Episode 107: The comeback kids: Citigo and 2CV!

The Mercedes-Benz e-Actros 600 is a heavy-goods-vehicle (HGV) electric truck built for long-distance freight. It uses a large battery pack (621 kWh total) and is designed to deliver smooth, instant torque without the shifting you’d expect from a diesel truck.

HGV stands for Heavy Goods Vehicle, meaning a large commercial truck used to move freight. In the UK context, it’s the category that includes big delivery and logistics trucks.

Kilowatt-hours (kWh) measure the energy stored in a battery. More kWh generally means the vehicle can travel farther, though real-world range also depends on weight, speed, terrain, and driving style.

Horsepower is a measure of power—how quickly an engine or motor can do work. In EVs, it’s still used to describe output, even though the driving feel comes more from torque and smooth power delivery than from shifting gears.

Gear changes are the shifts between different gear ratios in a transmission. Diesel HGVs often use multi-speed gearboxes, so shifting can take noticeable time, while electric drivetrains can deliver speed smoothly without traditional gear changes.

The BMW iX3 is an electric SUV from BMW that uses an automated “auto parking” feature to assist with low-speed parking maneuvers. In this segment, the hosts focus on how the system behaves in a real parking lot versus ideal demo conditions.

The Skoda Epic is Skoda’s new electric crossover positioned as a practical, value-focused alternative in the Volkswagen Group’s EV lineup. The hosts describe it as Skoda’s version of the Volkswagen ID Cross and note it rides on the MEB plus platform, with pricing starting under £25,000 and different battery sizes.

The Volkswagen ID.Cross is discussed as a larger electric model within the ID family, and the host notes it’s related to a Skoda version. The key point in the podcast is that the ID.Cross concept is shared across brands, with Skoda offering its own take on the same underlying idea. That’s relevant for shoppers comparing options that may be very similar in packaging and platform.

The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is an electric version of the classic Buzz van style, built as a people-moving MPV/van. It’s brought up in the context of related models and how different brands within the group market similar electric platforms. That makes it relevant when the podcast is comparing what you get for the money across closely related EVs.

The MEB plus platform is Volkswagen Group’s EV architecture used to build electric cars with shared engineering and packaging. Using the same platform helps manufacturers reduce costs and speed up development across multiple brands and models.

WLTP range is the driving range figure measured under the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure. It’s a standardized lab test number, so real-world range can be lower depending on speed, weather, and driving style.

The Kia EV3 is an electric vehicle positioned as a more accessible option in Kia’s EV range. In the podcast, it’s compared with another EV (“an EV3 or an L-Rock”), and the host suggests it could work if you can manage with the available capability. That makes it relevant for buyers focused on practicality and whether the EV fits their daily needs.

In an EV, the battery size strongly affects driving range and cost. Choosing a smaller battery can reduce purchase price while still meeting real-world needs if you don’t require maximum range every day.

Porto is a city in Portugal where the hosts say they drove a Skoda prototype earlier in the year. The mention is relevant because it ties the impressions to a real test drive location rather than just showroom time.

Klaus Zelma is identified as the “big boss of Skoda” in this segment, meaning a top executive at the Skoda brand. His comments are used to frame what Skoda is planning or prioritizing next.

The Skoda Citigo is a small, budget-focused city car from Skoda (a Volkswagen Group brand). In this segment, the host is discussing bringing it back in electric form, effectively positioning it as an affordable EV alternative in the supermini class.

The Renault Twingo is a small city car that’s often used as a benchmark for the “affordable, compact EV” or “entry-level city car” category. Here, the host uses it as a comparison point for where the (electric) Skoda Citigo would compete.

The Citroen 2CV is an iconic, lightweight, low-cost French car known for its simple design and “people’s car” mission. This segment focuses on Citroen bringing it back, emphasizing that the new one should capture the original 2CV’s spirit—cheap, innovative, and future-oriented—rather than copying the old body shape.

The Volkswagen Beetle is used here as an example of a retro-styled car that modernized the classic look. The host contrasts that approach with Citroen’s plan for the new 2CV: keep the spirit, but don’t just copy the old shape.

