{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"Ep 98: Audi’s throwback, VW’s touch-up, and Vauxhall gets serious","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/ep-98-audi-s-throwback-vw-s-touch-up-and-vauxhall-gets-serious","audioUrl":"https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/64de47832cfe0100110394f8/e/69c69914119926ec10559e53/media.mp3","description":"Episode 98 of the Kilowatt Half Hour is here, as Nicola, Tom, Mike and newcomer Lucas dive into the latest in the world of electric cars. There’s first-drive chat on the Volvo EX30, plenty of lively debate, and a packed news section covering everything from Audi’s plans for a new baby EV to the latest updates on the VW ID.3 and Vauxhall Astra Electric. As always, your emails and comments take centre stage, with discussions on EV tariffs, charging costs, real-world range and whether the industry needs stronger rules to speed up the transition. Throw in Barnard’s Bargain, plenty of listener shoutouts and the usual inane banter, and you’ve got another must-listen episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information."},"annotations":[{"startTime":113.2,"endTime":118.6,"type":"concept","title":"run in electric cars","url":"/glossary/run-in-electric-cars","quote":"And this is the first one of actually, you know, my own money. And I'm wondering, do you have to run in electric cars? Do you remember like in the old days, you had to do 1000 miles very carefully, and then you had to take it for a service.","canonicalId":"concept:run-in-electric-cars","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Run-in” refers to the early break-in period where you drive gently to help new components seat properly. The host is questioning whether EVs still need a break-in routine like older internal-combustion cars did.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Run-in” is the idea that when a car is brand new, you should drive it gently for a while. The question here is whether electric cars still need that kind of careful start."}},{"startTime":118.6,"endTime":124.8,"type":"concept","title":"1000 miles very carefully","url":"/glossary/1000-miles-very-carefully","quote":"And I'm wondering, do you have to run in electric cars? Do you remember like in the old days, you had to do 1000 miles very carefully, and then you had to take it for a service.","canonicalId":"concept:1000-miles-very-carefully","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"This references the traditional break-in practice for new cars—driving a set number of miles gently before stressing the drivetrain. Modern cars (including EVs) often don’t require the same strict mileage-based break-in, but the idea is still commonly remembered by owners."}},{"startTime":133.2,"endTime":145.7,"type":"term","title":"4000 RPM","url":"/glossary/4000-rpm","quote":"Do you have to do that with electric cars? I mean, I'm not going to keep it below 4000 RPM or whatever it is.","canonicalId":"term:4000-rpm","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"RPM limits like “keep it below 4000 RPM” are common run-in guidance because higher engine speeds increase stress and friction. The transcript discusses whether electric cars need similar limits and notes that manuals may not require it.","simplifiedExplanation":"RPM is how fast the engine is spinning. During break-in, people often tell you to keep it under a certain RPM so the engine isn’t working too hard too soon."}},{"startTime":221.82,"endTime":226.78,"type":"car","title":"Minor Morris Minor","url":"/cars/morris/minor","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5f/1950_Morris_Minor_Convertible.jpg","quote":"I suppose you used to have to have that sign on the back, because if you had a Morris Minor or an Austin Center or something, then if you were keeping it below 4000 RPM, it meant about, you know, walking pace, didn't it?","canonicalId":"car:morris:minor","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Morris Minor is a classic British small car often associated with older “run-in” habits—like driving very gently early on to protect the engine. Mentioning it highlights how strict run-in practices were more common with older internal-combustion cars.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Morris Minor is an older British car. The point of bringing it up is that back then people were more strict about breaking in a new engine.","imageAttribution":"Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":238.7,"endTime":244.2,"type":"term","title":"turbocharged","url":"/glossary/turbocharged","quote":"I was going to say anything turbocharged and you're hitting peak torque like before 3000 anyway these days.","canonicalId":"term:turbocharged","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Turbocharged” describes engines that use a turbocharger to force more air into the cylinders, improving power and torque. The transcript links turbocharged behavior to torque delivery, which affects how people think about RPM limits during early driving.","simplifiedExplanation":"A turbocharged engine uses a device that forces extra air into the engine. That usually makes power show up earlier, so the engine feels strong even at lower RPM."