Ep. 310: We Almost Bought The World's Most Famous Electric Car!
About this episode
Traveling through automotive events, the hosts share their experiences from the Japan Mobility Show and SEMA, discussing new car reveals and industry trends. A highlight includes their near purchase of a rare GM EV1, a car with a controversial history, which they tracked down but ultimately lost in an auction. They also dive into the potential of Toyota's Century brand entering the luxury market and the unveiling of exciting new vehicles, including a turbocharged side-by-side concept. The episode is packed with insights into the evolving automotive landscape.
( https://www.alltfl.com/ ) Check out our new spot to find ALL our content, from news to videos and our podcasts! In this episode of TFL Car Chat, Roman and Tommy reveal how they almost bought the world’s most famous electric car — the GM EV1! They share the wild story behind trying to get their hands on one of the most historically significant (and famously illegal-to-own) EVs ever built.
The guys also talk about their recent trips to the Japan Mobility Show and SEMA in Las Vegas, highlighting the coolest and craziest cars they saw — including the luxurious Toyota Century, which looks nearly confirmed to be heading to the U.S. market.
( http://www.patreon.com/tflcar ) Visit our Patreon page to support the TFL team!
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Mitsubishi i-MiEV
"Yeah, you almost bought an i-MiEV yesterday though. It was at our donated car auction and I thought I'd make a great headline."
The Mitsubishi i-MiEV is a small electric car that was made by Mitsubishi. It didn't have a very long driving range, which means it couldn't go very far on a single charge.
The Mitsubishi i-MiEV is an all-electric vehicle that was one of the first mass-produced electric cars. It was known for its compact size and limited range, making it less popular compared to other electric vehicles.
electric car
"Yeah, you almost bought an i-MiEV yesterday though. It was at our donated car auction and I thought I'd make a great headline."
An electric car is a type of vehicle that runs on electricity instead of gas. This means it doesn't produce exhaust fumes and is often better for the environment.
An electric car is a vehicle that is powered entirely by electricity, using batteries instead of gasoline or diesel engines. They are known for being environmentally friendly and typically have lower running costs.
GM EV1
"...the interesting thing about that listing was not the house. It was what was parked in the garage. What was parked in the garage? So someone sent us this because they thought they saw a GM EV1 stashed away in the garage..."
The GM EV1 was an early electric car made by General Motors. It was special because it was one of the first cars designed to run entirely on electricity, but it didn't last long on the market.
The GM EV1 was one of the first electric vehicles produced by General Motors, introduced in the late 1990s. It was notable for its innovative design and technology, but it was discontinued after a short production run due to various factors, including limited consumer interest and infrastructure challenges.
Nissan Leaf
"So long before Tesla came out with the Roadster, long before Nissan came out with the Leaf, General Motors tried this pilot project to lease out a very futuristic, all-electric streamlined coupe to people in Arizona, California, only a couple of states."
The Nissan Leaf is a popular electric car made by Nissan that has been around since 2010. It's known for being a good choice for people looking for an affordable electric vehicle.
The Nissan Leaf is a compact electric car that has been one of the best-selling electric vehicles worldwide since its introduction. It is known for its practicality and affordability in the electric vehicle market.
Tesla Roadster
"... program. So long before Tesla came out with the Roadster, long before Nissan came out with the Leaf, Gene..."
General Motors Ev1
"...n. And in the corner of the garage is this green EV1 with a box next to it. Yeah, so this was one of ..."
The General Motors EV1 was one of the first electric cars made by a big car company. It's important because it helped start the trend of electric vehicles we see today.
The General Motors EV1 was one of the first electric vehicles produced by a major automaker, introduced in the late 1990s. It is significant for its role in the early development of electric cars and is often discussed in the context of automotive history.
Bugatti Veyrons
"...we're not buying Bugatti's, Lamborghini's or Veyron's for that matter. And so that was a significant number."
The Bugatti Veyron is a very fast and expensive sports car made by the company Bugatti. It's famous for being one of the quickest cars you can buy.
The Bugatti Veyron is a high-performance luxury sports car known for its incredible speed and engineering. It was produced by Bugatti from 2005 to 2015 and is considered one of the fastest production cars in the world.
buyer's premium
"There was also, I think, a 13% buyer's premium on this. So when it's sold for $104,000, you got to figure, what, another $15,000 on top of that."
When you buy something at an auction, you often have to pay extra money on top of the price you bid. This extra money is called a buyer's premium and is usually a percentage of the final price.
