DAILY: German Subsidies Add Hybrids, Rivian Makes R2 and Mercedes-Benz EQ Cars Back In U.S. | 19 Jan 2026
About this episode
German subsidies for plug-in hybrids and EVs are back, with grants up to 6,000 euros aimed at making electric vehicles more accessible. Rivian is ramping up production of its R2 model, crucial for its transition to mass production. Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz has reintroduced its EQ lineup in the U.S., emphasizing its commitment to electric vehicles. The episode also discusses the challenges faced by Porsche and the rise of Geely's EX2 in China, highlighting the evolving landscape of the EV market and the importance of government campaigns to promote electric vehicle adoption.
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GERMANY SUBSIDIES INCLUDE HYBRIDS AND CHINESE CARS https://evne.ws/4sKWc7g
RIVIAN R2 MOVES FROM PROTOTYPE TO FACTORY TEST https://evne.ws/3NBfr33
PORSCHE HITS SALES BRAKE AS EV BET STALLS https://evne.ws/49uOB5q
MERCEDES QUIETLY RESTARTS EQ EV SALES IN AMERICA https://evne.ws/3LMwGhg
GEELY’S £20K EX2 TAKES AIM AT EUROPE’S SMALL EVS https://evne.ws/4sIZIzj
BRITAIN PITCHES ELECTRIC CARS AS SIMPLE THRIFT https://evne.ws/49v6bX0
BYD’S TURKISH FACTORY STALLS, BUT ADVANTAGE HOLDS https://evne.ws/4r1bbbE
FASTNED SHIFTS FROM EXPANSION TO MAKING SITES WORK HARDER https://evne.ws/4qxpjto
KIA BETS ON A HALO EV TO AVOID BLANDNESS https://evne.ws/4t34g3E
ROLLS-ROYCE PLANS ELECTRIC CULLINAN SIBLING FOR 2027 https://evne.ws/4t2EpZE
SOLAREDGE BETS ON SMARTS OVER SPEED FOR NEW EV CHARGER https://evne.ws/49HCEYP
VOLVO BETS ON GEMINI TO DRIVE ITS NEXT EV https://evne.ws/3NzaUOE
Rivian R2
"...Today, German subsidies, the Rivian R2 is being made in the factory, and Mercedes-Benz EQ cars are back on sale in the United States."
The Rivian R2 is a new electric car being made by Rivian, a company that specializes in electric trucks and SUVs. It's designed to be more affordable than their other models.
The Rivian R2 is an upcoming electric vehicle from Rivian, a company focused on producing electric trucks and SUVs. The R2 is expected to be a more affordable model compared to Rivian's R1T and R1S.
BMW
"...On EV News, China Today, we're talking about BMW banking on China, Mercedes-Benz defying the market, and Sun Woda being under the microscope."
BMW is another famous car brand from Germany that makes luxury cars. They are also working on more electric cars and are focusing on selling them in China.
BMW is a German automotive brand known for its luxury vehicles and performance cars. The company has been expanding its electric vehicle offerings and is focusing on the Chinese market for growth.
plug-in hybrids
"...Germany will pay drivers to buy plug-in hybrids again. This was a real surprise. Berlin widened their planned electric vehicle support."
Plug-in hybrids are cars that can use both electricity and gasoline. You can charge them up like an electric car, but they also have a regular engine that uses gas when needed.
Plug-in hybrids are vehicles that combine a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric motor and a rechargeable battery. They can be charged from an external power source and can run on electric power alone for a certain distance before switching to gasoline.
subsidies
"...We knew the subsidies were back, and earlier today, we now had confirmation of the finer details that I said we've been waiting for."
Subsidies are money given by the government to help people buy things, like electric cars. This makes them cheaper for buyers.
Subsidies are financial assistance provided by the government to encourage certain behaviors, such as purchasing electric vehicles. They can help reduce the overall cost for consumers.
EVs
"...Germany will pay its drivers to buy EVs and plug-in hybrids and EREVs. The scheme matters on three fronts, social, industrial, and trade."
EVs stand for electric vehicles, which are cars that run on electricity instead of gasoline. They are designed to be more environmentally friendly by producing fewer emissions.
EVs, or electric vehicles, are cars that are powered entirely by electricity, using batteries instead of traditional gasoline engines. This technology aims to reduce emissions and reliance on fossil fuels.
BEV
"The base grant starts at 3,000 euros for BEVs and 1,500 for plug-in hybrids and EREVs, with support applying to purchases and leases of new vehicles, regardless of the list price."
