Kia EV2 Interview with Sjoerd Knipping, COO Kia Europe, Suzuki e Vitara Irish Launch, Bolt and Nvidia join forces for Robotaxis, Audi A2 etron confirmed, Skoda ENYAQ Coupe RS Driven, Polestar wins award for Live Lane in Google Maps, ZapMap Live Price Data
About this episode
Bolt and Nvidia team up to build a RoboTaxi AI/autonomous platform for Europe, using Bolt’s massive real-world fleet data and GDPR-friendly privacy approaches. Kia’s COO Sjoerd Knipping discusses the new Kia EV2, positioning it as an affordable electrified SUV with two battery options (over 300 km and 450+ km), strong tech, and V2L/one-pedal features. The show also covers Audi A2 e-tron confirmation, Skoda Enyaq Coupe RS impressions, Polestar 4’s Google Maps Live Lane award, ZapMap live charger pricing, and a hands-on look at the Suzuki e Vitara (EV) launch and its AWD “Allgrip E” off-road capability.
Welcome back to the Nevo EV News Podcast. If it's Tuesday it must be Nevo EV News Day. My name is Derek Reilly and on this podcast we chat all about EV. Nevo is Ireland's only dedicated EV platform and we'll be covering where we were this week, what we've been driving and what we've been doing between podcasts. If you haven't already subscribed or followed us wherever you are listening please do so and if you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and comment, it really helps us out and it doesn't cost you anything. Let's get stuck in.
Kia EV2 Interview with Sjoerd Knipping, COO Kia Europe,
https://www.kiapressoffice.com/releases/1776
Suzuki e Vitara Irish Launch,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bP-8GMpVOSE
Bolt and Nvidia join forces for Robotaxis,
https://bolt.eu/en/blog/nvidia-bolt-announcement/
Audi A2 etron confirmed,
https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/audi/a2/359805/its-official-new-audi-a2-e-tron-way-brands-entry-level-model
Skoda ENYAQ Coupe RS Driven,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBtX_cETbzY&t=2s
Polestar wins award for Live Lane in Google Maps
https://media.polestar.com/global/en/media/pressreleases/695563/polestar-receives-autobest-smartbest-2026-award-for-google-maps-live-lane-guidance-integration-in-po
ZapMap Live Price Data
https://www.zapmap.com/news/live-prices-map
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bolt
"On this week's episode, we're going to be talking about Bolt and NVIDIA and joining forces for their RoboTaxi."
Bolt is a company that helps people book rides. Here, they’re teaming up with tech to support self-driving taxi services.
Bolt is a mobility and ride-hailing company that partners with other tech and automotive players to run services. In this episode, Bolt is mentioned alongside NVIDIA for RoboTaxi collaboration.
NVIDIA
"We're going to be talking about Bolt and NVIDIA and joining forces for their RoboTaxi."
NVIDIA makes computer chips and AI systems. For robotaxis, those chips help the car “see” and make driving decisions.
NVIDIA is a major semiconductor and AI computing company. For robotaxis, its hardware and software are often used to power perception and driving AI.
RoboTaxi
"Bolt and NVIDIA and joining forces for their RoboTaxi. I have an interview with Sjoerd Kipping with Kia Europe in relation to EV2..."
A RoboTaxi is a self-driving taxi. Instead of a human driver, the car uses computers to drive itself.
A RoboTaxi is an autonomous ride-hailing vehicle operating with little or no human driving input. The key idea is using AI, sensors, and mapping to run a taxi service at scale.
Audi A2
"...ving impressions. We've got confirmation that the Audi A2 e-tron is going to be coming. Last week, I was d..."
The Audi A2 is a small car model name, and the podcast is talking about an electric version called the A2 e-tron. That means it would be powered by a battery instead of a gasoline engine. The key point is that it’s expected to be coming soon.
