BRIEFLY: Volvo Leak, Škoda Success and Irish EV Ownership Up 50% | 20 Jan 2026
About this episode
Volvo's upcoming EX-60 electric vehicle has leaked ahead of its launch, showcasing a design that blends elements from the EX-90 and EX-30. Škoda is experiencing significant growth, with a 12% increase in sales and a doubling of battery electric vehicle deliveries. Meanwhile, Ireland's EV ownership has surged by 50% year-on-year, attributed to improved infrastructure. Tesla faces challenges in Canada with delivery delays and new regulations impacting vehicle imports. The episode also touches on updates from Smart and BYD, along with new electric buses in Switzerland.
It's EV News Briefly for Tuesday 20 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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VOLVO EX60 LEAKS AHEAD OF JANUARY REVEAL https://evne.ws/45O2fhC
ŠKODA’S SURGE INTO EUROPE’S EV TOP TIER https://evne.ws/4bCDWa3
IRELAND’S FAST-CHARGING NETWORK SURGES AS EV SALES TAKE OFF https://evne.ws/4qDmkji
TESLA PUTS EXPIRY DATE ON FREE FSD TRANSFERS https://evne.ws/4qDmkji
TESLA CANADA DELAYS POINT TO SHANGHAI SUPPLY SHIFT https://evne.ws/45nzVm1
CANADIAN AUTO INDUSTRY SOUNDS ALARM OVER CHINA EVS https://evne.ws/4jOCkvS
SMART’S NEW EUROPE CHIEF FACES TARIFFS AND A SALES SLUMP https://evne.ws/4pMX0WD
POSTAUTO MAKES BIG SOLARIS BET FOR SWISS E-BUS PUSH https://evne.ws/49wy9lc
MG4 GETS POSHER CABIN, KEEPS HARDWARE FOR 2026 https://evne.ws/4a49ynK
BYD SEALION 8 TARGETS FAMILY SEGMENT WITH PHEV SEVEN-SEATER https://evne.ws/45h4gCN
ACER DRIVES PREDATOR BRAND INTO ELECTRIC SCOOTERS https://evne.ws/4jV3Bx6
BROTHERS CRITICALLY INJURED IN 56KM/H E-SCOOTER CRASH https://evne.ws/4jONOzH
Volvo EX-60
"Let's get you up to speed. Volvo will show off the EX-60 tomorrow. Very important because the EX-C60, the incumbent sold 230,000 units last year."
The Volvo EX-60 is a new electric car that Volvo is going to reveal soon. It's important because it follows another model, the EX-C60, that sold very well last year.
The Volvo EX-60 is an upcoming electric vehicle (EV) that showcases Volvo's commitment to expanding its electric lineup. It is significant as it follows the EX-C60, which had strong sales figures.
Volvo EX-C60
"Very important because the EX-C60, the incumbent sold 230,000 units last year."
The Volvo EX-C60 is an earlier electric car model from Volvo that sold very well, helping the company understand what customers want in electric vehicles.
The Volvo EX-C60 is a previous model that achieved significant sales, indicating strong market interest in Volvo's electric vehicles. It sets a benchmark for the new EX-60.
Volvo EX-30
"You know how the EX-90 and the EX-30 look? Well, if they had a baby, it's kind of halfway between them."
The Volvo EX-30 is a smaller electric SUV from Volvo, aimed at city driving and providing a more compact option compared to the EX-90.
The Volvo EX-30 is a smaller electric SUV that complements the EX-90 in Volvo's electric vehicle lineup. It is designed for urban environments and offers a more compact alternative.
Volvo EX90
"but you'll be pleased to hear it looks like an electric Volvo. You know how the EX-90 and the EX-30 look? Well, if they had a baby,"
The Volvo EX90 is a new electric car that doesn't use gas, which is better for the environment. It's designed to be safe and comfortable, and it looks modern and stylish.
The Volvo EX90 is an all-electric SUV that represents Volvo's commitment to sustainability and innovation. It features advanced safety technologies and a spacious interior, making it a significant addition to the growing electric vehicle market.
Tesla Model Ys
"...but I guess it could be extended. Tesla Canada, it has contacted all the owners that are just about to get their Model Ys in early February and said,..."
The Tesla Model Y is an electric SUV made by Tesla. It has a lot of space inside and comes with high-tech features, making it popular among buyers looking for an eco-friendly vehicle.
The Tesla Model Y is a compact electric SUV that offers a spacious interior, advanced technology, and impressive performance. It is part of Tesla's lineup of electric vehicles, which are known for their innovative features and long-range capabilities.
MG4
"...The MG4 is being updated and not the one in China, which has been completely redesigned, but this is the existing MG4."
The MG4 is an electric car made by the MG brand. It's designed to be affordable and practical for everyday use, especially for those interested in electric vehicles.
The MG4 is an electric hatchback from MG, known for its affordability and practicality. It's part of MG's push into the electric vehicle market, appealing to budget-conscious consumers looking for EV options.
modular scalable platform
"...Great platform, it's on the modular scalable platform."
A modular scalable platform is a way for car companies to make different types of cars using the same basic structure. This helps them save money and time when building new vehicles.
A modular scalable platform is a vehicle architecture that allows manufacturers to build various models on the same base structure. This approach enhances efficiency in production and flexibility in design.
rear wheel drive
"rear wheel drive, great chassis, updated in Brazil already."
In rear wheel drive cars, the back wheels get the power from the engine, which can help with handling and driving performance.
Rear wheel drive (RWD) is a vehicle configuration where the engine's power is sent to the rear wheels. This setup often provides better handling and balance, especially in performance cars.
MG S5
"which is basically the insides of the MG S5, and that's a good thing."
The MG S5 is a family-friendly SUV made by MG, a brand that offers budget-friendly cars. It's designed to be practical and easy to drive.
The MG S5 is a compact SUV from the British automotive brand MG, known for its affordability and practicality. It features modern design elements and is aimed at family buyers.
Audi S5
"... Europe, which is basically the insides of the MG S5, and that's a good thing."
The Audi S5 is a fancy car that goes really fast and looks great. It's part of the Audi family and is made for people who want a mix of luxury and excitement when they drive.
The Audi S5 is a high-performance version of the Audi A5, known for its powerful engine and sporty handling. It combines luxury with speed, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts who appreciate both style and performance.
BYD C-Lion 8
"BYD's C-Lion 8 is a family plug-in hybrid coming to Australia for $57,000 before on-road costs."
The BYD C-Lion 8 is a hybrid car that can use both electricity and gasoline. It's made by BYD, a company that focuses on electric vehicles.
The BYD C-Lion 8 is a family-oriented plug-in hybrid vehicle from BYD, a Chinese automaker known for its electric and hybrid cars. It combines electric and gasoline power for improved efficiency.
plug-in hybrid
"BYD's C-Lion 8 is a family plug-in hybrid coming to Australia for $57,000 before on-road costs."
A plug-in hybrid car can be charged like an electric car but also uses gasoline. This means you can drive it on electricity for short trips and switch to gas for longer ones.
A plug-in hybrid is a type of vehicle that can be charged from an external power source and can run on both electricity and gasoline. This allows for greater fuel efficiency and reduced emissions compared to traditional vehicles.
ABS
"It's got ABS and regen,"
ABS is a safety system in cars that helps prevent the wheels from locking when you brake hard. This keeps the car easier to steer and can help you stop faster.
ABS stands for Anti-lock Braking System, a safety feature in vehicles that prevents the wheels from locking up during braking. This helps maintain steering control and reduces stopping distances on slippery surfaces.
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