A BEV is a car that runs only on electricity and doesn't use gas at all. It has batteries that you charge up, and it doesn't produce any harmful emissions while driving.
BEV stands for Battery Electric Vehicle, which is a type of vehicle that is powered entirely by electricity stored in batteries, with no internal combustion engine. These vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions and are considered environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional gasoline-powered cars.
EREV
"The base grant starts at 3,000 euros for BEVs and 1,500 for plug-in hybrids and EREVs, with support applying to purchases and leases of new vehicles, regardless of the list price."
An EREV is a car that mainly runs on electricity but has a small gas engine that helps charge the battery when needed, allowing you to drive further without worrying about running out of power.
EREV stands for Extended Range Electric Vehicle, which is similar to a plug-in hybrid but primarily operates as an electric vehicle. It has a small internal combustion engine that acts as a generator to recharge the battery when it runs low, extending the vehicle's range beyond that of a typical battery electric vehicle.
combustion range extenders
"Berlin also offers limited support to combustion range extenders counters EV drivetrains. Okay. As long as they carry a small engine generator that operates to recharge the battery."
Combustion range extenders are small gas engines in some electric cars that help charge the battery when it gets low. This means you can drive further without needing to plug in right away.
Combustion range extenders are small internal combustion engines used in some electric vehicles to generate electricity and recharge the battery when it runs low. This technology allows the vehicle to extend its driving range beyond the capacity of the battery alone, providing more versatility for longer trips.
CO2 emissions
"CO2 emissions must be below 60 grams per kilometer emitted, or must have an EV-only range of at least 80 kilometers or 50 miles."
CO2 emissions are the gases that cars release into the air when they burn fuel. Lower emissions are better for the environment, and many cars are designed to produce less of it.
CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from burning fossil fuels. In the context of vehicles, lower CO2 emissions are often a goal for manufacturers to meet environmental regulations and reduce the impact of climate change.
kilowatt-hour
"the three row SUVs that have 80 or 81 kilowatt-hour packs, and that's just the electrical side before you fill it up with dinosaur juice."
A kilowatt-hour is a way to measure electricity. In electric cars, it tells you how much energy the battery can hold and how far you can drive before needing to recharge.
A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is a unit of energy that measures how much electricity is used over time. In electric vehicles, the size of the battery is often described in kilowatt-hours, indicating how much energy it can store and how far the vehicle can travel on a single charge.
EV
"...because it has to be an EV. But also, it's to do with the embedded carbon in making it,..."
An EV, or electric vehicle, is a car that runs on electricity instead of gasoline. This makes them better for the environment and can save money on fuel costs.
EV stands for electric vehicle, which is a type of vehicle that is powered entirely or partially by electricity rather than traditional gasoline or diesel. EVs are known for being more environmentally friendly and often have lower operating costs.
Nissan Leaf
"...everything that is made in, certainly in this country, the new Nissan Leaf, etc., and more locally, is likely to get the money."
The Nissan Leaf is a popular electric car made by Nissan. It's known for being affordable and practical for everyday use, making it a good choice for many drivers looking to switch to electric.
The Nissan Leaf is a compact electric vehicle (EV) produced by Nissan, known for its practicality and affordability in the EV market. It has been one of the best-selling electric cars worldwide since its introduction.
Rivian R1S
"... a niche upmarket player to a mass producer. The R1S and R1T are incredible, they win enormous praise,..."
Rivian R1T
"The R1S and R1T are incredible, they win enormous praise, but they don't sell in big enough numbers."
The Rivian R1T is an electric pickup truck from Rivian, designed for both work and adventure, with features that make it suitable for off-roading.
The Rivian R1T is an all-electric pickup truck that emphasizes utility, performance, and off-road capabilities, featuring innovative storage solutions and advanced technology. It shares the same platform as the R1S.
Tesla Model
"The competitive target is clear, they want to take Tesla Model Y buyers, or people that are maybe coming out of a two, three year lease on the Tesla Model Y."
The Tesla Model Y is an electric SUV made by Tesla, known for its long range and high-tech features. It's popular among people looking for a family-friendly electric vehicle.
The Tesla Model Y is a compact all-electric SUV that offers impressive range, performance, and advanced technology features, including Autopilot and a minimalist interior design. It is designed to compete in the growing electric SUV market.
Porsche 718
"Porsche blamed supply gaps for the 718 and the McCarn, its best selling model."
The Porsche 718 is a type of sports car made by Porsche. It includes models like the Boxster and Cayman, which are known for being fun to drive and having a sporty design.
