{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"Your Jeep Wrangler was used in a bank robbery? Plus starting an EV Revolution","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/your-jeep-wrangler-was-used-in-a-bank-robbery-plus-starting-an-ev-revolution","audioUrl":"https://www.buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/18025790-your-jeep-wrangler-was-used-in-a-bank-robbery-plus-starting-an-ev-revolution.mp3","description":"Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!What happens when a 16-year-old buys a doorless, topless Jeep Wrangler with Bar Mitzvah money, then inherits his dad's Tesla with no way to pay for it?Rei Vardi turned a college student's nightmare into a thriving business. His 1995 Jeep Wrangler—complete with red rims, no airbags, and a top speed of 50 mph—taught him to love driving. But when his father's 2015 Tesla Model S became his problem to solve, Rei discovered that renting out electric vehicles was nearly impossible. Someone even robbed a bank in his car.Instead of giving up, he built Eon Rides, a virtual fleet that's revolutionizing how we think about car sharing and electric vehicles.In this episode, discover:The authentic joy of driving a \"beautiful piece of junk\" first carWhy traditional car sharing fails (and what Ray did differently)How family, entrepreneurship, and automotive passion collideThe surprising connection between a Jeep Wrangler and a Land Rover Defender named SashaGuest: Rei Vardi, Founder of Eon Rides (eonrides.com)Join Doug and Christian for another unforgettable automotive story where every car tells a tale, and every tale reveals something deeper about the drivers who love them. *** Your Favorite Automotive Podcast - Now Arriving Weekly!!! *** Listen on your favorite platform and visit https://carsloved.com for full episodes, our automotive blog, Guest Road Trip Playlist and our new CAR-ousel of Memories photo archive. Don't Forget to Rate & Review to keep the engines of automotive storytelling—and personal restoration—running strong."},"annotations":[{"startTime":167.4,"endTime":172.32,"type":"car","title":"Delorean DMC-12","url":"/cars/delorean/dmc-12","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/de/DeLorean_DMC-12_%289979%29_%28cropped%29.jpg","quote":"....  But what does it say? Because I can't read it. DeLorean Motor Company. And let's let's move  this differe...","canonicalId":"car:delorean:dmc-12","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The DeLorean DMC-12 is a sports car that became famous for its unique design, featuring gull-wing doors and a stainless steel body. Produced in the early 1980s, it gained iconic status largely due to its role in the 'Back to the Future' movie franchise. Its significance lies in its innovative design and the story of its troubled production under John DeLorean.","simplifiedExplanation":"The DeLorean DMC-12 is a cool car that looks different from most because it has doors that open up like wings. It became really popular because it was in a famous movie about time travel. People often talk about it because of its unique style and the interesting story behind its creation.","imageAttribution":"Grenex at English Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 3.0)"}},{"startTime":167.4,"endTime":172.3,"type":"company","title":"DeLorean Motor Company","url":"/glossary/delorean-motor-company","quote":"...this is fantastic. But what does it say? Because I can't read it. DeLorean Motor Company. And let's let's move this different. Live the dream. Oh, that is really neat...","canonicalId":"company:delorean-motor-company","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The DeLorean Motor Company was an American automobile manufacturer founded by John DeLorean in 1975. It is best known for producing the DeLorean DMC-12, a sports car that became famous for its distinctive stainless steel body and gull-wing doors, particularly after its appearance in the 'Back to the Future' film series.","simplifiedExplanation":"The DeLorean Motor Company is a car company that made a famous car called the DeLorean DMC-12. This car is known for its unique design and was featured in movies, making it quite popular."}},{"startTime":185.6,"endTime":191.7,"type":"term","title":"VIN","url":"/glossary/vin","quote":"...the other side of it has the last says VIN has the VIN number. The last four digits of my VIN number. So this was a semi customer customized from DeLorean Motor Company...","canonicalId":"term:vin","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number, a unique code used to identify individual motor vehicles. It typically consists of 17 characters and provides information about the vehicle's make, model, year, and place of manufacture.","simplifiedExplanation":"A VIN, or Vehicle Identification Number, is like a car's fingerprint. It's a special code that helps identify a specific vehicle and contains important information about it."