Sony and Honda
Sony and Honda are teaming up to work on an electric vehicle idea. The episode is pointing out that their partnership is changing, which can affect whether and how the car ever reaches production.
2023 CES
CES is a big tech event where companies show off new gadgets and prototypes. The hosts mention CES 2023 to remind listeners when this EV idea was first revealed.
EVs
EVs are cars that run on electricity from a battery. If a company says they’re not making EVs right now, it usually means they’re stopping that plan for now, not necessarily forever.
joint venture
A joint venture is a partnership where two companies work together on one project. They split the work and the risk, but if the partnership stops making sense, they can walk away and redeploy people elsewhere.
Nikkei
Nikkei is a business news outlet. The host is saying Nikkei reported that the company plans to pivot toward AI and audio instead of EVs.
AI assistant
An AI assistant is like an in-car voice helper. You talk to it to control things like music, calls, or navigation, and it can learn what you want over time.
audio system
The audio system is the car’s sound setup—speakers and the electronics that control them. In newer cars, it’s often connected to the same tech that runs voice commands and apps.
Sound Hound
SoundHound is a voice-recognition/AI company. The host is saying it might have been easier and cheaper to work with a company like this rather than trying to develop the tech internally.
ICE car
ICE just means a regular gas or diesel car. They’re comparing those to electric cars to see how the prices stack up.
apples to apples comparison
They’re saying the comparison isn’t perfectly fair. Even though the averages are close, the kinds of cars included in each group might not be the same.
EV price parity
Price parity means electric cars are getting close in price to gas cars. The hosts are saying it’s improving, but it’s not a complete win yet.
government decarbonization targets
These are government rules meant to cut pollution from cars. The hosts are saying automakers may lower EV prices to meet those requirements.
penalties
Penalties are money automakers have to pay if they don’t hit emissions goals. The idea is that discounts can be a cheaper way to comply than paying fines.
grant
A grant is money the government gives to help you buy something—in this case, an electric car. It lowers the sticker price you effectively pay.
EV price eligibility threshold of 37,000 British pounds
To get the discount, the electric car has to be priced below a certain limit—37,000 pounds here. That rule means only some EVs qualify, which can lower the typical prices people end up paying.
37,000 pound threshold
That “£37,000 threshold” is a policy line in the sand. If a car costs less than that, it may qualify for better pricing or incentives, so both buyers and car makers pay attention to it.
fines were minimal
If the penalties for not following the rules are small, companies may not feel much urgency to comply. That can affect how aggressively they push EVs and how low prices go.
EV incentives
EV incentives are money the government gives (or tax breaks it offers) to help people buy electric cars. When more people can afford EVs, it can push automakers to adjust pricing.
Ford
Ford is a major U.S. automaker whose CEO, Jim Farley, is cited here warning about competitive pressure from Chinese EV brands. The discussion frames Ford’s stance as part of a broader industry debate over market access and national security concerns.
spy machines on wheels
The phrase means the worry that EVs could collect information using cameras and other sensors. If that data can be accessed or shared, it could potentially reveal sensitive locations or people.
cyber or privacy risks
Electric and connected cars can send information back to companies. The worry is that your data might be collected, shared, or protected poorly, so your privacy (and sometimes your money) could be affected.
telematics data sharing with insurers
Telematics is basically “vehicle data” collected by the car and sent out. If that data goes to insurance companies, it can affect how much you pay, so it matters whether you’re told and can control it.
GM
The hosts mention GM because they say GM sent driving data to insurance companies. If you didn’t clearly agree or understand it, that can make insurance more expensive and raise privacy concerns.
manufacturing processes borrowed from Chinese automakers
This refers to using production techniques and supply-chain efficiencies that Chinese automakers have developed to reduce cost. In EVs especially, manufacturing scale, battery supply, and simplified architectures can strongly influence whether a vehicle can be priced aggressively.
fear mongering / disingenuous argument about low-price competition
The hosts are critiquing an argument that Chinese automakers are uniquely harmful or unfair, while pointing out that U.S. brands don’t currently offer cars at comparable low prices. This is essentially a discussion about competitive positioning and market coverage—how pricing gaps can be framed as “threats” rather than as a product strategy issue.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a very common, everyday car. People like it because it’s practical and usually dependable, so it’s a good example of an affordable gas car.
