CUPRA Raval, True Volkswagen and the ID.3 Nevo Interview with Simon Andreucetti
About this episode
The conversation moves from the Cupra Raval’s Barcelona launch and its MEB Plus underpinnings to Volkswagen’s broader push to reconnect with heritage through new EVs like the ID Polo and ID.3 GTI. It also tracks Nevo’s growing audience and packed event calendar, with regional test-drive days selling out quickly and the main show drawing huge registration targets. Simon Andreucetti closes with a look at an upcoming Audi RS5 plug-in hybrid arriving in July.
Welcome back to the Nevo EV News Podcast. If it's Tuesday it must be Nevo EV News Day. My name is Derek Reilly and on this podcast we chat all about EV. Nevo is Ireland's only dedicated EV platform and we'll be covering where we were this week, what we've been driving and what we've been doing between podcasts. If you haven't already subscribed or followed us wherever you are listening please do so and if you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and comment, it really helps us out and it doesn't cost you anything. Let's get stuck in.
CUPRA Raval 1st Look
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MjST7kcTcQ
ID.3 Neo 1st Look
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkU2qEdulJU&t=86s
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Volkswagen ID.3
"...learn lots more about, first of all, the Cooper Ravel and then the ID or Truevolts wagon, ID3, Neo and others. So we're going to have a quick chat about that."
The Volkswagen ID.3 is an all-electric compact hatchback. It’s important because it’s one of Volkswagen’s main EVs aimed at everyday driving.
The Volkswagen ID.3 is a compact electric hatchback from Volkswagen’s ID electric-car family. It’s a key model for the brand because it targets high-volume EV buyers and helps define Volkswagen’s mainstream EV strategy.
Toyota
"Let's go. Toyota, find yours at toyota.com. Toyota, let's go places."
Toyota is a big car company. When they show up in an EV podcast, it usually means they’re promoting something related to electric or electrified vehicles.
Toyota is a major global automaker that has been heavily involved in electrification, including battery-electric vehicles and hybrids. In EV podcasts, Toyota name-drops often signal broader industry movement or a specific EV-related campaign.
CUPRA Raval
"...the opportunity to come to Barcelona and have a look at the heart of Barcelona, the Cupra Raval... what we got to see that day was brought in and had a number of different studios set up... we got to see the Cupra Raval firsthand... it is the first of the new Volkswagen family brands, models coming out city cars, urban cars... Going to be built in Spain, two different power trains, two battery sizes."
The CUPRA Raval is a new small electric car from CUPRA. They’re showing it as a key new EV launch, and it’s meant for city driving. The episode also says it will be built in Spain and offered with different battery options.
The CUPRA Raval is a new city/urban model from CUPRA, positioned as part of the brand’s push into more mainstream EVs. In this segment, it’s described as the first of a new “Volkswagen family” of brands/models coming to market, and it’s tied to Volkswagen Group’s next-generation EV platform strategy.
Volkswagen family brands
"...it is the first of the new Volkswagen family brands, models coming out city cars, urban cars, they're going to be on the new MEB Plus, is that correct?"
They’re talking about Volkswagen’s broader brand group strategy. The idea is that different brands (like CUPRA) can launch new EVs using shared technology from Volkswagen. That helps speed up development and keep costs down.
The segment frames CUPRA’s Raval as the first of a new wave of “Volkswagen family” brands and models. This is a group-level strategy where multiple brands share EV platforms and engineering while differentiating styling and positioning.
MEB Plus
"...they're going to be on the new MEB Plus, is that correct? That's correct. Platform coming out with new efficiencies, better charging, all around better performance."
MEB Plus is the “EV platform” Volkswagen is using for newer electric cars. Think of it as the car’s underlying EV design that helps manufacturers build cars more efficiently. In this segment, they’re saying it should charge better and be more efficient.
MEB Plus is Volkswagen Group’s next evolution of its EV platform architecture. The key idea is improved efficiency and charging behavior compared with earlier MEB-based cars, plus better overall performance packaging for new EV models.
two power trains
"Going to be built in Spain, two different power trains, two battery sizes. So a couple of Volkswagen like to put in a couple"
“Two power trains” implies the model will be sold with more than one drivetrain configuration (for example, different motor setups or performance variants). In EVs, this often maps to different power levels, traction behavior, or efficiency targets while keeping the same overall vehicle platform.
two battery sizes
"Going to be built in Spain, two different power trains, two battery sizes. So a couple of Volkswagen like to put in a couple"
“Two battery sizes” means the car can come with a smaller or larger battery. A bigger battery usually gives you more range, while a smaller one can cost less. It’s a way to fit the car to different driving needs.