}},{"startTime":257.8,"endTime":264.0,"type":"car","title":"DeLorean","url":"/cars/delorean/dmc-12","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/33/1981-1983_DeLorean_DMC-12.jpg","quote":"...trying to figure out how to get up to New Jersey to pick up my DeLorean because it's now fixed...","canonicalId":"car:delorean:dmc-12","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The DeLorean is a sports car manufactured by the DeLorean Motor Company, known for its distinctive stainless steel body and gull-wing doors. It gained fame as the time machine in the 'Back to the Future' movie franchise.","simplifiedExplanation":"The DeLorean is a unique car that has a shiny metal body and doors that open upwards. It's famous for appearing in movies, especially 'Back to the Future.'","imageAttribution":"MercurySable99 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":264.0,"endTime":264.0,"type":"car","title":"300 ZX","url":"/cars/nissan/300-zx","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2b/1986_Nissan_300_ZX_%2814934639993%29.jpg","quote":"...Tried to go to my 300 ZX buddy who lives nearby...","canonicalId":"car:nissan:300-zx","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Nissan 300 ZX is a sports car that was part of the Z-car family, known for its performance and advanced technology during its production years in the 1980s and 1990s. It features a sleek design and was available in both coupe and convertible forms.","simplifiedExplanation":"The 300 ZX is a sporty car made by Nissan, known for being fast and stylish. It was popular in the 80s and 90s and is part of a family of cars called Z-cars.","imageAttribution":"Niels de Wit from Lunteren, The Netherlands (CC BY 2.0)"}},{"startTime":438.6,"endTime":445.0,"type":"term","title":"electric car","url":"/glossary/ev","quote":"...especially if you have an electric car, going from an electric car to a non one. I mean, you did the opposite when you rented a Chevy Bolt and with a big adjustment, wasn't it?","canonicalId":"term:ev","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"An electric car is a vehicle that is powered entirely or partially by electricity, using electric motors instead of traditional internal combustion engines. They are known for being more environmentally friendly and often have lower operating costs compared to gasoline-powered vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"An electric car runs on electricity instead of gasoline. It uses batteries to power an electric motor, which makes it quieter and often cheaper to run than regular cars."}},{"startTime":448.5,"endTime":455.1,"type":"car","title":"Chevy Bolt","url":"/cars/chevrolet/bolt","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/00/2017_Chevrolet_Bolt_EV_Premier_front_6.20.18.jpg","quote":"...when you rented a Chevy Bolt and with a big adjustment, wasn't it? Indeed, indeed it was.","canonicalId":"car:chevrolet:bolt","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Chevrolet Bolt is an all-electric hatchback that offers a practical range and features for everyday driving. It is known for its affordability in the electric vehicle market and has been praised for its spacious interior and technology offerings.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Chevy Bolt is a fully electric car made by Chevrolet. It can drive long distances on a single charge and is designed to be a practical option for people looking to switch to electric vehicles.","imageAttribution":"Kevauto (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":462.4,"endTime":470.1,"type":"company","title":"Ian Rides","url":"/glossary/ian-rides","quote":"...hopefully I'm going to pronounce it right, Ian Rides, but it's Ray Vardy. And he's got a EV ride sharing company that I will let him explain much better how it works.","canonicalId":"company:ian-rides","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Ian Rides is a ride-sharing company that focuses on electric vehicles, providing an alternative to traditional car rental services. This company aims to promote the use of electric cars by making them accessible for short-term use.","simplifiedExplanation":"Ian Rides is a company that allows people to rent electric cars instead of regular ones. This helps more people try out electric vehicles without having to buy one first."}},{"startTime":1048.2,"endTime":1058.18,"type":"car","title":"Jeep Wrangler","url":"/cars/jeep/wrangler","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a7/JEEP_WRANGLER_%28JL%29_China.jpg","quote":"...my first car was a 1995 Jeep Wrangler. It was a four cylinder manual transmission, had no airbags, no top, no doors...","canonicalId":"car:jeep:wrangler","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Jeep Wrangler is a compact and mid-size four-wheel drive off-road vehicle known for its ruggedness and versatility. The 1995 model is part of the YJ generation, which features a boxy design and is popular among off-road enthusiasts.