{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"Dec. 17, 2025 | Impact of EU ICE ban reversal; Tesla sales at risk in California","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/dec-17-2025-impact-of-eu-ice-ban-reversal-tesla-sales-at-risk-in-california","audioUrl":"https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/www.buzzsprout.com/2447022/episodes/18374045-dec-17-2025-impact-of-eu-ice-ban-reversal-tesla-sales-at-risk-in-california.mp3","description":"The EU’s reversal on its combustion engine ban will reshape where automakers invest billions and which vehicles they prioritize globally. Automotive News Europe’s Peter Sigal details how this policy shift creates winners and losers for companies operating in both Europe and the U.S. Plus, California could suspend Tesla sales, and Scout Motors wins direct-sales rights in Colorado."},"annotations":[{"startTime":0.0,"endTime":5.0,"type":"company","title":"Reynolds and Reynolds","url":"/glossary/reynolds-and-reynolds","quote":"This podcast is brought to you by Reynolds and Reynolds, the industry leader and automotive technology.","canonicalId":"company:reynolds-and-reynolds","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Reynolds and Reynolds is a company that develops automotive technology solutions, including data platforms for vehicle performance and manufacturing.","simplifiedExplanation":"Reynolds and Reynolds makes software that helps car makers collect and use data from cars to improve how they build and run vehicles."}},{"startTime":30.0,"endTime":35.0,"type":"brand","title":"Tesla","url":"/glossary/tesla","quote":"The state of California could suspend Tesla sales","canonicalId":"brand:tesla","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.97,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Tesla, Inc. is an American electric‑vehicle manufacturer known for its high‑performance EVs and advanced software.","simplifiedExplanation":"Tesla makes cars that run on batteries instead of gasoline and is famous for its fast, tech‑heavy vehicles."}},{"startTime":58.0,"endTime":65.0,"type":"term","title":"combustion engine","url":"/glossary/combustion-engine","quote":"That actually means that 25% of cars sold after 2035 could have some form of a combustion engine in Europe","canonicalId":"term:combustion-engine","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.96,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A combustion engine, often called an internal‑combustion engine (ICE), burns fuel inside the engine to produce power.","simplifiedExplanation":"A combustion engine is a type of motor that uses gasoline or diesel to make the car move."}},{"startTime":72.0,"endTime":78.0,"type":"term","title":"ICE vehicles","url":"/glossary/ice-vehicles","quote":"The EU's new auto package would allow some ice vehicles to be sold after 2035","canonicalId":"term:ice-vehicles","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.94,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"ICE vehicles are cars powered by internal‑combustion engines, as opposed to electric or hybrid powertrains.","simplifiedExplanation":"ICE vehicles run on gasoline or diesel engines, not batteries."}},{"startTime":72.0,"endTime":80.0,"type":"concept","title":"EU emissions reversal policy","url":"/glossary/eu-emissions-reversal-policy","quote":"The EU's new auto package would allow some ice vehicles to be sold after 2035","canonicalId":"concept:eu-emissions-reversal-policy","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The European Union's policy shift allows a limited number of combustion‑engine cars to be sold after 2035, moving from a strict 100% emissions cut to a more flexible target.","simplifiedExplanation":"The EU decided it might let some gasoline cars keep selling after 2035, instead of banning them entirely."}},{"startTime":88.0,"endTime":92.0,"type":"term","title":"EVs","url":"/glossary/ev","quote":"The package also includes incentives for small, affordable EVs built in Europe","canonicalId":"term:ev","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.93,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"EVs, or electric vehicles, run entirely on battery power and produce zero tail‑pipe emissions.","simplifiedExplanation":"EVs are cars that use electric batteries instead of gasoline, so they don't emit exhaust gases."}},{"startTime":107.0,"endTime":110.0,"type":"brand","title":"BMW","url":"/glossary/bmw","quote":"Reaction is split, BMW and Volkswagen welcome the flexibility","canonicalId":"brand:bmw","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.92,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW) is a German luxury car and motorcycle manufacturer with a long history of engineering excellence.","simplifiedExplanation":"BMW makes premium cars and bikes, known for sporty handling and high quality."}},{"startTime":107.0,"endTime":110.0,"type":"brand","title":"Volvo","url":"/glossary/volvo","quote":"Reaction is split, BMW and Volkswagen welcome the flexibility","canonicalId":"brand:volvo","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.92,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Volvo Cars is a Swedish manufacturer known for safety‑centric vehicles and hybrid/electric models.","simplifiedExplanation":"Volvo makes cars that are very safe and also offers electric versions."