0:00 / 0:00
EV Momentum Stalls, Gas Fights Back

EV Momentum Stalls, Gas Fights Back

0:00
0:00

About this episode

The discussion revolves around the current state of electric vehicles (EVs) in the U.S., highlighting a significant slowdown in consumer demand and the impact of expired federal sales incentives. Automakers like Ford, Nissan, and Jaguar Land Rover are delaying or canceling EV models due to these market challenges. The hosts also touch on various recalls affecting multiple brands, including Hyundai and BMW, and engage in a lively segment about sold car prices, featuring classic models and their surprising auction results.

Filter:
|
Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Concept

electric vehicles

"Our story of the week. Well, it comes from automotive news and it's been a roller coaster of a year for electric vehicles in the U.S. despite significant improvements in design, range, performance, and charging infrastructure..."

Electric vehicles are cars that run on electricity instead of gasoline. They are becoming more popular because they can be better for the environment and often have lower running costs.

Term

federal sales incentive

"...With overall consumer demand slowing and the end of the federal sales incentive, automakers are walking back rosy EV sales projections."

Federal sales incentives are discounts or tax breaks offered by the government to help people buy electric cars. They make the cars cheaper and encourage more people to switch to electric.

Car

Acura Zdx

"...ended production of the Acura ZDX electric midsize crossover after only one model year. In August, Ford Motor Company told suppliers..."

The Acura ZDX is a type of electric SUV that was only made for one year. It shows that even big car companies can struggle when making new electric vehicles.

Company

Ford Motor Company

"...Ford Motor Company told suppliers that a full-size electric pickup set for its Blue Oval City assembly plant in Tennessee would be delayed to 2028..."

Ford Motor Company is a well-known car maker in America that makes many types of vehicles, including electric ones. They're working on new electric models.

Car

Ford Etransit

"...the next generation e-transit van to be built in Ohio was delayed until 2028 as well. Both models had already been delayed before..."

The E-Transit is a van made by Ford that runs on electricity. It's meant for businesses that need to deliver things without using gas.

Concept

electric vehicle (EV)

"Jaguar Land Rover, oh boy, luxury brand postponed the launch of electric..."

An electric vehicle is a type of car that runs on electricity instead of gasoline, making it better for the environment.

Brand

Jaguar Land Rover

"Ontario. JLR, Jaguar Land Rover, oh boy, luxury brand postponed the launch of electric..."

Jaguar Land Rover is a company that makes high-end cars, including luxury SUVs and sports cars.

Car

Land Rover Range Rover

"Land Rover Range Rover and new generation Jaguar electric cars to allow time for more testing..."

The Range Rover is a fancy SUV made by Land Rover that can handle rough terrains and is very comfortable.

Car

Nissan Ariya

"Nissan has paused production in Japan of the Ariya electric compact crossover which I thought was a pretty good looking vehicle..."

The Ariya is an electric SUV from Nissan that looks nice and is designed for people who want a modern, eco-friendly vehicle.

Car

Porsche Cayenne

"a crossover slated above the mid-size Cayenne initially with combustion and plug-in hybrid powertrains..."

The Cayenne is a luxury SUV made by Porsche that is designed to be fast and comfortable, like a sports car.

Brand

Stellantis

"from Stellantis because you know, but that idiot that they used to have as the big chairman who got fired, they're having to rethink the entire brand itself."

Stellantis is a large car company that owns many brands like Chrysler, Jeep, and Peugeot. They make a variety of vehicles.

Car

Maserati MC20

"Maserati, which is under the Stellantis brand, canceled plans for a battery electric version of the MC20 sports car in March because of expected poor demand."

The Maserati MC20 is a fast and stylish sports car made by Maserati. It's designed for performance and luxury.

Car

Ram 1500

"... poor demand. Ram meanwhile canceled its electric 1500 pickup in September, citing slowing demand for E..."

The Ram 1500 is a big truck that people use for work or to haul things. It's known for being comfortable to drive and having lots of cool features. Recently, they decided not to make an electric version because not enough people wanted it.