The Citroen Oli concept is a study car that explored how to build an ultra-affordable, lightweight vehicle. In this segment, it’s cited as an example of clever cost- and weight-saving ideas, including recyclability, which the host says aligns with the “cheap and innovative” direction of a future 2CV-style car.

In automotive design, “recyclable” refers to materials and components being recoverable and reusable at end-of-life, reducing waste. The host connects this to concept-car strategies for keeping costs down and reducing the environmental footprint.

The Citroën EC5 Aircross is referenced as a modern Citroën crossover concept/vehicle. The host specifically calls out its long-range capability and styling, framing it as a standout in the brand’s current lineup.

“Retro pastiche” means copying the look of an older car as a style exercise, without necessarily recreating the original’s engineering goals or driving/ownership experience. The host argues Citroën should make a new 2CV that reflects what the original stood for in the 1940s, not just mimic its design cues.

Using an electric motorbike “engine” (i.e., the motor and associated drivetrain components) in a car conversion is a repurposing approach. The host implies it’s a relatively low-cost donor power unit, which affects performance expectations and how the converted 2CV fits into the broader EV landscape.

“Zero” is mentioned as the electric motorbike brand/model the conversion kit’s donor power unit comes from. In this context, it’s used to explain where the electric drivetrain components are sourced for the retro 2CV conversion.

The “C3” in this podcast context appears to refer to a Citroën model, discussed alongside the “EC3” and “great value” comments. The host sounds puzzled because the EC3 is described as new and good value, so the C3 mention is likely about how the lineup is positioned or what makes one variant more compelling. It’s relevant because it’s part of a value/practicality comparison.

The Citroën 2CV is a famously simple, air-cooled, front-engine small car designed for basic transportation and rough roads. In this segment, the hosts discuss a modern “2CV” idea and how it might fit into the Citroën lineup and pricing strategy.

Citroën is the French automaker behind the 2CV, and the brand’s lineup decisions matter for how a modern 2CV concept would be positioned. The discussion centers on where a new 2CV-like vehicle would “fit” within Citroën’s range.

The Citroën AMI is a very small, low-speed electric vehicle designed for short trips and simple urban use. The host hopes it doesn’t have the “AMI’s problem,” referencing that the earlier AMI had some issue(s) that affected ownership. That makes it relevant because it’s being discussed as a potential alternative, but with caution about known drawbacks.

The Volvo EX60 is an upcoming Volvo electric vehicle discussed in the context of a recent launch event. The host says Ginny attended the launch and spoke with Volvo leadership, implying the segment will cover Volvo’s strategy and claims about the product.

The Volvo EX60 is an electric SUV model that the host mentions in connection with a recent launch event. The context suggests the conversation includes details from that launch and what it means for buyers comparing EVs. It’s relevant because it’s part of the shortlist discussion around electric SUVs and value.

A three-point seatbelt is a safety belt that secures the occupant at three points: across the hips and across the chest/shoulder. Compared with older lap belts, it helps keep the body positioned more effectively in a crash, reducing the chance of serious injury.

In modern safety systems, sensors are electronic devices that measure conditions in and around the car. Here, they gather data like occupant position and collision severity so the restraint system can respond appropriately.

An impending collision is a crash that the car’s safety system detects as about to happen. The system uses that prediction to trigger or adjust safety actions (like how a seatbelt tightens) before the impact fully develops.

When the transcript says the seatbelt “reacts,” it refers to how the restraint system changes its behavior during a crash. That can include how tightly it restrains you and how aggressively it deploys, based on the collision severity and occupant position.

In this context, “throttle back” means reducing the intensity of the seatbelt’s crash response. The system would use a gentler restraint action in low-speed impacts to avoid being overly harsh while still keeping the occupant properly positioned.

Seat belts are the primary occupant-restraint system in cars, designed to keep you secured during braking and crashes. The hosts specifically describe an automatic tightening behavior when you start driving, which is typically achieved via belt pretensioning mechanisms.

A manual gearbox is a transmission that requires the driver to change gears using a clutch pedal and gear lever. The hosts discuss how it can be “fun” once you learn it, but also how it can feel complicated for new drivers.

