longer trips.
Stellantis
"...Stellantis have an investment in Leap Motor. They say that they could roll that out into things like Vauxhall, Citroens, Peugeots, DSs and FIATs as EREV technology."
Stellantis is a big car company that makes many different brands of cars, like Jeep and Fiat. They were created when two companies merged together.
Stellantis is a multinational automotive manufacturing corporation formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and the PSA Group. It encompasses several well-known brands including Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler, Peugeot, Citroën, and Fiat.
Citroën
"...things like Vauxhall, Citroens, Peugeots, DSs and FIATs as EREV technology. So never driving the wheels, but always working as a little generator..."
Citroën is a French car brand that makes many different kinds of cars. They are known for their unique designs and are part of a larger company called Stellantis.
Citroën is a French automobile manufacturer known for its innovative designs and technology. It is part of the Stellantis group and produces a variety of vehicles, including compact cars and family vehicles.
DS Automobiles
"...things like Vauxhall, Citroens, Peugeots, DSs and FIATs as EREV technology. So never driving the wheels, but always working as a little generator..."
DS Automobiles is a luxury car brand from France that makes high-end cars with a focus on style and technology. It's part of Stellantis, the same company that owns Citroën.
DS Automobiles is a French luxury vehicle manufacturer that originated from Citroën. It focuses on premium vehicles with a strong emphasis on design and technology, and is part of the Stellantis group.
FIAT
"...things like Vauxhall, Citroens, Peugeots, DSs and FIATs as EREV technology. So never driving the wheels, but always working as a little generator..."
FIAT is an Italian car brand that makes small cars, perfect for city driving. They are part of a larger company called Stellantis.
FIAT is an Italian automobile manufacturer known for producing small cars and city vehicles. It is part of the Stellantis group and has a long history in the automotive industry, focusing on compact and efficient vehicles.
Peugeot
"...things like Vauxhall, Citroens, Peugeots, DSs and FIATs as EREV technology. So never driving the wheels, but always working as a little generator..."
Peugeot is another French car brand that makes various types of cars, from small ones to SUVs. They are known for their stylish looks and are part of the Stellantis group.
Peugeot is a French automotive manufacturer that is also part of Stellantis. It produces a wide range of vehicles, including compact cars, sedans, and SUVs, and is known for its stylish designs and efficient engines.
Vauxhall
"...things like Vauxhall, Citroens, Peugeots, DSs and FIATs as EREV technology. So never driving the wheels, but always working as a little generator..."
Vauxhall is a car brand from the UK that makes different types of cars, like small cars and SUVs. It's part of a larger company called Stellantis now.
Vauxhall is a British automotive manufacturer that is a subsidiary of Stellantis. It produces a range of vehicles, including hatchbacks, sedans, and SUVs, primarily for the UK market.
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