Toyota Celica
The Toyota Celica is an older Toyota model that was more sporty than a typical commuter car. In this discussion, it’s being used as an example of a cheaper gas Toyota rather than an EV.
peace of mind (warranty)
“Peace of mind” here means you’re less worried about unexpected repair costs because the car is covered by a warranty. They’re saying it’s better to buy something you can afford with coverage than to stretch your budget.
Kia K4
The Kia K4 is an affordable Kia model. The hosts are using it to show that there are plenty of cheap gas cars, but EVs are still harder to find at those prices.
Nissan Sentra
The Nissan Sentra is a budget-friendly sedan. It’s being mentioned as one of the cheaper cars you can buy for around the low-$20k range, which is still mostly gas-powered.
Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra is a common, affordable compact car. The hosts are using it as an example of the low end of car prices in the US.
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is a very popular, affordable car model. In this conversation, it’s mentioned to show the low-cost baseline for cars in the US.
Volkswagen Jetta
The Volkswagen Jetta is a mainstream compact sedan. The hosts are listing it alongside other budget-friendly cars to set context for pricing.
privacy issues
Privacy issues mean your car may collect information about you and where you go. The concern is that this data could be exposed or used in ways you didn’t expect.
cybersecurity risks
Connected cars can communicate over the internet, which means they can be targeted by hackers. If that happens, personal data could be stolen or misused.
data misuse
Data misuse means someone uses your personal information in the wrong way. That could happen after a hack, a breach, or even through poor handling of data.
Slate Auto
Slate Auto is making an affordable electric truck and the big selling point is that it’s meant to be easy to change and customize. They’re building parts that are simpler to swap, and even offer things like wraps so owners can personalize it.
modular, replaceable components
They’re describing a design where the truck is built from parts you can swap out more easily. That can make repairs and upgrades simpler and cheaper, and it can also make customizing the truck easier.
wrap the truck
A wrap is like a big vinyl skin you put on the outside of the truck. It can change the look without repainting, and they’re saying Slate makes it easier to do yourself.
raised $650 million
They say Slate got $650 million in funding. That kind of money can help a new company build more trucks and support the parts/accessories they’re promising.
reservations
“Reservations” are customer deposits or sign-ups that indicate demand before a vehicle is fully produced. For EV startups, reservation counts are often used to gauge market interest, forecast production volume, and attract investors.
Amazon Marketplace
They mention Amazon’s Marketplace as a place where people could buy truck accessories and parts. The point is whether Amazon’s online selling platform could help Slate sell add-ons for its pickup.
razor company / razor-and-blades model
They’re using the “razor-and-blades” idea: sell the main item for less money, then make money later by selling the things people need repeatedly. For a truck, that could mean accessories or replacement parts that customers buy over and over.
warranty service
A warranty is like a guarantee from the maker. If something covered breaks while the warranty is still active, the repair cost is reduced or paid for—usually through the dealer.
dealership
A dealership is the official store for the brand, and it’s often where you go for repairs and warranty work. The speaker is saying most service happens through that network.
start around $25,000
They’re quoting an estimated starting price. What you actually pay can be higher once you add options and fees.
modify it over time
The idea is you start with a basic version of the vehicle, then add what you need later. Instead of buying a whole new car, you upgrade or change it as your life changes.
make it an SUV instead of a two-seater truck
They’re describing a vehicle that can be changed after you buy it. For example, you could add parts so it works more like an SUV instead of staying a two-seat truck.
relationship between the consumer and the auto manufacturer
They’re saying the car company shouldn’t just sell you the car and disappear. The idea is that support and upgrades should keep going after you buy it.
aftermarket
The aftermarket is the market for car parts and upgrades you buy after you’ve already purchased the vehicle. The hosts are talking about automakers potentially finding new ways to sell extra parts later on.
solid state battery
A solid-state battery is an EV battery that uses a solid material inside instead of a liquid. The goal is usually better safety and more energy in the same space, but it’s hard to make it work consistently.
