The Kilowatt Half Hour

Ep 108: Why everyone hates the Ferrari Luce… and loves the Renault 5

Ferrari has finally shown its hand with the upcoming Luce EV – and the internet has had thoughts. Lots of them. In this week’s Kilowatt Half Hour, Ginny, Vicky and Mike dive into the fierce reaction to Ferrari’s first electric car, asking whether the criticism is justified or if we’re all judging too soon.Away from Maranello, the team catches up on the latest cars they’ve been driving, including the Alpine A290, Skoda Elroq, Renault 5 and Renault 4, plus a brief encounter with a diesel Transit. There’s also a look at BYD’s reported interest in Formula 1, some cracking EV bargains in the new and used markets, and another Electric Virgin success story as a listener takes the plunge with a brand-new Renault 5.As always, we tackle your comments, questions and hot takes – from charger etiquette and Chinese challengers to retro-inspired Citroëns, automatic-only licences, and whether Mercedes has completely lost the styling plot.All that, plus the week’s favourite comment and plenty of automotive moaning along the way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S3E108 Jun 01, 2026 44 min 76 annotations

Episode 107: The comeback kids: Citigo and 2CV!

This week on the Kilowatt Half Hour, Vicky, Batch and Tom tackle another packed week in the world of EVs, from rumours of a cut-price electric Škoda Citigo revival to Volvo’s bold claim that cars “wouldn’t be accepted” if invented today.There’s chat about the stunning new Volvo EX60, the tiny Škoda Epiq, and whether the AMG GT Coupe is actually… good looking? Plus, the team discuss manual gearboxes and diesel engines potentially disappearing by 2030, and the latest cars added to the UK government’s EV grant scheme.Also this week:⚡ Could MG’s new parking tech cure Britain’s worst parkers?⚡ Lee from Doncaster needs help choosing his next company EV⚡ Barnard’s Bargain returns with a tempting Volvo EX30 lease deal⚡ Your comments on battery degradation, charging, terminology nitpicks — and complaints that the podcast STILL isn’t long enough…As always, expect news, views, gentle arguing and questionable tangents from the Electrifying.com team.Email your questions and comments to: [email protected] the podcast and all our latest videos on the Electrifying.com YouTube channel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S3E107 May 26, 2026 49 min 103 annotations

Ep 107: The comeback kids: Citigo and 2CV!

This week on the Kilowatt Half Hour, Vicky, Batch and Tom tackle another packed week in the world of EVs, from rumours of a cut-price electric Škoda Citigo revival to Volvo’s bold claim that cars “wouldn’t be accepted” if invented today.There’s chat about the stunning new Volvo EX60, the tiny Škoda Epiq, and whether the AMG GT Coupe is actually… good looking? Plus, the team discuss manual gearboxes and diesel engines potentially disappearing by 2030, and the latest cars added to the UK government’s EV grant scheme.Also this week:⚡ Could MG’s new parking tech cure Britain’s worst parkers?⚡ Lee from Doncaster needs help choosing his next company EV⚡ Barnard’s Bargain returns with a tempting Volvo EX30 lease deal⚡ Your comments on battery degradation, charging, terminology nitpicks — and complaints that the podcast STILL isn’t long enough…As always, expect news, views, gentle arguing and questionable tangents from the Electrifying.com team.Email your questions and comments to: [email protected] the podcast and all our latest videos on the Electrifying.com YouTube channel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S3E107 May 26, 2026 43 min 81 annotations

