Batteries Included
Batteries Included
Updated 3 days agoJoin your fellow EV enthusiasts to talk about the biggest stories each week, as well as the cars we’ve been driving, and the chargers we’ve been testing.
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Episodes (229)
151: GM Empowers EV Drivers: Energy Pass Unveiled & Free V2G Upgrades!
A year ago, we spoke with GM Energy Chief Revenue Officer Aseem Kapur about the company's vehicle-to-home (V2H) system with PowerBank battery storage.Now, he's back to update us on the evolution of GM's energy ecosystem. In this special mid-week edition of the podcast, Domenick Yoney and Tom Moloughney sit down with Aseem to discuss the real-world challenges and new solutions for EV owners today and what's on the way.We talk about the vehicle-to-grid enablement for GM cars to happen with an over-the-air update. We also tackle the critical issue of EV education at the dealership level and how GM's 3D virtual "EV Concierge" is designed to simplify the process for buyers.Finally, we look at how GM plans to resolve public charging fragmentation using the new GM Energy Pass—unifying access to major networks like Tesla and Ionna directly through the vehicle's native platform.
150: Electrify America Drops the Wallet: Your Trapped Cash Is Finally Free
In this episode:• Electrify America ditches pre-funding for pay-as-you-go • Rolls Royce debuts Spectre Series II • GMC floating a baby Hummer trial balloon? • much, much moreTune in and get up to speed! 🚗⚡️🏁Regular cohosts:Tom Moloughney from State of Charge and EVchargingstations.comhttps://evchargingstations.com/ | https://www.youtube.com/StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughneyKyle Conner from Out of Spec Studioshttps://outofspecstudios.com/Martyn Lee from EV News Dailyhttps://www.evnewsdaily.com/Domenick Yoney from Drive Electric with Domenickhttps://www.youtube.com/@DriveElectricWithDomenick
149: Ferrari Luce Launches To Everyone’s Disgust
In this episode:• Ferrari Luce launches and no one like it• Driving across America in a 2027 Chevy Bolt• Walmart’s monster charging network takes shape• much, much more!Regular cohosts:Tom Moloughney from State of Charge and EVchargingstations.comhttps://evchargingstations.com/ | https://www.youtube.com/StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughneyKyle Conner from Out of Spec Studioshttps://outofspecstudios.com/Martyn Lee from EV News Dailyhttps://www.evnewsdaily.com/Domenick Yoney from Drive Electric with Domenickhttps://www.youtube.com/@DriveElectricWithDomenick
148: We Drive Volvo EX60: How Swede It is!
This week, with special guest Alex Bessinger:• We drive Volvo EX60, • Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupé launches• Rivian R2 configurator is live• much much more!Regular cohosts:Tom Moloughney from State of Charge and EVchargingstations.comhttps://evchargingstations.com/ | https://www.youtube.com/StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughneyKyle Conner from Out of Spec Studioshttps://outofspecstudios.com/Martyn Lee from EV News Dailyhttps://www.evnewsdaily.com/Domenick Yoney from Drive Electric with Domenickhttps://www.youtube.com/@DriveElectricWithDomenick
147: Lexus TZ Brings Extra Level Of Cushiness To Highlander
In this episode:• The Lexus TZ 3-row electric SUV makes its debut• The Tesla Semi battery sizes revealed • The best Chinese EVs in Europe • And much, much more!
146: The Best EV Cruiser to Replace a Toyota Avalon for Under $25k
Battery Bargains is back! It's been some time, but we are back to help you shortcut the search for your perfect electric vehicle. In Episode 55, we’re hunting down incredible value in the used market and answering your specific EV buying questions:The Avalon Successor: What do you buy when your 2004 Toyota Avalon finally reaches the end of the road? We find a "basically new" electric cruiser with 300+ miles of range and ultra-fast charging for under $25,000.Tesla Software Alternatives: A Mustang Mach-E owner loves their car but misses the Tesla tech. We look at the best software-forward alternatives available for under $30k.The Kia EV9 "Lemon" Gamble: Used EV9 prices are dropping fast, especially for manufacturer buybacks. We discuss the risks of the ICCU issue, warranty transfers, and whether these "lemons" are actually the best deal on the market.Have a request? Email us your needs and budget, and you might be featured in a future episode!
145: BMW iX3 US Pricing & Range Impresses + Rivian R2 Truck Rumors Resurfacing!
