KGM Musso EV, Irish Launches of Kia EV2, DS No.4 and No.8 and Nissan Micra. Nevo EV Survey and Nevo Driving Experience in Kildare

The Ssangyong Musso is a pickup truck model from Ssangyong, and the podcast specifically references the Musso EV. It’s significant here because the episode is focused on early electric pickup arrivals, and the Musso EV represents one of those new entries. Pickup EVs are often discussed for how they balance practicality, battery packaging, and real-world usability.

Bank of Ireland is mentioned as a partner for the Nevo driving experience in Kildare. Sponsorship/partnerships like this can affect event access, logistics, and how the public engages with EV test drives.

The KGM Musso EV is an electric version of KGM’s Musso, offered in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. In this segment, the hosts describe it as usable as either a passenger car or a commercial vehicle, with different tax/grant pathways. They also cover its platform layout and key EV specs like motor output, range, and battery warranty.

An “N1” category is a vehicle classification used in Europe for light commercial vehicles. In practice, it can affect how the vehicle is taxed and what incentives you can claim. The hosts connect this to the ability to use SEI grants or claim VAT back.

The KGM Taras EVX is referenced as sharing the same platform as the Musso EV. Platform sharing usually means similar underpinnings—like suspension architecture and packaging—which can help predict how the Musso EV will drive and what components it may use. The segment uses it mainly to explain the Musso EV’s front/rear suspension layout.

McPherson struts are a common front suspension design that combines a shock absorber and a structural strut into one unit. They’re typically compact and cost-effective, which helps packaging and manufacturing. The segment notes the Musso EV uses McPherson struts up front.

A multi-link rear suspension uses several control arms to manage wheel movement and alignment under load. Compared with simpler setups, it can improve ride comfort and handling consistency. The hosts contrast it with leaf springs, emphasizing the Musso EV doesn’t use leaf springs in the rear.

Leaf springs are a traditional suspension method often found on heavy-duty trucks and commercial vehicles. They can handle load well but may feel harsher and be less refined than modern multi-link setups. The segment explicitly says the Musso EV does not use leaf springs in the rear, implying it’s not built like a super-heavy-duty work truck.

The segment quotes a 152.2 kW electric motor for the front-wheel-drive version. Motor power is a key driver of acceleration feel and how strongly the vehicle can pull under load. The hosts tie this motor rating to the stated range figure.

A battery warranty sets expectations for how long the manufacturer will cover battery performance or failures. The hosts highlight a long coverage period—10 years or 1 million kilometers—which is a major ownership consideration for EV buyers. It can reduce risk if the battery degrades faster than expected.

The BYD blade battery is BYD’s lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery design, known for a flat “blade-like” cell structure. In the segment, it’s positioned as the battery used under the KGM Musso EV. The hosts also mention KGM is starting to use BYD batteries across its newer models.

360-degree cameras stitch multiple views around the vehicle to help drivers see obstacles during low-speed maneuvers like parking. This feature is especially helpful on larger vehicles and in tight spaces. The hosts list it as part of the Musso EV’s equipment.

A self-loading leveling system automatically adjusts the vehicle’s suspension to keep ride height consistent when the truck is loaded. That helps maintain headlight aim and a stable, level stance instead of sagging in the rear.

The load bed is the cargo area of a pickup where you haul items. Its length and shape matter for real-world use—especially if you need to fit large sheets or bulky loads.

“Second row seating” refers to how much usable space and comfort the rear passengers get. In pickups and lifestyle trucks, prioritizing rear legroom often reduces cargo bed length or volume.

An onboard charger is the vehicle’s built-in system that converts AC electricity from home or public AC chargers into DC power for the battery. The charger’s kilowatt rating determines how fast you can charge on AC.

WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) is a standardized lab test used to estimate EV range and fuel/energy consumption. Real-world range can be lower depending on speed, temperature, and whether you’re towing.

