{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - January 17, 2026 - Hour 1 - A Look Back At EV's. Mark Mills Replay","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/ron-ananian-the-car-doctor-january-17-2026-hour-1-a-look-back-at-ev-s-mark-mills-replay","audioUrl":"https://podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pscrb.fm/rss/p/traffic.omny.fm/d/clips/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/23b3ebcc-d509-4d04-8003-ae32006cd9bb/97ff3cef-e350-4ab9-a90e-b3d50010da06/audio.mp3?utm_source=Podcast&in_playlist=6079d671-6a0e-4c7c-bb47-ae32006cd9c9","description":"A Look Back at the EV Promise—and the Reality From Thanksgiving 2022, Ron revisits a candid conversation with Mark Mills of the Manhattan Institute, examining the electric-vehicle market at a pivotal moment. What unfolds is a revealing discussion about both the promise that fueled the EV push and the practical challenges that have since reshaped the conversation—costs, infrastructure, resources, and consumer expectations. With the benefit of hindsight, this look back highlights where the optimism was justified, where reality intervened, and why the EV story is far more complicated than the headlines ever suggested.  Grab your Car Doctor gear – T-shirts & more at CarDoctorShow.com  Follow the wrench – Instagram @ronananian for shop life & behind-the-scenes   Watch & learn – Auto repair tips & videos on our YouTube Channel   Got a car question? Call the Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 – (855) 560-9900   Join the conversation LIVE – Saturdays 2–4 PM Eastern    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information."},"annotations":[{"startTime":12.54,"endTime":14.9,"type":"car","title":"Porsche Cayman","url":"/cars/porsche/cayman","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/53/2015_Porsche_Cayman_GTS_S-A_3.4_Front.jpg","quote":"I read about this guy who bought a 2020 Porsche Cayman that was well loved.","canonicalId":"car:porsche:cayman","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Porsche Cayman is a mid-engine sports car that offers a balance of performance and handling. The 2020 model features a sleek design and powerful engine options, making it a popular choice among driving enthusiasts.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Porsche Cayman is a sports car known for its great handling and performance. The 2020 version is one of the latest models and is loved by many car fans for its design and speed.","imageAttribution":"Vauxford (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":29.1,"endTime":31.8,"type":"company","title":"eBay","url":"/glossary/ebay","quote":"From Toyota's to Aston Martin's, eBay has thousands of cars and the largest online selection of vehicle parts and accessories.","canonicalId":"company:ebay","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"eBay is an online marketplace where users can buy and sell a wide variety of items, including cars and automotive parts. It has become a popular platform for car enthusiasts looking for rare parts or vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"eBay is a website where you can buy and sell almost anything, including cars and car parts. Many people use it to find specific items they can't find in stores."}},{"startTime":31.8,"endTime":33.4,"type":"term","title":"vehicle parts and accessories","url":"/glossary/vehicle-parts-and-accessories","quote":"eBay has thousands of cars and the largest online selection of vehicle parts and accessories.","canonicalId":"term:vehicle-parts-and-accessories","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Vehicle parts and accessories refer to the various components and add-ons that can be used to repair, enhance, or customize a car. This includes everything from engines and brakes to floor mats and seat covers.","simplifiedExplanation":"Vehicle parts and accessories are the different pieces that make up a car or things you can add to it, like new tires or custom seat covers. They help keep the car running well or make it look nicer."}},{"startTime":202.9,"endTime":206.9,"type":"part","title":"Loctite","url":"/glossary/loctite","quote":"What I would think about doing is, and not to do Loctite, I wouldn't use Loctite in this case.","canonicalId":"part:loctite","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Loctite is a brand of adhesives and sealants, commonly used in automotive applications to secure bolts and prevent loosening due to vibration. It's particularly known for its thread-locking compounds.","simplifiedExplanation":"Loctite is a type of glue that helps keep screws and bolts from coming loose. It's often used in cars to make sure parts stay secure."