Jeep 4Xe is Dead, Zeekr Test Drive, The Real Power Grid Problem
About this episode
Jill and Tom dive into the latest automotive news, including the discontinuation of Jeep's 4Xe line and insights from Jill's recent test drive of Zeekr vehicles at CES. They discuss the implications of electric vehicle demand on the power grid with sustainability expert Robert Colangelo, who reveals that data centers are becoming a significant strain on electricity resources. The episode explores the challenges and misconceptions surrounding the grid's capacity to support EVs, while also touching on the evolving landscape of automotive technology and market trends.
Jill is back in the co-host seat this week for a topic-packed episode. Tom opens the show asking if $61,000 seems like a lot for a Hyundai—any Hyundai. The hosts discuss the Korean maker’s luxury/value equation, and note that Tom’s test car, a 2026 Palisade Calligraphy Hybrid is, without question, a luxury vehicle. Listen in for more of the conversation.
Tom goes on to share his frustration with Stellantis for killing all of Jeep’s “4Xe” plug-in hybrids, along with the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. Listen in for some crankiness.
Still in the first segment, Jill details her CES Chinese-car adventure. Jill was able to take short drives in a number of luxury electric Zeekr models (a division of Volvo’s parent company Geely) and came away very impressed. Her quick takes on these vehicles are worth a listen. Are these premium EVs coming to the U.S? here’s the scoop.
In the second segment, Jill and Tom are joined by friend of show and sustainability expert Robert Collangelo. Robert addresses the fallacy that EVs are a threat to the U.S. electric grid, and details the real power-consumption challenges that lay ahead for the country. It’s a great conversation you don’t want to miss.
In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Is it a Dodge?” quiz.
Hyundai Palisade
"I just drove the Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy hybrid. Yes. A lot of words. A lot of words. A lot of syllables. For a lot of the vehicle."
The Hyundai Palisade is a large SUV that can fit a lot of passengers and cargo. The Calligraphy Hybrid is a fancy version that uses both gas and electric power to save on fuel.
The Hyundai Palisade is a midsize SUV known for its spacious interior and family-friendly features. The Calligraphy trim is the top-of-the-line version, offering luxury features and a hybrid option for improved fuel efficiency.
hybrid
"The hybrid is very good."
A hybrid car uses both a regular gasoline engine and an electric motor to help save fuel and reduce pollution. It can switch between the two or use both at the same time.
A hybrid vehicle combines a conventional internal combustion engine with an electric propulsion system, aiming to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Hybrids can operate on either the engine, the electric motor, or both.
Hyundai Equus
"If people remember the Equus, it was a premium sedan."
The Hyundai Equus is a luxury car made by Hyundai. It was designed to be a high-end vehicle with lots of features, similar to more famous luxury brands.
The Hyundai Equus was a full-size luxury sedan produced by Hyundai, known for its premium features and comfort. It aimed to compete with established luxury brands but was less recognized in the market.
Hyundai Genesis
"Right. It's kind of where Genesis came from. Right."
The Hyundai Genesis is a fancy car made by Hyundai that started being sold in 2008. It's known for being comfortable and having a lot of cool features, which helped Hyundai make a name for itself in the luxury car world.
The Hyundai Genesis is a luxury sedan that was first introduced in 2008, marking Hyundai's entry into the premium automotive market. It has been praised for its high-quality interior, advanced technology, and strong performance, leading to the establishment of Hyundai's Genesis brand.
WYSIWYG price
"...that's kind of a WYSIWYG price. I think especially when you're at the calligraphy trim, there are no options."
WYSIWYG means that the price you see is the price you pay, with no surprises later. It's a way to show that everything is included in the price.
WYSIWYG stands for 'What You See Is What You Get,' meaning the price reflects the actual cost without hidden fees or additional options. This transparency can be appealing to buyers who want to avoid unexpected costs.
Cadillac XT6
"I do remember driving, this was two years ago, the Cadillac XT6. The discontinued Cadillac XT6, which is a two-row crossover, and it's a Cadillac."
