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DAILY: Ford Humbled By Competition, Mercedes-Benz GLB and Tesla Model Y+ | 13 Nov 2025

DAILY: Ford Humbled By Competition, Mercedes-Benz GLB and Tesla Model Y+ | 13 Nov 2025

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About this episode

Ford's CEO Jim Farley discusses how disassembling rival EVs like Tesla's Model 3 prompted a major rethink in Ford's engineering approach. Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz announces the renaming of the EQB to GLB with EQ technology, set to debut in December. Tesla introduces a new Model Y variant in China, boasting impressive range figures amid stiff competition. The episode also covers Volkswagen's ID4 and IDBuzz gaining access to Tesla superchargers, GM's efforts to reduce reliance on Chinese parts, and new developments in the EV landscape, including a compact vehicle-to-load adapter from Tesla.

Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Tesla Model
Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Tesla Model

"And the Tesla Model Y Plus. Also today I'll tell you later how GM wants to wean themselves away from Chinese parts."

The Tesla Model Y Plus is a version of Tesla's electric SUV that has more features and better performance than the regular Model Y.

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Tesla Model 3
Matti Blume (CC BY-SA)
Car

Tesla Model 3

"He said that Ford engineers disassembled Tesla's Model 3 and Chinese EVs and found major differences versus how Ford thought they knew how to make electric cars."

The Tesla Model 3 is a smaller electric car from Tesla that is popular because it's more affordable and has a long driving range.

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Ford Mustang
Hans-Jürgen Neubert (CC BY 4.0)
Car

Ford Mustang

"They compared the Mustang Mach-E, at that point the second best-selling EV in the US, to the Model 3 and found the Mach-E's wiring loom alone was 1.6 kilometres longer."

The Ford Mustang Mach-E is an electric SUV that uses the Mustang name and is designed to be both fun to drive and practical for everyday use.

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Concept

electric cars

"Those findings helped prompt Ford's reorganization back in 2022, creating the Model E unit focused on entirely new ways of thinking about how to build electric cars."

Electric cars are cars that run on electricity instead of gasoline. They use batteries to power an electric motor, which makes them cleaner for the environment.

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Mercedes-Benz GLB
Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Mercedes-Benz GLB

"...rename the EQB. The EQB will now be known as the GLB with EQ technology. And I imagine over time the ..."

The Mercedes-Benz GLB is a stylish SUV that can fit a lot of people and has a nice, comfortable interior. It's designed to be practical for families while still looking fancy. Recently, it's been updated to include electric technology, showing that Mercedes is moving towards more electric options.

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Mercedes-Benz EQB
Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Mercedes-Benz EQB

"They're going to rename the EQB. The EQB will now be known as the GLB with EQ te..."
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Mercedes-Benz EQS
Matti Blume (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Mercedes-Benz EQS

"...super screen, which is not the hyperscreen on the EQS and EQE. The center console is a floating design..."

The Mercedes-Benz EQS is a fancy electric car that offers a lot of comfort and high-tech features. It has a big screen inside that controls many things, making it feel very modern. People discuss it because it's one of the top luxury electric cars available today.

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Mercedes-Benz CLA
Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Mercedes-Benz CLA

"CLA, very beautiful car."

The Mercedes-Benz CLA is a smaller luxury car that looks very stylish and is fun to drive. It's popular among younger people who want a nice car.

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Company

Scout Motors

"...Scout Motors' next Volkswagen's electric off-road vehicle brand."

Scout Motors is a company that makes electric vehicles, especially designed for off-road driving. They are part of the Volkswagen family and are working on new electric car technologies.

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Concept

EVs

"...target 200,000 EVs at full capacity."

EVs are cars that run on electricity instead of gas. They are better for the environment because they don't produce exhaust fumes like regular cars do.

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Concept

EREV

"...they will start with the EREV."

An EREV is a special kind of electric car that can go further than just using its battery. It has a small gas engine that helps charge the battery when it runs low, so you can drive longer distances without worrying about finding a charging station.

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Term

all wheel drive

"I don't need all wheel drive, I have it at the moment, but I don't need an all wheel drive car."

All wheel drive means that all four wheels of the car get power from the engine. This helps the car grip the road better, especially in rain or snow.

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Term

rear wheel drive

"But if the rear wheel drive gives you significantly more range, the other thing I always say, if you can get the range, you should get it because you'll never be unhappy that you've got it."