}},{"startTime":107.0,"endTime":110.0,"type":"brand","title":"Stellantis","url":"/glossary/stellantis","quote":"Reaction is split, BMW and Volkswagen welcome the flexibility","canonicalId":"brand:stellantis","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.92,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Stellantis N.V. is a multinational automotive company formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group.","simplifiedExplanation":"Stellantis owns brands like Jeep, Peugeot, and Chrysler, making a variety of cars worldwide."}},{"startTime":107.0,"endTime":110.0,"type":"brand","title":"Volkswagen","url":"/glossary/volkswagen","quote":"Reaction is split, BMW and Volkswagen welcome the flexibility","canonicalId":"brand:volkswagen","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.92,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Volkswagen AG is a German automaker that produces a wide range of cars, from compact hatchbacks to luxury SUVs.","simplifiedExplanation":"Volkswagen makes many different cars, including the popular Golf and Passat models."}},{"startTime":145.0,"endTime":148.5,"type":"term","title":"driver assistance","url":"/glossary/driver-assistance","quote":"The California DMV says Tesla exaggerated its driver assistance capabilities. Advertising vehicles can make trips quote, with no action required in the driver's seat.","canonicalId":"term:driver-assistance","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Driver assistance refers to technologies that help the driver by providing features like lane keeping, adaptive cruise control, and automated braking.","simplifiedExplanation":"Driver assistance means the car can help you drive, like keeping you in lane or slowing down if something is ahead."}},{"startTime":145.0,"endTime":146.5,"type":"term","title":"autopilot","url":"/glossary/autopilot","quote":"The California DMV says Tesla exaggerated its driver assistance capabilities. Advertising vehicles can make trips quote, with no action required in the driver's seat.","canonicalId":"term:autopilot","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.92,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Tesla’s Autopilot is a driver assistance system that can steer, accelerate, and brake within its lane under certain conditions.","simplifiedExplanation":"Autopilot is a feature that helps the car drive itself on highways, but you still need to keep your hands on the wheel."}},{"startTime":145.0,"endTime":147.5,"type":"term","title":"full self-driving","url":"/glossary/full-self-driving","quote":"The California DMV says Tesla exaggerated its driver assistance capabilities. Advertising vehicles can make trips quote, with no action required in the driver's seat.","canonicalId":"term:full-self-driving","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.92,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Full Self-Driving (FSD) is Tesla’s advanced suite of driver assistance features that aim to enable fully autonomous driving in the future.","simplifiedExplanation":"Full Self-Driving is a set of software updates that let the car drive itself more fully, but it’s not yet fully autonomous."}},{"startTime":182.0,"endTime":183.5,"type":"company","title":"Scout Motors","url":"/glossary/scout-motors","quote":"And Scout Motors has scored a major win in its battle for direct sales. Colorado's Motor Vehicle Dealer Board approved a dealer license...","canonicalId":"company:scout-motors","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.88,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Scout Motors is a startup automotive company backed by Volkswagen Group, focusing on electric SUVs and pickups.","simplifiedExplanation":"Scout Motors is a new company that makes electric SUVs and trucks, supported by the big German automaker Volkswagen."}},{"startTime":193.0,"endTime":194.5,"type":"car","title":"Traveler SUV","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fd/1978_International_Harvester_Scout_Traveler_4x4_diesel_%282022_Portersville_Summer_Steam_Show%29.jpg","quote":"The Volkswagen-backed brand can now sell its upcoming traveler SUV and Terra pickup directly to consumers in the state.","canonicalId":"car:traveler-suv","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The Traveler SUV is an upcoming electric sport utility vehicle from Scout Motors, designed for family and adventure use.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Traveler is a new electric SUV that Scout Motors plans to sell directly to buyers.","imageAttribution":"MercurySable99 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":193.0,"endTime":194.5,"type":"car","title":"Terra pickup","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/36/Terra_Ind%C3%ADgena_Pirititi%2C_Roraima_%2842409979552%29.jpg","quote":"The Volkswagen-backed brand can now sell its upcoming traveler SUV and Terra pickup directly to consumers in the state.","canonicalId":"car:terra-pickup","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The Terra pickup is an upcoming electric pickup truck from Scout Motors, aimed at utility and off-road use.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Terra is a new electric pickup truck that Scout Motors plans to sell directly.","imageAttribution":"Ibama from Brasil (CC BY-SA 2.0)"}},{"startTime":235.0,"endTime":237.0,"type":"concept","title":"extended range EV (ERA)","url":"/glossary/extended-range-ev-era","quote":"So, to be sure, Scout is going to launch with electric vehicle, but they're also launching with an extended range EV or an ERA, which does utilize a gas engine, but it's worth noting that only X as a generator, it's not really powering the vehicle.","canonicalId":"concept:extended-range-ev-era","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"An extended‑range electric vehicle uses a small gasoline engine only as a generator to recharge the battery, extending range without directly powering the wheels.","simplifiedExplanation":"An extended‑range EV can run on battery power for a while, then uses a little gasoline engine to keep the battery charged so you can drive farther."