The Cadillac XT6 is a luxury SUV that offers a lot of space and comfort. However, it is no longer being made.
The Cadillac XT6 is a midsize luxury crossover SUV that was introduced by Cadillac. It features a spacious interior and advanced technology, but it has been discontinued.
stair step incentives
"...they use this horrible thing called stair step incentives, which really forced you to give away cars at some point to make money. Like in between steps on the stair step, you can get yourself into trouble."
Stair step incentives are bonuses given to car dealers for selling a certain number of cars. They can make dealers feel pressured to sell cars cheaply, which might not be good for their profits.
Stair step incentives are a type of sales incentive used by manufacturers to encourage dealerships to sell more vehicles. They create a tiered structure where dealers receive bonuses for reaching certain sales targets, but can lead to pressure to sell cars at lower prices, sometimes even at a loss.
Mitsubishi Outlander
"It's actually a Mitsubishi Outlander. No, not the plug-in."
The Mitsubishi Outlander is a type of SUV that is popular for families because it has a lot of space and can be used for different purposes, like driving in the city or going on trips.
The Mitsubishi Outlander is a compact crossover SUV known for its practicality and spacious interior. It offers various powertrain options, including traditional gasoline engines and hybrid variants.
Stellantis
"My Hammy laments now extend to stuff further at Stellantis. And you probably saw this, but Stellantis has killed all of its Jeep 4xE products."
Stellantis is a big car company that makes many different brands of cars, like Jeep and Dodge. They are known for creating a variety of vehicles, from trucks to small cars.
Stellantis is a multinational automotive manufacturing corporation formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group. It owns several well-known brands, including Jeep, Dodge, and Peugeot.
4xE
"And 4xE was weird anyway because they were trying to sell it in certain states where they were trying to get tax credits."
4xE is a term used for a type of car that can run on electricity and gasoline. It helps save fuel and is better for the environment.
The 4xE designation refers to a plug-in hybrid system that combines an electric motor with a gasoline engine, allowing for both electric and hybrid driving modes. This system is designed to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
turbocharged four-cylinder engine
"But 4xE was a plug-in hybrid system used a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, 17 kilowatt-hour battery, and you had to plug it in."
A turbocharged four-cylinder engine is a type of engine that uses a turbo to make it more powerful while still being small. It helps the car go faster without using too much fuel.
A turbocharged four-cylinder engine uses a turbocharger to increase the engine's power output without significantly increasing its size. This allows for better performance and efficiency compared to naturally aspirated engines.
17 kilowatt-hour battery
"But 4xE was a plug-in hybrid system used a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, 17 kilowatt-hour battery, and you had to plug it in."
A 17 kilowatt-hour battery is like a big storage tank for electricity in the car. It helps the car run on electric power for a certain distance before needing to use gasoline.
A 17 kilowatt-hour battery is a measure of the battery's energy storage capacity, indicating how much energy it can store and provide for electric driving. This capacity affects the vehicle's all-electric range.
all-electric range
"And it was like, I want to say 20 miles of all-electric range. Depended on the car."
All-electric range is how far a car can drive using just electricity before it needs to use gasoline. It's important for knowing how much you can drive without filling up.
All-electric range refers to the distance a plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle can travel using only electric power before the gasoline engine kicks in. This range is important for understanding how far the vehicle can go without using fuel.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
"But it was in the Wrangler and the Grand Cherokee. Yeah."
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a larger SUV that offers both off-road and city driving capabilities. It's comfortable and has a lot of space for passengers and cargo.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a mid-size SUV that combines off-road capability with on-road comfort. It's known for its spacious interior and advanced technology features.
Jeep Wrangler
"Yeah. But it was in the Wrangler and the Grand Cherokee. Yeah."
Jeep Gladiator
"...Yeah. And it was going to be in the Renegade, or Gladiator, but that never happened. Right."
