{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"DAILY: VW Cell Making, Mercedes S-Class Gets A Plug and Volvo Bets On America | 01 Feb 2026","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/daily-vw-cell-making-mercedes-s-class-gets-a-plug-and-volvo-bets-on-america-01-feb-2026","audioUrl":"https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/audioboom.com/posts/8856857.mp3?modified=1770216995&sid=5051980&source=rss","description":"Can you help me make more podcasts? Consider supporting me on Patreon as the service is 100% funded by you: https://EVne.ws/patreon\nYou can read all the latest news on the blog here: https://EVne.ws/blog\nSubscribe for free and listen to the podcast on audio platforms:➤ Apple: https://EVne.ws/apple➤ YouTube Music: https://EVne.ws/youtubemusic➤ Spotify: https://EVne.ws/spotify➤ TuneIn: https://EVne.ws/tunein➤ iHeart: https://EVne.ws/iheart\nVW BRINGS BATTERY CELL MAKING HOME IN EUROPE https://bit.ly/4rsnyxy\nS-CLASS PLUG-IN PLAYS SAFE ON ELECTRIC FUTURE https://bit.ly/4rx1Vwj\nBYD LOCKS IN EU EV BEACHHEAD IN HUNGARY https://bit.ly/3LZ3h3K\nVOLVO BETS AMERICA WILL CATCH UP WITH EVS https://bit.ly/4qNnMzp\nEU BATTERY STORAGE SURGE TIGHTENS CELL RACE WITH EVS https://bit.ly/4kvNXZn\nKIA EV4 CUTS COSTS, NOT RANGE, FOR AUSTRALIA https://bit.ly/3ZREUbi\nMCS-READY HGV HUB LANDS AT MAGNA PARK https://bit.ly/45IQNE1\nXPENG HOLDS UK PRICES AS IT REWORKS G6 SUV https://bit.ly/45CNhLp\nEV RENTALS QUIETLY GO MAINSTREAM IN BRITAIN https://bit.ly/4qRO9El\n"},"annotations":[{"startTime":0.0,"endTime":6.36,"type":"car","title":"Mercedes-Benz Sclass","url":"/cars/mercedes-benz/s-class","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2d/MERCEDES-BENZ_S-CLASS_%28V221%29_China.jpg","quote":"Welcome back to the podcast, today VW's cell making, Mercedes S-Class gets a plug and Volvo  bets on America, plus stay tuned, later in the show I'll tell you why for many drivers","canonicalId":"car:mercedes-benz:s-class","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a flagship luxury sedan known for its advanced technology, comfort, and performance. It often sets the standard for other luxury vehicles and is frequently discussed for its innovative features and high-quality materials.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a very fancy car that is designed to be super comfortable and full of cool technology. People talk about it because it's one of the best luxury cars you can buy, often showing off the latest in car features.","imageAttribution":"Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":0.0,"endTime":6.4,"type":"brand","title":"Volkswagen","url":"/glossary/volkswagen","quote":"Welcome back to the podcast, today VW's cell making, Mercedes S-Class gets a plug and Volvo","canonicalId":"brand:volkswagen","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Volkswagen is a German automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including popular models like the Golf and Passat.","simplifiedExplanation":"Volkswagen, often abbreviated as VW, is a car company from Germany that makes many different types of cars."}},{"startTime":6.4,"endTime":11.1,"type":"brand","title":"Volvo","url":"/glossary/volvo","quote":"...Mercedes S-Class gets a plug and Volvo bets on America...","canonicalId":"brand:volvo","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Volvo is a Swedish automotive manufacturer known for its focus on safety and environmental sustainability, producing vehicles like the XC90 and S60.","simplifiedExplanation":"Volvo is a car brand from Sweden that is well-known for making safe and environmentally friendly cars."}},{"startTime":20.7,"endTime":26.3,"type":"term","title":"gigafactory","url":"/glossary/gigafactory","quote":"...has started serious production at its 2 billion euro gigafactory in Salt Skitter...","canonicalId":"term:gigafactory","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A gigafactory is a large-scale facility designed for the mass production of batteries, particularly for electric vehicles, aimed at reducing costs and increasing supply.","simplifiedExplanation":"A gigafactory is a huge factory that makes a lot of batteries, especially for electric cars, to help make them cheaper and more available."}},{"startTime":20.7,"endTime":26.3,"type":"company","title":"Powerco","url":"/glossary/powerco","quote":"Let's get into it, Volkswagen's battery arm, Powerco, has started serious production...","canonicalId":"company:powerco","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Powerco is Volkswagen's battery manufacturing subsidiary, focused on producing battery cells for electric vehicles to support the company's transition to electric mobility.","simplifiedExplanation":"Powerco is a part of Volkswagen that makes batteries for electric cars, helping the company produce more electric vehicles."