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Jeep Wrangler is a tough vehicle designed for off-road driving. The 1995 version is known for its simple design and ability to handle rough terrain, making it a favorite for adventure seekers.","imageAttribution":"Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":1066.0,"endTime":1067.9,"type":"term","title":"drum brakes","url":"/glossary/drum-brakes","quote":"...it had drum brakes, so they were super unresponsive. The car could only go like 50 miles an hour...","canonicalId":"term:drum-brakes","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Drum brakes are a type of braking system where brake shoes press against the inside of a spinning drum to create friction and slow the vehicle down. They are generally less effective than disc brakes, especially in high-performance situations.","simplifiedExplanation":"Drum brakes are a kind of brake system that uses a round drum to stop the car. They are not as strong as the more common disc brakes found in many modern cars."}},{"startTime":1109.3,"endTime":1117.6,"type":"part","title":"red rims","url":"/glossary/red-rims","quote":"...this matte black, beat up looking Jeep Wrangler with red rims. The wheels had these red rims, and I was like, that's all right...","canonicalId":"part:red-rims","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Rims, also known as wheels, are the circular metal parts of a vehicle that hold the tires. The color and design of rims can significantly affect a vehicle's appearance and style.","simplifiedExplanation":"Rims are the metal parts of a car's wheels that hold the tires. They can come in different colors and styles, and changing them can make a car look cooler or more unique."}},{"startTime":1206.6,"endTime":1210.0,"type":"brand","title":"Volkswagen","url":"/glossary/volkswagen","quote":"...There's something about a jeep. 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It was produced from 1976 to 1986 and is popular among off-road enthusiasts for its capability and customization options.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Jeep CJ7 is a tough, older model designed for off-roading. Many people love it for its ability to handle rough terrain and for the fun of driving it.","imageAttribution":"Jim Isbell (Public domain)"}},{"startTime":1260.3,"endTime":1260.3,"type":"term","title":"transmission","url":"/glossary/transmission","quote":"...I told him he might want to do something with the transmission. He never did. I think he put a new engine in it...","canonicalId":"term:transmission","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The transmission is a crucial component of a vehicle that transfers power from the engine to the wheels, allowing the car to move. It can be automatic or manual, affecting how the vehicle drives and performs.","simplifiedExplanation":"The transmission is the part of the car that helps it change gears and move. It connects the engine to the wheels and is important for how the car drives."}},{"startTime":1311.0,"endTime":1314.9,"type":"term","title":"airbags","url":"/glossary/air-bags","quote":"no airbags, no doors, manual transmission that couldn't go beyond 50 miles per hour. Well-worn, well-loved.","canonicalId":"term:air-bags","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Airbags are safety devices in vehicles that inflate rapidly during a collision to protect passengers from injury. They are a standard feature in modern cars to enhance safety.","simplifiedExplanation":"Airbags are safety cushions in cars that pop out to protect you if there's an accident. They help keep you safe during a crash."}},{"startTime":1346.8,"endTime":1354.4,"type":"concept","title":"driver connection","url":"/glossary/driver-connection","quote":"...that car gives me that high of just, you know, just feeling like you're just connected to the mechanics of the car...","canonicalId":"concept:driver-connection","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Driver connection refers to the feeling of being in tune with a vehicle's mechanics and performance, often resulting in a more engaging and enjoyable driving experience. This connection can be influenced by factors like vehicle feedback, responsiveness, and the overall driving dynamics.","simplifiedExplanation":"Driver connection is how it feels to be in control of a car while driving. When a car gives you good feedback and responds well, it makes driving more enjoyable."