}},{"startTime":238.7,"endTime":244.2,"type":"term","title":"peak torque","url":"/glossary/peak-torque","quote":"...anything turbocharged and you're hitting peak torque like before 3000 anyway these days.","canonicalId":"term:peak-torque","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Peak torque” is the maximum twisting force an engine produces. The speaker notes that many modern turbocharged engines reach peak torque at relatively low RPM, which changes how “don’t rev it” advice feels in practice.","simplifiedExplanation":"Peak torque is the strongest “pull” your engine makes. If a car reaches that at lower RPM, it can feel powerful without needing to rev high."}},{"startTime":256.4,"endTime":260.62,"type":"term","title":"gearbox","url":"/glossary/gearbox","quote":"...it will, it was a bit, you know, clunky on the gearbox, a bit notchy and everything,","canonicalId":"term:gearbox","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.88,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A “gearbox” is the transmission system that changes gear ratios to match engine speed to road speed. The speaker describes early gearbox feel—“clunky” and “notchy”—which can be more noticeable on very low-mileage demonstrators before break-in."}},{"startTime":325.3,"endTime":331.8,"type":"company","title":"Enterprise","url":"/glossary/enterprise","quote":"Yeah, one owner is just that owner is enterprise. Speaking of being old, and if I'm allowed to\n slightly kind of go off, go off subject of cars, I was reading in the paper last night,","canonicalId":"company:enterprise","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.86,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Enterprise is a major car rental company, and the speaker is using it to explain why a “one owner” car might still have been driven hard. Rental fleets often see lots of short-term drivers, which can affect wear and condition.","simplifiedExplanation":"Enterprise is a big car-rental company. The point here is that even if a car has only one “owner” on paper, it may have been driven by many different people."}},{"startTime":507.86,"endTime":512.92,"type":"car","title":"Kia EV2","url":"/cars/kia/ev2","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/78/2026_Kia_EV2_GT-Line.png","quote":"... at Bista  I had a quick look around the upcoming EV2, but haven't been able to drive that on public ro...","canonicalId":"car:kia:ev2","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Kia EV2 is an upcoming electric model mentioned as part of Kia’s expanding EV lineup. The podcast notes that the speaker has looked around it but hasn’t been able to drive it on public roads yet, which is why it’s discussed—early impressions and availability. It’s relevant because it signals where Kia may be heading in the EV market.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Kia EV2 is a future electric car from Kia. The podcast says someone has seen it but hasn’t been able to drive it on normal roads yet. It’s mentioned because it’s coming soon and people want to know what it will be like.","imageAttribution":"AutoGids (CC BY 4.0)"}},{"startTime":523.74,"endTime":530.4,"type":"car","title":"Kia EV3","url":"/cars/kia/ev3","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e2/Kia_EV3_Auto_Zuerich_2024_DSC_6374.jpg","quote":"...is quite small and we're working on that. But the EV3 and the EV4 feel  very similar because obviously ...","canonicalId":"car:kia:ev3","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Kia EV3 is an upcoming electric vehicle positioned as a smaller, more accessible EV option. The podcast says the EV3 and EV4 feel very similar, implying they share design or platform elements, which is why it comes up in the conversation. It’s discussed because buyers often want to understand how closely related models differ in real life.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Kia EV3 is an upcoming electric car. The podcast mentions it because it seems to be closely related to the EV4, so they may feel similar. It’s being discussed as part of Kia’s next EV choices.","imageAttribution":"Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":540.2,"endTime":554.1,"type":"concept","title":"suspension tuning","url":"/glossary/suspension-tuning","quote":"But the you can tell the tuning difference between the two as far as suspension goes. I mean, the EV3 was tuned on the continent... So it's a lot softer and the body feels a lot less connected. Whereas the EV4 has the same suspension, but the tuning is built much better for British roads.","canonicalId":"concept:suspension-tuning","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Suspension tuning is how engineers calibrate components like springs, dampers, and bushings to shape ride comfort and body control. The speaker contrasts “softer” tuning that feels less connected with a setup aimed at better performance on British roads.","simplifiedExplanation":"Suspension tuning is basically how the car’s ride is set up. Different settings can make the car feel softer and floaty, or more controlled and connected to the road."