Donut Labs
Donut Labs is a company working on a new type of EV battery. They’ve been promising big improvements, but the hosts say there’s still doubt about whether it really delivers yet.
Nordic Nano
Nordic Nano is the company they say helps actually make the battery. In EV projects, that usually means they’re involved in building the battery at scale, not just designing it.
Helsingin Sanomat
Helsingin Sanomat is the Finnish newspaper that reported on this. They claim there’s documentation showing the battery being shown is older than the newest version.
older generation battery
The segment contrasts an “older generation battery” with a “newest generation battery,” implying that the public demo may not reflect the latest chemistry or design. In EVs, battery generations can differ in cell chemistry, pack architecture, manufacturing process, and performance/validation results.
new generation battery
They say the project is moving away from the older battery and toward a newer version. That typically means the company is trying to improve the battery—like making it better or cheaper to build.
new generation batteries
“New generation batteries” is shorthand for next-gen battery chemistries and/or pack designs that aim to improve range, charging speed, cost, or safety. In EV discussions, it often becomes a credibility issue when marketing claims don’t match what’s actually delivered in production vehicles.
newer generation battery
A “newer generation battery” means a battery design that’s supposed to be better than the previous one. It could charge faster, last longer, or store more energy, and EV companies use these upgrades to promise better real-world driving.
battery technology
“Battery technology” here refers to the underlying design and manufacturing approach for batteries, including what materials and processes are used. The hosts discuss claims about battery properties and production, implying performance and safety characteristics are part of the debate.
battery properties
“Battery properties” are the battery’s measurable traits—how much energy it holds and how it behaves over time. The segment says they’re running tests to confirm those traits with outside help.
third-party battery testing
Third-party testing means someone outside the company runs the battery tests. It’s often used to make the results more trustworthy, and the speaker is wondering who did the testing and what stage it’s in.
independently verified
It means someone else should run the tests to confirm the results. If the same company controls everything, the numbers might be biased, so independent testing helps you trust the claims.
benchmark
A benchmark is a set of rules for what “good performance” means. If different testers use different rules, the results can change a lot.
third party test
A third-party test is done by an independent group. It’s supposed to make the results more trustworthy, but people may still wonder if the test setup is fair and whether the results are being timed strategically.
independent tests
“Independent tests” are checks done by someone not trying to sell you the product. For EV batteries, that matters because it helps confirm whether the battery really performs as promised.
one gigawatt
A “gigawatt” measures how much power something can produce or use at a time. For batteries, companies sometimes talk about the wrong unit, so you want to know whether they mean power or how much energy the batteries store.
gigawatt hour
A “gigawatt-hour” measures energy—how much “stuff” the batteries can store or how much battery energy capacity gets produced. It’s different from “gigawatts,” which measure power at a moment in time.
battery rollout
“Battery rollout” is how a company brings a new battery to market. It’s not only building the batteries—it’s also sharing the test results and updates so people know what to expect.
tests will stand on their own
They’re saying the test results should be convincing by themselves. But in EVs, the way you test—like temperature and how full the battery is—can change the results a lot. Knowing that helps you judge the data fairly.
Verbal Network
Verbal Network is one of the companies mentioned in a list. The hosts are saying multiple businesses were put at risk together, but they don’t explain details here.
Verge Motorcycles
Verge Motorcycles is an electric motorcycle company. The hosts are talking about how its business decisions and connections to other companies could have affected outcomes.
fraud
“Fraud” is a serious allegation in the transcript, tied to how information was managed during a rollout. In the EV world, this kind of discussion often centers on whether claims to customers, investors, or regulators were misleading or not supported by reality.
hubris
“Hubris” means arrogance or overconfidence. The hosts are saying the people involved may have acted like things would go well without properly planning for problems.