Jeep Renegade
"And it was going to be in the Renegade, or Gladiator, but that never happened. Right."
The Jeep Renegade is a smaller SUV that is good for both city driving and some off-road adventures. It's compact and easy to maneuver.
The Jeep Renegade is a subcompact SUV that offers a blend of off-road capability and urban practicality. It's designed for drivers who want a smaller vehicle with Jeep's rugged heritage.
Jeep Cherokee
"And I think it was going to be in the upcoming Cherokee, wasn't it? There was something about that."
The Jeep Cherokee is a mid-size SUV that can go off-road but is also comfortable for everyday driving. It has a lot of space and modern features.
The Jeep Cherokee is a mid-size SUV known for its off-road capability and comfortable ride. It features modern technology and a spacious interior, making it suitable for families and adventure seekers alike.
Jeep Grand Wagoneer
"And a plug-in hybrid more of an E-rev in the Grand Wagoneer. Right. Which would have been probably similar to what we're going to see in the RAM."
The Grand Wagoneer is a big, fancy SUV made by Jeep. It has lots of space inside and can handle rough roads while also offering some high-tech features.
The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is a luxury SUV that combines rugged off-road capability with upscale features and technology. It is known for its spacious interior and advanced hybrid options.
RAM
"Which would have been probably similar to what we're going to see in the RAM. Right. Also, different system unrelated, they're going to kill the hybrid Pacifica."
RAM is a brand that makes trucks. They are known for being strong and good for carrying heavy loads or towing things.
Ram is a brand known for its trucks and commercial vehicles, offering a range of models that emphasize performance, capability, and utility. The RAM trucks are popular for their towing capacity and rugged design.
Chrysler Pacifica
"Also, different system unrelated, they're going to kill the hybrid Pacifica. Right. Right. Yeah, they're essentially killing all of their plug-in hybrids, but not the extended range RAM."
The Pacifica is a family minivan made by Chrysler. It has a lot of room for passengers and cargo, and there's a version that can run on electricity as well as gas.
The Chrysler Pacifica is a minivan known for its spacious interior, family-friendly features, and available hybrid variant. It offers advanced safety features and technology for modern families.
Jeep Recon
"And then we'll see the Jeep Recon, I assume. Yeah. We'll still see that."
The Jeep Recon is a new electric SUV from Jeep, known for its off-road abilities. It's part of Jeep's effort to create electric vehicles while keeping their adventurous spirit.
The Jeep Recon is an electric SUV that emphasizes off-road capability, aligning with Jeep's rugged brand identity. It is designed to offer a blend of traditional Jeep features with modern electric vehicle technology.
Wagoneer S
"...built on the same platform as the Wagoneer S."
The Wagoneer S is a luxury SUV from Jeep that offers a lot of space and modern features. It's aimed at people looking for a comfortable and high-end vehicle.
The Wagoneer S is a luxury SUV from Jeep, designed to compete in the premium SUV market. It features a spacious interior and advanced technology, making it suitable for families and luxury buyers.
CAFE standards
"...what the impact would be of the scaled-back CAFE standards and their massive at Stalantis. Oh, yeah."
CAFE standards are rules that set how fuel-efficient cars need to be. They help make sure cars use less gas and are better for the environment.
CAFE stands for Corporate Average Fuel Economy, which are regulations aimed at improving the average fuel economy of cars and trucks sold in the United States. These standards are important for reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
V8 engine
"...bring back all the V8s. Yeah, bring back the V8s, kill the plug-in hybrids."
A V8 engine has eight cylinders arranged in a V shape, which helps it produce a lot of power. It's commonly used in powerful cars and trucks.
A V8 engine is an eight-cylinder engine configuration where the cylinders are arranged in a V shape. This design is known for providing high power and performance, often found in muscle cars and trucks.
Dodge Charger
"So I just, I had the Dodge Charger 6-Pak and I post a lot of stuff on TikTok and YouTube."
The Dodge Charger 6-Pak is a type of car that is known for being fast and powerful. It's part of the Dodge Charger lineup, which is famous for its muscle car style.