Diesel engines are internal-combustion engines that use compression ignition rather than spark plugs. The segment treats them as part of the “traditional technologies” that an automotive data firm expects to decline as manufacturers shift toward EVs and hybrids.

A hybrid powertrain combines an internal-combustion engine with an electric motor and battery. In this segment, hybrids are grouped with EVs as part of the shift away from traditional drivetrains like diesels and manual gearboxes.

DSG is Volkswagen Group’s brand name for a dual-clutch automatic transmission. It uses two clutches to pre-select the next gear, which helps it shift quickly and feel more responsive than older torque-converter automatics.

A “nine-speed” automatic transmission has nine forward gear ratios. More gears let the engine stay closer to its most efficient or powerful operating range, which can improve acceleration and fuel economy compared with older fewer-gear automatics.

A three-speed automatic is an older transmission design with only three forward gear ratios. With fewer gears, the engine has to work harder to stay in the right rev range, so performance and smoothness can feel worse than modern multi-speed automatics.

The Mercedes-AMG GT is a performance-focused model line, and the speaker is discussing the new four-door coupe version. They highlight it as an electric supercar from Mercedes-AMG with very high power and rapid acceleration, positioning it as a major shift for the brand toward electrification.

Hyundai is the automaker being referenced for its performance cars that also use simulated “fake” gear shifts. The point is that this is a broader trend among performance EVs, not just one brand’s design choice.

The speaker is referring to Lamborghini Countach, an iconic wedge-shaped supercar from the brand’s history. It’s used as a cultural reference point—“pin-up poster car” status—rather than a technical comparison.

McLaren F1 is a legendary supercar model known for its extreme performance and distinctive engineering. It’s referenced here as a benchmark for “cool” and as part of a comparison to the car being discussed in the video.

“Fake gear shifts” are an artificial driving effect where the car simulates the feel and sound of changing gears even though it’s not actually shifting like a traditional manual or automatic. On some electric performance cars, it’s used to make acceleration feel more familiar and more “engaging” to drivers.

The Hyundai Ioniq 6N is Hyundai’s performance electric sedan (N line) and is part of the same “simulated gear shift” idea mentioned in the segment. The point is that Hyundai’s approach to making electric driving feel more like a traditional performance car was widely praised.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5N is a high-performance electric crossover from Hyundai’s N performance sub-brand. It’s notable here because it uses an artificial “fake gear shift” style driving experience to make electric acceleration feel more dramatic.

Ferrari is a high-performance sports car brand whose identity is strongly tied to traditional combustion-engine performance. The speaker uses it as an example of a performance brand facing the shift to electric technology and the backlash that can come with changing the formula.

A two-speed gearbox in an electric car means the drivetrain can use two gear ratios instead of just one fixed ratio. That can improve acceleration and keep the motor operating in a more efficient or more powerful range, and it also raises the question of whether the “fake gear shift” effect is tied to a real ratio change.

A rev limiter is an engine protection feature that stops the engine from exceeding a safe maximum RPM. It does this by cutting power or altering fueling/ignition, and it’s often noticeable in performance cars when you approach the limit.

“Pops and bangs” are audible exhaust-style crackles and backfires that some cars generate on purpose. In EVs, they’re typically synthesized through the sound system to imitate the character of performance petrol cars.

“Fake sounds” refers to intentionally generated audio cues—often through speakers or sound synthesis—that imitate engine/exhaust noises. Automakers use them to make EVs feel more engaging or to mimic the auditory character of performance petrol cars.

The Ford Focus ST is a hot hatch known for its performance tuning and enthusiast following. In this discussion, it’s referenced as an example where the introduction of synthesized/augmented sound caused an “outrage” reaction from enthusiasts.

Electrically assisted steering (often electric power steering) uses an electric motor to help turn the wheels, rather than relying purely on hydraulic pressure. Enthusiasts sometimes dislike it because the steering feel can be different from older hydraulic systems, even if it’s efficient and precise.

This refers to the UK’s financial incentive program that helps reduce the purchase cost of eligible electric vehicles. The hosts are discussing which new models have been added to the grant list.

The Ford Explorer is referenced here as one of the newly added vehicles to the UK government electric car grant. The key point in this segment is not its driving dynamics, but that it’s part of the current EV incentive lineup.