A buyer's premium is an additional fee that is added to the final bid price of an item sold at auction. This fee is typically a percentage of the final sale price and is paid by the buyer on top of the winning bid.
final sale price
"So when it's sold for $104,000, you got to figure, what, another $15,000 on top of that. So it went for about $120,000."
This is the total amount you end up paying when you buy something, including any extra fees. It's what you actually spend to own the item.
The final sale price is the total amount that a buyer pays for an item after all fees, including any buyer's premiums, have been added. It reflects the complete cost to the buyer.
GM
"...after one of the failures of the high-voltage system, GM said, we're done."
GM stands for General Motors, a big company that makes cars like Chevrolet and Cadillac. They are involved in making electric cars as well.
GM, or General Motors, is one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world, known for producing a wide range of vehicles under various brands such as Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac. The company has a significant presence in the electric vehicle market with models like the Chevrolet Bolt.
high-voltage system
"...after one of the failures of the high-voltage system, GM said, we're done. Your car's done."
In electric cars, a high-voltage system is the part that powers the car's motor and other important functions. If it fails, it can cause serious problems for the car.
A high-voltage system in electric vehicles (EVs) refers to the electrical components that operate at higher voltages, typically above 60 volts, which are used for propulsion and other functions. These systems are crucial for the performance and efficiency of EVs, but they can also be complex and prone to failures.
Pebble Beach
"I'm sure it'll be a pebble beach, right? Even though it's been decommissioned, people are smart enough to recommission."
Pebble Beach is a famous car show where people display and admire classic cars. It's a big deal for car lovers and collectors.
Pebble Beach is a prestigious annual car show held in California, known for showcasing classic and vintage automobiles. It's a significant event in the automotive world, attracting collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate rare and historically important cars.
Mercedes
"I mean, it's kind of like the first Mercedes. You drove the first Mercedes."
Mercedes is a famous car brand that makes luxury vehicles. They are known for their high-quality cars and have been around for a long time.
Mercedes-Benz is a well-known luxury automotive brand that originated in Germany. It is recognized for producing high-quality vehicles, including luxury cars, buses, and trucks, and has a rich history in the automotive industry.
internal combustion
"Electric cars are going to take over, over internal combustion. They are."
Internal combustion is a type of engine that uses fuel like gasoline to make the car go. Most cars have used this kind of engine for a long time, but electric cars are becoming more popular.
Internal combustion refers to engines that burn fuel to create power, typically using gasoline or diesel. This technology has been the standard for vehicles for over a century but is being challenged by the rise of electric vehicles.
Turbine car
"...this car is very, very, very, it's actually very, very similar to the Turbine car, right? In that it was leased out to people in very short quantities, the price of Turbine car. Then the majority of them were crushed."
The Turbine car was a special type of car made by Chrysler that used a jet engine instead of a regular engine. Only a few were made, and most were destroyed after testing.
The Turbine car refers to the Chrysler Turbine Car, a unique vehicle produced in the 1960s that utilized a gas turbine engine instead of a conventional internal combustion engine. Only a limited number were made, and they were primarily leased to consumers for testing purposes.
electric vehicle (EV) history
"...and was just kind of a little footnote in EV history. No doubt it's going to be really valuable..."
Electric vehicle history is about how electric cars have been made and used over the years. The EV1 is an important part of this story because it was one of the first electric cars that people could buy.
The history of electric vehicles (EVs) includes the development, production, and societal impact of electric cars over time. The EV1 is a significant part of this history as one of the first modern electric vehicles, highlighting the challenges and innovations in the EV market.
EV
"...I think there's a difference between electric cars and the EV one."
EV means Electric Vehicle. It's a type of car that runs on electricity instead of gasoline, and it includes all kinds of electric-powered cars.
EV stands for Electric Vehicle, which refers specifically to vehicles that are powered by electric energy. This term encompasses all types of electric vehicles, including fully electric and hybrid models.
Lexus Ls
"...it's not going to be like a Lexus LS competitor. This is going to be well above this..."
The Lexus LS is a high-end luxury car made by Lexus, which is Toyota's luxury division. It's known for being very comfortable and packed with features.
The Lexus LS is a full-size luxury sedan known for its comfort, advanced technology, and smooth ride. It has been a flagship model for Lexus since its introduction in 1989, competing with other luxury sedans from brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
Hyundai Genesis
"...how a Hyundai had the Genesis, right? They called it the Hyundai Genesis..."
The Hyundai Genesis was a luxury car made by Hyundai before they created a separate luxury brand called Genesis. It was designed to compete with other high-end cars but at a more affordable price.
