EV vs Hybrid....purchase decisions you must not ignore
About this episode
EV vs hybrid purchase talk turns into a practical decision guide: the host pushes leasing EVs, arguing the used EV market is weak and depreciation/battery uncertainty make buying risky. Charging reliability and costs—especially fast Level 3 versus home charging—shape the recommendation, with Tennessee/TVA used to frame electricity pricing. Hybrids are presented as a steadier resale bet until the powertrain warranty ends, after which depreciation can drop sharply. The episode also covers EV safety, technician training limits, and charging network realities.
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Volkswagen Crafter
"...g bead bracelets for Bose baseball team. Ivy is a crafter big time. We worked on some Legos."
The Volkswagen Crafter is a big van. It’s made for carrying people or cargo, so it’s often used for work. The podcast mention is likely just referencing the vehicle as part of the conversation.
The Volkswagen Crafter is a large van used for transporting people or cargo, often for commercial work. In the podcast context, it’s mentioned in a broader discussion that sounds more like general conversation, but the Crafter’s significance is its role as a practical, work-oriented vehicle. It’s commonly brought up when people talk about vans that can handle daily business needs.
EV
"So if you are a consumer out there and you are thinking about, well, you know, I'm thinking about maybe doing an EV next time."
EV means electric vehicle. Instead of using gasoline, it runs on electricity stored in a battery that you plug in to charge.
EV stands for electric vehicle, meaning the car is powered primarily by an electric motor and a battery instead of a gasoline engine. In everyday terms, it’s the category of cars you “charge” rather than “fill up.”
Charger
"Because you can get there and back without having to stop at some charger somewhere. And you can charge at home at a much, much lower rate than if you were to stop at a supercharger, some type of level three charger, which is going to cost you..."
A charger is what you plug an EV into to refill its battery. Where you charge (home vs public) can change how fast and how expensive it is.
A charger is the equipment that supplies electrical power to recharge an EV’s battery. The discussion contrasts charging at home versus using faster public charging, which affects both convenience and cost.
Ford Mustang
"And by that, I mean you don't travel a lot... And you can charge at home at a much, much lower rate than if you were to stop at a supercharger, some type of level three charger, which is going to cost you, well, I mean, if it's okay, like the Mach-E, which was our, well, it was kind of a Mustang, Mustang."
Mach-E is Ford’s electric version of the Mustang name. The host brings it up to show how much it can cost to charge an EV depending on where you plug in.
The speaker is referring to the Ford Mustang Mach-E, an all-electric crossover from Ford. It’s used here as an example of an EV where charging costs can be compared between home charging and faster public charging.
lightning pickup truck
"But you could charge that or a lightning pickup truck for anywhere from 35 to $50. No, it's not quite as bad as filling it up with gas, but it's still, you know, it's not free."
The Lightning is Ford’s electric pickup truck (the F-150 Lightning). The host uses it as another example of an EV where charging price depends on where you charge.
The “Lightning” pickup refers to the Ford F-150 Lightning, Ford’s electric version of the F-150 pickup. It’s mentioned alongside the Mach-E to illustrate how EV charging costs can differ between home charging and fast public charging.
Tennessee
"Well, let me qualify that. That's if you live in Tennessee, we have something called TVA and a lot of hydroelectric plants."
Tennessee is mentioned because the cost of electricity there can be different. Since EV charging uses electricity, your charging bill can change based on where you live.
Tennessee is mentioned because electricity pricing there can be influenced by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). The host’s point is that EV charging cost depends heavily on local power rates and the local power mix.
TVA
"That's if you live in Tennessee, we have something called TVA and a lot of hydroelectric plants. But we also have a lot of steam plants and they are powered by either nuclear or coal."
TVA is an electricity company/utility for parts of Tennessee. The host says it can affect how cheap or expensive it is to charge an EV.
TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority) is a power provider that supplies electricity in parts of the U.S. The host links TVA’s generation mix to lower EV charging costs in Tennessee.
hydroelectric plants
"That's if you live in Tennessee, we have something called TVA and a lot of hydroelectric plants. But we also have a lot of steam plants..."
Hydroelectric plants make electricity using water flow. The host is saying that if a region has more of this kind of power, electricity can be cheaper.