}},{"startTime":64.4,"endTime":65.0,"type":"car","title":"Volkswagen ID. Polo","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bc/Volkswagen_ID._Buzz_1X7A1610.jpg","quote":"like the ID Polo, ID Cross SUV, Skoda Epic, Cooper Reval and more...","canonicalId":"car:volkswagen-id-polo","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Volkswagen ID. Polo is an electric version of the popular Polo model, part of VW's ID family of electric vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"The ID. Polo is an electric car made by Volkswagen, based on their smaller Polo model.","imageAttribution":"Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":64.4,"endTime":65.0,"type":"car","title":"Volkswagen ID. Cross SUV","url":"/cars/volkswagen/id-buzz","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bc/Volkswagen_ID._Buzz_1X7A1610.jpg","quote":"like the ID Polo, ID Cross SUV, Skoda Epic, Cooper Reval and more...","canonicalId":"car:volkswagen:id-buzz","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Volkswagen ID. Cross SUV is an electric SUV that is part of VW's ID family, designed for a sustainable future.","simplifiedExplanation":"The ID. Cross SUV is an electric sport utility vehicle from Volkswagen, part of their new line of electric cars.","imageAttribution":"Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":70.5,"endTime":71.0,"type":"concept","title":"MEB Plus platform","url":"/glossary/meb-plus-platform","quote":"the MEB Plus platform.","canonicalId":"concept:meb-plus-platform","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The MEB Plus platform is Volkswagen's modular electric vehicle architecture designed to support a range of electric models across its brands.","simplifiedExplanation":"The MEB Plus platform is a special design that Volkswagen uses for making electric cars, allowing different models to share parts."}},{"startTime":80.9,"endTime":81.5,"type":"term","title":"prismatic cell","url":"/glossary/prismatic-cell","quote":"The prismatic cell format stays the same across its brands and its regions...","canonicalId":"term:prismatic-cell","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A prismatic cell is a type of battery cell that has a rectangular shape, allowing for efficient packaging and use in electric vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"A prismatic cell is a flat, rectangular battery used in electric cars, which helps save space and fit better in the car."}},{"startTime":87.0,"endTime":88.0,"type":"term","title":"Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP)","url":"/glossary/lithium-iron-phosphate-lfp","quote":"with chemistries inside, ranging from LFP, Lithium Iron Phosphate to NMC...","canonicalId":"term:lithium-iron-phosphate-lfp","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) is a type of lithium-ion battery chemistry known for its thermal stability and safety, commonly used in electric vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"Lithium Iron Phosphate, or LFP, is a kind of battery used in electric cars that is safe and doesn't overheat easily."}},{"startTime":88.0,"endTime":89.0,"type":"term","title":"Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC)","url":"/glossary/nickel-manganese-cobalt-nmc","quote":"to NMC, Nickel, Manganese Cobalt and later, Solid State.","canonicalId":"term:nickel-manganese-cobalt-nmc","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) is a battery chemistry that combines nickel, manganese, and cobalt to provide a balance of energy density, cost, and safety in electric vehicle batteries.","simplifiedExplanation":"Nickel Manganese Cobalt, or NMC, is a type of battery that uses three metals to help electric cars store energy efficiently."}},{"startTime":101.6,"endTime":110.0,"type":"term","title":"cell-to-pack system","url":"/glossary/cell-to-pack-system","quote":"...the cells feed VW's cell-to-pack system, which many of the western car makers have been trying to catch up with on China.","canonicalId":"term:cell-to-pack-system","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The cell-to-pack system is a battery design approach where individual battery cells are directly integrated into the battery pack, eliminating the need for modules. This can reduce complexity and improve efficiency in electric vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"A cell-to-pack system is a way to build batteries for electric cars where the small battery cells are put directly into the pack without extra parts. This makes the battery simpler and can help it work better."