The InEVitable

The Rideshare Guy: How Uber Drivers Make Money—and When Robotaxis Take Over

Harry Campbell, founder of The Rideshare Guy, reveals how Uber and Lyft drivers maximize earnings, what gig work really pays, and why Waymo, Zoox and Tesla robotaxis could reshape mobility within five years.

E144 Jul 17, 2026 79 min 117 annotations

Why Used EVs Are Suddenly the Best Deal in Cars | Plug CEO Jimmy Douglas

Used electric vehicles are flooding the market—and they may be the smartest automotive purchase you can make today. In this episode of The InEVitable, Ed Loh and Jonny Lieberman are joined by Jimmy Douglas, CEO of Plug Motors, to explain why falling prices, lease returns, and rising gas costs have created a once-in-a-generation opportunity for used EV buyers. The discussion explores EV depreciation, battery health myths, Tesla's used market, Rivian, Lucid, charging infrastructure, and how Plug Motors is helping dealers navigate the growing used EV market. Jimmy also shares his outlook on the future of EV adoption, autonomous vehicles, and why he believes electrification is still inevitable.

E143 Jul 10, 2026 73 min 167 annotations

Why Most EVs Feel Wrong to Drive | Joakim Rydholm on Steering, EVs & the Polestar 5

What makes a car truly fun to drive? In this episode of The Inevitable, Ed Loh and Jonny Lieberman sit down with Joakim Rydholm, Polestar's Head of Driving Dynamics, to explore the art and science of steering feel, chassis tuning, suspension development, and why software alone can't create a great driver's car. Rydholm also shares stories from his decades at Saab, Volvo, and Polestar, his experience as a rally driver, and how Polestar developed its unique driving DNA. The conversation also dives into the future of EV performance, reactions to Ferrari's first electric car, the philosophy behind the upcoming 900-horsepower Polestar 5, benchmarking against Porsche and Honda, tire development, and why the smallest suspension changes can completely transform a car's personality. It's a fascinating look inside the mind of one of the industry's most respected chassis engineers.

E142 Jun 26, 2026 72 min 128 annotations

Boss Talk: QNX and Vector Presidents on Simplifying the Complexity of Future Cars

On this special episode of The InEVitable, I ventured out to Ottawa, the capital of Canada and home of the engineering side of QNX, the automotive software supplier and longtime sponsor of MotorTrend’s Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) Innovator Awards. Recorded inside “The Garage” at QNX, where the company’s engineers build and test all sorts of robotic and automotive software and hardware, I met with QNX President John Wall and Vector President, Dr. Matthias Traub for a conversation about the current state and future of SDVs, including what these two companies are doing to make the transition from traditional electro-mechanical automobiles to the electrified, connected, and possibly autonomous vehicles of the future.

E141 May 29, 2026 51 min 95 annotations

Jay Leno’s Garage Secrets: Tesla Semi, Corvette ZR1X & American Cars Dominating

Jay Leno returns to The InEVitable Podcast for an epic deep dive into the future of cars, EVs, and American performance. From driving the Tesla Semi to breaking down the Corvette ZR1X, Mustang GTD, and Rolls-Royce Specter, Jay shares unmatched insight from decades of experience as a collector, historian, and true car enthusiast. We also dive into: Leno’s Law 2.0 and the fight to preserve classic cars Why American automakers are leading again The rise of EVs, hydrogen, and new tech Tesla, Cybertruck, and the future of trucking The insane engineering behind the Czinger hypercar His latest acquisitions (and why he bought them) Thoughts on Chinese EVs and global competition Plus, classic Jay Leno stories you won’t hear anywhere else. If you love cars—past, present, or future—this is a must-watch.