The Audi A2 is a compact model name that’s being referenced here in an EV context, specifically the upcoming Audi A2 e-tron. It’s significant because it suggests Audi is considering an electric version of a smaller, city-focused concept. The podcast mentions it as a confirmed upcoming EV, likely to generate interest in what Audi could bring to the compact EV segment.
Audi Etron
"in relation to EV2, which is going to be on the channel very soon once the embargo lifts with the driving impressions. We've got confirmation that the Audi A2 e-tron is going to be coming. Last week, I was driving the Skoda Anyak Coupe coast-to-coast, chatting about that."
The Audi e-tron is an electric car line from Audi. Instead of using gasoline, it runs on a battery. The podcast brings it up while talking about EV news and upcoming models.
The Audi e-tron is Audi’s electric vehicle line, and the podcast mentions it in the context of upcoming EV2-related discussion and broader EV plans. It’s significant because it represents Audi’s earlier steps into the EV market with a focus on premium comfort and real-world usability. The mention is likely tied to how Audi’s EV strategy is evolving.
Polestar 4
"Polestar and Polestar 4 specifically and the Google Maps Live lane change is after winning an award."
Polestar 4 is an electric Polestar model. The episode connects it to navigation guidance that can help with lane changes.
Polestar 4 is Polestar’s electric fastback SUV/crossover. In this episode, it’s tied to a Google Maps feature (“Live lane change”) that the host says won an award.
Zap map
"The Zap map in the UK are now within their app are showing prices of the chargers that are across all the UK network..."
Zap-Map is an app that helps you find EV charging stations. Here, the host says it’s also showing live prices in the UK.
Zap-Map is a UK charging network information service that shows charger locations and pricing. The host notes that Zap-Map’s UK data is now available inside its app, including prices across networks.
live price data
"...showing prices of the chargers that are across all the UK network, so hopefully we'll see something like that soon in Ireland."
Live price data means EV charging costs are updated in real time (or near real time) rather than shown as static estimates. This helps drivers compare stations and plan charging based on current rates.
Bank of Ireland
"...Kildare, Nevo driving experience in partnership with Bank of Ireland on April 26th..."
Bank of Ireland is mentioned as a partner for the Kildare Nevo driving experience. This indicates the event has institutional sponsorship, which can affect logistics and accessibility.
Kildare, Nevo driving experience
"...the date for the Kildare, Nevo driving experience in partnership with Bank of Ireland on April 26th..."
This is Nevo’s EV test-drive event in Kildare. It’s the kind of thing you can attend to try electric cars yourself.
This is a specific branded EV test-drive event in Kildare organized by Nevo. It’s relevant to listeners because it signals where and when they can try EVs in person.
Toyota Tacoma
"Soften your focus and visualize yourself off-roading in a Tacoma. Now engage your senses..."
The Toyota Tacoma is a pickup truck. The ad is imagining you driving one for an off-road or family trip.
Toyota Tacoma is a popular midsize pickup truck in North America. The ad uses it as a contrast to EV content, but it’s still a recognizable model for listeners.
Toyota Grand Highlander
"...you're driving the kids to a farm sanctuary in a Grand Highlander. Breathe in, breathe out..."
The Toyota Grand Highlander is a bigger Toyota SUV meant for families. The ad is using it as the vehicle for a day trip with kids.
Toyota Grand Highlander is a larger three-row SUV variant positioned for families. The ad uses it to describe driving the kids to a farm sanctuary, emphasizing space and practicality.
real world driving data
"Every day it's ride hailing, car sharing, micro-mobility, and delivery operations generate real world driving data across some of the most complex urban environments in the world."
Real world driving data is information collected from actual trips on real roads. Self-driving companies use it to improve how the AI performs in everyday traffic.
Real world driving data is the operational data collected from vehicles during everyday service. The segment argues that Bolt’s ride-hailing, car sharing, and delivery operations generate useful training/validation data for autonomous systems across varied European cities.
fleet data
"So, learning from reality, Bolt's strategy uses the extensive fleet data to build a learning engine grounded in real world driving..."