“Cooper of Rival” appears to be a transcription error for a MINI Cooper variant, mentioned as another car that shares the same underlying platform. The host’s point is that multiple brand models are “identical underneath.”

The Jeep Compass is used here as a reference point for platform sharing—meaning the host claims it’s closely related “underneath” to other models. In this context, it’s less about Jeep’s brand identity and more about shared vehicle architecture.

The Ford Capri is mentioned as another model newly added to the UK electric car grant. The host then connects it to shared underpinnings with other brands, emphasizing platform commonality rather than unique engineering.

The Volkswagen ID.4 is a fully electric compact SUV built on Volkswagen’s ID electric platform. It’s mentioned because it was among the early ID models that helped establish the brand’s electric lineup and eligibility for certain programs or incentives. That’s why it comes up in a discussion about what qualifies and when those rules started.

The Volkswagen ID.5 is an electric SUV/crossover variant in Volkswagen’s ID family, closely related to the ID.4 but with a different body shape. It’s brought up in the context of eligibility timing and incentives, with the host noting that the ID.4 and ID.5 were among the first to qualify for something. That makes it relevant to buyers trying to understand which models meet certain rules.

The Volkswagen ID.3 is an electric hatchback and one of the earlier models in Volkswagen’s ID electric lineup. The podcast mentions it alongside the ID.4 and ID.5 when discussing how early certain models were and how that affects eligibility for incentives. That timing is important for buyers trying to understand which cars qualify.

The Mercedes C-Class is referenced as a baseline for the “saloon” (sedan) style the speaker is comparing against. It’s not the focus of the segment, but it helps frame the discussion around choosing between SUV-like EVs and sedan-like EVs.

The Mercedes GLC is a compact luxury SUV that the speaker describes as a “happy medium” between sportiness and comfort. In this segment, it’s used as a comparison point against the more sport-oriented BMW iX3 and the more comfort-focused options like the Volvo EX60.

The BMW i3 is mentioned as a future EV the speaker wants to wait for, with a stated arrival timing of August. In this segment it’s part of the decision set for people comparing different EV “types” (SUV vs saloon) and different comfort/sport tradeoffs.

The Volvo ES90 is referenced as another car option, specifically for people who like “saloon cars.” In the podcast, it’s part of a broader EV shortlist, suggesting the host is weighing different body styles and how they fit preferences. That makes it relevant for buyers who want a more traditional sedan-like shape in an electric package.

The BMW i5 is positioned as a stronger overall choice than the Volvo ES90, at least in the speaker’s view. The segment frames it as a large electric saloon option, and the host notes its size by mentioning it’s over five meters long.

The Polestar 3 is discussed as a premium EV SUV that the speaker finds especially appealing compared with the Polestar 4. They highlight a “plush” Scandinavian feel and suggest it could be a good alternative if you’re considering the EX60.

The Polestar 4 is mentioned mainly as a comparison point to the Polestar 3. The speaker says they like the Polestar 3 more than the Polestar 4, implying the 3 has more of the qualities they’re looking for.

“Leasing deals” are offers where you pay to use a car for a set term and mileage limit, rather than buying it outright. The host discusses monthly payments and an annual mileage allowance (e.g., 8,000 miles/year), which are key lease terms that affect cost.

“Single motor” means the EV uses one electric motor to drive the wheels, rather than multiple motors. In the EX30 context, the host contrasts it with “twin motor” versions, which typically offer stronger acceleration and sometimes different range depending on the setup.

“Twin motor” means the EV has two electric motors, commonly one per axle, which can improve acceleration and traction. Here the host says the twin-motor EX30 is “stupidly fast” and also mentions it has the longer range option.

“Battery tech” refers to the design and chemistry choices that affect how an EV battery performs and ages. In this discussion, it’s tied to efficiency and how much degradation you might expect over years of use.

Battery degradation is the gradual loss of a battery’s ability to store energy, usually measured as reduced capacity and/or increased internal resistance. The segment explains that degradation often has a larger “initial hit,” then slows down, which affects long-term EV range.

The M6 is a major UK motorway, and the host uses it as the route context for an EV efficiency claim. Road type and driving conditions on motorways strongly affect EV consumption, so mentioning the M6 helps interpret the “miles per kilowatt-hour” number.