Offering two battery sizes means the same model can be configured with different battery capacities to target different ranges and price points. This is common in EV lineups because it lets buyers choose between lower cost and longer-distance capability.
range specs (kilometer range)
"...the different range specs go from I think 300 kilometer range up to 450 kilometer range, but with the performance one, you're looking around 400 kilometer range on a single charge."
“Kilometer range” is the distance the EV is expected to travel on a full battery charge under a specified test cycle. Different trims and battery sizes can shift range significantly, and performance-focused versions often trade some efficiency for power.
electric rear diff
"Personally, it's the one I'd be going for, because it comes fully given out like a track take car. It has an electric rear diff on it, it has dampers..."
A rear differential helps send power to the two back wheels. When it’s “electric,” it can adjust that power split more precisely, which can make the car feel more planted and sporty.
An electric rear differential uses an electronically controlled mechanism to manage how torque is split to the rear wheels. That can improve traction and stability, especially when accelerating out of corners or when grip changes.
track take car
"Personally, it's the one I'd be going for, because it comes fully given out like a track take car. It has an electric rear diff on it, it has dampers..."
“Track take car” is a casual way of describing a car that’s set up to handle spirited driving, often with firmer suspension, better cooling, and performance-oriented components. In this segment, the host ties that idea to the electric rear differential, dampers, and sporty seat setup.
dampers
"It has an electric rear diff on it, it has dampers, it has these really cool buckets each side..."
Dampers are the parts that control bouncing and wobbling. Better dampers help the car stay more stable and responsive, especially when driving hard.
Dampers (shock absorbers) control how quickly the suspension compresses and rebounds. Sportier dampers help reduce body motion and keep the tires in better contact with the road.
3D prints
"...these really cool buckets each side, I believe come from recycled 3D prints. So they're done in a single kind of printed form or fabric..."
The host claims the bucket seats come from recycled 3D prints, implying a manufacturing approach that uses additive manufacturing to form components. If accurate, it’s an example of how EV makers are experimenting with new materials and production methods to reduce waste and weight.
0 to 100 in under seven seconds
"And it has that extra kick, I think it was a not to 100 in under seven seconds."
This is a simple way to measure acceleration: how fast the car gets from 0 to 100 km/h. Lower time usually means the car feels quicker when you put your foot down.
“0 to 100” is a common performance metric measuring how quickly a car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h. It’s useful for comparing punch and responsiveness, though it depends on traction, tires, and test conditions.
built in Spain
"And because it's built in Spain, they're getting out of the traps first, but there's going to be other cars, I want to talk about that in a second."
Manufacturing location can affect logistics, availability, and sometimes the first markets to receive a new model. The host uses “built in Spain” to explain why it may reach some regions earlier than others.
launch edition
"Also in Spain, I think there was a launch edition, I think I saw as well, some more floating around..."
A launch edition is a special early version of a new car. It’s usually meant to look unique and generate buzz when the model first comes out.
A “launch edition” is a limited or special version released at the start of a model’s sales. It often includes distinctive styling or packaging to make the debut version stand out from later production.
Volkswagen group
"...MEB Plus platform it's not just Cooper it was also part of the Volkswagen group as you mentioned and again March was crazy. I was away"
The Volkswagen Group is the big company that owns several car brands. Here, they’re using it to explain that EVs from different brands can share the same underlying technology. So CUPRA isn’t operating in isolation—it’s part of a wider group strategy.
The Volkswagen Group is the parent company behind multiple automotive brands, including Volkswagen and CUPRA. In this segment, the hosts use it to frame how platform strategy (like MEB Plus) and brand alignment can span across different labels. It’s a reminder that many EVs are engineered on shared corporate foundations.
True Volkswagen event in Hamburg
"The one I'll talk about is the event I attended was the true Volkswagen. So over there in Hamburg a Volkswagen invited again similar to Cooper where they invited over a different markets into the place and done presentations."
“True Volkswagen” is the event name the host attended in Hamburg, where Volkswagen invited different markets and delivered presentations. The segment uses it as the context for the EV strategy discussion and the model unveilings.
bringing everything back to basics
"And what Volkswagen are doing is and what the announcement is that they're in short or a very simple way is bringing everything back to basics. And they know that they've been very successful with the likes of the ID for and the other ID ranges that come over previous years."