}},{"startTime":1380.52,"endTime":1386.84,"type":"car","title":"Mazda Miata","url":"/cars/mazda/mx-5-miata","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6e/2021_Mazda_MX-5_Miata_RF_Club.jpg","quote":"...I actually took my Bar Mitzvah money and I used it to help me buy my first convertible, which was a Miata. Wow, that's awesome...","canonicalId":"car:mazda:mx-5-miata","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a lightweight two-seat convertible sports car known for its nimble handling and fun driving experience. It's often celebrated for its connection to the driver and engaging driving dynamics.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a small, fun car that you can drive with the top down. It's known for being light and easy to handle, making it enjoyable to drive.","imageAttribution":"Yaktatel (Public domain)"}},{"startTime":1405.9,"endTime":1406.5,"type":"car","title":"Jeep","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/88/GPW_%28Jeep%29_9502.jpg","quote":"...the jeep got passed down to your brother...","canonicalId":"car:jeep","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Jeep is a brand known for its rugged vehicles, particularly the Wrangler, which is popular for off-roading and outdoor activities. The brand has a strong following and is often associated with adventure and durability.","simplifiedExplanation":"Jeep is a car brand that makes tough vehicles, often used for off-roading. They're popular for their ability to handle rough terrains and are loved by many drivers.","imageAttribution":"Chris Light (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":1423.6,"endTime":1424.0,"type":"concept","title":"resale value","url":"/glossary/resale-value","quote":"...we sold it for more money than we bought it for. Yeah. Jeeps hold their value...","canonicalId":"concept:resale-value","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Resale value refers to the amount of money a vehicle can be sold for after its initial purchase. Some vehicles, like Jeeps, tend to hold their value well, meaning they can be sold for a price close to what they were bought for.","simplifiedExplanation":"Resale value is how much money you can get back when you sell your car. Some cars, like Jeeps, keep their value better than others, so you can sell them for a good price later."}},{"startTime":1516.26,"endTime":1521.4,"type":"car","title":"Tesla Model S","url":"/cars/tesla/model-s","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9f/20180630_Tesla_Model_S_70D_2015_midnight_blue_left_front.jpg","quote":"...this was like the coolest thing you'd have seen. This was like a quantum leap forward with cars, especially going from a manual transmission to a car that was just...","canonicalId":"car:tesla:model-s","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Tesla Model S is an all-electric luxury sedan that has been praised for its performance, technology, and range. It represents a significant advancement in electric vehicle technology and has set benchmarks for the industry.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Tesla Model S is a high-end electric car known for its impressive features and long driving range. It's considered a major step forward in car technology compared to traditional gasoline cars.","imageAttribution":"Granada (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":1611.0,"endTime":1613.2,"type":"concept","title":"ridesharing","url":"/glossary/ride-sharing","quote":"...I tried Uber for a little bit, that didn't work. And then I, then I started renting the car out.","canonicalId":"concept:ride-sharing","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Ridesharing refers to services like Uber and Lyft, where drivers use their personal vehicles to provide transportation to passengers in exchange for a fee. This model allows individuals to earn money by driving others to their destinations.","simplifiedExplanation":"Ridesharing is when people use their own cars to give rides to others for money, like using apps such as Uber. It's a way to make money by driving people around."}},{"startTime":1616.0,"endTime":1619.0,"type":"concept","title":"car rental","url":"/glossary/car-rental","quote":"...And then I started renting the car out. That really didn't work. That was a terrible idea.","canonicalId":"concept:car-rental","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Car rental is a service that allows individuals to rent vehicles for a short period of time, typically ranging from a few hours to several days. This can be a convenient option for those who need a car temporarily without the commitment of ownership.","simplifiedExplanation":"Car rental is when you pay to use a car for a short time, like a few days or weeks, instead of buying one. 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