Ep 106: GTI Is Back, Jaguar Gets a Name & Used EV Sales Surge

James Batchelor has seized the host’s chair this week on the Kilowatt Half Hour, proving that in the glamorous world of podcasting, promotion can happen very quickly indeed. Joined by Tom and Lucas, the team dive into another packed week in the world of EVs, including the rebirth of a legendary hot hatch badge, fresh details on Jaguar’s long-awaited electric future, and encouraging signs from the booming used EV market.Tom brings news of the electric Volkswagen ID.Polo GTI and asks whether it could become the EV hot hatch to beat, while Lucas talks us through the latest on Jaguar’s upcoming Type 01 and why the brand is leaning heavily into heritage with its naming strategy.There’s also discussion around:Why used EV sales are surging in 2026The growing appeal of second-hand electric carsThe complicated world of funding solar panels and home chargersWhether ultra-long-range batteries really matterEVs for caravan towingAnd the increasingly competitive electric hot hatch market, featuring the Corsa GSE, Cupra Raval, Alpine A290 and moreBarnard’s Bargains returns with more tempting lease and used EV deals, while the listener questions cover long-term EV ownership, keeping a Kia Niro EV beyond finance, and whether today’s technology is already “good enough” for most drivers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S3E106 May 20, 2026 35 min 53 annotations

Ep 105: 2 million EVs, a 930-mile range and a hot Corsa

This week on the Kilowatt Half Hour podcast, the team finally recover from the chaos of the Beijing Motor Show… only to dive straight into another packed week of EV news, launches and listener questions.We've been driving the new Vauxhall Corsa GSE — a properly quick electric hot hatch with 281hp, checked seats, three-spoke alloys and a 0–62mph time that’s somehow almost identical to a Lotus Carlton. Plus, it’s cheaper than the old Corsa Electric used to be. Naturally, opinions are shared.Vicky’s been living with the Skoda Elroq, preparing for the international launch of the Cupra Raval and getting familiar with the Geely EX2, while Batch breaks down the latest UK car sales figures and what they tell us about the state of the EV market right now.There’s also plenty to discuss from CATL, including claims of a 930-mile semi-solid-state battery, ultra-fast 10C charging capable of adding charge in minutes, and sodium-ion batteries designed to work in extreme cold.As always, there are bargains too — including a surprisingly tempting used Corsa Electric for under £10k — plus your questions and comments. This week the team tackles whether heat pumps really matter on EVs like the upcoming Cupra Raval and Volkswagen Polo EV, helps one listener choose between a Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia EV3 for a brutal motorway commute, and suggests affordable used EVs that won’t completely destroy insurance premiums for teenage drivers.There’s also a brilliant efficiency flex from an Ioniq 6 owner averaging 3.8 miles per kWh over nearly 14,000 miles, plus your thoughts on future battery tech, lightweight EVs and the new generation of electric hot hatches.Oh, and Tom apparently now sounds like Morgan Freeman.All that and more on this week’s Kilowatt Half Hour. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S3E105 May 11, 2026 45 min 89 annotations

Ep 104: Are Car Icons Making a Comeback — or Is China Rewriting the Rules?

Ginny and Steve are back from China with a proper debrief after the Beijing Auto Show – less jet lag, more perspective. They chat about the sheer scale of the show, the standout cars, and what it’s really like on a first visit.There’s plenty of EV news to get into, including the VW ID. Polo reveal, Renault 5 updates (and even a Lego version), plus a Freelander comeback. Barnard’s Bargain returns, and the team tackles your questions—from the best family EVs to buy, to road-tripping across Europe, financing options, and whether to go used or take a punt on new Chinese brands.As always, there are your comments, some strong opinions on self-driving tech, and a warm welcome to this week’s “electric virgins” making the switch.Message us at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S3E104 May 05, 2026 51 min 88 annotations

Ep 103: Beijing Motor Show Special!

Join Ginny, Vicky and guest Steve Fowler as they discuss the highs and lows of the Beijing Motor Show where a host of new EVs made their first public appearance. Which were the team's favourites and which missed the mark.Message us at [email protected] and watch a video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/yKW1bi-Mpwo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S3E103 Apr 29, 2026 30 min 105 annotations

Ep 102: Mad Juke, 574 mile Merc and Kia’s Shock EV Kill!