Volkswagen is saying they want to return to what made people love the brand in the first place. They’re trying to make their electric cars feel like the same kind of experience, not just “new tech.”
“Bringing everything back to basics” is Volkswagen’s stated strategy: reconnecting EV design and customer experience to the original reasons people loved the brand. In this segment, they tie that philosophy to heritage models and then apply it to their electric lineup.
Volkswagen Gti
"...es that are going to be coming out is the ID Polo GTI and the ID tree GTI. So Volkswagen are bringing ..."
The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car that’s designed for everyday use. It’s popular because it’s practical and comes in different versions. In this podcast context, it’s being mentioned in relation to new electrified performance-style models.
The Volkswagen Golf is a long-running compact car that’s known for being practical, easy to live with, and widely available in many configurations. In the podcast context, it’s mentioned alongside the idea of Volkswagen bringing new electrified “GTI” style models, which highlights how the Golf nameplate and its performance identity are being carried forward. It’s discussed because it remains a benchmark model for how mainstream cars evolve over time.
horsepower
"horsepower faster than what the original ones are the current GTIs Golfs are. So that'll be interesting."
Horsepower is a number that roughly tells you how much power a car has. More horsepower usually helps with acceleration, though it’s not the only factor.
Horsepower is a measure of engine (or motor) output that strongly influences performance potential. The hosts use it to compare how newer GTI/Golf versions are “faster” than earlier iterations.
design throwbacks
"...they didn't go full tilt into it but you can do see all the little signatures little throwbacks to the design."
“Design throwbacks” refers to intentionally reintroducing visual cues from older models—like patterns, materials, and interior styling—to evoke nostalgia. Here, the hosts highlight how the new interior uses subtle signatures and fabrics to feel like an older Golf/Polo.
embargoes
"...there's a lot of embargoes in place we can only talk to the model names at the moment."
An embargo is like a “don’t talk about it yet” rule for press. It means the hosts can mention the car’s name, but they can’t share the full details until the embargo lifts.
An embargo is a media restriction that prevents reviewers from publishing details (often including specs, pricing, or early impressions) until a set date/time. The hosts say they can only discuss model names right now because the rest of the information is still under embargo.
tactility (buttons vs screens)
"we're back to buttons we're back to tactility we're going we're going away from all being in the screen and people this is what people want."
They’re talking about how car controls feel and work. Some cars use lots of touchscreens, while others bring back physical buttons so you can operate things by feel.
This segment contrasts “buttons and tactility” with an all-screen user interface. The idea is that physical controls can be easier to use quickly and reliably while driving, while touchscreens can require more attention or learning.
vehicle to load scenario
"like the the boot the vehicle to load scenario set up in it so there's a lot of really cool features"
Vehicle-to-load means the car can act like a power source. You can plug in and run things using the EV’s battery, similar to having an outdoor generator.
“Vehicle to load” (V2L) is a feature that lets an EV power external devices, like tools or appliances, using the car’s battery. The hosts mention it as one of the cool features on the updated ID.3.
Toyota Grand Highlander
"Dear crew it's Toyota with an adult-sized third row everyone's welcome in the Grand Highlander"
The Grand Highlander is Toyota’s bigger three-row SUV. The ad is emphasizing that the back seats are roomy enough for adults.
The Toyota Grand Highlander is a larger three-row SUV positioned as a family hauler. In the ad read, it’s used as an example of a vehicle offering an “adult-sized” third row and broad appeal.
Toyota Sienna
"Seen back in the Sienna with an available rear seat entertainment system slip into the RAV4 with available all-wheel drive"
The Sienna is Toyota’s family minivan. They’re pointing out that it can come with entertainment screens for passengers in the back.
The Toyota Sienna is a minivan known for family-focused features. The segment mentions the Sienna with available rear seat entertainment, highlighting how it competes for family buyers.
all-wheel drive
"slip into the RAV4 with available all-wheel drive and let's go."
All-wheel drive means the car can send power to multiple wheels. It helps when roads are wet, snowy, or uneven because it improves grip.
All-wheel drive (AWD) sends power to more than just the front or rear wheels, improving traction in slippery conditions. The ad uses AWD as a selling point for the Toyota RAV4.
Toyota RAV4
"slip into the RAV4 with available all-wheel drive and let's go."
The RAV4 is Toyota’s compact SUV. The ad is saying it can be had with all-wheel drive for better traction.
