BRIEFLY: Tesla Dumps S&X, Ford LFP Batteries, Mini Countryman & more | 29 Jan 2026
About this episode
Tesla's recent decision to discontinue the Model S and Model X in favor of robot production marks a significant shift in their strategy. The episode discusses the implications of this move, including confusion around their RoboTaxi claims and subscription numbers for full self-driving features. Additionally, updates on the Polestar 2 and Ford's new LFP batteries highlight advancements in EV technology. The episode also touches on the affordability of used EVs compared to traditional cars and the growing global commitment to electric vehicle adoption.
It's EV News Briefly for Thursday 29 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 TO END MODEL S AND X PRODUCTION IN 2026 https://bit.ly/3MewAzl
TESLA DUMPS FLAGSHIP CARS TO BUILD ROBOTS https://bit.ly/4q1XMiz
TESLA’S ROBOTAXI CLAIMS COLLIDE WITH CALIFORNIA LAW https://bit.ly/3ZF16FC
TESLA FSD USER COUNT RISES, BUT QUESTIONS MULTIPLY https://bit.ly/4rkWosw
TESLA PUTS HARD NUMBER ON FSD DEMAND https://bit.ly/4rkbGh0
MUSK FLOATS IDEA TO USE UNWANTED CYBERTRUCKS https://bit.ly/4kacliS
MUSK ADMITS TESLA ROBOT NOT YET DOING USEFUL WORK https://bit.ly/4a4knVI
POLESTAR 2 GAINS BIGGER BATTERY AND REAR-DRIVE FOCUS FOR 2026 https://bit.ly/49QlE48
FORD GIVES CHEAPEST EVS MORE RANGE FOR SAME PRICE https://bit.ly/4q4op6w
MINI SQUEEZES MORE MILES FROM COUNTRYMAN E https://bit.ly/3NMeiG3
USED BOLT EUV UNDERCUTS COROLLA ON OWNERSHIP COST https://bit.ly/4qUz84Y
JAECOO EXTENDS CUT-PRICE J5 EV LAUNCH DEAL https://bit.ly/4t734fy
UK WEALTH FUND PUMPS CASH INTO EV CHARGERS AND BATTERIES https://bit.ly/49W3r5f
EV PLEDGES GO GLOBAL BUT TARGETS STAY UNEVEN https://bit.ly/4alWXMU
Tesla Model S
"...to build robots instead. Tesla has cancelled the Model S and the Model X, the original cars that made them..."
Tesla Model X
"Tesla has cancelled the Model S and the Model X, the original cars that made them a successful car company back in the day."
The Tesla Model X is a large electric SUV that has unique doors that open upwards. It is known for being spacious and high-tech.
The Tesla Model X is an all-electric SUV known for its distinctive falcon-wing doors and spacious interior. Like the Model S, it played a significant role in Tesla's rise in the automotive industry.
RoboTaxi
"Tesla's RoboTaxi claims are colliding with the law. In their report yesterday for the Q4 financials, they mixed up the words RoboTaxi, sometimes spelling it with a capital R and sometimes lowercase."
A RoboTaxi is a self-driving taxi that doesn't need a human driver. It's part of Tesla's plan to create a fleet of cars that can pick up and drop off passengers on their own.
RoboTaxi refers to Tesla's concept of a fully autonomous taxi service that operates without a human driver. This service is part of Tesla's broader vision for self-driving technology and urban mobility.
Tesla Cybertruck
"...wanting for the cyber truck to be a useful vehicle, they can rewrite software at the drop of a hat, but they cannot, without starting again, rewrite the shape of the vehicle which is useless for commercial deliveries..."
The Tesla Cybertruck is a new electric truck that looks very different from regular trucks. It can have its software changed easily, but its shape can't be changed, which makes it less useful for some jobs.
The Tesla Cybertruck is an all-electric pickup truck designed for utility and durability, featuring a unique angular design. Its software capabilities allow for frequent updates, but its physical shape limits its utility for certain commercial applications.
Polestar 2
"...Polestar 2 has been updated again for 2026. If this was a combustion car, maybe get one mid-cycle life refresh, but this is getting a much better battery in the cheapest version..."
The Polestar 2 is an electric car that has been updated for 2026 to have a better battery. It's designed to be more efficient and perform better as electric vehicles become more popular.
The Polestar 2 is an electric vehicle that has received updates for 2026, including improvements to its battery technology. This model is part of Polestar's efforts to enhance performance and efficiency in the EV market.
EVs
"...Ford is giving its cheapest EVs more range for the same price..."
EVs are cars that run on electricity instead of gas. They are becoming more common because they are better for the environment and technology is improving to make them more efficient.
EVs, or electric vehicles, are cars powered entirely by electricity rather than gasoline or diesel. They are becoming increasingly popular due to their lower environmental impact and advancements in battery technology.
Ford Capri
"upgrading the Ford Capri and the Ford Explorer. Great cars, but actually quite expensive cars for"
The Ford Capri is a sporty car that Ford made a long time ago. It's known for looking good and being fun to drive.
The Ford Capri is a classic sports coupe that was produced by Ford in the 1960s and 1970s, known for its stylish design and performance.
Ford Explorer
"...ame price, upgrading the Ford Capri and the Ford Explorer. Great cars, but actually quite expensive cars fo..."
Mini Countryman
"... Mini has found 25 extra miles as well for their Countryman E, and they haven't touched the battery pack effi..."
The Mini Countryman is a small SUV that looks like a Mini car but has more room inside for passengers and cargo. It's known for being fun to drive and is a good option if you want a stylish vehicle that can also carry more stuff. The 'Countryman E' is a version that uses both gas and electricity to help save on fuel.
The Mini Countryman is a compact crossover SUV that combines the iconic Mini styling with added space and versatility. It is significant for its blend of fun driving dynamics and practicality, making it a popular choice for those seeking a stylish yet functional vehicle. The mention of the Countryman E refers to its plug-in hybrid variant, which offers improved efficiency and electric-only driving capabilities.
Chevrolet Bolt EV
"A used Chevrolet Bolt EV is now cheaper to own used than something like a Toyota Corolla according to new research from the University of Michigan."
The Chevrolet Bolt EV is an electric car that is known for being affordable and having a good driving range, which means it can go far on a single charge.
The Chevrolet Bolt EV is an all-electric hatchback known for its affordability and range, making it a popular choice among electric vehicle buyers.
Toyota Corolla
"A used Chevrolet Bolt EV is now cheaper to own used than something like a Toyota Corolla according to new research from the University of Michigan."
The Toyota Corolla is a very popular car that many people buy because it's reliable and doesn't use too much gas.
The Toyota Corolla is one of the best-selling cars in the world, known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and affordability.
Jakku
"Jakku has added another thousand buyers for its electric SUV, the J5, the Chinese brand extending its finance office here in the UK."
Jakku is a car company from China that makes electric cars, like the J5 SUV, which is becoming more popular.
Jakku is a Chinese automotive brand known for producing electric vehicles, including the J5 electric SUV, which is gaining popularity in various markets.
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