Car

Dodge Ram

"of expected poor demand. Ram meanwhile canceled its electric 1500 pickup in Se..."

The Dodge Ram is a big truck that's used for work and hauling things. It's known for being powerful and having lots of features. Recently, there have been concerns about not enough people wanting to buy it.

Term

EVs

"Ram meanwhile canceled its electric 1500 pickup in September, citing slowing demand for EVs."

EVs are cars that run on electricity instead of gas. They help reduce pollution and are often quieter than regular cars.

Term

hybridized light duty pickup

"Ram said it still plans to sell a hybridized light duty pickup that uses an onboard gasoline generator to extend the range of its electric motor and battery."

A hybridized light duty pickup is a truck that uses both gas and electricity to run. This helps it save fuel and be better for the environment.

Car

Dodge Charger

"... and battery. The model initially called the Ram Charger will go on sale next year and adopt the name of t..."

The Dodge Charger is a large car that looks sporty and can go really fast. It has a lot of space inside, making it good for families or trips. They're planning to release a new version that will keep the Charger name but might be different from what people expect.

Car

Ram 1500 Rev

"The model initially called the Ram Charger will go on sale next year and adopt the name of the canceled truck becoming the 1500 Rev, R-E-V."

The Ram 1500 Rev is a new version of the Ram truck that will use both electricity and gasoline to help it drive further.

Car

Jeep Gladiator

"a plug-in hybrid Jeep gladiator pickup was canceled by Stilantis in September. In June, Toyota said it would consolidate US EV output..."

The Jeep Gladiator is a truck made by Jeep that is designed for off-roading and has a bed for carrying things, like a traditional pickup truck.

Car

Toyota Highlander

"had planned to build a three-row electric crossover with the Highlander name in Indiana..."

The Toyota Highlander is a family-friendly SUV that has three rows of seats, allowing it to carry more passengers.

Car

Volkswagen ID.7

"the German brand in January officially canceled plans to bring ID 7 electric sedans to the US..."

The Volkswagen ID.7 is a new electric car model from Volkswagen, designed to be eco-friendly and part of their electric vehicle lineup.

Car

Volkswagen Bus

"... was delayed indefinitely. No, the ID, that's the bus, right? Is that the bus? No, that's just the ele..."

The Volkswagen Bus is a classic van that's famous for being spacious and great for road trips. It became popular in the 1960s and is loved for its unique shape. There's talk about making an electric version to keep it updated for today's drivers.

Car

Tata Motors Aria

"...ciate, Michael. Yeah. Well, you talked about the Aria. Again, that just came out. But you also compared..."

The Tata Motors Aria is a type of SUV that's good for families because it has a lot of room inside. It's designed to be comfortable and practical for everyday use. People talk about it because it's a good option among other SUVs.

Car

Toyota Prius

"...you compared the Nissan hybrid to the Prius. Yes. So that's like a category beneath the Ariya..."

The Toyota Prius is a popular hybrid car that uses both a gasoline engine and electric power to save fuel and reduce emissions.

Car

Chevrolet Corvette

"... it's the most wind-cheating vehicle outside of a Corvette or some sort of supercar. Coefficient is low. Ye..."

The Chevrolet Corvette is a famous sports car that many people love because it looks cool and goes really fast. It's designed to be very aerodynamic, which means it cuts through the air easily. This makes it one of the best cars for speed and efficiency.

Car

General Motors Ev1

"...he back, and I want to say that. Yeah, it was an EV1. Is that what it was? It was an EV1. So ugly. Why..."

The General Motors EV1 was an early electric car that didn't use gas, making it special for its time. It didn't last long in production, but it was important because it helped start the trend of electric cars we see today. People remember it for its unique look and technology.

Car

Hyundai Santa Fe

"Hyundai recalling 135,000 Santa Fe midsize crossovers because of an increased fire risk from improper starter motor wiring."