Fleet data is the real-world information gathered from lots of cars driving around. Autonomy teams use it to learn what happens on real streets, not just in simulations.
Fleet data is the information collected from many vehicles operating in the real world—like sensor readings, driving events, and system performance. Autonomy companies use it to improve models and decision-making, because it reflects real roads and edge cases.
GDPR
"...privacy preserving mechanisms to ensure strict compliance with GDPR and EU cyber safety, cybersecurity standards."
GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) is the EU’s strict privacy law governing how personal data is collected, stored, and processed. The segment mentions GDPR compliance to emphasize that fleet processing must protect user privacy.
Kia EV2
"important introduction. And as you mentioned, EV2 for us is now the, I would say, affordable entry point into electrified mobility to be more specific into electrified SUV."
Kia EV2 is Kia’s newer electric SUV meant to be a more affordable way to get into EVs. They’re saying it still feels roomy and tech-rich, not like a stripped-down budget EV.
Kia EV2 is being positioned as an affordable entry point into Kia’s electrified lineup, specifically an electrified SUV. In this segment, the speaker emphasizes that it aims to deliver “upper-segment” space and technology while staying accessible on price.
long wheelbase
"thanks to the EGMP platform, flat floor, long wheelbase. It offers roominess that you see in upper segments."
Long wheelbase means more space between the front and back wheels. That often translates into more legroom for passengers and a smoother ride.
“Long wheelbase” means the distance between the front and rear axles is relatively large. A longer wheelbase typically improves rear-seat legroom and can also help ride comfort by stabilizing the vehicle over bumps.
flat floor
"Even though you could say EV2 is an urban SUV, considering its exterior dimensions of only 4.06 meters, thanks to the EGMP platform, flat floor, long wheelbase. It offers roominess that you see in upper segments."
A flat floor means the cabin floor is flatter than in many gas cars. That usually makes the car feel more spacious, especially for passengers in the back.
A “flat floor” is a packaging advantage common to many EVs because there’s no traditional transmission tunnel like in most internal-combustion cars. It improves cabin space and can make the rear seating area feel roomier and more comfortable.
ICE vehicles
"we try to get people that are driving ICE vehicles, be it ice or hybrid or even plug in hybrid into the next phase, which is the full EV"
ICE vehicles are normal gas or diesel cars. They’re talking about people who currently drive those and want to switch to a fully electric car.
ICE stands for internal combustion engine—cars powered by gasoline or diesel. The segment uses it to describe drivers who currently rely on ICE, hybrids, or plug-in hybrids and are being encouraged to move to full EVs.
sliding rear bench
"if somebody wants to prioritize the sliding rear bench at the four seater, they can have extra luggage capacity"
A sliding rear seat lets you move the back seat forward or backward. That way you can trade off space for passengers versus extra cargo.
A sliding rear bench is a rear seat that can move fore/aft to adjust cabin space. In this segment, the speaker says it can increase luggage capacity depending on how the family uses the car.
dedicated EV platform
"...because we're talking EV2 today. But considering the fact that you have this dedicated EV platform, you'll see that actually EV2... is giving the roominess of a segment above."
A dedicated EV platform means the car is designed specifically for electric power from the start. That can help create more room inside and make the battery fit better.
A dedicated EV platform is an architecture designed from the ground up for electric powertrains, rather than adapting an existing gasoline/diesel car layout. This often improves packaging efficiency, interior space, and the ability to integrate battery and electronics.
Mini Aceman
"[1202.2s] Among its rivals will be the likes of the Mini-Aceman, the Volvo EX30, and the Mercedes EQA."
The Mini Aceman is a small crossover that’s in the same general “compact” buyer space. It’s mentioned as one of the cars the Audi A2 e-tron will be competing against.
The Mini Aceman is a small crossover that competes in the compact EV space depending on the powertrain configuration. Mentioning it as a rival helps listeners understand the A2 e-tron’s target market and size class.
