Dec. 11, 2025 | Ionna CEO Seth Cutler interview Part 2; automakers push to preserve USMCA
About this episode
Seth Cutler, CEO of Ionna, discusses the challenges and strategies in expanding EV charging networks amid fluctuating demand. He emphasizes the importance of reliability and accessibility in charging stations, especially as the market adjusts after the federal EV tax credit repeal. The conversation also touches on Nissan's ambitious plans to compete with Tesla in autonomous driving and the implications of potential changes to the USMCA trade agreement. Insights into the collaboration between automakers and Ionna highlight the industry's push for innovation and efficiency in EV infrastructure.
In this second and final part of Automotive News’ interview with Seth Cutler, the Ionna CEO discusses softening electric vehicle demand after the loss of the federal tax credit and why the company is opting not to develop its own charging app. Automakers push to preserve USMCA as President Donald Trump floats bilateral deals. Plus, EV registrations do better in October than analysts expected.
Tesla
"Nissan seeks to undercut Tesla with its own self-driving system."
Tesla is a U.S. company that makes electric cars and is known for its high-tech features.
Tesla, Inc. is an American electric vehicle manufacturer famous for its Model S, 3, X, and Y cars.
self-driving system
"Nissan seeks to undercut Tesla with its own self-driving system."
A self-driving system is a set of gadgets in a car that let it drive itself, like following roads and avoiding obstacles.
A self-driving system refers to the hardware and software that allows a vehicle to navigate without human input, using sensors, cameras, and AI.
Nissan
"Nissan seeks to undercut Tesla with its own self-driving system."
Nissan is a big car company from Japan that makes many popular cars, including electric ones.
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. is a Japanese automaker known for models like the Leaf electric car and the Altima sedan.
EV registrations
"EV registrations did better in October than analysts expected."
EV registrations are the number of electric cars that people officially register with the government, showing how many are being bought.
EV registrations refer to the official count of electric vehicles sold and registered in a region, indicating market growth.
USMCA trade agreement
"President Trump is signaling he may abandon the USMCA trade agreement in favor of separate deals with Mexico and Canada."
USMCA is a trade deal between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada that sets rules for buying and selling goods, including cars.
The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is a trade pact that governs tariffs and regulations among the three countries, affecting automotive supply chains.
NAFTA
"The industry has optimized manufacturing around USMCA's three country framework since it replaced NAFTA."
NAFTA was a trade deal between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico that helped cars be made across borders.
The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was a trade agreement between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico that preceded USMCA.
UAW
"There is one exception. The UAW wants major changes or US withdrawal demanding stronger job protections and labor standards."
UAW is a group that represents car workers, fighting for better jobs and pay.
The United Auto Workers (UAW) is a labor union representing automotive workers, advocating for job protections and higher wages.
Ford
"Ford registrations dropped 23% from October 2024,"
Ford makes cars, trucks, and SUVs, and now also sells electric vehicles like the Mustang Mach‑E.
Ford Motor Company is an American automaker that has recently expanded its electric vehicle lineup, including the Mustang Mach-E and F‑150 Lightning.
S&P Global Mobility Data
"According to S&P Global Mobility Data, the EV share of the light vehicle market fell to 6.9% in October from 7.6% a year earlier."
S&P Global Mobility Data collects and reports statistics on how many cars are sold in different markets.
S&P Global Mobility Data is a data analytics firm that tracks vehicle registrations and market trends worldwide.
EV share of light vehicle market
"the EV share of the light vehicle market fell to 6.9% in October from 7.6% a year earlier."
EV share tells you how many of the cars sold are electric compared to all other cars.
This metric measures the percentage of all light vehicles sold that are electric, indicating market penetration.
autonomous driving
"Nissan is making its boldest move yet to challenge Tesla in autonomous driving."
Autonomous driving means a car can drive itself or help you drive, depending on the level of automation.
Autonomous driving refers to vehicles that can operate with varying levels of driver input, from assisted braking to full self‑operation.
AI-powered next-generation pro-pilot system
"Nissan expects the first vehicles with its AI‑powered next‑generation pro‑pilot system to initially arrive in Japan and North America."
The pro‑pilot system is a smart helper that can steer and control the car using AI, making driving easier.
Nissan’s pro‑pilot is an advanced driver assistance system that uses AI to manage steering, acceleration, and braking in real‑time.
Blue Cruise
"That's different from, say, super cruise or blue cruise from GM and Ford, which are primarily used for highway driving."
It's Ford's version of a hands‑free driving feature for highways.
Blue Cruise is Ford's hands‑free highway driving system similar to GM's Super Cruise.
Super Cruise
"That's different from, say, super cruise or blue cruise from GM and Ford, which are primarily used for highway driving."
It's a feature that lets you drive on the highway without touching the wheel for a while.
Super Cruise is GM's hands‑free highway driving system that allows drivers to take their hands off the wheel on certain roads.
FSD
"Like Tesla, like Tesla's FSD, Nissan's next-generation pro-pilot system will sort of do the whole thing."
It's Tesla's software that lets the car drive itself, like a robot.
FSD stands for Full Self-Driving, Tesla's advanced driver assistance package that aims to provide complete autonomous driving capabilities.
LiDAR
"So Nissan plans to use at least initially cameras and a vision-based system as opposed to LiDAR."
It's a fancy laser sensor that helps cars see around them by bouncing light off objects.
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a sensor technology that uses laser pulses to measure distances and create detailed 3D maps of the vehicle's surroundings.
cameras and a vision-based system
"So Nissan plans to use at least initially cameras and a vision-based system as opposed to LiDAR."
It means the car will rely on cameras to 'see' and understand what's around it, like a human driver.
A vision-based system uses cameras to capture images of the road and surrounding environment, which are then processed by software to interpret traffic signs, lanes, and obstacles.
Wave
"But they're also essentially partnering with a British company called Wave."
Wave is a company from Britain that makes software to help cars drive themselves using AI.
Wave is a British technology company that develops artificial intelligence platforms for autonomous driving.
neural network
"Wave has developed this artificial intelligence sort of driving platform, which essentially taps into a neural network or basically a network of other cars that are also feeding information on how they are navigating day-to-day."
A neural network is a computer program that learns from examples, like how to recognize objects or drive a car.
A neural network is a machine learning model inspired by the human brain, capable of recognizing patterns and making predictions based on data.
hybrid vehicles
"For them coming up with a coherent plan for hybrid hybrids in the US is far more important."
Hybrids are cars that use both gasoline and electric power to run, helping save fuel and cut pollution.
Hybrid vehicles combine an internal combustion engine with one or more electric motors to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
BMW
"[599.0s] We wrote you all the time, we were two EV family, we have a Tesla, we have a BMW, we just took our Tesla in New York City, charging is really difficult in New York City."
BMW makes high-quality cars that are known for their performance and style. They also have electric models.
BMW is a German luxury automaker that produces cars and motorcycles, including electric models like the i3 and iX.
Rivian
"we announced plug-and-charge with Ford, we announced with Rivian plug-and-charge and integrations or head units about a month ago."
Rivian makes electric trucks and SUVs that are built for off‑road adventures. They’re a newer company compared to older car makers.
Rivian is an American electric vehicle manufacturer known for its R1T pickup and R1S SUV, focusing on adventure-oriented EVs.
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