Kilowatt Half Hour – Episode 102: Mad Juke, 574-Mile Merc & Kia’s Shock EV KillIt’s been another packed week in the fast-moving world of electric cars, and the Electrifying.com team are back to make sense of it all. Nicola, Mike and new presenter Sam Burnett settle in to chat through the latest EV headlines, what they’ve been driving, and answer your questions.This week, there’s plenty to get stuck into – from the newly revealed Nissan Juke and the (sort-of) approval of Tesla’s self-driving tech in the Netherlands, to Kia making the surprising decision to axe one of its most successful electric models. Plus, there’s excitement around a Mercedes capable of a jaw-dropping 574 miles on a charge.The team also share their latest drives, including the VW ID models, a long-term farewell to the Volvo EX30, and a cross-channel EV trip in a Hyundai Kona Electric.As always, listeners are at the heart of the show. There’s advice for a soon-to-be Polestar 2 owner choosing the right home charging tariff, guidance on picking a used EV for mixed driving needs, and some fascinating real-world efficiency data from the community.Add in your comments on pothole-proof cars, infotainment frustrations, and app reliability – plus a few laughs along the way – and you’ve got another lively half hour of EV chat.Plug in, turn up, and enjoy the ride. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S3E102 Apr 20, 2026 49 min 152 annotations

Ep 101: The EV that broke Nicola, charging prices SLASHED and EV sales boom!

We’re back after Easter (and far too much chocolate), and yes… we’re starting exactly where we left off. Nicola’s now-infamous rant about the Polestar 4 infotainment system returns for part two – complete with your brilliant reactions and a slightly more… calming reset guide. Public service, Electrifying style.Elsewhere, it’s been a busy week behind the wheel. There’s a twin test fresh from the barn, Vicky’s been driving the Tiggo, and we’ve even squeezed in a first go in the new Jaguar GT.In the news, EV sales are booming, and Octopus Energy is shaking things up by slashing on-street charging costs – in some cases making it cheaper than charging at home. Is this a turning point for EV drivers without driveways?We also dive into your comments and questions, including first-time EV buyers, real-world efficiency wins, and one listener’s frustrating experience with the Citroën e-C4. Plus, we tackle everything from Renault feature updates to which EVs actually cope with Britain’s worst roads.And finally… are modern car interiors getting a bit dull? You’ve got thoughts – and we’re here for them.If you’re still with us, thanks for listening! Don’t forget to follow, review, and check us out on YouTube at Electrifying.com. Or write to us at [email protected] you next week ⚡ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S3E101 Apr 13, 2026 43 min 33 annotations

Ep 100: EV2 price shock, Honda leg it (again) & we hit 100! ⚡🎉

It’s a big one this week as we celebrate our 100th episode (no, not our 100th birthdays). Nicola, Ginny and Mike are back — with questionable WiFi, strong opinions and plenty of electric chat.We kick things off with the Kia EV2’s headline-grabbing pricing, asking whether it’s a bargain or a bit of a shock. There’s also first-drive chat on the BMW iX3, plus a look at what Ginny’s been driving (and what she can’t talk about yet…).In the news, we dive into steer-by-wire tech (is it the future or a step too far?) and react to Honda and Sony calling time on their EV partnership.There’s also a 100th episode surprise, Easter chat, a tempting Capri lease deal, and loads of your questions, from real-world efficiency to whether public charging can stack up financially.Thanks for sticking with us for 100 episodes, here’s to the next hundred! ⚡ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S3E100 Apr 07, 2026 48 min 29 annotations

Ep 99: The 1100hp Audi A2, and EVs that pay for themselves

This week’s Kilowatt Half Hour comes to you from a slightly chaotic (and very depleted!) Electrifying.com team, as Vicky and Tom hold the fort while everyone else is off driving secret cars, sipping cocktails or… impersonating David Attenborough.There’s plenty to get into, though. We discuss the upcoming all-electric Renault Twingo and whether a sub-£20k EV can really deliver, plus Tom shares his early impressions of the astonishing Porsche Cayenne Electric Turbo. We also dive into the latest news, including plans for solar panels and heat pumps in new homes, and MG’s upcoming semi-solid-state batteries.Elsewhere, we crunch the numbers on EV vs petrol running costs, revisit used bargains like the MG4, and tackle your questions — from Volvo EX30 battery issues to real-world efficiency and future Audi A2 rumours.As ever, it’s a mix of insight, opinion and a bit of chaos from the world of electric cars. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S3E99 Mar 31, 2026 39 min 33 annotations