}},{"startTime":118.2,"endTime":126.1,"type":"term","title":"giga-cast battery casing","url":"/glossary/giga-cast-battery-casing","quote":"...as cells literally stack straight into a giga-cast battery casing surrounding that replaces about 100 separate parts...","canonicalId":"term:giga-cast-battery-casing","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A giga-cast battery casing refers to a large, single-piece casting used to house battery cells in electric vehicles. This design can significantly reduce the number of parts needed, simplifying production and potentially lowering costs.","simplifiedExplanation":"A giga-cast battery casing is a big, one-piece shell that holds the battery cells in electric cars. It helps make the car easier and cheaper to build by reducing the number of separate parts."}},{"startTime":179.7,"endTime":185.1,"type":"term","title":"ADAS","url":"/glossary/adas","quote":"all the sensors required for ADAS, drive-resistance systems, performance, infotainment...","canonicalId":"term:adas","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"ADAS stands for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, which are technologies designed to enhance vehicle safety and facilitate driving. These systems can include features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.","simplifiedExplanation":"ADAS means Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. These are features in cars that help drivers stay safe, like warning you if you're drifting out of your lane or helping you park."}},{"startTime":198.56,"endTime":203.8,"type":"car","title":"Mercedes-Benz EQS","url":"/cars/mercedes-benz/eqs","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fb/Mercedes-Benz%2C_IAA_2021%2C_Munich_%28IAA10431%29.jpg","quote":"...Buyers who want zero emissions must still buy the EQS, that's a different platform.  The EQS has been o...","canonicalId":"car:mercedes-benz:eqs","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Mercedes-Benz EQS is an all-electric luxury sedan that represents the brand's commitment to sustainable mobility without sacrificing luxury. It features a unique platform designed specifically for electric vehicles, offering impressive range and advanced tech.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Mercedes-Benz EQS is a fancy electric car that doesn’t use gas at all. It's designed to be very luxurious while being good for the environment, which is why it's getting a lot of attention from buyers who want to go green.","imageAttribution":"Matti Blume (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":257.6,"endTime":258.6,"type":"brand","title":"BYD","url":"/glossary/byd","quote":"Now, BYD has begun trial production at its first European passenger car plant in Hungary. Even as building work continues...","canonicalId":"brand:byd","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"BYD is a Chinese automotive manufacturer known for producing electric vehicles (EVs) and batteries. They have expanded their operations globally, including establishing a manufacturing base in Europe.","simplifiedExplanation":"BYD is a car company from China that makes electric cars. They are starting to build cars in Europe to avoid extra taxes on imports."}},{"startTime":288.6,"endTime":289.6,"type":"term","title":"BEVs","url":"/glossary/bevs","quote":"By building their BEVs in Hungary, BYD sidesteps the new duties...","canonicalId":"term:bevs","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"BEVs, or Battery Electric Vehicles, are vehicles that run entirely on electricity and do not have a gasoline engine. They are considered a key part of the transition to sustainable transportation.","simplifiedExplanation":"BEVs are electric cars that only use batteries for power, meaning they don't use gas at all. They are important for reducing pollution."}},{"startTime":698.9,"endTime":704.7,"type":"car","title":"Kia EV6","url":"/cars/kia/ev6","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/ff/Kia_EV6_Auto_Zuerich_2021_IMG_0434.jpg","quote":"OK, let's go down under, which frankly I'd love to because it's their summertime. Kia has opened orders for the EV for in Australia. So my Aussie listeners can now get the Keer EV for.","canonicalId":"car:kia:ev6","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Kia EV6 is an all-electric vehicle that offers a modern design and advanced technology. It is part of Kia's push into the electric vehicle market, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional petrol cars.