Rear wheel drive means that the back wheels of the car get the power from the engine. This can make the car handle better, especially when driving fast or on curves.

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Term

range

"But if the rear wheel drive gives you significantly more range, the other thing I always say, if you can get the range, you should get it because you'll never be unhappy that you've got it."

Range is how far a car can go on one charge, especially for electric cars. A longer range means you can drive further without needing to recharge.

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Term

kilowatt hour (kWh)

"The figure comes from the 78.4 kilowatt hour battery with these new LG cells."

A kilowatt hour (kWh) is a way to measure energy. For electric cars, it tells you how much energy the battery can store and how far the car can go before needing to be charged.

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Concept

Gigafactory

"even though we have a Gigafactory here in Europe, and that European Gigafactory is then exporting to Canada."

A Gigafactory is a huge factory where Tesla makes batteries and parts for electric cars. It helps them produce a lot of these parts quickly and cheaply.

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Term

vehicle to load (V2L)

"...to include vehicle to load officially from Tesla. Now, you can get third-party adapters..."

Vehicle to load (V2L) means that an electric car can provide power to other devices. It's like using your car as a battery to charge things or run appliances.

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Tesla Cybertruck
Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Tesla Cybertruck

"...rformance will be the first Tesla models besides Cybertruck to include vehicle to load officially from Tesla..."

The Tesla Cybertruck is a unique electric truck that looks very different from regular trucks because of its sharp, futuristic design. It's made to be tough and can do things like power other devices, which is pretty cool for outdoor activities. People talk about it because it's a new way to think about trucks and electric cars.

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Term

220-volt system

"...it's a 220-volt system in on the Chinese cars. It's 10 amps, so there's a single outlet..."

A 220-volt system is a type of electrical system that uses a higher voltage than the standard 120 volts found in many homes. It's often used for bigger appliances that need more power.

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Term

Type A and Type I sockets

"...that combines Type A and Type I sockets used in China. Tesla demonstrated it powering an outdoor kitchen..."

Type A and Type I sockets are different types of plugs and outlets that you find in various countries. They are used to connect electrical devices to power sources.

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Term

600-watt

"...with a 600-watt rice cooker, a 600-watt electric kettle, and a 1 kilowatt hot pot."

600 watts is a way to describe how much power a device uses. For example, a rice cooker that uses 600 watts needs that amount of power to operate.

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Volkswagen ID Buzz
Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Car

Volkswagen ID Buzz

"Let's talk about Volkswagen's ID4 and IDBuzz getting supercharger access."

The Volkswagen ID Buzz is an electric van that looks similar to the old VW Microbus. It's designed to be spacious and eco-friendly.

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Volkswagen Id4S
Dennis Elzinga (CC BY 2.0)
Car

Volkswagen Id4S

"Owners of ID4s and buzzes in the US Wix, it's where website cre..."

The Volkswagen ID.4 is an electric SUV that can carry a lot of people and stuff while being good for the environment. It's designed to be easy to drive and has a lot of modern technology inside. It's important because it's one of the first electric SUVs from Volkswagen, showing they are serious about making electric cars.

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Term

supercharger

"...will be able to use Tesla V3s and V4 superchargers, and that's been a long time coming..."

A supercharger is a special charging station for electric cars that lets you charge the battery much faster than regular chargers. This helps you get back on the road quickly.

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Term

J1772

"...Tesla uses, obviously, J1772s..."

J1772 is a type of plug used to charge electric cars. It makes sure that different electric cars can use the same charging stations.

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Term

CCS-1

"All the VW on the road have CCS-1, so a $200 adapter needed to charge at those superchargers."

CCS-1 is a type of charging plug for electric cars that lets you charge them quickly and easily at many stations.

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Term

DC fast charging

"...the move increases DC fast charging options for ID4 and IDBuzz owners and drivers."

DC fast charging is a way to charge electric cars much faster than regular charging. It uses special equipment to send power directly to the car’s battery.

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Term

Dieselgate

"...Electrify America, of course, was formed because of Dieselgate."

Dieselgate is a scandal where Volkswagen was caught cheating on emissions tests for their diesel cars. It caused a lot of problems for the company and affected many car owners.

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Company

Rivian

"VW and Rivian Technology, I talked about yesterday from their joint venture, new news coming in today that they could develop it..."

Rivian is a new car company from the United States that makes electric trucks and SUVs. They are known for their cool designs and technology.

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