The Ford Taurus is a nameplate that’s traditionally been used for a large, family-focused sedan. In this podcast context, the “Taurus EVX” is mentioned as an electric pickup-related reference, suggesting the conversation is about a Taurus-branded EV concept or variant rather than the classic gasoline sedan. It’s brought up because the episode is covering EV launches and new electric vehicle options.

The KGM Taurus EVX is referenced as a related KGM EV that the host previously reviewed, described as having a big boot and a strong warranty. It’s used here as a comparison point for cargo space and overall value.

The Škoda Enyaq Coupe iV is an electric SUV-coupe style vehicle from Škoda, designed to combine EV practicality with a more sloped, sporty body shape. In the podcast, it’s specifically discussed for its “massive boot,” with the speaker noting it as among the largest for an electric vehicle at the time of review. That makes it relevant for buyers who want EV space without giving up everyday cargo usability.

Ground clearance is the distance between the road surface and the lowest part of the vehicle. Higher clearance generally helps with rough roads and off-road obstacles, but it can also affect aerodynamics and handling.

The Mercedes-Benz EQS is the brand’s flagship electric luxury sedan. In this segment, the hosts discuss the updated 2027 version and focus on improvements like range, charging speed, efficiency, and updated interior tech.

An 800-volt electrical architecture is a higher-voltage design used in EVs to reduce current for the same power. That typically enables faster DC charging and improved efficiency, especially when paired with high-power chargers.

DC charging is direct-current fast charging, typically used with public fast chargers. It can deliver much higher power than standard AC charging, which is why it’s closely tied to “how fast can I charge?” for EV buyers.

Vehicle-to-home (V2H) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) are use cases for bi-directional charging. V2H can power household loads during outages or peak pricing, while V2G can let the EV participate in grid services where regulations and hardware allow.

Bi-directional charging lets an EV send power back out through the charging connection. The hosts mention vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-grid, meaning the car can potentially power a home or interact with the grid when supported by equipment and tariffs.

A two-speed transmission in an EV uses two gear ratios to keep the motor operating closer to its most efficient range. On the rear axle, it can improve both acceleration and efficiency by matching motor speed to driving conditions more effectively than a single-speed setup.

Regen (regenerative) braking converts some of the car’s kinetic energy back into electrical energy to recharge the battery. Increasing regen can improve real-world efficiency by recovering more energy during deceleration.

An air suspension uses air springs instead of traditional steel springs, allowing the car to adjust ride height and damping characteristics. The segment also notes cloud-based inputs to tailor ride quality to road conditions, which is part of an adaptive comfort strategy.

LED headlamps use light-emitting diodes for illumination, often enabling better efficiency and more flexible lighting designs than older bulb types. The segment specifically mentions updated LED headlamps as part of the EQS facelift.

MBUX hyperscreen is Mercedes’ large, integrated digital display setup inside the EQS. It’s designed to centralize controls and information, and it’s often a key part of the car’s “tech-forward” interior identity.

Over-the-air (OTA) updates allow the car’s software to be updated remotely without visiting a dealer. For EVs, OTA can improve features, fix bugs, and sometimes update charging or efficiency-related behavior.

This refers to a cabin setup using two large 13.1-inch displays, typically for infotainment and driver information. Large screen layouts are common in modern EVs because they consolidate controls and can support richer navigation, media, and charging/energy views.

Heated seat belts are a comfort feature that warms the belt webbing to reduce cold discomfort in winter. It’s an uncommon luxury EV/vehicle feature because it requires heating elements and power management integrated into the restraint system.

“Peak luxury electric vehicle” is a positioning concept meaning the top-tier EV in terms of comfort, technology, and overall refinement. Listeners should interpret this as a bundle of features—often including premium materials, advanced infotainment, and efficient powertrains—rather than a specific technical term.

This is a discussion segment about the Kia EV2’s launch in Ireland, including pricing and timing. Launch coverage typically matters because it affects availability, trim/feature expectations, and how the EV2 will compete locally.

The Kia EV2 is the small, more affordable electric model Kia is bringing to Ireland in multiple trim levels and battery configurations. In this segment, the hosts break down the available trims (Air, Earth, GT line, and GT plus) and the corresponding battery sizes and range expectations.