Ep 98: Audi’s throwback, VW’s touch-up, and Vauxhall gets serious

Episode 98 of the Kilowatt Half Hour is here, as Nicola, Tom, Mike and newcomer Lucas dive into the latest in the world of electric cars. There’s first-drive chat on the Volvo EX30, plenty of lively debate, and a packed news section covering everything from Audi’s plans for a new baby EV to the latest updates on the VW ID.3 and Vauxhall Astra Electric. As always, your emails and comments take centre stage, with discussions on EV tariffs, charging costs, real-world range and whether the industry needs stronger rules to speed up the transition. Throw in Barnard’s Bargain, plenty of listener shoutouts and the usual inane banter, and you’ve got another must-listen episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S3E98 Mar 27, 2026 44 min 30 annotations

Episode 97: Will electricity prices go up & how far does the iX3 go in the real-world?

Ginny, Tom and Vicky are back with another episode of the Kilowatt Half Hour, diving into the world of EVs with their usual mix of insight and inane banter. This week: spreadsheets (yes, really), conferences and rising fuel and energy prices—plus why electric driving still stacks up.There’s talk of real-world range in the BMW iX3, a new “Barnard’s Bargain”, and reactions from the ZEV conference. As always, your comments and questions spark debates on everything from efficiency and sliding rear seats to retro design and platform sharing.It’s informative, irreverent and more entertaining than it has any right to be. ⚡ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S3E97 Mar 17, 2026 52 min 30 annotations

Kilowatt Half Hour Ep 96: Big Brother, Boring Fiats & Merc’s Marvel

The Kilowatt Half Hour is back for Episode 96, and the Electrifying.com team is diving into another busy week in the world of electric cars ⚡Ginny and Batch catch up on what they’ve been driving – including a first taste of the upcoming Mercedes-Benz GLC EQ (with a very clever feature we can’t quite talk about yet) and extended time behind the wheel of the Fiat 600e. It’s perfectly fine… but is “fine” enough in today’s ultra-competitive EV market?In the news this week:The finalists for the World Car of the Year Awards have been announced – which EVs made the cut?A surprising revelation that the UK government analysed mobile phone data to study how EV drivers travel and charge. Is it useful research… or a little bit creepy?A potential breakthrough for cheaper public charging after community network Charge My Street won the first stage of a legal challenge over VAT on public EV chargers.Plus, it’s time for Barnard’s Bargain, where Batch uncovers a seriously tempting lease deal on the BYD Seal.We also dive into your comments and questions, including:Listeners welcoming the podcast back (and some who weren’t quite so happy…)A new “Electric Virgin” listener in Ohio buying their very first EVReal-world range reports from the communityThe mystery of BYD’s magically growing boot spaceADAS beeps, tiredness warnings and whether insurance companies will eventually force drivers to keep them switched onAnd of course, there’s plenty of listener banter — including debates about Spice Girls analogies, the upcoming VW Group EV “triplets”, and dreams of Electrifying converting a Yugo into a modern EV hot hatch.Got a question, a real-world range report, or a car-buying dilemma? Drop it in the comments or email the team — and we might feature it on the next show.Contact us at [email protected] this podcast at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3yQxluEm5c&list=PLFQ1iRNtDyJt9rr1UT0pHCeMuOvm-6b9Q Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S3E96 Mar 07, 2026 38 min 43 annotations

Kilowatt Half Hour Ep 95: VW’s Spice Girls, Polestar windows & Cars of the Year!

