BRIEFLY: UK Hits 33% EV, Tesla Cybercab, Hyundai Elexio & more
About this episode
The UK automotive market reached a significant milestone with 33% of new car sales being electric vehicles, a month ahead of the mandated target. Tesla faces challenges in Europe, with sales declining sharply in key markets, raising questions about its dominance. The episode also covers Hyundai's new Alexio EV, Ford's struggles with electric vehicle sales post-tax credit expiration, and insights from Alpetronic on the future of fast charging. Additionally, Nvidia showcases its AI platform for self-driving cars at CES, signaling competition for Tesla's FSD technology.
It's EV News Briefly for Tuesday 06 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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ELECTRIC CARS REACH A NEW UK MILESTONE https://evne.ws/45ILS5P
TESLA’S EUROPEAN SALES SLUMP IN 2025 https://evne.ws/4qGDUSX
TESLA LOSES BID FOR ‘CYBERCAB’ NAME https://evne.ws/49b9vX0
HYUNDAI AUSTRALIA TO LAUNCH ELEXIO MID-SIZE EV SUV IN 2026 https://evne.ws/4psh4NK
FORD GROWS SALES AS EV MOMENTUM FADES https://evne.ws/499vBJw
EUROPE’S EV CHARGING PIVOTS TO REALISM https://evne.ws/3Z6kTxi
NVIDIA UNVEILS REASONING AI FOR CARS https://evne.ws/4qM8zOU
ZEV mandate
"Now, the UK has a mandate called the ZEV mandate. Not technically, but that's what we call it."
The ZEV mandate is a rule that requires car companies to sell a certain number of electric cars. This helps reduce pollution and encourages people to use cleaner vehicles.
The Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate is a regulation that requires a certain percentage of vehicles sold by manufacturers to be zero-emission, such as electric vehicles (EVs). This mandate aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote the adoption of cleaner transportation options.
Tesla
"But down in the biggest market for Tesla, which is the United Kingdom, down 10%."
Tesla makes electric cars that run on batteries instead of gasoline. They are known for being very advanced and popular.
Tesla is an American electric vehicle manufacturer known for its innovative technology and high-performance electric cars. The company has been a leader in the EV market, particularly in the United States and Europe.
Hyundai Kona
"...a launching the Alexio. This will sit between the Kona at the cheaper end and the more premium Ionic 5. ..."
The Hyundai Kona is a small SUV that is great for city driving and offers a lot of space inside for passengers and cargo. It's known for being affordable and comes with modern features, including an electric version that runs on battery power instead of gas.
The Hyundai Kona is a subcompact crossover SUV that has gained popularity for its stylish design, practicality, and affordability. It offers a range of features and options, including a fully electric version, making it a versatile choice for various drivers. The Kona is often discussed for its competitive positioning in the market, especially as new models like the Alexio are introduced.
Ford Get Ford
"...hour pack in the Alexio EV. A car that many don't get Ford grew their car sales last year. But sadly not the..."
The Ford GT is a very fast and expensive sports car that looks really cool and is built for racing. It’s special because it has a lot of history behind it, as it was designed to compete in races and is made in limited numbers, making it quite rare.
The Ford GT is a high-performance supercar that pays homage to the iconic Ford GT40 race cars of the 1960s. Known for its striking design and advanced engineering, the GT is a symbol of Ford's performance legacy and has garnered attention for its limited production and impressive speed. It is often mentioned in discussions about automotive innovation and racing heritage.
battery electric vehicles
"But battery electric vehicles were their weak spot. A total of 84,000 fully electric down 14% on the previous year and really demand falling off a cliff since the expiration of the federal tax credit."
Battery electric vehicles are cars that run only on electricity and don't use any gasoline. They are better for the environment because they don't produce harmful emissions while driving.
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are vehicles that are powered entirely by electricity stored in batteries, as opposed to hybrid vehicles that may use both electric and gasoline power. They produce no tailpipe emissions and are considered a key technology in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation.
federal tax credit
"...since the expiration of the federal tax credit. They had record months leading up to it, selling more than 10,000 vehicles a month every month."
A federal tax credit is a discount you can get when you buy an electric car, which helps lower the price you pay. It’s like getting money back on your taxes for choosing a car that’s better for the environment.
A federal tax credit for electric vehicles is a financial incentive provided by the government to encourage the purchase of electric vehicles. This credit can reduce the overall cost of the vehicle, making it more affordable for consumers.
Alpetronic
"Now, the head of Alpetronic, the chief executive there, a hardware maker of DC fast charging..."
Alpetronic is a company that makes equipment to charge electric cars quickly.
Alpetronic is a company that specializes in manufacturing DC fast charging hardware for electric vehicles, playing a significant role in the EV charging infrastructure.
DC fast charging
"...a hardware maker of DC fast charging, really a standard bearer these days."
DC fast charging is a way to charge electric cars much faster than regular charging, making it easier to get back on the road quickly.
DC fast charging refers to a type of electric vehicle charging that uses direct current to charge batteries quickly, allowing for significantly shorter charging times compared to standard AC charging.
CO2 regulations
"...also working with CO2 regulations in Europe, Alpetronic,..."
CO2 regulations are rules that limit how much carbon dioxide cars can emit. They help reduce pollution and encourage car manufacturers to create cleaner vehicles.
CO2 regulations refer to laws and standards set by governments to limit carbon dioxide emissions from vehicles. These regulations aim to reduce the environmental impact of transportation and promote cleaner technologies.
ultra fast charging
"...heavy duty, ultra fast charging for those trucks as being a big opportunity for them."
Ultra fast charging means charging electric cars very quickly, so they can get back on the road faster. It's important for making electric vehicles more convenient to use.
Ultra fast charging refers to high-speed charging technology for electric vehicles that significantly reduces the time it takes to recharge the battery. This technology is crucial for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, especially for commercial applications.
Nvidia
"...Nvidia introducing the artificial intelligence platform for self driving,..."
Nvidia is a tech company that makes powerful computer chips. They help cars drive themselves by using artificial intelligence, making driving safer and more efficient.
Nvidia is a technology company known for its graphics processing units (GPUs) and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions. In the automotive sector, Nvidia develops platforms for self-driving cars, enabling advanced driver assistance systems and autonomous driving capabilities.
self driving
"...artificial intelligence platform for self driving,..."
Self driving means cars can drive themselves without needing a person to control them. They use special technology to see and understand their surroundings.
Self driving refers to vehicles that can operate without human intervention, using a combination of sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence to navigate and control the car. This technology aims to improve safety and efficiency in transportation.
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