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact crossover SUV. Here it’s referenced in the context of available all-wheel drive, positioning it as a versatile option alongside the Sienna and Grand Highlander.
Mercedes Benz C-Class
"We've got a world premiere going out today for the Mercedes Benz C-Class. Yes. We're the only Irish outlet at it so stay tuned for that"
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is one of Mercedes’ main car lines. It’s a popular “everyday luxury” car, and when they talk about a premiere, it usually means a new update or electrified version that could matter if you’re considering electric cars.
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a compact executive sedan/estate line from Mercedes-Benz. In an EV-focused news context, a “world premiere” for the C-Class likely signals an updated model or electrified variant that’s relevant to buyers watching the shift to electric mobility.
Hyundai Ioniq 3
"and also the Ioniq 3 from Hyundai by the time you hear this podcast it'll be up on the channel as well so it's non-stop."
organic traffic
"What we were highlighting is that organic traffic to Nevo from social media channels jumped 457% in March alone."
Organic traffic just means people found the website without you paying for ads. It’s a good sign because it suggests the content is genuinely helping or interesting people.
Organic traffic is website visitors who arrive without paying for ads—typically from search results or social media shares. In this segment, the hosts use it to show that social media content is driving real interest in their EV education material.
public charging
"Every week we put out two new educational articles to help people to make the switch to electric be it buying tips, charging, public charging, home charging, where's the best tips, the top five EVs, whatever it might be"
Public charging is charging your electric car at stations you don’t own—like at shopping centers or along roads. People want tips because it can be confusing to figure out where to charge and how much it costs.
Public charging refers to charging an EV at stations outside the home, such as on-street chargers, retail locations, or highway networks. The hosts emphasize that readers are searching for guidance on public charging, which often includes how to find stations, understand pricing, and plan charging stops.
home charging
"Every week we put out two new educational articles to help people to make the switch to electric be it buying tips, charging, public charging, home charging, where's the best tips, the top five EVs, whatever it might be"
Home charging is when you charge your electric car at your house. It’s usually the easiest option day-to-day, and it can help you control your charging costs.
Home charging means installing or using an EV charger at your residence, typically with a dedicated wallbox and electrical circuit. It’s a key part of EV ownership because it affects convenience, charging speed, and overall charging costs.
fuel crisis and fuel protests
"website over the last couple weeks with the fuel crisis and the fuel protests. I'm just coupled with the growing growth in EV demand..."
A “fuel crisis” and “fuel protests” indicate disruptions or public pressure related to fuel availability and pricing. Such events can accelerate interest in EVs by highlighting the volatility of traditional fuel costs.
EV demand
"...with the growing growth in EV demand and that is us everybody is now jumping across onto the site..."
EV demand just means how many people want electric cars. When more people want EVs, companies try to make it easier to learn about them—like offering lots of test drives and events.
“EV demand” refers to how many consumers and businesses want to buy or use electric vehicles. When demand rises, automakers and dealers ramp up marketing, inventory, and test-drive events to meet that interest.
regional events
"...one thing that's another strong parameter of it is that we have as I suppose some people would know is that we're running our regional events one every month at the moment..."
They’re talking about local events they run regularly in different regions. The goal is to bring EV brands and experts together so people can learn and try cars without traveling far.
The hosts describe running “regional events” on a recurring monthly schedule. These events function as local marketing and education hubs, combining brand/dealer interaction with EV test drives.
test drives
"...we would typically aim for around 1500 people to register for an event like that and then we pre-booked them into their test drives and typically we do around 280 to 300 test drives over that course..."
Test drives are structured opportunities for potential buyers to experience an EV (or any car) firsthand. In the context of these events, pre-booked test drives help manage capacity and ensure consistent exposure to multiple brands.
running costs
"...see over usually between 10 to 11 12 brands in one place and two cars on display and understand the facts about electric vehicles the running costs..."
Running costs are what it costs to keep the car going after you buy it. For EVs, people often focus on electricity/charging and how maintenance may be different from gas cars.
“Running costs” are the ongoing expenses of owning and operating a vehicle after purchase, such as energy/fuel, maintenance, insurance, and sometimes charging infrastructure. EV events often emphasize running costs because they can differ significantly from gasoline cars.
electric vehicle (EV) research
"...the other half are coming down to research and find out the information so they can the next next couple of months so Kildare booked out by the time..."
Some people come because they’re ready to buy an electric car. Others come to learn first—things like how charging works and how far the car can go—so they can choose the right one.