The Dodge Charger 6-Pak refers to a specific variant of the Dodge Charger, known for its performance and muscle car heritage. It typically features a powerful engine and sporty design, appealing to enthusiasts of American muscle cars.
Hemi
"...the comments come in that it's a crappy car because it doesn't have a Hemi."
Hemi is a type of engine that has a special shape which helps it run better and produce more power. It's often used in powerful cars like some Dodge models.
Hemi refers to a type of engine design characterized by hemispherical combustion chambers, which allows for more efficient airflow and combustion. Hemi engines are known for their power and performance, commonly found in various Dodge and Chrysler vehicles.
Pontiac GTO
"...So it's like 69 GTO, 400, 394. That's not a real X-Racial."
The Pontiac GTO is a well-known muscle car from the late 1960s, famous for its speed and powerful engines. The 1969 version is especially popular among collectors.
The Pontiac GTO is a classic American muscle car that was produced from 1964 to 1974. The 1969 model is particularly famous for its powerful engine options and performance capabilities, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
Mazda Cx70
"I'm just saying that I just drove here in a CX-70, Mazda CX-70 Turbo, faster than these cars. That's all I'm saying."
The Mazda CX-70 Turbo is a type of SUV that has a turbo engine, making it faster and more powerful than some other vehicles. It's designed for everyday use and can be a fun car to drive.
The Mazda CX-70 Turbo is a compact SUV that offers a balance of performance and practicality. It features a turbocharged engine, which provides a boost in power compared to naturally aspirated models.
Mazda Cx90
"...I really just like the hybrids in the Mazda CX-70 and CX-90. Okay, interesting."
The Mazda CX-90 is a hybrid SUV that combines a gasoline engine with electric power for better fuel efficiency and a comfortable ride.
The Mazda CX-90 is another hybrid SUV from Mazda, designed to offer luxury features and a smooth driving experience. It is part of Mazda's push towards more efficient vehicles.
Lincoln
"...I drove a couple of Lincoln Cows. And then I drove one of the branded Geely vehicles as well."
Lincoln is a brand of cars that makes luxury vehicles, which are more expensive and have more features than regular cars.
Lincoln is a luxury vehicle division of the American automaker Ford Motor Company, known for its premium sedans and SUVs.
Las Vegas Speedway
"...we were at Las Vegas Speedway. Yeah, they're not street legal."
Las Vegas Speedway is a famous racetrack in Las Vegas where cars can be driven at high speeds in a safe environment. It's often used for racing events and car testing.
Las Vegas Speedway is a motorsport complex located in Las Vegas, Nevada, known for hosting various racing events including NASCAR and other motorsport activities. It's a popular venue for automotive testing and racing due to its multiple track configurations.
Polestar 4
"Yes. Because that is our Polestar 4. Yes."
The Polestar 4 is a new electric SUV made by Polestar, which is a brand that focuses on making fast and eco-friendly cars. It's designed to be stylish and help the environment.
The Polestar 4 is an electric SUV that represents Polestar's commitment to performance and sustainability. As part of Volvo's performance brand, it combines cutting-edge technology with a focus on reducing environmental impact.
Volvo EX90
"...g electric cars there already. I think the Volvo EX90 is built in South Carolina. And I think the Volv..."
The Volvo EX90 is a new electric SUV made by Volvo, a company known for its focus on safety. It's designed to be environmentally friendly and has a lot of space inside, making it a good choice for families.
The Volvo EX90 is an all-electric SUV that represents Volvo's commitment to sustainability and innovation in the automotive industry. Built in South Carolina, it features advanced safety technology and a spacious interior, making it a significant addition to the growing electric vehicle market.
Volvo S60
"...s built in South Carolina. And I think the Volvo S60 sedan is built on there. So it's fairly flexible..."
The Volvo S60 is a smaller luxury car made by Volvo, known for being safe and stylish. It's made in South Carolina and is a good option for people looking for a nice car that feels premium.
