Goodwood '26, 1300km range Passat, charger etiquette

Charging etiquette is the set of social rules EV drivers follow at public charging stations—especially fast chargers—so others aren’t blocked or delayed. It typically covers things like not occupying a charger longer than needed and moving your car promptly once charging is complete.

Fast chargers are EV charging stations designed to deliver high power, allowing shorter charging times than standard home or slower public chargers. Because multiple cars may compete for limited fast-charger spots, fast chargers often become the focus of queueing and etiquette.

The charging curve describes how an EV’s charging power changes over the state of charge (battery percentage) during a session. As the battery approaches very low or very high percentages, the car typically reduces power to protect the battery, so charging slows down near the beginning and end.

Peak power is the maximum charging power an EV can accept at a given moment, usually occurring in a mid-range of battery state-of-charge. The episode describes it as happening roughly from around 10–20% up toward about 60%, after which the car tapers power.

In-build protection refers to the EV’s battery management system limiting charging power to protect the battery, especially near the start and end of charging. This is why charging slows down as the battery gets very low or approaches full.

An overstay fee is a penalty charged when you keep a fast charger occupied longer than the allowed time or beyond a pricing threshold. Because EVs often slow down after ~80%, staying plugged in longer can become disproportionately expensive.

The Audi e-tron is an EV from Audi that uses fast charging, where charge speed depends heavily on how full the battery already is. In this story, the speaker’s Audi e-tron had no battery, and the charger situation (someone already at 99%) prevented them from getting the best charging outcome.

Battery state of health (often abbreviated as SOH) is a measure of how much usable capacity and performance the battery has left compared to when it was new. Fast charging to very high charge levels repeatedly can accelerate wear, reducing SOH over time.

Charging to 100% means filling the battery to its maximum displayed charge level. Many EV batteries tolerate it, but doing it frequently—especially via fast charging—can be harder on battery health than stopping at a lower target.

LFPs refers to lithium iron phosphate battery chemistry, which is known for better thermal stability and often longer cycle life than some other lithium-ion types. The host is contrasting how different chemistries handle charging and stress.

Semi-solids refers to a battery design category where the electrolyte is in a semi-solid form, often associated with next-generation or alternative lithium battery approaches. The host claims the efficiency across the charge range is better with this type, implying less stress and heat during charging.

Charger etiquette is the social/behavioral practice of using shared EV charging stations in a way that minimizes inconvenience to others. In this segment, the host argues that charging longer than necessary (like going all the way to 100% on a fast charger) can block the next driver and increase costs/heat.

The Dodge Charger is a full-size American muscle sedan (and sometimes a performance-focused model) known for strong straight-line power and a long-running presence in popular culture. It often comes up in conversations about performance driving and everyday usability because it blends a big-car ride with sporty engines. It may be mentioned in your podcast context around charging infrastructure, since owners of performance cars increasingly rely on EV charging when they have electrified variants or related setups.

Range anxiety is the worry that an EV won’t have enough battery to reach the next charging stop. The hosts connect it to stressed driving behaviors like cutting in front of other cars at busy chargers.

The Audi Q4 is an EV model line from Audi, and in this story it’s used as an example of a driver who bypassed the queueing/waiting behavior at a charger. The point is less about the car’s specs and more about real-world charging etiquette.

The Volkswagen Passat is a mid-size sedan (and in some markets, a wagon) built for comfortable everyday commuting. It’s often discussed because it’s a practical “do-it-all” car, and the podcast specifically mentions a 2.0-liter TDI version, which is a diesel model known for efficiency. That makes it a common topic when comparing what different cars are like to drive and live with.

“2 liter TDI” refers to Volkswagen’s 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine family (TDI = turbocharged direct injection). It’s designed for strong low-end torque and efficient highway cruising, which is why the hosts focus on consumption and range.

A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is a hybrid car that can run on both an internal-combustion engine and an electric motor, and it can be charged from an external power source. The hosts contrast it with the diesel version and discuss pricing differences.