Hydroelectric plants generate electricity by using moving water to spin turbines. The host mentions them to explain why electricity prices (and thus EV charging costs) can be lower in certain regions.
steam plants
"But we also have a lot of steam plants and they are powered by either nuclear or coal. And so it's, I take that back."
Steam plants make electricity by heating water until it turns into steam, which spins machinery. The host says these plants may use nuclear or coal to generate that heat.
Steam plants generate electricity by heating water to create steam that drives turbines. The host notes these can be powered by nuclear or coal, which ties into how electricity costs and emissions vary by region.
nuclear
"But we also have a lot of steam plants and they are powered by either nuclear or coal. And so it's, I take that back."
Nuclear refers to a power source that uses nuclear reactions inside a plant to make electricity. The host mentions it as one of the ways steam plants can generate power.
Nuclear power is electricity generated from energy released by splitting atoms in a nuclear reactor. It’s mentioned as one possible fuel source for steam plants in the TVA region, affecting local electricity generation and cost.
coal
"But we also have a lot of steam plants and they are powered by either nuclear or coal. And so it's, I take that back."
Coal is a fuel that can be burned to make electricity. The host is saying that some regions generate power using coal, which influences electricity pricing.
Coal is a fossil fuel burned to produce heat, which can then generate steam for electricity production. The host mentions coal as another possible fuel source for steam plants, reinforcing that EV charging cost depends on the local power mix.
depreciate at a slower rate
"There was a time when a Mercedes-Benz would hold its value and would depreciate at a slower rate than everything else does."
Depreciation is how much the car’s value drops as it gets older. If it depreciates slower, you usually lose less money when you trade it in or sell it.
Depreciation rate is how quickly a vehicle’s value drops over time. A slower depreciation rate means you typically lose less money when you sell or trade the car later.
Mercedes-Benz
"There was a time when a Mercedes-Benz would hold its value and would depreciate at a slower rate than everything else does. Now it's one of the fastest depreciating cars on the market."
Mercedes-Benz is a luxury car brand. The host is talking about how much these cars keep their value when you sell them later, and how that has changed—especially for their electric cars.
Mercedes-Benz is a luxury automaker whose vehicles are often discussed in terms of depreciation and resale value. In this segment, the host contrasts Mercedes-Benz’s historical value retention with how quickly its EVs are now losing value.
hybrid depreciation curve
"Now, whereas Mercedes or many other brands, or any EV brand appreciates quickly, hybrids don't. The hybrid depreciation curve, not much of a curve there. It's pretty flat."
A depreciation curve is just a way to describe how a car’s resale value changes over time. The host says hybrids hold their value pretty steadily at first, then start dropping more later.
A depreciation curve describes how a car’s value changes over time. Here, the host says hybrids have a relatively flat depreciation curve, meaning their resale value doesn’t drop as quickly—until a later “drop off.”
warranty runs out
"And that's after the warranty runs out. You know, in the first three years or 50,000 miles or whatever the warranty is on the powertrain on a hybrid, you're pretty good."
When the warranty ends, repairs are no longer covered by the manufacturer. The host is saying that hybrid values tend to take a bigger hit once that warranty period is over.
When a warranty runs out, the manufacturer no longer covers repairs for the covered components. The host ties the biggest resale-value drop for hybrids to the end of the powertrain warranty period.
powertrain
"You know, in the first three years or 50,000 miles or whatever the warranty is on the powertrain on a hybrid, you're pretty good."
Powertrain is the main set of parts that actually moves the car. For hybrids, the warranty on these parts is a big deal because it can cover expensive hybrid-related repairs.
Powertrain refers to the vehicle’s main mechanical system that makes it move—typically the engine (or hybrid system), transmission, and related drive components. In hybrid warranties, powertrain coverage often includes the hybrid system components, which affects buyer risk and resale value.
hybrid battery
"Because a hybrid battery is not going to last forever, and they're not cheap. They're not as expensive as a full EV battery."
A hybrid battery is the battery that helps the car run using electricity part of the time. The host is warning that it eventually wears out and replacements aren’t cheap.
A hybrid battery is the high-voltage battery pack that stores energy for the electric portion of a hybrid vehicle. The host emphasizes that it won’t last forever and that replacement costs are a key ownership consideration, even if it’s cheaper than a full EV battery.