Battery size in an EV is typically discussed in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and strongly influences driving range. This segment compares a smaller ~42 kWh pack versus a larger 61 kWh pack, and notes that some trims are limited to the larger battery.

“Trim options” are different versions of the same model that vary by equipment and sometimes powertrain/battery availability. In this case, the trims also determine which battery sizes and range figures you can get in Ireland.

“Range” is the estimated distance an EV can travel on a full charge, and it varies by battery size and trim. The segment compares range figures across trims (including a drop for GT line/GT plus) to help listeners understand what they’re trading off for features.

An AI smart assistant with OpenAI integration indicates the EV uses cloud/AI services to support voice or conversational functions. This can affect in-car usability for navigation, information, and potentially natural-language control of vehicle functions.

“Boot” is the EV’s trunk cargo area, and the hosts quote both the normal volume and the expanded volume when the rear seats are folded. This is important for comparing practicality between EVs and between seating configurations.

The hosts note that Ireland will only offer the EV2 as a five-seater, even though a four-seat configuration may exist elsewhere. Seating layout affects packaging and can change cargo space and pricing.

Vertical daytime running lights (DRLs) are a distinctive lighting signature used to identify the car’s design language during daylight. The hosts connect this styling to the EV2’s front and rear design consistency.

Vehicle-to-load (V2L) lets an EV power external devices using its battery, typically through an outlet or adapter. It’s a practical feature for camping, tools, or powering household items when you’re away from the grid.

The segment discusses charging performance in relation to battery size and whether the car is “standard” or “long range.” The key idea is that larger batteries and different configurations can change how quickly you can add energy during fast charging.

“Vehicle to grade” is mentioned alongside vehicle-to-load, suggesting additional bidirectional power functionality (the exact meaning can vary by manufacturer/market). It generally points to the EV being able to provide power beyond just charging itself.

“Magma red” is a specific exterior paint color mentioned for the Kia EV2. Color availability matters for buyers because some shades are limited, have different pricing, or are more common in certain markets.

“Frost blue” is described as the “halo color,” implying it’s a standout or most-promoted paint option. The hosts also list other available colors, which helps listeners visualize the lineup.

“Long range” refers to a higher-capacity battery configuration that’s designed to increase driving distance between charges. The tradeoff is usually cost and sometimes weight, but it’s a key differentiator for buyers comparing EV trims.

DS Automobiles is the French premium brand within Stellantis, known for design-led vehicles and a growing EV lineup. In this segment, DS is launching the No.4 and No.8 in Ireland, with both hybrid and electric options discussed.

Torque is the rotational force the motor produces, and it strongly influences how quickly an EV feels like it accelerates, especially from low speeds. The segment cites 343 Newton-meters for the DS No.4 electric setup.

STLA is Stellantis’ modular EV platform family used to underpin multiple electric (and sometimes hybrid) models. Using the same platform helps manufacturers standardize components and engineering, which can improve efficiency and reduce development costs across models.

“20 to 80 percent” is a common EV charging metric that measures how long it takes to charge from a low state of charge to a mid-high level. It’s used because charging speed typically slows as the battery fills up, so 20–80 gives a more consistent comparison between cars.

The hosts discuss how DS No.4 will be offered as both hybrid and fully electric, and they call out the price gap between the two. This matters because hybrid trims can reduce charging dependency, while full electric trims maximize EV-only driving and typically simplify ownership for those with home charging.

Flush door handles are integrated into the bodywork to reduce aerodynamic drag. On EVs especially, small efficiency details like this can help improve real-world range.

One-pedal driving is an EV driving mode where lifting off the accelerator slows the car significantly, often allowing you to come to a stop with minimal brake use. It’s designed to make city driving smoother and can help with energy recovery.

A 360 camera system uses multiple cameras around the vehicle to create a top-down or stitched view. It helps with low-speed maneuvering, parking, and detecting obstacles around the car.