In this episode: BMW official price and range figures for the iX3 revealed Rivian R2 variants confirmed, pickup speculated How the price of gas is or isn’t affecting EV sales in the US
144: Beijing Auto Show Reactions w/ Lei Xing - Feels Like The Future Of EVs
In this episode, we talk with China auto expert Lei Xing and and our co-host Kyle Conner about the being at the Beijng Auto Show, the future of (super) fast charging, testing autonomous driving systems, and lots more.Our special guest Lei Xing is the co-host of China EVs & More https://www.chinaevsandmore.com/He can also be found at https://x.com/leixing77 and https://www.youtube.com/@leixing77
143: 5-Minute Charging For The Masses: China’s New EV Reality
In this episode:* EV tech at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show blows our minds* Testing Chinese FSD-like autonomous driving systems* The Porsche Cayenne Coupé debutsRegular cohosts:Tom Moloughney from State of Charge and EVchargingstations.comhttps://evchargingstations.com/ | https://www.youtube.com/StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughneyKyle Conner from Out of Spec Studioshttps://outofspecstudios.com/Martyn Lee from EV News Dailyhttps://www.evnewsdaily.com/Domenick Yoney from Drive Electric with Domenickhttps://www.youtube.com/@DriveElectricWithDomenick
142: Mercedes C Class Electric Debuts with 400 Miles of Range
139: Mercedes EQS Refresh Just Copied the Cybertruck's Best Tech
In this episode:Mercedes EQS gets Cybertruck steering, over 500 miles of range Charging the Denza Z9GT to full and driving itIonna takes over Circle K charging networkAnd much, much more!
138: Rivian R2 Range Confirmed: Official EPA Results Beat Initial Estimates
In this episode: EPA says Rivian R2 beats Model Y in efficiency and range Rimac making battery packs for the BMW i7 Alpitronic’s megawatt charger in the US And much, much more! Hosts:Tom Moloughney from State of Charge and EVchargingstations.comhttps://evchargingstations.com/ | https://www.youtube.com/StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughneyKyle Conner from Out of Spec Studioshttps://outofspecstudios.com/Martyn Lee from EV News Dailyhttps://www.evnewsdaily.com/Domenick Yoney from Drive Electric with Domenickhttps://www.youtube.com/@DriveElectricWithDomenick
137: Kia EV3 & Subaru Getaway: Two Massive Debuts for US Families
In this episode: The Kia EV3 makes its US debut Subaru reveals Getaway: a 3-row SUV Driving Porsche Cayenne Electric And much, much more! Regular cohosts:Tom Moloughney from State of Charge and EVchargingstations.comhttps://evchargingstations.com/ | https://www.youtube.com/StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughneyKyle Conner from Out of Spec Studioshttps://outofspecstudios.com/Martyn Lee from EV News Dailyhttps://www.evnewsdaily.com/Domenick Yoney from Drive Electric with Domenickhttps://www.youtube.com/@DriveElectricWithDomenick
136: 0 to 1,000 in a Year: Ionna CEO on Scaling to 30,000 by 2030
In this episode: Ionna CEO Seth Cutler talks about achieving growth targets Tesla Stops Making V3 Superchargers Uber buying 10,000 Rivian R2 for autonomous duties And much, much more! Regular cohosts:Tom Moloughney from State of Charge and EVchargingstations.comhttps://evchargingstations.com/ | https://www.youtube.com/StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughneyKyle Conner from Out of Spec Studioshttps://outofspecstudios.com/Martyn Lee from EV News Dailyhttps://www.evnewsdaily.com/Domenick Yoney from Drive Electric with Domenickhttps://www.youtube.com/@DriveElectricWithDomenick
135: BMW i3 Revealed: Birth of An Electric Ultimate Driving Machine
In this episode: Debut of the BMW i3 We see the Lucid Cosmos in person And much, much more! Regular cohosts:Tom Moloughney from State of Charge and EVchargingstations.comhttps://evchargingstations.com/https://www.youtube.com/StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughneyKyle Conner from Out of Spec Studioshttps://outofspecstudios.com/Martyn Lee from EV News Dailyhttps://www.evnewsdaily.com/Domenick Yoney from Drive Electric with Domenickhttps://www.youtube.com/@DriveElectricWithDomenick
134: Rivian R2 - Prices, Range & Specs Confirmed