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Kia EV6 is a new electric car from Kia that doesn't use petrol. It's designed to be more environmentally friendly and has a lot of modern features.","imageAttribution":"Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":724.3,"endTime":729.9,"type":"term","title":"EGMP architecture","url":"/glossary/eg-mp-architecture","quote":"The bigger change sits under the skin, the EV for on their lower voltage EGMP architecture rather than the more expensive 800 volt set up cuts cost as it rains in peak charging performance.","canonicalId":"term:eg-mp-architecture","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"EGMP stands for Electric Global Modular Platform, which is Hyundai's dedicated electric vehicle platform. It allows for efficient design and production of electric vehicles, optimizing space and performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"EGMP is a special design used by Hyundai for their electric cars. It helps make the cars more efficient and gives them better performance."}},{"startTime":754.46,"endTime":761.0,"type":"term","title":"WLTP","url":"/glossary/wltp","quote":"That's 81.4 kilowatt hour with WLTP range of up to 612 kilometers or 380 miles. You're knocking on 400 miles there, WLTP.","canonicalId":"term:wltp","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"WLTP stands for Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure, which is a standardized method for measuring the fuel consumption and emissions of vehicles. It provides a more accurate representation of real-world driving conditions compared to previous testing methods.","simplifiedExplanation":"WLTP is a testing standard that helps determine how far a car can go on a full battery or tank of gas. It gives a better idea of fuel efficiency in everyday driving."}},{"startTime":754.46,"endTime":761.0,"type":"term","title":"kilowatt hour","url":"/glossary/kilowatt-hour","quote":"That's 81.4 kilowatt hour with WLTP range of up to 612 kilometers or 380 miles.","canonicalId":"term:kilowatt-hour","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A kilowatt hour (kWh) is a unit of energy that represents the amount of energy consumed by a device using one kilowatt of power for one hour. In electric vehicles, it is used to measure the capacity of the battery.","simplifiedExplanation":"Kilowatt hour is a way to measure how much energy a battery can store. It tells you how long the battery can power the car before needing to be recharged."}},{"startTime":792.2,"endTime":794.86,"type":"term","title":"Apple CarPlay","url":"/glossary/apple-carplay","quote":"It's got wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto.","canonicalId":"term:apple-carplay","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Apple CarPlay is a feature that allows iPhone users to connect their device to their car's infotainment system. It enables access to apps, navigation, and music directly from the car's display.","simplifiedExplanation":"Apple CarPlay lets you use your iPhone in your car. You can see your apps and use features like maps and music on the car's screen."}},{"startTime":792.2,"endTime":794.86,"type":"term","title":"Android Auto","url":"/glossary/android-auto","quote":"It's got wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto.","canonicalId":"term:android-auto","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Android Auto is a platform that allows Android smartphone users to connect their devices to their car's infotainment system. It provides access to apps, navigation, and music through the car's display.","simplifiedExplanation":"Android Auto is similar to Apple CarPlay but for Android phones. It helps you use your phone's features on your car's screen."}},{"startTime":801.9,"endTime":808.0,"type":"term","title":"megawatt charging","url":"/glossary/megawatt-charging","quote":"Now let's talk megawatt charging in September this year. Magna Park in Lutterworth, UK will bolt an electric heavy goods vehicle charging hub into the ground on its 13 million square foot logistics real estate.","canonicalId":"term:megawatt-charging","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Megawatt charging refers to a high-power charging system that can deliver electricity at a rate of one megawatt or more, allowing for rapid charging of electric vehicles, particularly heavy-duty trucks. This technology is crucial for improving the efficiency and feasibility of electric heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).","simplifiedExplanation":"Megawatt charging is a way to quickly charge electric vehicles using a lot of power at once. It's especially important for big trucks that need to recharge fast to keep working."