E140 May 08, 2026 78 min 150 annotations

Porsche GT Boss on the Future of NA Engines, GT Cars & the New GT3 Cabriolet

What does the future of Porsche GT cars really look like? In this special episode of The Inevitable, we sit down with Andreas Preuninger, the man behind Porsche’s legendary GT lineup—GT3, GT3 RS, GT2 RS, and more. With over 20 years at Porsche and 26 GT cars to his name, he breaks down everything from naturally aspirated engines to Nürburgring rivalries and the controversial new 911 GT3 Cabriolet (SC). We dive deep into: Why Porsche is fighting to keep naturally aspirated engines alive The real reason GT cars keep getting better without more horsepower How the GT3 RS beats 1000+ hp rivals with just ~500 hp Nürburgring lap time wars vs Mustang GTD & Corvette ZR1 The truth behind Porsche’s convertible GT3 Why EV GT cars aren’t happening (yet) Whether a new GT2 RS is coming 👀 If you’re a Porsche fan, track enthusiast, or just love high-performance engineering, this is one of the most in-depth GT car conversations you’ll hear anywhere.

E139 May 01, 2026 85 min 202 annotations

The Truth About Chinese EVs: BYD, NIO, XPeng vs Tesla | Wheelsboy Interview

China’s auto industry is evolving faster than anyone expected—and it might already be ahead of the West. In this episode of The InEVitable, MotorTrend's Ed Loh sits down with Ethan Robertson of Wheelsboy to break down what’s really happening inside the Chinese EV market. From BYD and NIO to XPeng and Xiaomi, we dive into the companies reshaping the future of cars—and why Tesla may no longer be the benchmark. Ethan shares firsthand insights after driving hundreds of Chinese vehicles, revealing how quality, technology, and value have skyrocketed in just a few years. We also explore the brutal price wars, why legacy automakers are struggling, and whether Chinese EVs are coming to the U.S. sooner than expected. If you want to understand the future of the global auto industry, this is a must-watch.

E138 Apr 17, 2026 99 min 226 annotations

Rivian Built an E-Bike?! 100-Mile Range & No Chain (Also TM-B First Ride)

MotorTrend’s The InEVitable goes hands-on with one of the most interesting e-bikes ever built — the ALSO. TM-B (Transcendent Mobility Bicycle), born from Rivian’s skunkworks. We talk with ALSO's Director of Product Line, Saul Leiken about what makes this bike unique. This isn’t your typical e-bike. With pedal-by-wire tech, no chain, regenerative braking, and automotive-grade battery tech, the TMB blurs the line between bicycle and EV.

E137 Apr 13, 2026 76 min 283 annotations

Tesla FSD vs REAL LA Streets | Insane Edge Case Torture Test (Mount Washington + 110 Freeway)

We put Tesla’s latest Full Self-Driving (FSD v14) to the ultimate real-world test—no easy suburban routes, no perfect conditions. Instead, we dropped it straight into old Los Angeles chaos: ⚠️ Blind corners ⚠️ One-lane mountain roads ⚠️ Garbage trucks, pedestrians, and zero lane markings ⚠️ The infamous 110 freeway on-ramp (with basically NO acceleration lane) This is a true edge-case torture test—and the results are wild.

E136 Apr 03, 2026 61 min 10 annotations

EV Charging Still Sucks. This Guy Is Making It Better

What does it take to compete with Tesla’s Supercharger network? In this episode of The Inevitable by MotorTrend, we sit down with Seth Cutler, CEO of IONNA, the fast-growing EV charging network backed by BMW, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, and Toyota. IONNA has gone from zero to 100+ charging sites in just two years, with plans to scale to 30,000 high-powered chargers by 2030. But they’re not just building chargers — they’re rethinking the entire charging experience.

E135 Apr 02, 2026 63 min 31 annotations

How QNX + Vector Are Recruiting the Engineers Who Will Build Software-Defined Vehicles

From Ottawa’s QNX Garage, we sit down with Karen Xiong (Vector) and Andy Gryc (QNX) to talk about the talent behind software-defined vehicles. We cover career paths into automotive software, what companies actually look for in engineers today (CI/CD, systems thinking, reliability), and why “vibe coding” isn’t replacing safety-critical development anytime soon. Plus: practical tools and skills students can start learning now—from QNX Everywhere to ROS and in-vehicle Ethernet.

