BRIEFLY: Volvo, Tesla, Ford & more
About this episode
Volvo and Polestar's leaders caution the EU against German lobbying to weaken 2035 clean air laws, warning that slowing EV production could benefit Chinese manufacturers. Meanwhile, Tesla sees a rise in sales in China, and Ford is enhancing battery efficiency in its Transit models. Hyundai invests heavily in battery technology, while BYD's Evali van earns a top safety rating. The episode also touches on the upcoming Opel rally series and Ford's concerns over a new EV tax in the UK.
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VOLVO AND POLESTAR WARN EU AGAINST WEAKENING 2035 ENGINE BAN https://evne.ws/4pF8tYw
TESLA CHINA SALES REBOUND AS MODEL Y WAITS STRETCH INTO 2026 https://evne.ws/4pR6Veo
FORD E-TRANSIT CUSTOM GETS MORE RANGE AND FASTER CHARGING FOR 2026 https://evne.ws/4owsP5m
HYUNDAI’S $817M BET ON BATTERY TECH https://evne.ws/3Kpye0e
HYUNDAI-KIA GAIN GROUND IN U.S. AS EV RULES SHIFT https://evne.ws/3KAU2WJ
OPEL MOKKA GSE RALLY CUP GOES ALL‑ELECTRIC IN 2026 https://evne.ws/48zqoJk
UK EV TAX PLAN FACES BACKLASH FROM FORD AND INDUSTRY https://evne.ws/48z9Ilh
BYD E-VALI SCORES FIVE-STAR EURO NCAP SAFETY RATING https://evne.ws/4rz3wCs
ZEEKR TAKES AIM AT PREMIUM EV MARKET IN GERMANY AND KOREA https://evne.ws/4ryH2kW
Ford Transit Custom
"...rcely competitive against domestic makers for the transit custom gets more range. No new battery."
The Ford Transit Custom is a large van that businesses often use to transport goods or equipment. It's popular because it can carry a lot and is now available with better electric options, which means it can go further without needing to be charged as often.
The Ford Transit Custom is a versatile commercial van known for its practicality and efficiency. It is significant in the market for its ability to cater to various business needs while offering improved electric range options, making it a competitive choice against domestic manufacturers.
over-the-air update
"...an over the air update coming for existing owners not to get more battery access, but to charge faster. Now they've got more data at Ford unlocking more charging speed..."
An over-the-air update means your car can receive software updates through the internet, just like your phone does. This helps keep your car's technology up to date without needing to visit a dealership.
An over-the-air update is a method of delivering software updates to a vehicle's systems remotely, without the need for a physical connection. This allows manufacturers to improve vehicle performance, add features, or fix bugs after the car has been sold.
charging speed
"...unlocking more charging speed as well, bringing 10 to 80 down below 30 minutes. Very important."
Charging speed is how quickly you can fill up an electric car's battery. The faster it charges, the less time you have to wait at a charging station.
Charging speed refers to the rate at which an electric vehicle's battery can be charged, typically measured in kilowatts (kW). Faster charging speeds allow drivers to recharge their vehicles more quickly, which is essential for convenience and usability.
Hyundai
"...Hyundai announcing their biggest tech bet yet, $817 million on a new future mobility battery campus in South Korea..."
Hyundai is a car company from South Korea that makes many types of vehicles, including electric cars. They are working on new technologies to improve their cars.
Hyundai is a South Korean automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles, from compact cars to SUVs. The company has been investing heavily in electric vehicle technology and future mobility solutions.
vertically integrated
"...to become more vertically integrated. The likes of Tesla, GM and China's BYD..."
Vertically integrated means a company makes many of the parts it needs itself instead of buying them from other companies. This can help them control costs and quality better.
Vertical integration refers to a company's strategy of controlling multiple stages of production or supply chain processes. In the automotive industry, this can mean a manufacturer produces its own components or batteries, reducing reliance on external suppliers.
BYD
"...the likes of Tesla, GM and China's BYD, Hyundai and Kia are also winning more of the American car market."
BYD is a big car company from China that focuses on making electric vehicles. They are known for their advanced battery technology and are a major player in the electric car market.
BYD is a Chinese automotive manufacturer that specializes in electric vehicles and batteries. The company is one of the largest electric vehicle producers in the world and is known for its innovative technologies in the EV space.
electric rallying
"Electric rallying is about to take a step forward. Opel or Vauxhall's Mocha GSE Rally Cup will be back in 2026."
Electric rallying is when cars that run on electricity compete in rally races. This is becoming more popular as people want to make racing more environmentally friendly.
Electric rallying refers to the use of electric vehicles in rally racing, which is a motorsport that takes place on public or private roads. This shift towards electric vehicles in rallying is part of a broader trend in motorsport to embrace sustainability and reduce emissions.
Opel Mokka GSE
"The centerpiece is the new Mocha GSE rally vehicle and also they're unlocking charging not just in the service parks."
The Opel Mokka GSE is a sporty version of a small SUV made by Opel, built for racing in rally competitions. It has special features that help it perform better on rough terrain.
The Opel Mokka GSE is a performance-oriented variant of the Mokka, designed for rallying and motorsport. It features enhancements that make it suitable for competitive events, particularly in the rallying scene.
EV tax
"Ford of Great Britain is warning the government that the new three pence per mile EV tax..."
An EV tax is a charge for driving electric cars, usually based on how far you drive, to help pay for road maintenance.
An EV tax is a fee imposed on electric vehicles, often based on mileage or emissions, intended to offset the loss of fuel tax revenue.
Euro NCAP rating
"BYD's van, the Evali getting a five star Euro NCAP rating that's very important..."
The Euro NCAP rating shows how safe a car is in crashes, helping buyers know which cars are safer.
The Euro NCAP rating is a safety assessment for vehicles sold in Europe, evaluating crash safety and other safety features.
BYD Evali
"BYD's van, the Evali getting a five star Euro NCAP rating that's very important..."
The BYD Evali is a type of electric van made by a Chinese company called BYD, which specializes in electric cars.
The BYD Evali is an all-electric van produced by BYD, a Chinese automotive manufacturer known for its electric vehicles.
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