Ford F150
"The F-150 power boost, we can't keep them. We've got an all-new hybrid Nissan Rogue that's getting ready to come out,"
The F-150 PowerBoost is the hybrid version of the Ford F-150 pickup. The host is saying they sell these quickly and can’t keep them in stock.
“F-150 PowerBoost” refers to Ford’s hybrid system used in the F-150 pickup. The host mentions it as another hybrid that sells quickly, reinforcing the idea that hybrid buyers may be more sensitive to warranty timing and resale value.
Nissan Rogue
"We've got an all-new hybrid Nissan Rogue that's getting ready to come out, that is going to be state-of-the-art as far as hybrids are concerned."
The Nissan Rogue is a crossover SUV. The host is saying a new hybrid version is coming soon and that it’s supposed to be cutting-edge for hybrids.
The Nissan Rogue is a popular compact crossover, and this segment specifically calls out an upcoming all-new hybrid version. The host frames it as “state-of-the-art” for hybrids, implying improvements that could affect buyer appeal and long-term ownership costs.
EV tax credit
"We did really well with EVs early on when there was a $7,500 tax credit. And when they made it available where the customer, the purchaser, did not have to wait on that $7,500 tax credit,"
An EV tax credit is a discount from the government for buying an electric car. The host is saying that when that discount was available, more people bought EVs, and when it was removed, EV sales were expected to drop.
An EV tax credit is a government incentive that reduces the cost of buying an electric vehicle. In this segment, the host discusses how the $7,500 amount affected EV demand and dealer reimbursement timing.
dealer reimbursement
"And when they made it available where the customer, the purchaser, did not have to wait on that $7,500 tax credit, we could give it to them upfront and they would reimburse the dealership."
Dealer reimbursement means the dealership gets paid back for the government incentive tied to the EV sale. The host is saying that when the credit could be applied immediately, it made buying easier for customers and dealers.
Dealer reimbursement is the process where a dealer gets paid back for the tax-credit amount tied to a customer’s EV purchase. The host contrasts upfront credit availability (dealer reimbursement) with situations where customers had to wait to claim it later.
charging infrastructure
"I can charge at home, but they want to go on a trip and I have to drive cross-country or whatever. The charging infrastructure just is not reliable."
Charging infrastructure refers to the network of charging stations and the reliability of those stations for EV drivers. The host argues that if chargers aren’t dependable, it makes long-distance trips harder and reduces EV appeal.
Elon Musk
"But just to prove the brilliance of Elon Musk, he built out the charging network at the same time he was selling the cars. Nobody else did that."
Elon Musk is a well-known tech entrepreneur associated with electric cars. Here, the host is saying he helped build charging stations at the same time as selling EVs, which other companies didn’t do as aggressively.
Elon Musk is the entrepreneur behind Tesla, and the host credits him with building out EV charging while selling EVs. In this context, the point is about how charging availability can influence EV adoption.
Dodge Charger
"... I didn't. But at some point, I'll have a Level 3 charger in my dealership. I know I will."
The Dodge Charger is a car that’s built to feel fast and sporty. The podcast mention of “Level 3 charger” is about charging equipment, not a special part of the Charger itself. The Charger is typically talked about as a performance sedan people recognize.
The Dodge Charger is a performance-focused sedan that’s known for its powerful engines and sporty driving feel. In the podcast context, it’s mentioned alongside the idea of a “Level 3 charger” at a dealership, which points to the broader topic of charging infrastructure rather than the car’s engine alone. The Charger is often discussed because it’s a recognizable nameplate for enthusiasts and buyers looking for a more aggressive driving experience.
Ford Maverick
"They already have a small truck. [889.3s] It's called the Maverick. [891.0s] You can get it with just an ice engine or you can get it with a hybrid."
The Ford Maverick is a small pickup truck that can be bought with different engines. The point here is that you can choose a hybrid version if you want better fuel economy.
The Ford Maverick is a compact pickup that’s offered with multiple powertrain choices, including an ICE (gas) setup and a hybrid. In this episode, the host uses it as an example of how hybrid efficiency can influence purchase decisions.
ICE engine
"You can get it with just an ice engine or you can get it with a hybrid. [896.4s] And the hybrid will get 45 to 46 miles to the gallon around town and like 42 on the highway."