The Hyundai Genesis was a luxury sedan produced by Hyundai before the brand Genesis was established. It was known for its value, offering many luxury features at a lower price compared to competitors.
Hyundai Equus
"...Then there was a Hyundai Equus and Hyundai realized that people weren't going to buy a hundred thousand dollars sedan with the Hyundai logo..."
The Hyundai Equus was another luxury car from Hyundai that was meant to compete with high-end brands. However, many people didn't want to buy a luxury car with the Hyundai name on it.
The Hyundai Equus was a full-size luxury sedan produced by Hyundai, aimed at the premium market. It offered high-end features and luxury appointments but struggled with brand perception due to the Hyundai badge.
Genesis brand
"...they separated it into its own brand called Genesis. This is likely what, well, we know, actually, this is what Toyota is doing with Century..."
Genesis is the luxury brand that was created by Hyundai to sell high-end cars. It's similar to how Toyota has Lexus for their luxury vehicles.
Genesis is a luxury vehicle division of the South Korean automaker Hyundai. It was created to provide a more upscale experience and compete with other luxury brands like Lexus and BMW.
Buick Century
"...know, actually, this is what Toyota is doing with Century and they're breaking it off into its own brand."
The Buick Century was a comfortable car that many people liked for its smooth ride. It's no longer made, but it was an important part of Buick's history.
The Buick Century is a midsize car that was popular for its comfortable ride and spacious interior. While it has been discontinued, it is often discussed in the context of Buick's history and its role in the American automotive market.
MSRP
"Now the thing about these centuries is they're not 80 or 90 thousand dollars. I think the sedan starts at 140 in Japan and I think that the SUV starts at 200 thousand dollars."
MSRP is the price that the car maker suggests you pay for a new car. It's a starting point for negotiations when buying a vehicle.
MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, which is the price that the manufacturer recommends for the vehicle. It serves as a guideline for both dealers and consumers when buying a car.
Rolls-Royce Cullinan
"... is relatively new. It looks a little bit like a Cullinan, a lot like a Cullinan, but this is a matte exter..."
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan is a super fancy SUV that is very luxurious and expensive. It's known for its beautiful interior and smooth driving experience.
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan is a luxury SUV that represents the pinnacle of opulence and craftsmanship in the automotive world. Known for its exquisite interior and powerful performance, it is often discussed as a symbol of wealth and luxury.
Bentley Bentayga
"There's a lot of bentag here. Yeah."
The Bentley Bentayga is a very luxurious SUV that offers a lot of comfort and high-quality materials. It's known for being fast and stylish.
The Bentley Bentayga is a luxury SUV that combines performance with high-end features and craftsmanship. It is one of the first luxury SUVs and has set a benchmark in the segment.
ultra luxury SUV
"...there's a ton of interest in ultra luxury, especially in the SUV space."
Ultra luxury SUVs are very expensive and fancy SUVs that have a lot of high-quality features and comfort. They're made for people who want the best of both worlds: luxury and practicality.
Ultra luxury SUVs are high-end sport utility vehicles that offer premium features, exceptional comfort, and advanced technology. They cater to affluent consumers seeking both luxury and utility.
Lexus Lx
"So the Lexus LX, that's the most expensive SUV that Lexus makes."
The Lexus LX is a fancy SUV that costs a lot of money. It's known for being luxurious and good for off-road driving.
The Lexus LX is a luxury SUV known for its high-end features and off-road capabilities. It is the most expensive SUV offered by Lexus.
plug-in hybrid
"And I think the SUV is a plug-in hybrid."
A plug-in hybrid is a type of car that can run on electricity and gasoline. You can charge it by plugging it into a power outlet, which helps it drive longer distances on electric power alone.
A plug-in hybrid is a vehicle that can be charged from an external power source and uses both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor for propulsion. This allows for greater electric-only driving range compared to standard hybrids.
Toyota Tundra
"The Tundra powertrain? More like the LX powertrain, because it's a hybrid. Yeah, I guess the Tundra is a hybrid too. Tundra is also a hybrid."
The Toyota Tundra is a large truck that can carry heavy loads and tow trailers. It also comes with a hybrid engine option, which helps save fuel while driving.
The Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup truck known for its robust performance and capability. It is available with a hybrid powertrain option, which enhances fuel efficiency while maintaining strong towing capacity.
Cadillac El Dorado
"...e best way to describe this would be like a 1970s El Dorado. Can I just, just take a pause here and do a lit..."
The Cadillac El Dorado was a stylish luxury car that many people loved in the 1970s. It's remembered for being fancy and powerful.