The Volvo S60 is a compact executive sedan that combines performance, safety, and Scandinavian design. Built in South Carolina, it showcases Volvo's commitment to quality and innovation, making it a popular choice among luxury sedan buyers.
Mitsubishi Lancer
"... if that model name was ever used by dodge. Okay. Lancer. No. Yes. I'm thinking Mitsubishi Lancer. Well, ..."
The Mitsubishi Lancer is a small car that was popular for being fun to drive and had a sportier version called the Lancer Evolution. It was made for many years until 2017.
The Mitsubishi Lancer is a compact car that gained popularity for its sporty design and performance-oriented variants, particularly the Lancer Evolution. It was produced from the late 1970s until 2017, making it a notable model in Mitsubishi's lineup.
Dodge Aries
"...points. I gave you one. Your favorite phrase. The Aries. Was there a Dodge Aries? No. Yes."
The Dodge Aries was a small car made by Dodge in the 1980s. It was popular because it was cheap to buy and good on gas, which made it a practical choice for many drivers.
The Dodge Aries was a compact car produced in the 1980s, known for its affordability and practicality. It played a significant role in Dodge's lineup during a time when fuel efficiency and compact designs were becoming increasingly important.
Plymouth Fury
"...the Dodge Intrepid. Not one of these. All right. Fury. Yes. No. Damn it. You got to basically slide out..."
The Plymouth Fury was a big car made by Plymouth that was popular from the 1950s to the 1980s. It was known for looking cool and having strong engines, and it even showed up in movies!
The Plymouth Fury was a full-size car produced by Plymouth from the 1950s to the 1980s, known for its stylish design and powerful engine options. It became a cultural icon, often appearing in films and television, and is remembered for its role in the muscle car era.
Dodge Coronet
"...ury was a midsize car that was a corollary to the Dodge Coronet. Okay. All right. They used the Fury name a litt..."
The Dodge Coronet was a mid-sized car made by Dodge that was around from the 1940s to the 1970s. It could be used as a family car or a fast muscle car, which made it popular in different ways.
The Dodge Coronet was a mid-size car produced by Dodge from the 1940s to the 1970s, known for its performance and versatility. It served various roles over the years, from a family sedan to a muscle car, making it a significant model in Dodge's history.
Pontiac Coronet
"...s a midsize car that was a corollary to the Dodge Coronet. Okay. All right. They used the Fury name a litt..."
Oldsmobile Cutlass
"... Fury name a little bit like those who really use Cutlass. Okay. Which is to say carelessly and frequently..."
The Oldsmobile Cutlass was a popular car in America from the 1960s to the 1990s. It came in different shapes and sizes, which made it a favorite among many drivers.
The Oldsmobile Cutlass was a mid-size car that became one of the best-selling cars in America during its production from the 1960s to the 1990s. Known for its variety of body styles and engine options, it played a significant role in the American automotive landscape.
Dodge Omni
"...n. No. No. That was a Plymouth. The Dodge was the Omni. Same car. So sold like crazy. These were based ..."
The Dodge Omni was a small car made by Dodge in the 1980s that was easy to drive and affordable. It was one of the first cars from Dodge to have the front wheels drive it, which was a new idea back then.
The Dodge Omni was a compact hatchback produced in the 1980s, known for its practicality and affordability. It was one of the first front-wheel-drive cars from Dodge, contributing to the shift in automotive design during that era.
Volkswagen Rabbits
"...opular. They were basically shaped like the first rabbits. They were two box Econobox cars and very popula..."
The Volkswagen Rabbit is a small car that has been around since the 1970s and is known for being practical and fun to drive. It's also called the Golf in some places, and many people like it for its good gas mileage.
The Volkswagen Rabbit, known as the Golf in many markets, is a compact car that has been popular since its introduction in the mid-1970s. Renowned for its practicality, efficiency, and fun driving experience, it remains a staple in Volkswagen's lineup.
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