}},{"startTime":663.0,"endTime":672.4,"type":"term","title":"infotainment system","url":"/glossary/infotainment-system","quote":"Yes, it did. And they promised us that it was all entirely going to be fixed by the time the first customer got their car. And it runs, it's crashed twice on me. The infotainment system.","canonicalId":"term:infotainment-system","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"An infotainment system is the car’s integrated touchscreen/controls for media, navigation, phone connectivity, and settings. The host reports that the EX30’s infotainment had launch issues and even “crashed” during their ownership period.","simplifiedExplanation":"The infotainment system is the car’s main screen and electronics for things like music, maps, and phone connection. The host says theirs has been glitchy and even crashed."}},{"startTime":758.7,"endTime":765.0,"type":"brand","title":"Volvo","url":"/glossary/volvo","quote":"I just thought that was dangerous for a brand like Volvo to have you have to go to a screen and tap three buttons in order to turn the fog light on","canonicalId":"brand:volvo","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Volvo is the car brand referenced in the context of UI/UX decisions for lighting controls. The speaker argues it’s surprising for a brand like Volvo to require multiple screen taps to turn on fog lights while driving.","simplifiedExplanation":"Volvo is the car brand being criticized here. The speaker is saying it feels wrong that even a Volvo requires several screen steps to turn on fog lights."}},{"startTime":787.7,"endTime":792.0,"type":"brand","title":"Harman Kardon","url":"/glossary/harman-kardon","quote":"Yeah, I mean, it desperately needs a head up display, but I can see why they can't fit one because you've got this dirty great Harman Kardon speaker bar across the front of the car.","canonicalId":"brand:harman-kardon","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Harman Kardon is an audio brand commonly used in car premium sound systems. In this context, the speaker bar design across the dashboard/front area can limit where a HUD can be integrated.","simplifiedExplanation":"Harman Kardon is a company known for car audio systems. Here, the speaker setup takes up space in the dashboard area, which makes it harder to add a head-up display."}},{"startTime":808.2,"endTime":824.7,"type":"term","title":"speed signs","url":"/glossary/speed-signs","quote":"It's also terrible at recognizing speed signs. I mean, the entire distance of the A34, it thought we're in a 30 zone...","canonicalId":"term:speed-signs","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Speed sign recognition is part of driver-assistance systems that read posted limits and display or apply them to the driver’s information. The speaker says the system misread the route as a 30 zone for a long distance, suggesting limitations in recognition accuracy or map/logic.","simplifiedExplanation":"Speed sign recognition is when the car tries to read the speed limit signs and tell you what the limit is. Here, it seems to get the limit wrong for a long stretch of road."}},{"startTime":960.5,"endTime":969.8,"type":"concept","title":"sandwich floor","url":"/glossary/sandwich-floor","quote":"I've owned an A2 and I loved it. And it was a car that was almost crying out for an electric, because it always had that sandwich floor, didn't it?","canonicalId":"concept:sandwich-floor","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A “sandwich floor” refers to a vehicle floor design that sandwiches components—often the battery pack—between structural layers. The host argues the original A2 already had packaging that would make electrification easier.","simplifiedExplanation":"A “sandwich floor” is a design where the important parts sit between layers of the car’s structure. For EVs, that often means the battery is placed low and protected, which can improve safety and driving feel."}},{"startTime":1296.4,"endTime":1301.0,"type":"concept","title":"MEB platform","url":"/glossary/meb-platform","quote":"...the reason why it's having the same cars having a second facelift is because, A, they're introducing some other updates to the MEB platform.","canonicalId":"concept:meb-platform","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Volkswagen’s MEB platform is its modular electric vehicle architecture used across multiple ID models. Updates to the MEB platform can enable new hardware features, improved efficiency, and changes in how the EV systems are packaged and controlled.","simplifiedExplanation":"The MEB platform is Volkswagen’s “electric car building system.” If VW updates the platform, it can change how the electric parts fit together and how the car works."