A head-up display (HUD) projects key driving information onto the windshield so you can see it without looking down at the instrument cluster. It’s commonly used for navigation prompts, speed, and driver-assistance cues.

“Low-down torque” refers to strong twisting force available at low engine revs, which makes a car feel responsive without needing to rev high. Diesel engines are often praised for this kind of usable torque in everyday driving.

A diesel estate is a station wagon/body style (estate) powered by a diesel engine, typically chosen for long-distance efficiency and high usable torque. The host frames it as the best “type of car” for their kind of driving.

The BMW 520 diesel is mentioned as the “back in the day” version of the kind of long-distance diesel estate the host prefers. The enthusiast takeaway is that BMW’s diesel 5 Series wagon (in UK/Irish markets) was a popular alternative to other European diesel estates, and the host says it’s no longer available in Germany.

Fast charging points are high-power EV chargers designed to reduce charging time compared with standard outlets. The host suggests they may become a bottleneck as EV adoption grows and multiple vehicles charge simultaneously.

EVs are electric vehicles that use one or more electric motors powered by a battery pack. In this context, the hosts are discussing how the growing number of EVs increases demand on public charging networks.

Circle K is a convenience-store and fuel retail brand that also operates public EV charging locations in some regions. Here, the hosts use Circle K chargers as an example of real-world charging friction for drivers.

An easy-go fob refers to a contactless access token used to start charging at certain networks. The speaker is saying some Circle K chargers didn’t recognize their easy-go access method, forcing them to use another “fallback” option.

A 50 kilowatt charger is a public EV charging unit rated to deliver up to 50 kW of power under ideal conditions. Higher power generally means faster charging, but real-world speed can vary with the car’s battery and charging limits.

ESB Networks is an electricity network operator in Ireland that’s involved in the infrastructure side of power delivery. The speaker contrasts it with “e-cars,” implying that different organizations can control different parts of the charging ecosystem, which can complicate access and interoperability.

“Charging to 80%” is a common EV habit for everyday use: stopping around 80% state of charge often avoids the slower charging portion that typically happens as the battery fills up. It also helps reduce time spent at busy public chargers.

“Disabled spots” are parking bays reserved for drivers with disabilities, usually located for easier access. They’re legally protected in many places, and blocking them can prevent others from using necessary access routes.

“Mother and baby spots” are reserved parking spaces intended to make it easier for parents with young children to park close to entrances. They’re part of wider accessible/priority parking rules that drivers are expected to respect.

A “red light” is the traffic signal phase that requires vehicles to stop at an intersection. The host is specifically complaining about drivers breaking it and how that changes driver behavior at green.

The hosts transition to talking about Goodwood, specifically the Goodwood Festival. It’s a major UK automotive event known for cars, motorsport history, and enthusiast experiences.

Natasha is named as part of the team behind MG Ireland’s invitation to the speaker. The context suggests she helped coordinate the event visit.

Dave Humphreys is mentioned alongside another person as being present and wearing shorts at the event. The speaker jokes about the lack of online evidence and thanks him for not wearing long trousers.

The MG F (often written as MGF) is a classic-era British sports roadster known for being a lightweight, fun-to-drive two-seater. It’s the kind of car that comes up when people talk about MG’s past lineup and how the brand has evolved over time. In your podcast context, it’s referenced as part of a history of MG models before newer cars like the Cyberster were discussed.

VRT (Vehicle Registration Tax) is a tax applied when registering a vehicle in Ireland. The speaker argues that VRT being low (or not the issue) affects whether certain imported cars can be made available locally.

Homologation is the formal approval process that a car must pass so it’s legal to sell and register in a specific country. It typically involves proving the vehicle meets that market’s safety, emissions, and other regulatory requirements.

A tariff issue refers to extra import taxes charged on goods crossing borders. In car availability discussions, tariffs can make it financially hard for importers or manufacturers to bring vehicles into a market.

A kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery pack is the battery’s energy capacity, measured in kWh. Higher kWh generally means more stored energy, which can translate to more driving range depending on the vehicle’s efficiency.