“ICE engine” just means the car runs on regular fuel like gas or diesel. It’s the opposite of an electric-only setup.
“ICE engine” means an internal combustion engine—typically gasoline or diesel—rather than an electric motor. The host contrasts it with a hybrid option to show how buyers can choose between fuel-based and electrified drivetrains.
Ford Ranchero
"...s going to be called a resurrected name, the Ford Ranchero. Don't hold me to it, but that's what everybody's..."
The Ford Ranchero is a type of vehicle that mixes a truck with a more car-like setup. In the podcast, it’s mentioned as a name that might come back in the future. The key point is that it’s a recognizable model name tied to that truck-and-car idea.
The Ford Ranchero is a classic “pickup-style” vehicle concept that blends the look and practicality of a truck with a passenger-car layout. In the podcast context, it’s being discussed as a name that could be brought back, which is why it comes up in a conversation about resurrected models. That kind of discussion usually centers on how a familiar name could return with modern technology and design.
coefficient of drag
"They want to reduce the coefficient of drag so that this thing slices through the air [956.5s] with as little resistance as possible so that you can extend the range of the battery."
The coefficient of drag is a measure of how “slippery” a vehicle is through the air. Less drag means the car needs less energy to keep moving, which helps range.
The coefficient of drag (Cd) is a number that describes how much aerodynamic resistance a vehicle creates as it moves through air. Lower drag helps an EV use less energy, which can extend battery range.
battery range
"with as little resistance as possible so that you can extend the range of the battery. [961.9s] And the battery is going to be of a different chemistry, not as expensive."
Battery range is how far an electric car can go before it needs charging again. Things like wind resistance can make that range better or worse.
Battery range is the distance an EV can travel on a full charge (or under specific driving conditions). Aerodynamics like lower drag and energy efficiency directly affect how far the battery can take you.
battery chemistry
"And the battery is going to be of a different chemistry, not as expensive."
Battery chemistry is the type of materials inside the EV battery. Different types can affect cost and how well the battery performs.
Battery chemistry refers to the specific materials used in an EV’s battery cells (for example, different lithium-ion chemistries). Different chemistries can change cost, energy density, and performance characteristics.
Slate vehicle SLATE
"Have you seen the Slate vehicle SLATE? [1010.4s] It is a modular truck. [1012.3s] All of them are built identically when they come out of the factory"
The Slate SLATE is a truck concept where the factory makes a basic version, and you can add pieces later. The host says it can be upgraded into something more SUV-like by buying extra parts.
The Slate SLATE is presented here as a modular truck platform: factory-built identically, then configured by the buyer. In this segment, the key hook is that it starts stripped down (no power windows, no radio) and can be upgraded into an SUV-like setup with additional modules.
modular truck cap
"Have you seen the Slate vehicle SLATE? [1010.4s] It is a modular truck. [1012.3s] All of them are built identically when they come out of the factory"
A modular truck is built in sections. You can buy a basic version and later add or swap parts (like seats or body pieces) to change what the truck is used for.
A modular truck is designed so major sections (like the cab/body and rear modules) can be swapped or upgraded after purchase. The idea is to start with a base vehicle and then configure it for different uses without buying a completely different truck.
power windows
"They have no power windows. [1021.8s] Do they have air conditioning? [1023.5s] I can't remember."
Power windows are windows you control with a button. If a car doesn’t have them, you usually have to crank the window by hand.
Power windows are window controls that use electric motors to raise and lower the glass. When a vehicle lacks power windows, you typically operate the windows manually with a hand crank.
airbag package
"You buy the top, you buy the rear seats, comes with an airbag package. [1047.5s] I think the upgrade, they're estimating it's going to be around $5,000 or $6,000 to turn"
An airbag package is the airbags included in the car. It’s the safety system that deploys in a crash to help protect occupants.
An airbag package is the set of airbags a vehicle is equipped with, often including multiple locations like front, side, and curtain airbags. The host mentions it as part of the modular upgrade path, implying safety equipment is included when converting the base truck into an SUV configuration.
electric motor
"I mean, the vehicles still have brakes... except they have a battery and electric motors. How long will an electric motor last?"
In an EV, the electric motor is the part that turns electricity into motion to move the car. It doesn’t use pistons like a gas engine, but it still has parts that can wear out over time.