}},{"startTime":209.5,"endTime":212.2,"type":"part","title":"liquid Teflon","url":"/glossary/liquid-teflon","quote":"But how about a dab of liquid Teflon? White liquid Teflon.","canonicalId":"part:liquid-teflon","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Liquid Teflon is a type of sealant that can be used to create a barrier against leaks and is often used in plumbing and automotive applications. It provides a slippery surface that helps prevent sticking and wear.","simplifiedExplanation":"Liquid Teflon is a kind of sealant that helps prevent leaks in pipes and other parts. It makes surfaces slippery so they don't stick together."}},{"startTime":514.9,"endTime":521.3,"type":"company","title":"GM","url":"/glossary/gm","quote":"the company which is the largest automaker in North America outlined the plan to achieve this goal to investors at a Splash event in Manhattan. GM said it will sell one million EVs annually starting in 2025.","canonicalId":"company:gm","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"GM, or General Motors, is the largest automaker in North America and has plans to increase its electric vehicle (EV) production significantly. They aim to sell one million EVs annually starting in 2025.","simplifiedExplanation":"GM stands for General Motors, a big car company in the U.S. They are planning to make and sell a lot of electric cars in the coming years."}},{"startTime":521.3,"endTime":527.9,"type":"term","title":"EVs","url":"/glossary/ev","quote":"GM said it will sell one million EVs annually starting in 2025. Well, they might, they might even have a hard time manufacturing a million a million a year, but never mind selling them.","canonicalId":"term:ev","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"EVs, or electric vehicles, are cars powered entirely by electricity rather than gasoline or diesel. The shift towards EVs is a significant trend in the automotive industry as manufacturers aim to reduce emissions and reliance on fossil fuels.","simplifiedExplanation":"EVs are electric vehicles, which means they run on electricity instead of gas. Many car companies are starting to make more electric cars to help the environment."}},{"startTime":610.12,"endTime":617.4,"type":"concept","title":"subsidies","url":"/glossary/subsidies","quote":"And now, you know, silly me, I thought that politicians gave us subsidies to reduce the cost of the car. We're going to buy it more expensive.","canonicalId":"concept:subsidies","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Subsidies are financial support provided by the government to help reduce the cost of goods or services. In the automotive context, they are often used to promote the development and purchase of electric vehicles by lowering their prices for consumers.","simplifiedExplanation":"Subsidies are like financial help from the government to make things cheaper for people. For cars, this means the government might give money to help lower the price of electric vehicles so more people can afford them."}},{"startTime":618.3,"endTime":623.1,"type":"company","title":"General Motors","url":"/glossary/general-motors","quote":"But no, apparently, General Motors is telling us, thank you very much. We'll take that money. It'll make it possible for us and their words to raise the price of the car because we're losing money.","canonicalId":"company:general-motors","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"General Motors (GM) is an American multinational corporation that designs, manufactures, markets, and distributes vehicles and vehicle parts. It is one of the largest automakers in the world and has been a significant player in the automotive industry for over a century.","simplifiedExplanation":"General Motors is a major car company in the United States that makes many well-known car brands, including Chevrolet and Cadillac. They have been around for a long time and are one of the biggest car manufacturers globally."}},{"startTime":644.6,"endTime":655.6,"type":"concept","title":"electric vehicle","url":"/glossary/ev","quote":"Where is it written that we have to underwrite the creation or the marketing of the electric vehicle as the American public or, you know, the world?","canonicalId":"concept:ev","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"An electric vehicle (EV) is a type of vehicle that is powered entirely or partially by electricity, using electric motors instead of traditional internal combustion engines. They are often promoted for their lower environmental impact compared to gasoline or diesel vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"An electric vehicle is a car that runs on electricity instead of gasoline. They are considered better for the environment because they produce less pollution than regular cars."