MG Cyber is an MG concept car shown at Goodwood, positioned as a more performance-styled electric model. The host compares its vibe to a Ferrari-meets-Cobra mix, which is basically a way of saying it’s meant to look dramatic and sporty.

MG Go is another MG concept car at Goodwood, described as a smaller “super mini” type electric model. The host says it looks like a Mini, but it’s a bit bigger, implying it’s targeting the compact city-car segment.

In this context, “used” refers to buying EVs or other cars after their initial release, when they’re available on the secondhand market. The host argues that prices may not drop dramatically because these cars aren’t being produced in huge numbers.

This is a UK-style price reference in pounds sterling, used here to describe the cost of a used car listing. It’s not a technical automotive term, but it matters because the host is comparing EVs by real market pricing.

“Low mileage” means the car has been driven relatively few miles, which often correlates with less wear on components. In used EV shopping, it’s commonly used as a proxy for battery and drivetrain longevity, though it doesn’t guarantee battery health.

“Charging very fast” refers to how quickly an EV can add energy to its battery during a charging session. The host is saying early EV tech charged slowly, which is a practical limitation for road trips and daily convenience.

The “new RS5” is a performance variant of Audi’s mid-size sports coupe/fastback lineup, positioned here as an upcoming arrival “on our shores.” The host is treating it as a major new release, implying it’s a current-generation RS5 with fresh design and tech.

“Carbon fibre” (carbon fiber) is a lightweight composite material often used on performance cars to reduce weight and improve stiffness. The host mentions it being “puked…all over this car,” which sounds like an aftermarket wrap or styling application rather than factory carbon parts.

The Renault Twingo is a small city car designed for easy parking, tight streets, and everyday errands. It’s frequently mentioned in discussions about what’s practical to drive in urban environments, and your podcast context lists it alongside other cars the hosts are considering. Because it’s compact, it’s also a common choice when people want something simple and maneuverable.

The Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV built for everyday practicality, with a reputation for being easy to live with and versatile. It’s commonly discussed because it works well for commuting, family use, and road trips. In your podcast context, it’s mentioned as a car the host hasn’t driven yet, suggesting it’s part of a lineup they’re comparing.

A facelift is a mid-cycle update to a car’s design and features—often including revised styling, lighting, bumpers, and sometimes updated tech or powertrains. Here, the host says they raised concerns about a facelift coming.

Straw bales are used as trackside barriers at some events to help absorb impact and reduce the severity of crashes. The host notes that even with straw bales, you feel very close to the action.

MG is a British car brand (now owned by SAIC) known for producing a mix of modern EVs and traditional sports-inspired models. In this segment, MG is tied to its design leadership and to the Cyberster, which is presented as a standout modern MG car.

Carl Gotham is described as MG’s head of design in this segment. The host highlights his approach to design leadership—creating room for designers to do their best rather than taking all the credit.

“Head of design” is a leadership role responsible for steering a car brand’s visual and product design direction. In automotive companies, this role typically coordinates design teams, sets design priorities, and ensures the final vehicles match the brand’s identity.

The MG Cyberster is a newer MG sports car concept/production-intent model that’s being discussed as part of MG’s design direction and upcoming lineup. It’s significant because it represents a shift toward modern styling and likely electrified performance themes, which is why it’s brought up by someone involved with MG’s design. In your podcast context, the host references the Cyberster and the head of design, indicating it’s a key “new cars unveiled” topic.

3ds Max is a professional 3D modeling and rendering software commonly used in design workflows. In vehicle design contexts, it can help create and visualize shapes and surfaces before physical prototypes exist.

Aerodynamics is how air flows around a moving vehicle and how that airflow creates forces like drag and lift. In car design, better aerodynamics helps reduce energy losses, which is especially important for efficiency and range.

Conserving energy in modern cars means designing and operating the vehicle so it needs less power to travel the same distance. The discussion links this to efficiency improvements like aerodynamics, so the car can “go further with less.”