The Cadillac El Dorado was a luxury coupe known for its elegant design and powerful performance, particularly popular in the 1970s. It is often discussed as a classic example of American luxury cars from that era.
Toyota Crown
"...s are much older than ours. And so like with the crown, basically they're coupes that are raised, right?..."
The Toyota Crown is a fancy car that is known for being comfortable and high-tech. It's a popular choice for people who want a nice ride.
The Toyota Crown is a luxury sedan that has been a staple in the Japanese market for decades. It is known for its comfort and advanced technology, often representing Toyota's commitment to quality and innovation.
Porsche 911
"...you have to sell so many like boring cars to get 911 STs. There's a lot of that going on."
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car that many people admire for its speed and style. It's been around for a long time and is often seen as one of the best cars for driving enthusiasts.
The Porsche 911 is an iconic sports car known for its distinctive design and exceptional performance. It has been a benchmark for sports cars since its introduction in the 1960s, and its various iterations continue to influence the automotive industry.
Acura MDX
"... is struggling. They have two cars that sell two MDX and RDX. They do sell a lot of them, though."
The Acura MDX is a comfortable luxury SUV that has a lot of space for families. It comes with many modern features that make it easy to drive.
The Acura MDX is a midsize luxury SUV that offers a spacious interior and a range of high-tech features. It is often discussed for its balance of performance, comfort, and reliability, appealing to families and luxury buyers.
Toyota Cruiser Fj
"...guys didn't see it. Cole, can you go to the Land Cruiser FJ? Notice I didn't say FJ."
The Toyota FJ Cruiser is a tough SUV made for off-roading and adventures. It has a unique look that many people find cool.
The Toyota FJ Cruiser is an off-road SUV that combines retro styling with modern performance. It is often discussed for its rugged capabilities and distinctive design, appealing to adventure enthusiasts.
Toyota Hilux
"...-roader. The biggest bummer is it's built on the Hilux platform. And we assume that it will be sold whe..."
The Toyota Hilux is a tough pickup truck that can handle rough roads and heavy loads. It's known for being very reliable and is popular in many places.
The Toyota Hilux is a durable pickup truck known for its reliability and off-road capabilities. It has a strong reputation in various markets, particularly for its ability to handle tough conditions.
Toyota Rav4
"...to that in a second as well. These stupid names, RAV4, but that is not an off-roader. And so in Japan,..."
The Toyota RAV4 is a popular SUV that many families use because it's spacious and reliable. While it can handle some rough roads, it's not designed for serious off-roading.
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV that has gained popularity for its practicality, reliability, and versatility. It is often discussed for its balance between everyday usability and off-road capability, despite some misconceptions about its true off-road performance.
Jeep Renegade
"...said is that that vehicle is very similar to the Renegade and the rent. This is nothing like the Renegade."
The Jeep Renegade is a small SUV that can handle rough roads and is good for city driving too. It's known for its fun design and ability to go on adventures.
The Jeep Renegade is a subcompact SUV that offers a blend of off-road capability and urban practicality. It is often highlighted for its distinctive design and versatility, making it a popular choice among city dwellers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Fiat 500
"...blem with the Renegade was they built on the Fiat 500 platform, which was never meant to be an off roa..."
The Fiat 500 is a tiny car that looks cute and is easy to drive in the city. It's great for getting around town because it's small and fuel-efficient.
The Fiat 500 is a small city car known for its retro design and compact size. It is often discussed for its unique style and efficiency, making it a popular choice for urban driving.
Lucid Air
"...s the that's what's going to take up a lot of the air in the room and not this thing. I think this thi..."
The Lucid Air is a fancy electric car that can go really far on a single charge. It's designed to compete with other high-end electric cars and has many cool features.
The Lucid Air is a luxury electric sedan that aims to compete with established electric vehicles like the Tesla Model S. It is known for its impressive range, performance, and cutting-edge technology.
Chevrolet C8
"...However, this new one's crazy. It's got a lot of C8 Corvette in the front end with these very angular..."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a fast sports car that many people love for its sleek design and powerful engine. The newest version has a unique engine placement that makes it even more exciting to drive.
The Chevrolet Corvette is a high-performance sports car that has become synonymous with American automotive culture. The latest C8 generation features a mid-engine layout, enhancing its performance and handling, making it a hot topic among car enthusiasts.
Cadillac Escalade
"...uch coexist. I can like the 53 inch screen in an escalade and like the over the year updates. And I can li..."
The Cadillac Escalade is a big luxury SUV that many people love for its comfort and fancy features. It's known for having a lot of space inside and high-tech gadgets.
