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DAILY: BMW Produces New i3, Rivian Strips Costs From R2 and Walmart Add Chargers | 05 Feb 2026

DAILY: BMW Produces New i3, Rivian Strips Costs From R2 and Walmart Add Chargers | 05 Feb 2026

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About this episode

BMW has begun pre-series production of the new i3 at its Munich plant, marking a significant shift towards electric powertrains in their lineup. Rivian is streamlining production costs for its upcoming R2 models, focusing on modular design and shared components to enhance profitability. Meanwhile, Walmart is expanding its EV charging network with 78 new sites across the U.S., emphasizing the importance of retail locations in the charging landscape. The episode also highlights January's record-breaking new car registrations, driven by the rise of electric vehicles.

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Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Car

BMW i3

"...BMW produces their new i3 Rivian Strips costs from the R2..."

The BMW i3 is a small electric car made by BMW. It has a distinctive look and is designed to be eco-friendly, using materials that are better for the environment.

Concept

iFactory

"...the end of the 18-month refit that converted a third of the facility to their new iFactory..."

The iFactory is a new way BMW is making their electric cars. They are changing their factories to be more efficient and environmentally friendly, especially for cars like the i3.

Term

electric powertrains

"...signals BMW now treats electric powertrains as the default of how they go around making cars..."

Electric powertrains are the parts of electric cars that help them move. Instead of using gas, they use batteries and electric motors to drive the car.

Car

BMW iX3

"...the i3 are whether those lessons..."

The BMW iX3 is an electric SUV from BMW that offers more space and utility compared to their smaller electric cars. It's designed for people who want an electric vehicle but still need room for passengers and cargo.

Car

Rivian R2

"Now, Rivian says it's engineered. It's R2. It's two series models to make money where the R1s didn't."

The Rivian R2 is a new type of electric vehicle made by Rivian, which aims to be cheaper and more accessible than their earlier models. It's meant for everyday use and is part of their plan to reach more customers.

Term

production costs

"Mass market SUV strips the production costs to the bone, but does not sacrifice the capability that made the original."

Production costs are the expenses that a company has to pay to make a product. If these costs are lower, the company can sell the product for a cheaper price.

Car

Rivian R1T

"Rivians, the R1s and the R1t so admirable."

The Rivian R1T is an electric pickup truck made by Rivian, designed for both work and adventure with advanced features.

Car

Rivian R1S

"Rivians, the R1s and the R1t so admirable."

The Rivian R1S is an electric SUV made by Rivian, known for its off-road features and modern technology.

Term

DC fast chargers

"The installations feature the DC fast chargers that are rated at 400 kilowatts and Walmart controls them directly with over 90 percent of Americans living within 10 miles of a Walmart, which always blows my mind."

DC fast chargers are special charging stations for electric cars that can charge the battery much quicker than regular chargers. This helps drivers spend less time waiting for their cars to charge, especially on long trips.

Car

Dodge Charger

"...re. They will control that level of let's get the charger fixed not just within a month, but what's the tim..."

The Dodge Charger is a big car that looks sporty and can go really fast. It's popular because it combines a comfortable ride with a powerful engine, making it fun to drive while still being useful for everyday tasks.

Term

DC charging

"...this is reliable DC charging. So the AC slow charging conversation is where I think we can get better. But the DC charging conversation, thanks to Walmart, is about to get a lot better in the United States."

DC charging is a way to charge electric cars quickly using direct current. It's faster than the usual method, which uses alternating current, making it easier for drivers to get back on the road quickly.

Term

AC charging

"...the AC slow charging conversation is where I think we can get better. But the DC charging conversation, thanks to Walmart, is about to get a lot better in the United States."

AC charging is the standard way to charge electric cars at home. It's usually slower than DC charging, which is used at public stations for quick charges.

Company

Duracell

"...Now, Duracell eCharge has opened its second EV charging station in the UK in Swalwell, Newcastle upon time."

Duracell is famous for making batteries, and now they are also working on charging stations for electric cars. They are trying to help make charging easier for EV owners.

Term

ultra-rapid charging

"...these Duracell stations, by the way. The locations have six ultra rapids, which is classed as 300 kilowatt charges, and they serve two cars."

Ultra-rapid charging means charging electric cars really fast. These stations can give a lot of power quickly, so you don't have to wait long to get back on the road.

Term

electric cars

"They sold 26% more electric cars year on year. They sold 9% more petrol cars and they sold more diesels as well."

Electric cars run on electricity instead of gasoline or diesel. They use batteries to power an electric motor, which makes them cleaner and often cheaper to run.

Term

petrol cars

"They sold 9% more petrol cars and they sold more diesels as well."

Petrol cars are those that run on gasoline, which is a common fuel for many vehicles. They are typically what people think of when they imagine cars, as they have been the standard for many years.