E134 Mar 20, 2026 61 min 29 annotations

How Hyundai Became a Design Powerhouse | Bradley Arnold, Head of Design

In this episode of The InEVitable Podcast by MotorTrend, the hosts sit down with Bradley Arnold, Head of Design at Hyundai Design North America. Bradley shares his journey from growing up around motorcycles to becoming one of the key designers shaping Hyundai’s bold new design language. The conversation dives into Hyundai’s rapid rise in the automotive world, how the brand approaches design and innovation, and what it takes to create vehicles that stand out in today’s competitive market. They also explore the growing importance of off-road vehicles, lifestyle design, EV platforms, and Hyundai’s future strategy, including how designers balance brand identity, engineering constraints, and customer expectations. If you're interested in automotive design, the future of Hyundai, EVs, or how modern cars are created, this episode offers a fascinating look inside the process. Topics include: Bradley Arnold’s career and design background Hyundai’s evolution and brand transformation The rise of off-road vehicles and lifestyle design EV platforms and future vehicle architecture How car design teams actually work What’s next for Hyundai and the automotive industry

E133 Mar 13, 2026 76 min 39 annotations

Tesla Veteran Building Ford’s Next EV Platform | The $30K Electric Truck Explained

Alan Clarke spent over a decade at Tesla — working on Model S, Model X, Model 3, Model Y, Cybertruck, and even Tesla’s battery swap program. Now he’s Ford’s Executive Director of Advanced EV Development — leading the Ford Universal EV Platform and the upcoming affordable midsize electric pickup targeting ~$30,000 and 300 miles of range.

E132 Feb 28, 2026 125 min 55 annotations

How Honda Changed the Car World | Inside 38 Years of Car Design with Dave Marek

After 38.5 years at Honda and Acura, legendary designer Dave Marek finally retires — and joins us to reflect on one of the most influential careers in modern automotive history. From the golden era of Japanese performance to the birth of Acura… from the original NSX to the Element and Ridgeline… from the HondaJet to EV collaborations with GM — Dave was there for all of it. This is a masterclass in automotive design, leadership, and the “Honda Way.” If you love car design history, Japanese performance, or behind-the-scenes industry stories — this episode is for you.

E131 Feb 20, 2026 77 min 48 annotations

Tesla FSD v14 1-HOUR+ Live Test + Rivian R2 First Drive Impressions

In this special live-drive episode of The InEVitable, Ed Loh takes MotorTrend Technical Director Frank Markus on a real-world test of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) Version 14.2.2.3 in a Model Y — while diving deep into Frank’s first-drive impressions of the highly anticipated Rivian R2. This episode kicks off a new MotorTrend series on semi-autonomous driving systems, comparing Tesla’s camera-only approach against upcoming competitors from Mercedes-Benz and Rivian. Topics covered include: Tesla FSD v14 real-world freeway and city performance Mad Max mode, lane changes, and aggressive California traffic Rivian R2 pricing, specs, suspension tech, and autonomy roadmap Level 2 vs Level 3 autonomy explained Vision-only vs radar/LiDAR debate Autonomy in harsh winter conditions The future of hands-free and eyes-off driving Does Tesla’s data flywheel give it an insurmountable lead? Is Rivian’s R2 the true Model Y competitor? And what happens when autonomy reaches Level 3? Watch (or listen) as the system handles freeways, city streets, four-way stops — and almost parks itself.

E130 Feb 13, 2026 79 min 33 annotations

How Rivian Designed the R1, R2 & R3 — Jeff Hammoud, Chief Design Officer

On this episode of The InEVitable by MotorTrend, we sit down with Jeff Hammoud, Chief Design Officer at Rivian, to unpack the full design story behind the Rivian R1T, R1S, R2, and R3. Jeff shares his journey from Chrysler and Jeep to joining Rivian in its earliest days—when there was no logo, no brand, and barely a prototype. We dive deep into how Rivian’s iconic design language was created, why the trucks look friendly instead of aggressive, and how real-world use cases (like motorcycles, garages, and families) shaped the vehicles.