The hosts describe two types of attendees: people ready to buy and people coming to research EVs. Research matters because EVs differ in charging, range, incentives, and total cost of ownership compared with gas cars.
Nivo show
"...and at all culminates in our big Nivo as Vicky and BYD we call it big brother yes big Nivo uh nearly Simon this is also going to be going off July and August..."
They’re talking about a big EV show called “Nivo.” It’s where lots of electric cars and vendors show up, and it sounds like it books up quickly.
The segment discusses the “Nivo” event as a major EV show with nearly every car in the country booked in. This is framed as a key marketplace moment for brands and vendors to display electric vehicles.
BYD
"...and at all culminates in our big Nivo as Vicky and BYD we call it big brother yes big Nivo uh nearly Simon..."
BYD is mentioned in the context of the “big Nivo” event, implying the automaker is participating or associated with the show. BYD is a major global EV and battery manufacturer, so its presence is notable for listeners tracking EV brands.
targets for registrations
"really going to be our biggest event ever targets for registrations so a little bit interesting right something a little bit we're something we're changing up a little bit this year is that we are going to have two public days and a target registration of 40 000 people coming to the event"
They’re talking about how many people they expect to sign up for the event. Higher registration targets usually mean more interest in EVs and bigger crowds at the show.
The hosts discuss registration targets (including a goal of 40,000 attendees) to gauge event scale and demand. For listeners, this is a practical indicator of how quickly EV interest is growing and how large the show has become.
media night
"what we're doing this year is that we're actually going to have a media night and we're going to invite all of the motoring journalists and all of the journalists across home or social media or influencers"
A media night is an invite-only preview where journalists, influencers, and media outlets get early access to vehicles before the public days. It’s used to generate reviews and awareness so new models get coverage right as they launch.
Nevo electric vehicle show in partnership with Bank of Ireland
"there'll be more details about that coming soon and we'll be reaching out to everyone and there'll be a guest list set up so the Nevo electric vehicle show in partnership with Bank of Ireland dates seven and eight seven and eight is the public days"
They’re talking about an EV show called the Nevo Electric Vehicle Show. It’s partnered with Bank of Ireland, and the episode is explaining how the event will be run and who gets access.
The hosts describe the Nevo Electric Vehicle Show, including that it’s run with a partner (Bank of Ireland). This is a structural event marker that frames why new EVs and media access are being discussed.
public days
"so the Nevo electric vehicle show in partnership with Bank of Ireland dates seven and eight seven and eight is the public days and six to Friday evening Friday evening"
Public days are the days when regular people can go to the show. The media night happens earlier so journalists can get first looks before the public arrives.
“Public days” refers to the event days open to general attendees, as opposed to invite-only media access. This is important for understanding the event’s timeline: media previews come first, then the public can visit.
plug-in hybrid
"you are also at a plug-in hybrid launch ... we got to see the brand new Audi RS5 plug-in hybrid"
A plug-in hybrid is a car that uses both gas and electricity. You can charge it from a wall or charger, and then it can run on electric power for part of your day before using gas again.
A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) combines an internal combustion engine with an electric motor and a battery that can be charged externally. Compared with a non-plug-in hybrid, a PHEV can often drive a meaningful distance on electric power alone, which can improve fuel economy and reduce emissions if you charge regularly.
Audi
"before our friends in Audi give out to us ... we went over to Audi North ... it's a part of a much wider range of vehicles that are going to be coming from Audi as well"
Audi is the car brand hosting the event and showing the new electrified RS5. They’re actively rolling out more electrified cars, so you’ll see them a lot in EV-related news.
Audi is the German automaker behind the RS5 mentioned in this segment. In the context of EV and electrification news, Audi has been expanding its lineup with plug-in hybrids and battery-electric models, and it often hosts media events for new electrified variants.
Audi RS5 plug-in hybrid
"we got to see the brand new Audi RS5 plug-in hybrid absolutely stunning car ... it does have a very positive effect to the cost of the vehicle ... coming to the market in July this year"
This is an Audi RS5 that you can charge like an electric car. It can drive on electricity for some trips, and when the battery runs low it switches to a gas engine so you’re not limited to charging stations.
The Audi RS5 plug-in hybrid is a performance-focused RS5 that uses a plug-in hybrid powertrain, meaning it can run on electricity for short trips and also use a combustion engine for longer driving. The “plug-in” part typically enables charging at home or via public chargers, which can reduce fuel use depending on how you drive and charge.
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
Help improve this episode
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.