Term

diesel cars

"and they sold more diesels as well. In the single figures, but 26% more pure bevs."

Diesel cars run on a type of fuel called diesel, which is different from gasoline. They are often more fuel-efficient and can provide more power for heavy vehicles.

Term

BEVs

"but 26% more pure bevs. Average used EV prices went down."

BEVs are cars that only use batteries for power, meaning they don't have any gasoline or diesel engines at all. They are fully electric and produce no emissions while driving.

Term

used EV prices

"Average used EV prices went down. They dropped from 30,000 pounds"

Used EV prices are how much you would pay for a second-hand electric car. These prices can change based on how popular electric cars are and how old the batteries are.

Term

EV

"...I care the most about consumers. And if you can get a great used EV for a great price, then I'm all about that. At the minute, since the online platform still sells more petrol and diesel, but EV is catching up."

EV means electric vehicle. These cars run on electricity instead of gasoline or diesel, making them more environmentally friendly. They're becoming more popular as people look for cleaner ways to drive.

Term

AutoTrader

"...I have a ton of alerts set up on AutoTrader. You can get email alerts for new vehicles listed."

AutoTrader is a website where you can look for cars to buy or sell. You can set up alerts to get notified when a car you want is listed for sale.

Car

Tesla Model 3

"...certain vehicles that I keep an eye on. You know, certain Teslas like Model 3s or Model Ys. And when you see them hitting certain price points..."

The Tesla Model 3 is a popular electric car that is known for being affordable and having a long driving range. It's a compact sedan that many people like for its technology and performance.

Car

Tesla Model 3S

"...t I keep an eye on. You know, certain Teslas like Model 3s or Model Ys. And when you see them hitting certai..."

The Tesla Model S is a fancy electric car that looks really modern and can go very fast. It's known for having a lot of high-tech features and being able to drive far without needing to recharge, making it a popular choice for those who want a luxury car that's also eco-friendly.

Term

depreciation

"I want to know how depreciation's hitting me. So I bought that for 25, I bought a three year old Polestar for 25 grand two years ago in January."

Depreciation is how much a car loses its value over time. When you buy a car, it starts to be worth less as it gets older and is used more.

Term

grand

"So I bought that for 25, I bought a three year old Polestar for 25 grand two years ago in January."

'Grand' is a way to say 'thousand dollars.' So when someone says a car costs 25 grand, it means it costs 25,000 dollars.

Term

listed

"And I see them listed for about 16 or 17 now. I suppose you probably offer a little bit lower."

'Listed' means the price that a car is shown for sale. It's what you see when looking at cars online or at a dealership.

Brand

Volvo

"And this year, there'll be a new experience coming to all Volvos and Polestar."

Volvo is a car brand from Sweden that is famous for making safe and reliable cars. They are known for their focus on safety features and quality.

Term

tariffs

"Chinese makers face already tariffs to come in to the U.S. market, which keeps them out, but for dealers navigating really thin profit margins."

Tariffs are extra fees that countries charge on products coming from other countries. They can make imported cars more expensive for buyers.

Term

plug-in hybrids

"Battery electric vehicles were 21% of the market plug-in hybrids, almost 10%. Together, they were a third of all sales, up from 23% a year ago."

Plug-in hybrids are cars that can use both electricity and gasoline. You can charge them like electric cars, but they also have a gas engine for longer drives, so you don't run out of power.

Car

Tesla Model Y

"...nd Hyundai all racking up strong Bev gains in the Model Y, the I4, the EQE, the Ioniq 5 all doing well with..."

The Tesla Model Y is a type of electric car that looks like a small SUV. It's popular because it can drive long distances on a single charge and has lots of cool tech features, making it a great choice for families who want to go green.

Car

BMW I4

"...strong Bev gains in the Model Y, the I4, the EQE, the Ioniq 5 all doing well with Bev fleets here in the U.K."

The BMW I4 is an electric car that looks like a sporty coupe. It runs on electricity and is designed for performance and efficiency.

Car

Mercedes EQE

"...strong Bev gains in the Model Y, the I4, the EQE, the Ioniq 5 all doing well with Bev fleets here in the U.K."

The Mercedes EQE is a luxury electric car that combines comfort and technology. It's designed to be eco-friendly while providing a high-end driving experience.

Car

Hyundai Ioniq 5

"...strong Bev gains in the Model Y, the I4, the EQE, the Ioniq 5 all doing well with Bev fleets here in the U.K."

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is an electric SUV that has a unique design and lots of space inside. It's made to be efficient and tech-friendly.

Brand

Polestar

"...buy credits from their rivals like Polestar who sell exclusively electric vehicles..."

Polestar is a car brand that makes electric cars. They used to be part of Volvo but now operate on their own, focusing on environmentally friendly vehicles.

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