}},{"startTime":1311.7,"endTime":1320.1,"type":"concept","title":"keyless entry","url":"/glossary/keyless-entry","quote":"So you're going to have keyless entry, proper keyless entry. So you can open it with a phone or a watch or anything a bit like this Volvo I'm saying at the moment.","canonicalId":"concept:keyless-entry","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Keyless entry lets you unlock and access a vehicle without inserting a physical key. In this context, the speaker is describing “proper” keyless entry that can use a phone or watch, which is part of the broader shift toward digital access.","simplifiedExplanation":"Keyless entry means you don’t need to use a physical key to get into the car. You can unlock it using your phone or a wearable device."}},{"startTime":1421.9,"endTime":1427.1,"type":"concept","title":"you just get out of the car and it's off","url":"/glossary/you-just-get-out-of-the-car-and-it-s-off","quote":"You just get out of the car and it's off, which is fine, except that my mrs likes to have her music loud. So she pulls up onto the driveway and she opens the door","canonicalId":"concept:you-just-get-out-of-the-car-and-it-s-off","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"This is an automatic stop behavior often associated with keyless systems: when the driver exits and the car no longer detects the key/fob, it shuts down. The speaker brings it up as a real-world annoyance because it affects how long the infotainment/music stays on.","simplifiedExplanation":"They’re describing a feature where the car turns itself off when you get out. In this story, it matters because the music stops when the car shuts down."}},{"startTime":1440.3,"endTime":1452.3,"type":"term","title":"haptic buttons","url":"/glossary/haptic-buttons","quote":"It is a bit like that. And she, she has to turn it down using the haptic buttons, but she hasn't worked out yet entirely. And of course, on those, you can't just go like rip with a knob to turn it down quickly.","canonicalId":"term:haptic-buttons","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.88,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Haptic buttons use touch feedback (vibration or resistance) so you feel that a button press happened. On car audio/climate controls, this can make volume changes feel different than a traditional knob.","simplifiedExplanation":"Some car buttons don’t just click—you feel a vibration or feedback when you press them. It’s meant to help you know you pressed the right spot, even without looking."}},{"startTime":1461.4,"endTime":1472.4,"type":"term","title":"digital key","url":"/glossary/digital-key","quote":"That reminds me, I have a question for any ex 30 owners who use the digital key, so it's on your, it's on your phone or your watch if you're using that.","canonicalId":"term:digital-key","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.93,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A digital key lets you lock/unlock and sometimes start a car using a phone or smartwatch instead of a physical key fob. It relies on short-range wireless communication, so if the phone/wearable is left behind, the car can lock and trigger alarms.","simplifiedExplanation":"A digital key is like using your phone or watch as your car key. If you walk away without your phone, the car may lock itself and the alarm can go off."}},{"startTime":1570.3,"endTime":1577.4,"type":"part","title":"three spoke alloys","url":"/glossary/three-spoke-alloys","quote":"they put on it too. Yeah, three spoke alloys. They're always a bit controversial, aren't they?\n[1577.4s]  It's maybe it's just a car, car geek thing, but the three spoke alloys are in the max power era.","canonicalId":"part:three-spoke-alloys","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Three spoke alloys” refers to a wheel design with three main spokes, typically made from aluminum alloy. The speaker notes it’s a style choice that can divide opinions, but it’s also tied to a certain era of performance-looking cars.","simplifiedExplanation":"Alloy wheels are wheels made from a lightweight metal, usually aluminum. “Three spoke” describes the wheel’s shape, and the hosts are saying some people love it while others don’t."}},{"startTime":1685.5,"endTime":1689.3,"type":"company","title":"SMMT","url":"/glossary/smmt","quote":"We'll have to see. Wait for SMMT to come out, I guess.\n[1689.3s]  But it's come a long way, hasn't it?","canonicalId":"company:smmt","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"SMMT is the UK’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, which publishes industry statistics including vehicle sales and registrations. The speaker is saying they’ll wait for SMMT data to see how EV, plug-in, and petrol variants perform in the market."