}},{"startTime":717.5,"endTime":720.0,"type":"term","title":"CO2 emissions","url":"/glossary/co2-emissions","quote":"If the CO2 question is not to use an indelicate word, the question of whether it does dramatically reduce CO2 emissions is sort of a fraudulent claim.","canonicalId":"term:co2-emissions","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, which is a significant contributor to climate change. The discussion here highlights concerns about the overall environmental impact of electric vehicles compared to traditional combustion engines, particularly in terms of emissions produced during battery manufacturing.","simplifiedExplanation":"CO2 emissions are gases released into the air that can harm the environment. This part of the discussion talks about how making electric car batteries can create a lot of these gases even before the car is used."}},{"startTime":736.5,"endTime":741.3,"type":"term","title":"electric car battery","url":"/glossary/electric-car-battery","quote":"Battery, remind your listeners who, you know, forgotten this from our year ago discussion. The electric car battery weighs about 1,000 pounds.","canonicalId":"term:electric-car-battery","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"An electric car battery stores energy for electric vehicles, enabling them to run without a traditional internal combustion engine. These batteries are typically large and heavy, often weighing around 1,000 pounds, and are made from various metals and materials that require significant energy and resources to produce.","simplifiedExplanation":"An electric car battery is what powers electric cars. It's heavy and needs a lot of materials to make, which can have an environmental impact before the car is even used."}},{"startTime":771.8,"endTime":774.0,"type":"company","title":"Volkswagen","url":"/glossary/volkswagen","quote":"So much so that, and Volkswagen has put their own study on this, that their website, God bless them for being honest, so much so that in the calculation Volkswagen did for Europe...","canonicalId":"company:volkswagen","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Volkswagen is a major German automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including electric cars. The mention of their study indicates their efforts to assess the environmental impact of their electric vehicles compared to traditional diesel models.","simplifiedExplanation":"Volkswagen is a well-known car company that makes many types of vehicles, including electric ones. They conducted a study about how their electric cars compare to diesel cars in terms of emissions."}},{"startTime":789.1,"endTime":792.0,"type":"term","title":"diesel SUV","url":"/glossary/diesel-suv","quote":"...you're admitting more CO2 than if you just drove the diesel SUV that it kind of replaced.","canonicalId":"term:diesel-suv","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A diesel SUV is a sport utility vehicle powered by a diesel engine, known for its fuel efficiency and torque. The discussion contrasts the emissions of electric vehicles with those of diesel SUVs, suggesting that in some cases, the electric vehicle may produce more CO2 emissions during its lifecycle.","simplifiedExplanation":"A diesel SUV is a type of vehicle that runs on diesel fuel, which can be more efficient than regular gasoline. This part of the conversation compares how much pollution electric cars make versus diesel SUVs."}},{"startTime":859.0,"endTime":865.3,"type":"term","title":"rebuild","url":"/glossary/rebuild","quote":"So after this guy gets a great deal on his dream car, he rebuilds the whole thing with all these parts he found on eBay.","canonicalId":"term:rebuild","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Rebuilding a car typically involves restoring or replacing various components to bring the vehicle back to a functional or improved state. This can include mechanical, electrical, and aesthetic work.","simplifiedExplanation":"To rebuild a car means to fix it up, often by replacing old parts or making repairs so that it runs well again. It's like giving the car a new life."}},{"startTime":877.6,"endTime":885.0,"type":"concept","title":"restomod","url":"/glossary/restomod","quote":"You're ready to go daily driver, your next Resto mod, Hello Lotus Elon, and the parts to finish it.","canonicalId":"concept:restomod","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A restomod is a classic car that has been restored and modified with modern components for improved performance and comfort. This trend allows enthusiasts to enjoy the vintage look while benefiting from contemporary technology.","simplifiedExplanation":"A restomod is when someone takes an old car, fixes it up, and adds new parts to make it better to drive. It's a way to have a classic car that feels more modern and comfortable."}},{"startTime":1504.2,"endTime":1507.4,"type":"part","title":"body panels","url":"/glossary/body-panels","quote":"he rebuilds the whole thing with all these parts he found on eBay. Performance brakes, suspension, body panels, the works.","canonicalId":"part:body-panels","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Body panels are the exterior parts of a car that make up its structure and appearance, such as doors, hoods, and fenders.","simplifiedExplanation":"Body panels are the outer parts of a car that you can see, like the doors and the hood."