A head-up display (HUD) projects key information—like speed, navigation cues, or warnings—onto the windshield so you don’t have to look down at the instrument cluster. It improves glance efficiency while driving.

Alcantara is a soft, suede-like synthetic material often used for premium interiors. It’s valued for its tactile feel and upscale look, especially in performance-leaning or luxury trims.

“Electro chrome” here refers to electrochromic glass, which can change tint electronically. On cars, it’s often used for windows or mirrors to manage glare and heat without manual adjustment.

The speaker is referring to DS Automobiles’ “DS No.8,” a model in DS’s lineup. DS is a French brand within the Stellantis group, and the No.8 is positioned as a more premium, design-forward electric vehicle compared with mainstream EVs.

Bright Motor Group is mentioned as the dealer group associated with the DS showroom location in Dublin. Dealer groups matter because they influence how you experience the brand—test drives, local inventory, and aftersales support.

An International Press Drive is a media event where journalists get early access to drive new cars. It’s relevant because the host is comparing their prior driving experience (Copenhagen) with the Irish road drive.

The 5 E-Tech Electric is an electric car that shares its underlying platform with the Renault 5, while using its own styling and design cues. The podcast mentions it in the context of how it’s built and how it looks, which is important because platform sharing can affect packaging, ride, and technology. It’s discussed as part of the broader EV news cycle around new small electric models.

The host mentions the Renault 5 because the Nissan Micra shares its platform with it. Renault 5 is an important reference point for understanding the underlying EV architecture and how manufacturers differentiate models even when they share major components.

Platform sharing means the Micra and Renault 5 use the same underlying vehicle architecture (major structural and engineering components). This can lower costs and speed up development, while manufacturers differentiate the cars through styling, tuning, and equipment.

The speaker lists a 40 kWh battery option for the Nissan Micra, associated with a WLTP range of about 320. Battery capacity is a key driver of range and cost, and different trims may pair with different battery sizes.

The speaker also mentions a 52 kWh battery option, paired with a WLTP range of around 420. This is the larger battery choice, typically offering more usable distance between charges.

The host notes the Micra offers 14 different colour options, including two-tone combinations. Color variety is often tied to trim and personalization packages, and it can affect how the car looks in person compared with marketing photos.

Two-tone paint refers to combining different colours for the body and roof, here specifically a black roof option. This is a popular EV customization choice because it can make the car’s proportions look sportier or more distinctive.

This is a fast-charging claim describing how long it takes to charge from 15% to 80% state of charge. EV charging is usually quickest in the middle range and slows as the battery fills up, so 15–80% is a common benchmark for real-world usability.

“Driving assistance” refers to driver-aid technologies that help with tasks like maintaining lane position, adaptive cruise control, collision warnings, and automatic emergency braking. These systems can reduce workload and improve safety, but they don’t replace attentive driving.

The Nevo EV Survey is a listener-focused questionnaire the hosts say was launched after the podcast went out. It’s positioned as open to both EV drivers and non-EV drivers to gather broader opinions about electric vehicles.

The Nevo Driving Experience is an event where attendees can learn about and test electric vehicles. The hosts mention it’s in partnership with Pack Viral Down at the current race course in Kildare, with multiple brands present for displays and test drives.

Polestar is an EV-focused brand known for performance-oriented electric cars. The hosts list it among the brands attending the Nevo Driving Experience, implying attendees can see and potentially test Polestar vehicles.

Tesla is a major EV manufacturer and one of the most recognizable names in electric vehicles. Its presence at the event suggests attendees can compare Tesla models directly with other EV brands.

The Citroën EC3 Aircross is an electric compact SUV from Citroën. In an event context like the Nevo Driving Experience, it’s typically discussed in terms of real-world driving feel, charging behavior, and everyday usability rather than just spec-sheet numbers.

“ID3” refers to the Volkswagen ID.3 electric hatchback, and “Nevo” appears to be the event/media branding around the car. The hosts are setting up an interview to discuss the ID.3 in more depth, likely covering how it drives and what it’s like to live with.