}},{"startTime":1826.2,"endTime":1832.1,"type":"term","title":"4x4","url":"/glossary/4x4","quote":"That's a 50 grand car. Yeah. Yeah. 4x4. Yeah. That's beautiful.","canonicalId":"term:4x4","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“4x4” means the vehicle is designed to drive all four wheels, typically via a drivetrain with an all-wheel-drive system. In EVs, this often affects traction, efficiency, and how the car feels in different weather conditions.","simplifiedExplanation":"“4x4” means power goes to all four wheels. It usually helps with grip, especially in rain or snow."}},{"startTime":1909.9,"endTime":1913.2,"type":"car","title":"Ioniq 5","url":"/cars/hyundai/ioniq-5","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4d/Hyundai_Ioniq_5.jpg","quote":"...especially the upcoming Ioniq 3. As a current Ioniq 5 owner, I'd love something just a little bit smaller and more efficient.","canonicalId":"car:hyundai:ioniq-5","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a battery-electric crossover built on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform. It’s known for efficient real-world range and fast charging, which is why an owner might want a smaller, more efficient alternative.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is an all-electric Hyundai. It’s popular because it’s efficient and charges quickly, so someone with one might want a smaller version for everyday use.","imageAttribution":"TTTNIS (CC0)"}},{"startTime":2014.5,"endTime":2025.3,"type":"term","title":"overnight rate","url":"/glossary/overnight-rate","quote":"...it would actually cost me more because the overnight rate had gone up to 8p. I had to lock myself in for 12 months...","canonicalId":"term:overnight-rate","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The overnight rate is the electricity price during off-peak hours, which is often much cheaper than daytime pricing. For EV owners, charging overnight can significantly reduce total charging cost.","simplifiedExplanation":"The overnight rate is the electricity price at night. If you charge your car then, it usually costs less than charging during the day."}},{"startTime":2019.7,"endTime":2032.5,"type":"term","title":"kWh","url":"/glossary/kwh","quote":"...overnight rate had gone up to 8p. I had to lock myself in for 12 months and the daytime rate... was 37p kWh rather than the 30p.","canonicalId":"term:kwh","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"kWh (kilowatt-hour) is the unit of energy used to price electricity. EV charging costs are usually calculated by multiplying the kWh used by the tariff’s p/kWh rate.","simplifiedExplanation":"kWh is how electricity usage is measured. Your charging cost depends on how many kWh you use and the price per kWh in your tariff."}},{"startTime":2353.6,"endTime":2388.7,"type":"term","title":"standing charge","url":"/glossary/standing-charge","quote":"So it's kind of a study. Yeah, and a tiny population. Cost me £100 more per year. The standing charge is the killer...","canonicalId":"term:standing-charge","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The standing charge is a fixed daily (or periodic) fee you pay for having an electricity supply, regardless of how much energy you use. For EV owners, it can make EV charging less cost-effective if you drive very little.","simplifiedExplanation":"Even if you don’t use much electricity, you still pay a fixed daily amount just to have the power connected. If you only charge your EV rarely, that fixed cost can hurt the savings."}},{"startTime":2500.0,"endTime":2522.5,"type":"term","title":"no home charging","url":"/glossary/no-home-charging","quote":"range doesn't solve the no home charging problem... If you're not desperately going from charger to charger...","canonicalId":"term:no-home-charging","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“No home charging” describes households that can’t install or access a charger at their residence. The episode argues that this changes the EV ownership equation because you rely more on public charging prices and availability.","simplifiedExplanation":"“No home charging” means you can’t charge your EV at home. So you have to use public chargers more often, which can be harder and more expensive."}},{"startTime":2528.6,"endTime":2535.0,"type":"term","title":"kilowatt hour","url":"/glossary/kilowatt-hour","quote":"...charge a Tesla point where it's 30 per kilowatt hour rather than at one on the motorway where it's 95 per kilowatt hour.","canonicalId":"term:kilowatt-hour","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A “kilowatt hour” (kWh) is a unit of energy. EV charging prices are commonly quoted per kWh, so your total cost depends on how many kWh you add to the battery, not just how long you plug in.","simplifiedExplanation":"A kilowatt hour (kWh) is the amount of energy you’re buying when you charge. If the price per kWh is high, charging costs more for the same amount of energy."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Electrifying.com","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/ep-98-audi-s-throwback-vw-s-touch-up-and-vauxhall-gets-serious/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}