Progressive
Progressive is an insurance company. They’re talking about a way to get insurance quotes that fit your situation instead of using one generic price for everyone.
name your price tool
This is a feature where you pick the monthly insurance cost you want to pay. Then the company shows you options that could fit that budget.
full self-driving trials
Tesla is letting some drivers try its advanced driving software for free. Whether you can try it depends on local rules and which Tesla version you have.
hardware 3
“Hardware 3” is the version of the computer inside the Tesla that runs the driving software. Some features only work (or are offered) if your car has the right computer.
FSD
FSD is Tesla’s software that tries to help the car drive more on its own. It’s not the same as “fully autonomous,” and who gets it can vary by country.
subscriptions
The hosts note that Tesla’s FSD offering has shifted from a one-time purchase price to subscription-based access. This matters for budgeting because the cost becomes recurring and can change over time.
Tesla Model 3
This is about a Tesla Model 3 owner. They paid for FSD, but after years they still didn’t get the full self-driving features because of Tesla’s rollout and computer/hardware limits.
hardware three
Hardware 3 is the computer in the car that runs the self-driving features. If Tesla later requires a newer computer, cars with Hardware 3 may not get the newest FSD functions.
software feature gating by hardware generation
This segment describes “feature gating,” where access to advanced software (like FSD) depends on the car’s onboard hardware generation. Even if a customer pays for a package, the newest capabilities may require newer compute and may not be delivered to older hardware.
AI four
AI four is Tesla’s newer computer in the car. The episode is saying that FSD features may only work with (or be released to) cars that have this newer computer.
$6,800
$6,800 is the money number being discussed in the context of what owners paid for FSD. The speaker uses it to show how long people waited and how frustrated they became.
HW3
HW3 refers to Tesla’s “Hardware 3” compute platform used to run advanced driver-assistance and autonomy features. The segment contrasts HW3 owners’ expectations versus reality, implying that Tesla’s software rollout and/or regulatory approvals lagged behind what HW3 owners were told.
collective claim / bundling owners for a lawsuit
Instead of one person suing alone, the idea is to group many owners together into one shared legal case. That can make it cheaper and more effective when lots of people have the same complaint.
subscription-based service
Instead of paying once, you pay every month (or every year) to keep the feature. That can be convenient, but it also means you might lose access if you stop paying.
one-time purchase
Instead of paying monthly, you pay once to unlock the feature. The hosts point out that some countries still offer this option, while others push subscriptions.
video tutorials and quiz before activation
Requiring tutorials and a quiz before enabling advanced driver-assistance features is a form of user onboarding and safety gating. The hosts argue it should be available broadly and be short enough to be practical while still teaching drivers how to use the system correctly.
continuing education
They’re suggesting drivers should get occasional refresher training, not just a one-time lesson. The goal is to help people use the self-driving features correctly over time.
software updates
New EV features often arrive by updating the car’s software, not by changing hardware. Sometimes the car may ask you to go through a short tutorial so you understand what the new features do.
interactive map
An interactive map is a navigation screen you can tap and use, not just a static display. In this case, it’s shown on a screen for the backseat so passengers can follow along.
RoboTaxi
RoboTaxi is an autonomous ride service—think of it like a self-driving taxi. The host is saying it’s starting in some cities now, so people can actually request rides.
Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y is an electric SUV. The host is talking about a Model Y that had “RoboTaxi” written on it, which suggests it was connected to the autonomy/ride-hailing idea—even if it might not have been an official RoboTaxi vehicle.
AI4
“AI4” sounds like a particular level of Tesla’s self-driving/AI features. In this segment, the host says it affects what self-driving app features you get and what kind of usage information you can see.