E129 Feb 06, 2026 77 min 42 annotations

From CES: Solving SDV Complexity With QNX + Vector’s New Alloy Kore Platform

Live from CES, MotorTrend’s The InEVitable sits down with Justin Moon (VP, Core Product Engineering, QNX) and Dr. Marc Weber (VP, Product Management, Embedded Software & Systems, Vector) to unpack what it really takes to build software-defined vehicles—without drowning in integration complexity. They explain why “doing it all in-house” can slow OEMs down, how Alloy Kore aims to reduce duplicated effort across vehicle domains, and why safety and cybersecurity can’t be guesses—especially as regulations like the EU’s Cyber Resilience Act come into focus. Plus: a plain-English breakdown of hypervisors/virtualization, SDV org structure pitfalls, and what the path to faster, safer series production could look like.

E128 Jan 30, 2026 67 min 30 annotations

From Audi TT to Electric Dune Buggies: Freeman Thomas on Design, EVs & Automotive Icons

Freeman Thomas returns to MotorTrend’s The Inevitable for a candid, wide-ranging conversation on automotive design, electric vehicles, and what it really takes to modernize an icon without losing its soul. Now Vice Chairman of Meyers Manx, Thomas explains why the company made the costly decision to pause and completely rethink its electric Manx before launch—redesigning the vehicle around new battery chemistry, safety priorities, and packaging from the inside out. The discussion moves from EV realities to the enduring relevance of fiberglass, California car culture, and why some designs are meant to last forever. Along the way, Thomas reflects on his career shaping cars like the Audi TT, his work with RUF, the rise of bespoke and experiential vehicles, and the boundary-pushing LFG off-road supercar developed using augmented reality. The episode closes with an unvarnished critique of legacy brands, modern automotive leadership, and where design succeeds—or fails—when history is ignored.

E127 Jan 24, 2026 79 min 38 annotations

Singer’s Founder & New CEO Explain Why Analog Cars Still Matter

In this episode of MotorTrend’s The Inevitable, we visit Singer Vehicle Design’s headquarters in Torrance, California, for an in-depth conversation with Singer founder Rob Dickinson and CEO Raj Nair, former Ford executive and Multimatic leader. The discussion spans how Singer scaled without sacrificing craftsmanship, why quality trumps speed, what it takes to run a low-volume automotive manufacturer, and why analog driving experiences still matter in an EV-dominated world. Rob and Raj also share insights on hypercars, motorsports, customer obsession, and Singer’s future—from Porsche 911 restorations to Willow Springs Raceway.

E126 Jan 19, 2026 67 min 35 annotations

Rivian’s AI Master Plan: Hands-Free Driving, R2 + LiDAR, and the Road to Personal Level 4 Autonomy

Rivian is making a bold bet on autonomy—and it’s very different from Tesla’s approach. In this episode of MotorTrend’s The Inevitable, Jonny Lieberman and Ed Loh sit down with James Philbin, Rivian’s VP of Autonomy & AI, following Rivian’s Autonomy & AI Day. Midway through the conversation, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe joins unexpectedly to dive deep into LiDAR, sensor strategy, and why Rivian believes more data—and better data—wins. Topics include: • Universal Hands-Free driving across 3.5M+ miles of roads • Rivian’s Large Driving Model (LDM) and AI-defined vehicles • Why Rivian chose cameras + radar + LiDAR • The roadmap from hands-free to eyes-off driving • Personal Level 4 autonomy vs robotaxis • Ground-truth fleets, edge cases, and safety at scale • How autonomy could fundamentally change car ownership This is one of the most technical, candid, and forward-looking autonomy conversations we’ve had—and a rare look inside how a modern automaker is building an advanced driving system from the ground up.

E125 Jan 09, 2026 68 min 33 annotations

Designing the New Scout: Chris Benjamin on Rivian Comparisons, EVs, and the Future of Off-Roading

In this episode of MotorTrend’s The Inevitable, hosts dive deep with Chris Benjamin, Chief Design Officer at Scout Motors, to explore his remarkable journey—from growing up in Queens and Miami, to working nights at Taco Bell while designing for Mercedes, to leading the rebirth of one of America’s most iconic off-road brands. Chris reveals how the new Scout SUV and truck were designed, what he changed the moment he arrived, how Scout differs from Rivian and Jeep, what the EV vs. range-extender split looks like, and what the future holds for Scout Motors. Expect raw career stories, hilarious behind-the-scenes moments, and real talk about design, automotive culture, EV adoption, and off-roading.