Volvo EX30
"[1202.2s] Among its rivals will be the likes of the Mini-Aceman, the Volvo EX30, and the Mercedes EQA."
The Volvo EX30 is Volvo’s smaller electric SUV. It’s mentioned because it’s one of the cars buyers might consider instead of the Audi A2 e-tron.
The Volvo EX30 is a compact electric SUV positioned as an affordable entry point within Volvo’s EV lineup. Including it as a rival indicates the Audi A2 e-tron is aiming at the same “small, value-focused EV” customer.
Mercedes EQA
"[1202.2s] Among its rivals will be the likes of the Mini-Aceman, the Volvo EX30, and the Mercedes EQA."
The Mercedes EQA is a small electric Mercedes SUV/crossover. It’s listed as a competitor to show who the Audi A2 e-tron will be going up against.
The Mercedes-Benz EQA is a compact electric crossover that competes in the same premium small-EV segment. Its inclusion as a rival helps frame the Audi A2 e-tron’s likely pricing and customer expectations.
Audi A2 e-tron
"The A2 e-tron is likely to start around about that 30,000 euro mark... Audi has lowered the entry point to its e-tron range..."
The Audi A2 e-tron is a planned entry-level electric Audi positioned to start around the €30,000 mark. The discussion highlights Audi’s strategy to lower the entry point into the e-tron lineup and target everyday practicality.
Skoda Enyaq Coupe RS
"So Skoda Enyakupe last week was my drive, beautiful gray in the RS trim... I was very impressed with it."
The Skoda Enyaq Coupe RS is a sportier, higher-performance electric Skoda. The host is reviewing it and talking about how it performs and how much it costs.
The Skoda Enyaq Coupe RS is a performance-oriented electric SUV/crossover variant in the Enyaq Coupe lineup. The host emphasizes it as the most expensive electric Skoda they can get, and discusses real-world efficiency and pricing during their drive.
66,000 euros
"...price of the car that I was driving, 66,000 euros, all wheel drive."
The host is giving the price of the car they drove. It helps you gauge how expensive the Enyaq Coupe RS is compared to other EVs.
Stated pricing helps listeners understand where a specific EV sits in the market and how it compares to other trims/variants. Here, the host ties the €66,000 figure to the Enyaq Coupe RS they drove and its AWD setup.
all wheel drive
"...price of the car that I was driving, 66,000 euros, all wheel drive."
All-wheel drive means the car can send power to all four wheels. That can help it grip better, especially on slippery roads.
All-wheel drive (AWD) sends power to both the front and rear axles, improving traction and stability—especially in low-grip conditions. For EVs, AWD can also affect efficiency depending on how often both motors are used.
Live Lane Guidance
"...awarded Paul Star's Smart Best 2026 for its integration of Google Maps Live Lane Guidance directly to the driver display..."
Live Lane Guidance is a navigation feature that tells you which lane to be in right before a turn or exit. It updates in real time so you don’t have to guess based on the map alone.
Live Lane Guidance is an in-car navigation feature that helps you choose the correct lane as you approach an upcoming maneuver. Instead of generic turn-by-turn directions, it uses real-time road context to prompt lane changes when needed.
Infotainment system
"Infotainment wouldn't be great. Infotainment system dash layout is a small bit dated, a bit of glass black going on, large gaps between buttons and vents..."
The infotainment system is the car’s screen and controls for things like music and navigation. The host is saying the layout feels a bit old-fashioned and not very ergonomic.
An infotainment system is the car’s main interface for media, navigation, and vehicle settings. The host critiques the layout as dated, with large gaps between buttons and vents, implying usability and modern design concerns.
trail mode
"There's a trail mode that engages the rear electric motor and I've got footage of that up on the channel."
Trail mode is a driving setting for rough ground. It helps the car grip better by changing how power is delivered.
Trail mode is a driving setting designed for rougher terrain. In this segment, it’s described as engaging the rear electric motor to improve traction when crossing ruts and handling inclines/declines.
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