“Miles per kilowatt-hour” is an EV efficiency metric that tells you how far the car can travel per unit of electrical energy drawn from the battery. Higher miles-per-kWh generally means better efficiency, and it can vary a lot with speed, weather, and terrain (like downhill vs uphill).

The BMW M6 is a high-performance version of the BMW 6 Series, built for strong acceleration and a sporty driving experience. In the podcast, it’s mentioned as a car the host has been driving recently, with a reference to real-world range or fuel/efficiency figures (“six mi…”). That makes it relevant as a day-to-day performance car example rather than a purely theoretical one.

The Audi e-tron is an electric SUV that helped define Audi’s early EV lineup. In the podcast, it’s mentioned alongside other EVs in terms of how the car’s appeal and feel changed over time, with the host noting it “felt” a certain way when it was newer. That kind of comment usually reflects how early EVs can age in perception as newer models arrive.

“EV costs” here refers to the real-world expenses of owning and running an electric vehicle, including charging-related pricing. It’s a topic distinct from efficiency numbers, because you can have a very efficient EV but still face expensive charging or tariffs.

“Per mile charge” is a pricing structure where the cost is based on distance traveled rather than time or a fixed monthly fee. The speaker is discussing whether a per-mile charging approach for EVs is being introduced, which would directly affect trip planning and budgeting.

The Dodge Charger is a performance-focused sedan/coupe that’s often discussed for its strong power and presence. In this podcast context, it comes up around charging costs and pricing, suggesting the conversation is about how expensive or structured charging can be depending on the provider and tariff. That makes it relevant even if the model itself isn’t the main EV topic.

A charge point is the installed EV charging unit (or station) that provides electricity to an electric vehicle. In this segment, the hosts describe how a “miniature charge point” can be created by plugging into an installed outlet setup.

An Anderson A2 EV charger refers to a specific model of EV charging hardware made by Anderson. The segment also highlights its tethered cable length options (8.5 m vs 5.5 m), which affects how far you can park from the charger.

A tethered cable is permanently attached to the charger, so you don’t need to carry a separate charging lead. The segment emphasizes how cable length (8.5 m vs 5.5 m) changes where you can park relative to the charger.

The hosts recommend fully unwinding the EV charging cable because leaving it coiled can trap heat and increase the risk of overheating. Even with insulated, properly rated EV charging cables, heat buildup is a safety concern.

A 15 amp outlet is a household electrical socket rated to deliver up to 15 amps of current, which limits how fast an EV can charge. In the segment, it’s contrasted with a 32 amp option for powered campsite charging.

A 32 amp outlet is a higher-current power supply than a typical 15 amp socket, allowing faster EV charging in many setups. The hosts also equate it to a “charge point” in practical terms because it can provide charging-capable power.

The BMW iX is BMW’s electric SUV, and the hosts are using it as an example of a higher-cost EV to charge at a campsite. The key point here is that charging an EV with higher power draw costs more than slower, casual charging.

“110 kilowatt” refers to charging power: how fast electricity can be delivered to an EV. Higher kilowatt charging generally costs more and can draw more energy, which is why campsite owners may want a fair way to charge EV users.

“32 amps” is the charging current level (how much electrical current flows). Even if the campsite charges are based on pitch fees, higher current charging increases electricity usage and operating cost, so it may need separate metering or fees.

This segment focuses on how campsites should fairly charge EV drivers for electricity use. The hosts discuss separating EV charging costs from the standard pitch fee so heavy chargers don’t subsidize lighter users.

A “charging point” is a dedicated EV charging station that can meter and allocate electricity use to a specific user. The hosts argue that using a proper charging point avoids unfairness when campsite pitch fees assume an average energy use.

The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is an electric vehicle with a very large battery, and it’s mentioned because the host personally charged one during a trip. The context highlights the car’s charging capability and battery size as key reasons it stood out. That’s why it’s relevant in a podcast focused on real-world EV use and charging experiences.

“Public rapid charging fees” refers to the pricing charged by public fast chargers, typically higher than basic overnight charging. The host is saying the cost felt reasonable compared with the convenience of having the charger work reliably.