The Porsche 718 is a line of sports cars that includes models like the 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman. Known for their mid-engine layout and agile handling, the 718 series is designed for performance and driving enjoyment.
Porsche Macan
"...citing the production phase out of the combustion engine 718 and McCarn. Instead, they want to push a value over volume strategy..."
The Porsche Macan is a smaller SUV made by Porsche. It's designed to be both sporty and practical for everyday use.
The Porsche Macan is a compact luxury SUV that combines sporty performance with everyday usability. It features a range of powerful engines and a high-quality interior.
Porsche Taycan
"...he products they've made are second to none. The Taycan, it's getting quite long in the tooth now, the Ta..."
The Porsche Taycan is a fancy electric car that can go really fast and has a lot of cool tech features. It's important because it's Porsche's first car that runs only on electricity, showing that they are moving towards greener options.
The Porsche Taycan is an all-electric luxury sports sedan that combines high performance with cutting-edge technology. It is significant as Porsche's first fully electric vehicle, showcasing the brand's commitment to sustainability while maintaining its performance heritage.
Porsche Cayenne
"And now comes the Cayenne, one of the best electric vehicles of the year. Globally, not just think, oh, you know, ignore China for a bit. No, globally, the Cayenne is an engineering masterclass."
The Porsche Cayenne is a fancy SUV that is known for being powerful and well-made. It's popular among people who want a spacious vehicle that still feels sporty.
The Porsche Cayenne is a luxury SUV that combines performance with practicality. It has been praised for its engineering and has a reputation for being one of the best in its class, especially in its electric variant.
Hyundai Kona
"...and. And these are, I paid 34, I paid 34 for the Kona a few years back. That was when there was EV sho..."
The Hyundai Kona is a small SUV that you can get with either a regular engine or as an electric car. It's popular because it's affordable and has a lot of useful features for everyday driving.
The Hyundai Kona is a subcompact SUV that is available in both traditional gasoline and electric versions. It is known for its practicality, affordability, and a good balance of features, making it a popular choice among small SUV buyers.
Mercedes-Benz EQS
"...neup returns with the EQE sedan, EQE SUV, and the EQS sedan and the EQS SUV. All gain access to the su..."
Mercedes-Benz EQE
"... in showrooms now, the EQ lineup returns with the EQE sedan, EQE SUV, and the EQS sedan and the EQS SUV..."
The Mercedes-Benz EQE is a stylish electric car that offers a comfortable ride and lots of high-tech features. It's part of Mercedes' effort to create more electric cars that are luxurious and fun to drive.
The Mercedes-Benz EQE is part of Mercedes' EQ lineup of electric vehicles, offering a blend of luxury and performance in a sedan format. It features advanced technology and a spacious interior, making it a competitive option in the electric sedan market.
Hongguang Mini EV
"So for years, the most popular car in China was the Hongguang Mini EV, a dinky little thing that didn't cost very much. Well, the new most popular car in China is still a dinky little thing."
The Hongguang Mini EV is a small and affordable electric car that many people in China have been buying. It's known for being practical and easy to use.
The Hongguang Mini EV is a compact electric vehicle produced by Wuling, which has been extremely popular in China due to its low price and practicality. It has been a top-selling model in the Chinese market for several years.
Dacia Springs
"a fair chunk above the cheapies, the Dacia Springs, the Leapmotor T03s, etc."
The Dacia Spring is a low-cost electric car that is great for city driving and is made by the Dacia brand.
The Dacia Spring is an affordable electric vehicle (EV) designed for budget-conscious consumers, offering a practical solution for urban mobility.
Renault 5
"But that's still only a little jump to go up to a Citroën EC3, a Renault 5, a Fiat Grande Panda."
The Renault 5 is a small car made by Renault, which is now available as an electric version.
The Renault 5 is a classic hatchback that has been reimagined as an electric vehicle, known for its compact size and efficiency.
Citroën EC3
"But that's still only a little jump to go up to a Citroën EC3, a Renault 5, a Fiat Grande Panda."
The Citroën EC3 is a small electric car made by Citroën, designed for easy driving in cities.
The Citroën EC3 is a compact electric vehicle that combines practicality with modern design, catering to urban drivers.
Fiat Grande Punto
"But that's still only a little jump to go up to a Citroën EC3, a Renault 5, a Fiat Grande Panda."
The Fiat Grande Punto is a small car made by Fiat, known for being stylish and good for city driving.
The Fiat Grande Punto is a compact hatchback known for its stylish design and efficient performance, popular in urban settings.