Hey Grock
“Hey Grock” is presented as an always-available assistant feature (accessed by voice/interaction) that comes with the car. The host discusses privacy concerns—specifically whether the company keeps user data—even if it claims not to, which is a key consideration for connected-vehicle assistants.
ambient light
Some cars have lights inside the cabin that can change color. Here, the lights are used to warn you when there’s a car in your blind spot so you don’t accidentally change lanes into it.
blind spot warning
A blind spot warning system helps you notice cars you can’t see in your mirrors. It alerts you—often with lights or beeps—so you’re safer when changing lanes.
Century Mode
Century Mode is a built-in dash-cam recording feature. It keeps a rolling record of what’s happening, so if something happens you can review saved footage.
weather maps
Some cars show weather on the navigation screen, like where it’s raining or snowing. That can help you plan your route and be ready for slippery roads.
swipe gesture
A swipe gesture means you control the screen by swiping your finger. It’s convenient, but it’s also something you shouldn’t do while you’re driving if it distracts you.
Pet Mode
Pet Mode is a setting that helps keep a pet comfortable when the car is stopped. It’s meant to manage things like cabin temperature so it’s safer for animals.
premium audio
Premium audio means the car has a nicer sound system than the basic one. The host is saying the software can adjust the sound to make it better.
Model X
The Tesla Model X is Tesla’s all-electric SUV. The hosts are saying Tesla is selling the last remaining Model X vehicles with extra perks bundled in.
Model S
The Tesla Model S is an all-electric Tesla sedan. Here, the hosts are talking about Tesla selling off the remaining cars as a limited “special edition” with extra benefits included.
Special Edition
A “Special Edition” is a limited version of a car that comes with extra extras. Here, it’s being used to describe a higher-priced Tesla with included benefits.
premium service
“Premium service” is an included service plan that covers certain upkeep for a few years. In this segment, they mention things like windshield and tire-related coverage.
premium connectivity
Premium connectivity is the car’s built-in internet/data service. It powers features like live navigation and streaming, and here they’re saying it’s included for the lifetime of the car.
owner-tied vs car-tied software/services
Some car benefits are linked to you (your account), not just the car itself. The hosts are pointing out that if you sell the vehicle, the new owner might not get the same “lifetime” features.
free supercharging
Supercharging is Tesla’s fast-charging service. “Free supercharging” means you get charging for little or no cost, but the deal can have rules about who gets it after you sell the car.
resale restrictions tied to incentives/perks
Some car deals include benefits that only the original owner gets. If you sell early, you might lose those benefits and even face penalties, so the “good deal” may not be good if you plan to trade the car soon.
Tesla will find you $50,000
They’re saying there’s a huge penalty if you sell or transfer the car too soon. The point is that the “special deal” comes with strict rules.
right of first refusal
Right of first refusal means Tesla gets the first chance to buy the car back. If you want to sell early, you can’t just list it—Tesla has to be contacted first.
car loan
A car loan is the money you borrowed to buy the car. Even if you sell the car, you usually still have to pay off the remaining loan balance first.
sell it for let's say $3,000 more than what you owe
It’s basically the situation where you still owe more money on the loan than the car is worth. If the company buys it back for too low, you have to pay the difference out of pocket.
strip away the perks
They’re talking about taking away extra benefits someone might get for buying or owning the car. The idea is that if you abuse the system, you could lose those benefits.
ride a first refusal
This is a rule where Tesla gets the first chance to buy your car back before you sell it to another person. They also reduce the payout/price based on how many miles you drove and how much wear or damage they think the car has.
25 cents per mile driven
They’re saying Tesla subtracts money based on how many miles you’ve driven. More miles means a bigger deduction from the car’s price.
wear and tear
“Wear and tear” refers to normal usage-related condition changes (like tires, interior scuffs, or brake wear) that may reduce a vehicle’s resale value. The hosts note Tesla also deducts for wear and tear plus additional “damage,” which they describe as potentially subjective.
banning or barring people from buying a new Tesla
This is a policy concept about restricting eligibility for purchasing new EVs based on who is buying and how ownership is transferred. The host suggests that rules could target “name transfers” (e.g., buying from a cousin) by tracking who the vehicle is registered to, which is meant to prevent incentive or access gaming.