An electric motor is the main propulsion unit in an EV that converts electrical energy into rotational motion. Unlike an engine that relies on pistons and combustion, an electric motor can be simpler mechanically, but it still has wear items and cooling/electrical components.
power steering
"They have air conditioning, power steering, all of the stuff that's on a regular car, except they have a battery and electric motors."
Power steering helps you turn the wheel without as much physical effort. Even in an EV, you still need some kind of steering assist system.
Power steering is the system that helps the driver turn the wheels with less effort. EVs typically still use a power-assist steering system, even though they replace the engine with electric propulsion.
brake pads
"For sure, you'll still have to buy tires and brake pads and things like that, not as often on the brakes, but you will have to service your brakes."
Brake pads are the parts that squeeze against the brake rotors to help the car stop. EVs may replace them less often because the car can slow down using the motor, but they still wear out.
Brake pads are friction materials that clamp onto the brake rotors to slow the vehicle. EVs often wear pads more slowly because regenerative braking can do much of the deceleration, but pads still need periodic replacement.
EV training
"Techs are being trained at car dealerships, but you'll have one out of 10 techs that are trained in most new car dealerships to work on EVs... when he came back from the EV training, he said, Lenny, you're not allowed to touch any of the components of the battery with both hands."
EV training is the extra instruction mechanics get to work safely on electric cars. EVs have high-voltage parts, so technicians need specific training before touching them.
EV training refers to dealership or technician education focused on high-voltage EV systems, including safety procedures and correct diagnostic/repair methods. Because EVs use batteries and electric drive components, training is necessary to reduce risk during service.
components of the battery
"one of our techs, when he came back from the EV training, he said, Lenny, you're not allowed to touch any of the components of the battery with both hands."
The “components of the battery” are the parts inside the EV’s battery pack that store and distribute high-voltage electricity. The point of the warning is that EV batteries can be dangerous to touch without the right safety steps.
“Components of the battery” refers to the internal and external parts of an EV’s high-voltage battery pack. The warning about not touching with both hands highlights the safety risk of high-voltage electrical shock and the need for proper procedures and protective equipment.
electric shock
"You always use one hand because if you use both hands, you could get killed because of electric shock. That's pretty shocking in and of itself."
Electric shock is when electricity harms your body. EVs have high-voltage parts, so safety rules matter a lot when working around them or charging them.
Electric shock is the risk of injury when current passes through the body. With EVs, high-voltage components and charging equipment make electrical safety procedures more important than with typical low-voltage automotive systems.
charging stations
"Because when you travel, if this is your only vehicle, you're really going to have to plan your trips. You're going to have to know where the charging stations are."
Charging stations are places where you plug in your EV to recharge. When you’re relying on them for road trips, you need to plan ahead because not every station works reliably.
Charging stations are public or semi-public locations where EVs recharge their batteries. For trip planning, the key issues are availability, reliability, and whether your car can use the station’s connector type.
Tesla
"And the only reliable charging stations in the United States are run by Tesla. Now, if you buy a Toyota and it's an EV, then you can buy an adapter."
Tesla is an EV company, and it also runs a charging network. The point here is that the host thinks Tesla chargers are the most dependable for EV road trips.
Tesla is an EV manufacturer and also operates a large charging network in the United States. In this segment, the host claims Tesla’s chargers are the only reliable option, which highlights how network coverage can affect EV ownership decisions.
adapter
"Now, if you buy a Toyota and it's an EV, then you can buy an adapter. Same thing with a Ford or an Nissan or Honda or any other brand. You can buy an adapter to use the Tesla standard."
An adapter is a plug converter that helps your EV fit a different charging connector. If you don’t have the right plug, you may need an adapter to charge at certain stations.
An adapter is a device that lets one EV connector type work with a different charging standard or plug. The host’s point is that some non-Tesla EVs may need an adapter to use Tesla charging stations, which can add cost and complexity.
expensive
"Just realize it's going to be expensive. It's not free."
The host is saying charging at these stations can cost money. That’s important to factor into your budget if you rely on public charging.
In this context, “expensive” is about the cost of charging at certain public networks or using adapters. The host emphasizes that charging at Tesla stations (as described here) isn’t free, which matters for total cost of ownership.
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