The Santa Fe is a midsize SUV made by Hyundai. It's designed for families and has a lot of space. Recently, there was a recall because of a problem that could cause fires.

Car

Volkswagen Golf

"...r 2025 is involved in that along with Volkswagen Golf R and the GTI. Insufficient pedestrian warning s..."

The Volkswagen Golf is a small car that's easy to drive and great for everyday use. It's popular because it's reliable and fun to drive. Recently, there were talks about its safety features, which are important for keeping everyone safe.

Car

BMW 430I

"...ey go, that's what it is. That's what it is. BMW 430i and M4 improperly connected battery cables. Marth..."

The BMW 4 Series is a fancy car that's designed to look good and drive fast. It's popular among people who want a stylish vehicle with a lot of nice features. There have been some problems with the battery connections in some models, so it's something to check if you're buying one.

Car

BMW M4

"...hat's what it is. That's what it is. BMW 430i and M4 improperly connected battery cables. Martha? Wha..."
Part

starter wire

"What is that smell? It's the starter wire. The starter wire is burning up."

The starter wire helps send electricity from the battery to the engine's starter, which is what starts the car.

Term

starter motor

"Yeah. Starter motor may fail and overheat. BMW is again, 2020 to 2025 models..."

The starter motor is what helps start the car's engine when you turn the key or push the start button.

Car

Kia Sorento

"...her fire from the HVAC wiring harness in the Kia Sorento for 2021 to 2023. That's serious. Park outside. V..."

The Kia Sorento is a medium-sized SUV that's great for families because it has a lot of room inside. It's comfortable and comes with many features. There have been some worries about it catching fire because of wiring problems, so it's important to be cautious.

Car

Volvo EX90

"...2021 to 2023. That's serious. Park outside. Volvo EX90 power generated, I'm sorry, power operated tailg..."
Car

Nissan Leaf

"... I'm sorry. Did that hit you in the head? Nissan Leaf fire risk from quick charging battery. Park outsi..."

The Nissan Leaf is an electric car that doesn't use gas, making it better for the environment. It's a good choice for people who want to save money on fuel. There have been some worries about it catching fire if charged too quickly, so it's important to be careful when charging.

Car

Toyota Tacoma

".... Drive shaft may deform and break in the Toyota Tacoma and the Tacoma hybrid for 2025. Can't take the to..."

The Toyota Tacoma is a smaller truck that's tough and great for off-roading adventures. People like it because it's reliable and can handle a lot of different tasks. There are some worries about the drive shaft breaking in the new 2025 model, so it's something to check on if you're thinking of buying one.

Car

Cadillac DeVille

"...nd gentlemen, the car. First up, a 1970 Cadillac DeVille with Jeff Zika's name all over it. Oh my, it is r..."

The Cadillac DeVille is a big, fancy car that's all about luxury and comfort. It's known for having a lot of space inside and a smooth ride. The 1970 version is especially admired for its classic look and importance in Cadillac's history.

Car

Cadillac Coupe Deville

"...my, it is red. And it's a convertible. So it's a coupe DeVille, but it's not a coupe. It's a convertible DeVille..."

The Cadillac Coupe De Ville is a stylish luxury car that's known for being very comfortable and looking really nice. It's a coupe, which means it has two doors, but some versions are convertibles, so you can drive with the top down. People love it for its elegance and smooth ride.

Car

Chevrolet Bel Air

"...try five. This is a 1957 famous or infamous Chevy Bel Air. This is a four door, however. Oh, that's a crui..."

The Chevrolet Bel Air is a classic car that many people love because it looks really cool and represents a fun time in American history. The 1957 version is famous for its unique design with tail fins and shiny chrome. It's a popular choice for collectors and car enthusiasts.

Car

Ford Mustang

"...ne. All right. Next up, next up is the 1966 Ford Mustang. 66 Ford Mustang. Okay. Is that a convertible? We..."

The Ford Mustang is a classic American car that's famous for being fast and stylish. It has a long history and many people love it for its cool look and powerful engines. The 1966 version is especially loved because it's one of the original models.