E124 Dec 12, 2025 75 min 35 annotations

Karma Automotive President Reveals the Future of American Ultra-Luxury EVs

In this episode of The InEVitable by MotorTrend, hosts Jonny Lieberman and Ed Loh sit down with Marques McCammon, President of Karma Automotive, to talk about the company’s reboot, its American-made ultra-luxury vision, and why the future isn’t fully electric—it’s EREV. Marques traces his incredible career from creating the Dodge Neon SRT-4 to pivotal roles at ASC, Saleen, Aptera, Wind River, Ricardo, and ultimately Karma. He reveals what he found when he arrived at Karma, why he shut everything down to rebuild quality and identity, and how Karma’s new vehicles—including the upcoming Sera, Amaris, Isvara, and the four-motor Kaveya supercar—aim to blend emotional design, handcrafted luxury, and range-extended electric performance. Karma’s goal? To become America’s counterpart to Aston, McLaren, and Ferrari, built in Southern California with an experience-centered philosophy. Featuring deep cut industry stories—from SRT beginnings to Aptera’s shutdown to why EREV is primed for a comeback—this is one of the most wide-ranging and insightful conversations we’ve had.

E123 Dec 05, 2025 68 min 37 annotations

The Battery Future: Recycling, U.S. Lithium, and the Next Big Leap

In Episode 122 of The InEVitable, MotorTrend welcomes one of the smartest guests we’ve ever had on the show: Ryan Melsert, CEO of American Battery Technology Company — former Tesla Gigafactory founding engineer, award-winning innovator, and a leading voice in U.S. battery materials, recycling, and critical minerals. Ryan dives deep into the real future of EVs, battery production, battery recycling, domestic lithium sourcing, and what America must do to compete globally. He also shares unbelievable behind-the-scenes stories from the early days of Tesla’s Gigafactory, how his team patented Tesla’s first battery-manufacturing tech, and why next-generation batteries could be 10× more energy-dense. Whether you're into EVs, engineering, geopolitics, or the future of clean energy — this is one of the most important conversations we’ve ever recorded.

E122 Nov 28, 2025 80 min 21 annotations

Reviving Willow Springs and The Future of LA Car Culture, with Singer's - Mazen Fawaz

In this episode of The InEVitable by MotorTrend, hosts Ed Loh and Jonny Lieberman sit down with Mazen Fawaz, Chief Strategy Officer at Singer Vehicle Design, to talk about Singer’s bold new venture — the acquisition and revival of Willow Springs International Raceway, the fastest track in the West. Fawaz shares how the deal came together, Singer’s plans to modernize the historic circuit, and how it could transform Southern California into the next global motorsport and car culture destination. From FIA-grade upgrades and private driver clubs to a new multi-day car festival inspired by Goodwood, this episode dives deep into the future of track culture, car events, and performance driving in LA and beyond. #Singer #WillowSprings #MotorTrend #TheInEVitable #Porsche #CarCulture #Motorsport #GoodwoodFestivalofSpeed #SingerVehicleDesign #MazFawaz #JonnyLieberman #EdLoh

E121 Nov 14, 2025 75 min 28 annotations

Magnus Walker on EVs, Porsches, and the Future of Driving

In this episode of The InEVitable by MotorTrend, hosts Ed Loh and Jonny Lieberman sit down with the one and only Magnus Walker—fashion icon, Porsche collector, designer, and automotive outlaw. Magnus opens up about his love-hate relationship with EVs, why Porsche’s electric strategy might be backfiring, and what the brand needs to do to stay true to its roots. He also shares behind-the-scenes stories about his TWR Supercat project, working with Pininfarina, and his upcoming Porsche book collaboration with Hannah Elliott. From racing at Goodwood to collaborating with design houses, Magnus brings his unfiltered takes on branding, car culture, motorsport, and the future of driving passion.

E120 Nov 07, 2025 67 min 43 annotations