}},{"startTime":1834.16,"endTime":1839.08,"type":"car","title":"Chrysler New Yorker","url":"/cars/chrysler/new-yorker","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e0/1961_Chrysler_New_Yorker%2C_front_view_%28low%29.jpg","quote":"... behaviors.  The New York Times, Washington Post, New Yorker,  we'll call them normally liberal, politically l...","canonicalId":"car:chrysler:new-yorker","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Chrysler New Yorker was a full-size luxury car produced by Chrysler from the 1940s until the early 1990s. It is significant for its role in American automotive history, representing luxury and comfort during its time, and is often discussed in the context of classic cars and their cultural impact. The New Yorker is remembered for its spacious interiors and advanced features for its era.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Chrysler New Yorker is a large, fancy car that was made a long time ago, known for being comfortable and stylish. It was popular among people who wanted a luxury vehicle, and it's often talked about because it represents a certain era of American cars. Many people appreciate it as a classic car today.","imageAttribution":"PIERRE ANDRE LECLERCQ (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":2182.6,"endTime":2188.3,"type":"part","title":"suspension","url":"/glossary/suspension","quote":"Performance brakes, suspension, body panels, the works, guaranteed to fit.","canonicalId":"part:suspension","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The suspension system of a vehicle is responsible for supporting the weight of the car, absorbing shocks from the road, and maintaining tire contact with the road surface. Upgraded suspension components can enhance handling and ride quality.","simplifiedExplanation":"Suspension is the system in a car that helps it ride smoothly and stay stable on the road. It includes parts that absorb bumps and keep the tires in contact with the ground."}},{"startTime":2182.6,"endTime":2188.3,"type":"part","title":"performance brakes","url":"/glossary/performance-brakes","quote":"Performance brakes, suspension, body panels, the works, guaranteed to fit.","canonicalId":"part:performance-brakes","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Performance brakes are upgraded braking systems designed to provide better stopping power, heat dissipation, and overall performance compared to standard brakes. They are often used in racing and high-performance vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"Performance brakes are special brakes that help a car stop faster and work better, especially when driving fast or on a race track. They are stronger than regular brakes."}},{"startTime":2379.3,"endTime":2382.3,"type":"term","title":"charging stations","url":"/glossary/charging-stations","quote":"But I want to hit the point of charging stations. You testified this year in front of Congress.","canonicalId":"term:charging-stations","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Charging stations are locations equipped with electric vehicle (EV) chargers that allow drivers to recharge their vehicles. They are essential for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, as they provide the necessary infrastructure for recharging away from home.","simplifiedExplanation":"Charging stations are places where you can plug in and charge your electric car. Just like gas stations for regular cars, these stations help keep electric cars powered up."}},{"startTime":2431.9,"endTime":2434.6,"type":"term","title":"220 outlet","url":"/glossary/220-outlet","quote":"It charges overnight on a regular 220 outlet. You know, six to eight hours depends on the car and the battery size.","canonicalId":"term:220-outlet","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A 220 outlet is a type of electrical outlet that provides higher voltage than standard 110 outlets, allowing for faster charging of electric vehicles. This is commonly used for larger appliances and can significantly reduce charging time for EVs compared to standard outlets.","simplifiedExplanation":"A 220 outlet is a special type of electrical socket that can charge electric cars faster than regular ones. It's similar to the outlets used for heavy appliances like dryers."