Car

Triumph TR6

"All right. Next up, this, this would be a Jeff Heitzman car here. If he could fit it. Jeff's too tall for that. A 1972 Triumph TR6..."

The 1972 Triumph TR6 is a classic sports car from Britain. It's known for being fun to drive and has a stylish look. Many people who love cars enjoy owning and driving this model.

Car

Pontiac Chieftain

"...e to the end. Second to the last, the 55 Pontiac Chieftain wagon. Now that, that would be something nice to..."

The Pontiac Chieftain is an old car that's loved for its unique style and how it represents a different time in American history. The 1955 version is especially popular among collectors because of its cool design and importance.

Car

Volkswagen Beetle

"... in our last car of the day is a 1971 Volkswagen Beetle convertible, 71. And I don't know. This would be..."

The Volkswagen Beetle is a small, round car that's very recognizable and has been around for a long time. It's loved for its unique look and was popular in the past. The 1971 version is especially special because it reminds people of a different time.

Concept

paint correction

"...massage your original paint to a like new appearance, apply a ceramic coating, install a paint protection film..."

Paint correction is a way to fix the scratches and marks on a car's paint. It makes the paint look shiny and new again.

Part

ceramic coating

"...massage your original paint to a like new appearance, apply a ceramic coating, install a paint protection film..."

Ceramic coating is a special liquid that is put on a car's surface to protect it and make it shiny. It helps keep the car looking good for a long time.

Part

paint protection film

"...apply a ceramic coating, install a paint protection film, nano ceramic window tent or new windshield protection called Exo Shield..."

Paint protection film is a clear layer that you can put on your car to keep the paint safe from scratches and damage. It helps your car stay looking nice.

Company

Gulf Coast Auto Shield

"...apply a ceramic coating, install a paint protection film, nano ceramic window tent or new windshield protection called Exo Shield, Gulf Coast Auto Shield is where Houston's car people go."

Gulf Coast Auto Shield is a business that helps people take care of their cars. They can make your car's paint look new again and protect it with special coatings and films.

Part

radar detector

"...Instead of buying new, why not have them repaired? How about a professionally installed radar detector? Gulf Coast Auto Shield does that too."

A radar detector is a gadget that helps drivers know if police are using radar to check for speeding. It can warn you so you can slow down and avoid getting a ticket.

Concept

hot rods

"...hot rods and heroes and hot rods. Veterans weekend. 400 vehicles. You just heard it here first today."

Hot rods are cars that have been changed to make them faster and look cooler. They usually come from older models and are a big part of car shows and racing.

Company

TriCo

"...into receivables tied to the parent company of auto parts brands, Fram and TriCo."

TriCo makes parts for cars, especially wiper blades that help drivers see in the rain.

Company

Fram

"...into receivables tied to the parent company of auto parts brands, Fram and TriCo."

Fram makes filters for cars, like oil filters that help keep the engine clean.

Car

Jeep Wagoneer

"...said Jeep is dropping the three row Wagoneer SUV. Do you see this Mars?"

The Wagoneer is a large SUV from Jeep that can carry many passengers and is good for off-road driving.

Car

Jeep Grand Wagoneer

"...the fourth quarter arrival of the freshened 2026 grand Wagoneer. The updated three row utility vehicle features ..."

The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is a big, fancy SUV that's great for both off-roading and comfortable family trips. It's being updated to make it even better for people who want luxury features. The new 2026 model is expected to have some cool improvements.

Car

Jeep Grand Cherokee

"...a little bit of an overlap with the Cherokee, the Grand Cherokee and the Wagoneer. The Grand Wagoneer. Too much s..."

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a big SUV that's great for both city driving and off-road adventures. It's comfortable and has a lot of space for passengers and cargo. It's mentioned alongside other Jeep models because they all share similar features.

34 cars featured

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.

Explore Terms

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.

Report incorrect info
Suggest better explanations
Flag missing cars