The Cadillac Escalade is a full-size luxury SUV that stands out for its spacious interior and high-end features. It is often discussed for its advanced technology and status as a symbol of luxury in the automotive world.
Ford Ranger
"Well, that's based Ford. Which car like the Ranger. That's an update and you get more power over th..."
The Ford Ranger is a smaller pickup truck that can carry heavy loads and is great for outdoor activities. The latest version has more power and modern features, making it a good choice for truck buyers.
The Ford Ranger is a midsize pickup truck known for its ruggedness and capability. Recently updated, it offers improved power and technology, making it a competitive option in the truck market.
Ford Mustang
"...d do different screens. You could make like in a Mustang. You could make the dashboard look like a 1965 M..."
The Ford Mustang is a classic American car that's famous for being fast and stylish. It's been around for a long time and is loved by many car fans for its powerful engines.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car that has been in production since the 1960s. Known for its powerful engines and sporty design, it remains a symbol of performance and freedom.
Infiniti QX80
"...t. But my favorite video I did was this Godzilla QX80. What Nissan did was they worked with the Califo..."
The Infiniti QX80 is a large luxury SUV that is very comfortable and has lots of space. It's great for families and has many high-tech safety features.
The Infiniti QX80 is a full-size luxury SUV that offers a blend of comfort, technology, and performance. It is often highlighted for its spacious interior and advanced safety features, appealing to families and luxury buyers alike.
Infiniti Q50
"... looks it looks like it's factory. So they did a Q50, I think it was a while back with the GTR engine...."
The Infiniti Q50 is a fancy car that is known for being fast and having lots of technology. It's designed for people who want a nice and comfortable ride.
The Infiniti Q50 is a luxury sedan known for its performance and advanced technology. It often attracts attention for its stylish design and high-quality interior, appealing to buyers looking for a premium driving experience.
Ford F-150 Raptor
"...ke, you know, they're trying to compete with the Raptor R in some ways, right? This is like, let's call ..."
The Ford F-150 Raptor is a tough pickup truck made for off-roading. It has a powerful engine and special features that help it drive on rough trails and in challenging conditions.
The Ford F-150 Raptor is a high-performance version of the popular F-150 pickup truck, designed for off-road capabilities. With a powerful engine and advanced suspension, it is often discussed for its ability to tackle tough terrains.
Ford Ranger Raptor
"...a Chevy. They're trying to compete with like the Ranger Raptor, right? Yeah, Ranger, yeah."
The Ford Raptor Ranger is a special version of the Ford Ranger that is made for off-roading. It has better features and more power for driving on tough trails.
The Ford Raptor Ranger is a performance-oriented version of the Ford Ranger, designed for off-road enthusiasts. It features enhanced suspension and power, making it a competitive option in the midsize truck market.
Ford Lobo
"... So the Maverick is, you know, they launched the Lobo, which was kind of this, they called it a street..."
The Ford Lobo is the same as the Ford F-150 but is called a different name in Mexico. It's a popular truck there for its strength and versatility.
The Ford Lobo is essentially the Ford F-150, but it is marketed under a different name in Mexico. It shares the same features and capabilities as the F-150, making it a popular choice for truck buyers in that region.
Ford Maverick
"...he, that guy is really interesting to me. So the Maverick is, you know, they launched the Lobo, which was ..."
Ford Broncos
"...Like we talked about on the Ranger Raptor, on the Broncos. Those create a lot of power."
The Ford Bronco is a tough SUV made for off-roading and outdoor adventures. It has a classic look and features that help it drive on rough trails.
The Ford Bronco is a revived SUV that pays homage to its classic off-road heritage. Known for its rugged design and advanced off-road technology, it has become a favorite among adventure seekers.
Toyota Tacoma
"... 300 horsepower, it's got the same shifter as its Tacoma. It's got the same four-wheel drive knob as its ..."
The Toyota Tacoma is a smaller pickup truck that is strong and reliable. It's great for both work and fun activities, especially if you like going off-road.
The Toyota Tacoma is a midsize pickup truck known for its durability and off-road capabilities. It is often praised for its reliability and versatility, making it a popular choice for both work and recreation.
Ford Expeditions
"...ks really cool too, except for the winch mounts. Expeditions are 60 grand, hilarious expeditions. The winch m..."
The Ford Expedition is a big SUV that can carry a lot of people and stuff. It's great for families and has features that make it easy to drive and use.
The Ford Expedition is a large SUV designed for families and heavy-duty use. It offers ample space, powerful towing capabilities, and advanced technology, making it a popular choice for those needing a versatile vehicle.
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
Help improve this episode
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.