}},{"startTime":2441.2,"endTime":2445.1,"type":"term","title":"superchargers","url":"/glossary/supercharger","quote":"But let's just say six hours. The superchargers, which we hear a lot about with what you put in the filling station, because you can't sit there for six hours, are extremely high volts.","canonicalId":"term:supercharger","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Superchargers are high-voltage charging stations designed for electric vehicles, allowing them to charge much faster than standard home outlets. They are typically found along highways and can provide a significant charge in a short amount of time, making long-distance travel more feasible for EV owners.","simplifiedExplanation":"Superchargers are special charging stations for electric cars that can fill up the battery much quicker than regular home chargers. They're often located along highways so you can charge your car while on a long trip."}},{"startTime":2450.0,"endTime":2455.0,"type":"term","title":"voltage","url":"/glossary/voltage","quote":"You know, 300,000 volts, 400,000 volts, some are six or 800,000 volt chargers.","canonicalId":"term:voltage","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Voltage is a measure of the electric potential difference between two points. In the context of electric vehicle chargers, higher voltage can lead to faster charging times for the vehicle's battery.","simplifiedExplanation":"Voltage is like the pressure of electricity. Higher voltage means electricity can flow faster, which helps charge electric cars more quickly."}},{"startTime":2455.0,"endTime":2466.5,"type":"term","title":"charging time","url":"/glossary/charging-time","quote":"But as you know, if anybody who's got a gasoline station knows, get your watch out and try how long it takes to fill your gas tank up.","canonicalId":"term:charging-time","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Charging time refers to the duration it takes to recharge an electric vehicle's battery. This can vary based on the charger's power output and the vehicle's battery capacity.","simplifiedExplanation":"Charging time is how long it takes to fill up the battery of an electric car. Some chargers can do it quickly, while others take longer, just like filling a gas tank."}},{"startTime":2458.6,"endTime":2464.5,"type":"term","title":"gasoline station","url":"/glossary/gasoline-station","quote":"But as you know, if anybody who's got a gasoline station knows, get your watch out and try how long it takes to fill your gas tank up.","canonicalId":"term:gasoline-station","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A gasoline station, also known as a gas station, is a facility that sells fuel and lubricants for motor vehicles. It typically has pumps for dispensing gasoline and may also offer convenience store items.","simplifiedExplanation":"A gasoline station is where you go to buy fuel for cars that run on gas. You fill up your tank there, just like you would fill a water bottle."}},{"startTime":2464.5,"endTime":2466.5,"type":"term","title":"tandem double","url":"/glossary/tandem-double","quote":"If you're not driving a tandem double, you know, F-150, but, you know, it's five minutes, four minutes till a gas tank up...","canonicalId":"term:tandem-double","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.7,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A tandem double refers to a type of truck configuration where two trailers are towed by a single truck. This setup is often used for transporting large loads efficiently.","simplifiedExplanation":"A tandem double is a big truck that pulls two trailers at once. It's used for carrying a lot of stuff, like goods or materials, on the road."}},{"startTime":2466.46,"endTime":2472.14,"type":"car","title":"Ford F150","url":"/cars/ford/f-150","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/56/2022_Ford_F-150_Lightning_Rear.jpg","quote":"how long it takes to fill your gas tank up.  If you're not driving a tandem double, you know, F-150, but, you know, it's five minutes,  four minutes till a gas tank up, beginning and end, and six minutes maybe.","canonicalId":"car:ford:f-150","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck that has been one of the best-selling vehicles in the United States for decades. Known for its durability, towing capacity, and versatility, it is often used for both work and personal purposes. Its significance in automotive discussions often revolves around its performance, fuel efficiency, and the practicality it offers to drivers.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Ford F-150 is a big truck that many people use for work or to carry things around. It's popular because it's strong and can tow heavy loads, making it useful for lots of different jobs. People often talk about it when discussing how long it takes to fill up the gas tank or how it performs on the road.","imageAttribution":"UltraTech66 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"iHeartPodcasts","role":"host"},{"id":"s2","name":"Ron Ananian The Car Doctor","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/ron-ananian-the-car-doctor-january-17-2026-hour-1-a-look-back-at-ev-s-mark-mills-replay/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}