All trims use an 87.9 kWh usable battery. Here are the trims in order of release date:Performance (Dual AWD) — $57,990 w/ Launch Package — Spring 2026656 hp / 609 lb-ft torque0–60 mph in 3.6sUp to 330 miles (EPA-estimated)Premium (Dual AWD) — $53,990 — Late 2026450 hp / 537 lb-ft torque0–60 mph in 4.6sUp to 330 miles (EPA-estimated)Standard RWD Long Range — $48,490 — Early 2027350 hp / 355 lb-ft torque0–60 mph in 5.9sUp to 345 miles (Rivian-estimated)Standard RWD (base) — ~$45,000 — Late 2027350 hp / 355 lb-ft torque0–60 mph in 5.9sUp to 275 miles (Rivian-estimated)All prices exclude the $1,495 destination and freight charge.Performance & CapabilityNearly 2,000 lbs lighter than R1 with a 115.6-inch wheelbase9.6 inches of ground clearance, 25° approach angle, 26° departure angle19.7 inches of wading depthUp to 4,400 lbs towing capacity (optional on most trims)Semi-active suspension exclusive to Performance trimChargingNative NACS port with Supercharger network access; CCS adapter support10–80% charge in 29 minutesTechnologyRivian Autonomy: L2 hands-free driving on 3.5M miles of US/Canada roads — $49.99/month or $2,500 one-time; free lifetime access included with Launch Package11 HDR cameras (combined 65MP) + five-radar perception stack200 sparse TOPS of edge AI compute for in-cabin experience (works offline)Forthcoming Rivian Assistant voice AI running locally on the vehicleHaptic Halo steering wheel dials (scroll, push, pull, tilt) — designed in-houseDual digital displays (driver display + centre display)OTA software updates via vertically integrated hardware/software stack5G connected but offline-capableInterior & UtilitySeating for 5 adults; 40.4 inches of rear legroom and headroom90.1 cu ft total enclosed storage; 5.2 cu ft front trunk (fits carry-on + backpack)Rear drop glass window lowers fully into liftgate (Performance & Premium only)Fold-flat rear seats for level loading surfaceDual gloveboxes, removable USB-C power bank/hand warmer, door-mounted Rivian Torch flashlightUpcycled Birch wood accents; headliner made from recycled ocean plasticsLaunch DetailsReservations open now with $100 refundable depositOn display at SXSW 2026 (March 13–18) at the Rivian RoadhouseOnline configurator opening in coming monthsPricing is US market only; Canadian details to follow closer to launch
133: Rivian Adventure Department Is RAD — BMW M and AMG Ambitions
In this episode: Rivian gets RAD, launches performance department Porsche Taycan winter range test Volvo EX60 demand prompts production boost And much, much more! Regular cohosts:Tom Moloughney from State of Charge and EVchargingstations.comhttps://evchargingstations.com/ | https://www.youtube.com/StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughneyKyle Conner from Out of Spec Studioshttps://outofspecstudios.com/Martyn Lee from EV News Dailyhttps://www.evnewsdaily.com/Domenick Yoney from Drive Electric with Domenickhttps://www.youtube.com/@DriveElectricWithDomenick
132: We Drive Polestar 3 & 4 Back To Back! Tom's Snowblower Breaks The Internet, Again
In this episode: Driving Polestar 3 Upgraded and Polestar 4 A more affordable Tesla Cybertruck trim Donut Labs sharing its first testing results And much, much more! Regular cohosts:Tom Moloughney from State of Charge and EVchargingstations.comhttps://evchargingstations.com/ | https://www.youtube.com/StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughneyKyle Conner from Out of Spec Studioshttps://outofspecstudios.com/Martyn Lee from EV News Dailyhttps://www.evnewsdaily.com/Domenick Yoney from Drive Electric with Domenickhttps://www.youtube.com/@DriveElectricWithDomenick
131: Ford's Road To Their EV Future! Universal EV Platform Huge Updates, Polestar Revamps Lineup, & More
In this episode:• Ford Universal EV Platform• Driving the Porsche Macan GTS• Polestar announces four new models• Much, much more!Regular cohosts:Tom Moloughney from State of Charge and EVchargingstations.comhttps://evchargingstations.com/ | https://www.youtube.com/@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughneyKyle Conner from Out of Spec Studioshttps://outofspecstudios.com/Martyn Lee from EV News Dailyhttps://www.evnewsdaily.com/Domenick Yoney from Drive Electric with Domenickhttps://www.youtube.com/@DriveElectricWithDomenick
130: Rivian R2 Prototype: First Drive Revelations
Fresh episode!• Rivian R2 prototype first drive revelations • Toyota Highlander debuts as a 3-row EV • Ferrari Luce interior revealed • Much, much more!