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DAILY: German Subsidies Add Hybrids, Rivian Makes R2 and Mercedes-Benz EQ Cars Back In U.S. | 19 Jan 2026

DAILY: German Subsidies Add Hybrids, Rivian Makes R2 and Mercedes-Benz EQ Cars Back In U.S. | 19 Jan 2026

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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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Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Car

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.

Brand

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.

Concept

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.

Concept

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.

Concept

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.

Term

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.

Term

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.

Term

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.

Term

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.

Term

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.

Term

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.

Car

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.

Car

Rivian R1S

"... a niche upmarket player to a mass producer. The R1S and R1T are incredible, they win enormous praise,..."
Car

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.

Car

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.

Car

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.

Car

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.

Car

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.

Car

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.

Car

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.

Car

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..."
Car

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.

Car

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.

Car

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.

Car

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.

Car

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.

Car

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.

Car

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.

Car

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.

Car

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.

Car

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.

Term

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.

Car

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.

Car

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.

Car

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.

Car

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.

Car

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.

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