}},{"startTime":272.0,"endTime":275.0,"type":"concept","title":"harvester powertrain","url":"/glossary/harvester-powertrain","quote":"So, remotely here from Scout, most of the reservations for their vehicles are for the ERA or what they call the harvester powertrain.","canonicalId":"concept:harvester-powertrain","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.88,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A harvester powertrain refers to a hybrid setup where the gasoline engine acts primarily as an energy source (generator) rather than driving the wheels directly.","simplifiedExplanation":"In a harvester powertrain, the gasoline engine is used mainly to produce electricity for the battery, not to turn the car’s wheels directly."}},{"startTime":473.0,"endTime":480.0,"type":"concept","title":"ICE vehicle ban","url":"/glossary/ice-vehicle-ban","quote":"We've been talking for quite a while about the idea of the EU changing its emissions targets and this essentially a de facto ice vehicle ban.","canonicalId":"concept:ice-vehicle-ban","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"An ICE vehicle ban refers to a policy that prohibits the sale or use of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, pushing manufacturers toward electric or zero‑emission alternatives. It is a regulatory measure aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector.","simplifiedExplanation":"An ICE vehicle ban means that cars with gasoline or diesel engines are not allowed to be sold. The goal is to encourage people to buy electric cars instead, which don’t produce exhaust emissions."}},{"startTime":474.0,"endTime":480.0,"type":"concept","title":"emissions targets","url":"/glossary/emissions-targets","quote":"We've been talking for quite a while about the idea of the EU changing its emissions targets and this essentially a de facto ice vehicle ban.","canonicalId":"concept:emissions-targets","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.93,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Emissions targets are government‑set limits on the amount of pollutants, such as CO₂, that vehicles can emit. They guide automotive manufacturers in designing cleaner cars and influence regulatory policies.","simplifiedExplanation":"Emissions targets are limits that governments set on how much pollution cars can produce. They help decide what kinds of cars will be allowed in the future."}},{"startTime":489.0,"endTime":500.0,"type":"concept","title":"zero emissions requirement at the tailpipe","url":"/glossary/zero-emissions-requirement-at-the-tailpipe","quote":"Sure, so the headline is that they backed away from the zero emissions requirement at the tailpipe, and that's very important because they were going to go from 100% reduction starting at the 2021 baseline.","canonicalId":"concept:zero-emissions-requirement-at-the-tailpipe","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.92,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"This requirement mandates that vehicles produce no harmful pollutants (like CO₂, NOx, or particulate matter) at the exhaust outlet. It is a strict standard that forces automakers to develop cleaner powertrains, such as electric or highly efficient hybrids.","simplifiedExplanation":"A zero emissions requirement at the tailpipe means cars must not release any bad gases from their exhaust. This pushes manufacturers to make cleaner engines or electric motors."}},{"startTime":806.0,"endTime":813.0,"type":"term","title":"full hybrid system","url":"/glossary/full-hybrid-system","quote":"The way Toyota is big on hybrid scientists does not have that. They will have to decide do we want to develop a full hybrid system.","canonicalId":"term:full-hybrid-system","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A full hybrid system combines an internal combustion engine with electric motors and a battery, allowing the vehicle to run on either power source or both simultaneously for improved efficiency.","simplifiedExplanation":"A full hybrid car can drive using gasoline, electricity, or both at the same time. This helps save fuel and reduce emissions."}},{"startTime":820.0,"endTime":832.0,"type":"concept","title":"range extender technology","url":"/glossary/range-extender-technology","quote":"They could also expand range extender technology. They have dipped into it a little bit in the US with one of the ramp pickups and their Chinese brand leap motor has a range extender.","canonicalId":"concept:range-extender-technology","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A range extender is a small internal‑combustion engine that acts as a generator to recharge the battery when it runs low, allowing an electric vehicle to travel farther without stopping for a charge.","simplifiedExplanation":"Some electric cars have a little gasoline engine that turns on only when the battery is low. It charges the battery so you can keep driving instead of stopping to plug in."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Automotive News","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/dec-17-2025-impact-of-eu-ice-ban-reversal-tesla-sales-at-risk-in-california/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}