}},{"startTime":808.0,"endTime":813.0,"type":"term","title":"heavy goods vehicle (HGV)","url":"/glossary/heavy-goods-vehicle-hgv","quote":"Magna Park in Lutterworth, UK will bolt an electric heavy goods vehicle charging hub into the ground on its 13 million square foot logistics real estate.","canonicalId":"term:heavy-goods-vehicle-hgv","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) are large trucks or lorries designed to transport heavy loads. They are typically over a certain weight threshold, which varies by country, and are essential for freight transport in logistics and supply chains.","simplifiedExplanation":"Heavy goods vehicles are big trucks that carry heavy loads. They are important for transporting goods and materials over long distances."}},{"startTime":888.4,"endTime":892.9,"type":"term","title":"electric vehicle","url":"/glossary/ev","quote":"And the project will not only electrify Britain's fleet, but high capacity MCS ready hubs rolling out in more places is a really good thing.","canonicalId":"term:ev","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"An electric vehicle (EV) is a car that is powered entirely or partially by electricity, using electric motors instead of traditional internal combustion engines. The shift towards EVs is part of a broader effort to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable transportation.","simplifiedExplanation":"An electric vehicle is a type of car that runs on electricity instead of gasoline. This helps reduce pollution and is better for the environment."}},{"startTime":900.1,"endTime":904.9,"type":"car","title":"X-Peng G6","url":"/cars/xpeng/g6","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5e/XPeng_G6_%282023%29_MYLE_Festival_2025_DSC_9381.jpg","quote":"Now, I mentioned this yesterday, X-Peng will hold its UK prices this year, completely stable. They're releasing the new G6, which is the second gen G6 SUV.","canonicalId":"car:xpeng:g6","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The X-Peng G6 is an electric SUV from the Chinese automaker X-Peng, known for its focus on smart technology and autonomous driving features. This model represents the second generation of the G6 line, aiming to enhance the brand's presence in the electric vehicle market.","simplifiedExplanation":"The X-Peng G6 is a new electric SUV from a Chinese car company called X-Peng. It's designed to be smart and may have features that help it drive itself. This is the second version of this model.","imageAttribution":"Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":1036.3,"endTime":1042.7,"type":"term","title":"electric motoring","url":"/glossary/electric-motoring","quote":"Younger motorists using rental as a low risk way of doing electric motoring. Business travellers need to do things like lower their carbon footprint...","canonicalId":"term:electric-motoring","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Electric motoring refers to the use of electric vehicles (EVs) powered by electric motors and batteries instead of traditional internal combustion engines. This shift is significant for reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability in transportation.","simplifiedExplanation":"Electric motoring means using cars that run on electricity instead of gasoline or diesel. These cars are better for the environment because they produce less pollution."}},{"startTime":1080.5,"endTime":1081.5,"type":"brand","title":"Tesla","url":"/glossary/tesla","quote":"There was a lot made of Teslas move into the Hertz rental fleet many years ago.","canonicalId":"brand:tesla","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Tesla is an American electric vehicle manufacturer known for its innovative technology and electric cars, including models like the Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y.","simplifiedExplanation":"Tesla is a company that makes electric cars. They are known for their high-tech features and long-range batteries."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Martyn Lee","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/daily-vw-cell-making-mercedes-s-class-gets-a-plug-and-volvo-bets-on-america-01-feb-2026/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}