Volkswagen ID. Polo
"Volkswagen's ID Polo is going to be a bit more, 22 grand, Kia's EV2, about 25."
The Volkswagen ID. Polo is an electric car that is based on the regular Polo model, made by Volkswagen.
The Volkswagen ID. Polo is an electric version of the popular Polo hatchback, designed to offer a sustainable driving experience without sacrificing performance.
Kia EV2
"Volkswagen's ID Polo is going to be a bit more, 22 grand, Kia's EV2, about 25."
The Kia EV2 is a small electric car made by Kia, aimed at people who want an affordable electric vehicle.
The Kia EV2 is an electric vehicle designed to provide a practical and affordable option for consumers looking to transition to electric mobility.
Volkswagens Id
"But that's still only a little jump to go up to a Citroën EC3, a Renault 5, a Fiat Grande Panda. Volkswagen's ID Polo is going to be a bit more, 22 grand, Kia's EV2, about 25. Above them sits BYD's larger Dolphin, that's around a 30 grand car here."
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is a new electric van that looks like the old VW buses but is updated with new technology. It's designed to be roomy and fun for families or anyone who needs a lot of space.
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is an electric minivan that pays homage to the classic VW Microbus while incorporating modern electric vehicle technology. It aims to provide a spacious and versatile option for families and those looking for a unique electric vehicle experience.
BYD Dolphin
"Above them sits BYD's larger Dolphin, that's around a 30 grand car here."
The BYD Dolphin is a small electric car made by BYD, designed to be affordable and practical for daily driving.
The BYD Dolphin is a compact electric vehicle that emphasizes affordability and practicality, making it suitable for everyday use.
375-litre boot
"and a 375-litre boot, larger than anything else in its class."
A 375-litre boot means the trunk of the car can hold 375 liters of stuff, which is important for carrying luggage or groceries.
A 375-litre boot refers to the cargo space available in the vehicle's trunk, which is a significant factor for practicality and usability.
Rolls-Royce Cullinan
"...cars as well. Now, Rolls-Royce plans an electric Cullinan sibling next year. Rolls-Royce will launch the h..."
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan is a super fancy SUV that offers a lot of luxury and comfort. It's important because it's Rolls-Royce's first SUV, which means they are making cars that can be both fancy and useful.
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan is a luxury SUV that combines the opulence and craftsmanship associated with the Rolls-Royce brand with the versatility of an SUV. It is significant as it marks the brand's entry into the SUV market, appealing to affluent buyers seeking both luxury and practicality.
Rolls-Royce Spectre
"...e high-sided vehicle in 2027 to sit alongside the Spectre. Different to a Cullinan, though I must say, the..."
The Rolls-Royce Spectre is a new electric car that will be very fancy and luxurious. It's important because it's part of Rolls-Royce's plan to make more electric cars while keeping their high-quality feel.
The Rolls-Royce Spectre is an upcoming all-electric luxury coupe that aims to blend the brand's signature opulence with electric performance. It represents Rolls-Royce's commitment to sustainability while maintaining its heritage of luxury.
Rolls-Royce Phantom
"...he headrest. A third all-electric roller, like a phantom replacement, is going to be 2028. There are spy ..."
The Rolls-Royce Phantom is one of the most luxurious cars you can buy, known for its amazing comfort and high-quality materials. It's a car that many people dream of owning because it represents extreme wealth and luxury.
The Rolls-Royce Phantom is a flagship luxury sedan known for its unparalleled craftsmanship, comfort, and prestige. It represents the pinnacle of automotive luxury and is often a symbol of wealth and status.
Rolls-Royce Ghost
"...y shots. Maybe 5.4 metres long, somewhere like a ghost or phantom length. These cars are just next-leve..."
The Rolls-Royce Ghost is a very luxurious car that offers a smooth ride and high-end features. It's for people who want a fancy car that isn't as flashy as the Phantom but still very elegant.
The Rolls-Royce Ghost is a luxury sedan that combines modern technology with classic Rolls-Royce elegance. It is designed for those who seek a more understated yet equally luxurious experience compared to the Phantom.
Volvo EX90
"In fact, they won't be a petrol version of EX-60. And, you know, much cheaper than the EX-90. It's a perfect price point to get people into the Volvo brand"
The Volvo EX90 is a new electric SUV that is big and safe, perfect for families. It's important because it shows that Volvo is focusing on making cars that are better for the environment.
The Volvo EX90 is an all-electric SUV that represents Volvo's shift towards electric mobility. It is designed with advanced safety features and a spacious interior, making it a family-friendly option in the growing electric vehicle market.
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