Jan. 12, 2026 | Stellantis scraps all plug-in hybrids; Mobileye's $900M robot bet
About this episode
Stellantis has announced the discontinuation of its entire plug-in hybrid lineup for the 2026 model year, shifting focus to conventional hybrids and range-extended EVs. This decision reflects changing consumer demand, as plug-in hybrids captured only 1.8% of the market last year. Additionally, Mobileye's CEO discussed a $900 million acquisition of Menti Robotics, aiming to commercialize humanoid robots by 2028, addressing labor shortages in various industries. The episode features insights on the evolving automotive landscape and the intersection of AI with robotics.
Stellantis is pulling the plug on its entire lineup of plug-in hybrids for 2026, including the top-selling Jeep Wrangler 4xe. BMW and Qualcomm announce third-party customers for their jointly developed driver-assistance system. Plus, Mobileye CEO Amnon Shashua discusses the company’s $900 million acquisition of humanoid robotics startup Mentee Robotics and plans for commercial deployment by 2028.
Stellantis
"Today on the show, Stellantis is pulling the plug on its entire lineup of plug-in hybrids for the 2026 model year."
Stellantis is a big car company that makes many different brands of cars. They were created when two companies merged together.
Stellantis is a multinational automotive manufacturing corporation formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group. It oversees a variety of well-known automotive brands including Jeep, Dodge, and Peugeot.
BMW
"BMW and Qualcomm say their jointly developed driver assistance system now has third-party customers lined up."
BMW is a famous car brand from Germany that makes luxury cars. They are known for making cars that are fun to drive.
BMW, or Bayerische Motoren Werke, is a German automotive brand known for its luxury vehicles and performance-oriented cars. The brand is recognized for its engineering excellence and sporty driving dynamics.
plug-in hybrid
"Plus, Stellantis is pulling the plug on its entire lineup of plug-in hybrids for the 2026 model year."
A plug-in hybrid is a car that can use both electricity and gas to run. You can charge it like an electric car, but it also has a regular engine.
A plug-in hybrid is a type of vehicle that combines a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric motor and a rechargeable battery, allowing for both electric-only driving and gasoline use.
Jeep Wrangler 4xE
"That means the Jeep Wrangler 4xE, the top-selling plug-in hybrid in the U.S., will be gone, along with the Grand Cherokee 4xE, Pacifica plug-in, and Alfa Romeo Tonale plug-in variant."
The Jeep Wrangler 4xE is a special version of the Wrangler that uses both gas and electric power to drive. It's designed for off-roading while being more environmentally friendly.
The Jeep Wrangler 4xE is a plug-in hybrid variant of the iconic Wrangler, combining traditional off-road capabilities with electric power for improved efficiency and reduced emissions.
Grand Cherokee 4xE
"That means the Jeep Wrangler 4xE, the top-selling plug-in hybrid in the U.S., will be gone, along with the Grand Cherokee 4xE, Pacifica plug-in, and Alfa Romeo Tonale plug-in variant."
The Grand Cherokee 4xE is a version of the Grand Cherokee SUV that uses both gas and electric power, making it more efficient and better for the environment.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE is a plug-in hybrid version of the Grand Cherokee, offering a blend of luxury, off-road capability, and electric efficiency.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
"...hybrid in the U.S., will be gone, along with the Grand Cherokee 4xE, Pacifica plug-in, and Alfa Romeo Tonale plug..."
Chrysler Pacifica
"...will be gone, along with the Grand Cherokee 4xE, Pacifica plug-in, and Alfa Romeo Tonale plug-in variant. ..."
Alfa Romeo Tonale
"...nd Cherokee 4xE, Pacifica plug-in, and Alfa Romeo Tonale plug-in variant. The move is a major shift for t..."
The Alfa Romeo Tonale is a small SUV that you can drive using both gasoline and electricity, which helps save fuel and reduce pollution. It's important because it's one of the first cars from Alfa Romeo that uses this new technology, showing they are keeping up with modern trends.
The Alfa Romeo Tonale is a compact SUV that represents the brand's entry into the electrified vehicle market with its plug-in hybrid variant. It combines Italian styling and performance with modern technology, making it significant as Alfa Romeo's first step towards electrification and appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.
Ram 1500
"...s, starting with the Jeep Grand Wagoneer and Ram 1500 this year. BMW and Qualcomm say their jointly de..."
Jeep Grand Wagoneer
"starting with the Jeep Grand Wagoneer and Ram 1500 this year."
The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is a large, luxurious SUV that can handle rough terrain while offering a comfortable ride and high-end features.
The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is a luxury SUV that combines off-road capability with premium features, making it a popular choice for those seeking both adventure and comfort.
ADAS
"The partners created the RidePilot ADAS system together, with Qualcomm handling the chip hardware and perception software while BMW built the drive policy layer that decides how the vehicle responds."
ADAS means Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, which help drivers by providing features like automatic braking and lane-keeping assistance to make driving safer and easier.
ADAS stands for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, which are technologies designed to enhance vehicle safety and facilitate driving tasks, such as lane keeping and adaptive cruise control.
BMW iX3
"The system debuts in BMW's new iX3 electric SUV."
The BMW iX3 is an electric SUV that combines the practicality of an SUV with the benefits of electric driving, like lower emissions and reduced fuel costs.
The BMW iX3 is an all-electric version of the popular X3 SUV, offering a blend of practicality and sustainability with BMW's signature performance and luxury features.
conventional hybrids
"If you look industry-wide, conventional hybrids with no plugs, have been pretty popular in recent years. Toyota sells bunches of them."
Conventional hybrids are cars that use both a gas engine and an electric motor. They don't need to be plugged in; instead, they charge their batteries while you drive.
Conventional hybrids are vehicles that combine a gasoline engine with an electric motor, but they do not need to be plugged in to recharge. They use regenerative braking and the gasoline engine to charge the battery while driving.
PHEV
"Them doing this really is a big shift in the PHEV market."
PHEV means Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle. These cars can be charged by plugging them in and can drive on electricity for a while before using gas.
PHEV stands for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle, which is a type of hybrid that can be charged by plugging it into an electrical outlet. PHEVs can run on electric power alone for a certain distance before switching to gasoline.
Jeep Wrangler
"The Wrangler was dominating the plug-in hybrids since it debuted in 2021. And then over the next couple of years, the Grand Cherokee hybrid was introduced."
The Jeep Wrangler is a tough, off-road vehicle that can also run on electricity. It became very popular when it started being sold as a hybrid in 2021.
The Jeep Wrangler is a popular off-road vehicle known for its rugged design and capability. Since its debut in 2021, it has been a leader in the plug-in hybrid segment.
range-extended EVs
"Now, Stellantis is pivoting to conventional hybrids and range-extended EVs instead. What does this tell us about where the company thinks the market is heading?"
Range-extended EVs are electric cars that can also use a small gas engine to help them drive further when the battery runs out.
Range-extended electric vehicles (EVs) are primarily electric cars that have a small gasoline engine to generate electricity, extending their driving range when the battery is low.
torque
"the big thing about them was that the torque was a lot higher than the gas models. And so that was a good, you know, benefit for all the off-road customers who wanted to, you know, try to climb some rocks or something."
Torque is how strong an engine is when it turns. More torque helps a car speed up faster and carry heavier things, which is important for driving on rough surfaces.
Torque is a measure of rotational force that an engine produces. In vehicles, higher torque means better acceleration and the ability to move heavier loads, which is particularly beneficial for off-road driving.
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