We’re back! After what can only be described as a full factory reset (call it a model-year upgrade with a light facelift), the Electrifying.com team returns with a jam-packed episode covering one of the busiest periods the EV world has seen in years.Ginny, Nicola and Vicky dive straight into what they’ve been driving – including the VW Group “triplets” (Epiq, Polo and Raval), the Mercedes CLA, EV of the Year contenders, the Skoda Elroq, Volvo EX60, Kia EV2, Polestar 4 and more. There’s also talk of regen feel, buttons and switches (yes, really), and whether some new models genuinely feel different under the skin.In the news: Polestar makes headlines (again), BYD’s mysterious boot space growth spurt, and the Government boosts the home charging grant to £500 – but is it actually enough to make a difference? The team breaks down what the changes mean for renters, landlords and drivers without driveways.Welcome to the Kilowatt Half Hour - your weekly podcast from the team at Electrifying.com Contact us at [email protected] this podcast at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3yQxluEm5c&list=PLFQ1iRNtDyJt9rr1UT0pHCeMuOvm-6b9Q Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S3E95 Mar 01, 2026 50 min 41 annotations

Kilowatt Half Hour Ep 94: The petrol ban, and our cars of the year!

This week we’ll be talking about the hottest EVs of 2025 and 20226 and discussing the EU's softening of the petrol and diesel car ban.Plus there's Barnard's Bargain, listener questions and a review of last episode's comments.Welcome to the Kilowatt Half Hour - your weekly podcast from the team at Electrifying.com Contact us at [email protected] this podcast at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3yQxluEm5c&list=PLFQ1iRNtDyJt9rr1UT0pHCeMuOvm-6b9Q Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2E94 Dec 21, 2025 36 min 26 annotations

Episode 93: The future e208, forgotten EVs, and the grant punch-up

This week we’ll be talking about the future of Peugeot - and the big grant punch up, forgotten electric Citroens, big electric MGs and Fords that you can’t buy.Plus there's Barnard's Bargain, listener questions and a review of last week's comments.Welcome to the Kilowatt Half Hour - your weekly podcast from the team at Electrifying.com Contact us at [email protected] this podcast at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3yQxluEm5c&list=PLFQ1iRNtDyJt9rr1UT0pHCeMuOvm-6b9Q Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2E93 Nov 24, 2025 43 min 28 annotations

Episode 92: Catfishing concepts and Congestion Charging

This week, Ginny, Tom and Batch (for half of it...) discuss pay per mile taxation, the Mokka GSE and rest of the week's VEV news. Plus there's Barnard's Bargain, listener questions and a review of last week's comments. Welcome to the Kilowatt Half Hour - your weekly podcast from the team at Electrifying.com Contact us at [email protected] this podcast at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3yQxluEm5c&list=PLFQ1iRNtDyJt9rr1UT0pHCeMuOvm-6b9Q Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2E92 Nov 17, 2025 47 min 13 annotations

Episode 91: EV bargains, bongs and the trillion dollar bonus

This week, Ginny and Tom discuss the new Geely EX5, Elon Musk's pay packet and the bings and bongs that have driven us mad.Plus, we also be answering YOUR EV questions and dipping into the postbag to find out your views on last week’s episode. Welcome to the Kilowatt Half Hour - your weekly podcast from the team at Electrifying.com Contact us at [email protected] this podcast at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3yQxluEm5c&list=PLFQ1iRNtDyJt9rr1UT0pHCeMuOvm-6b9Q Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2E91 Nov 10, 2025 39 min 22 annotations

Episode 90: Big Smarts, little Hondas and getting EV charging out of the gutter

This week, Mike and Tom discuss the new smart #5, Honda's new EV city car and the Tesla Model Y Performance.Plus, we’ll also be answering YOUR EV questions and dipping into the postbag to find out your views on last week’s episode. Welcome to the Kilowatt Half Hour - your weekly podcast from the team at Electrifying.com Contact us at [email protected] this podcast at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3yQxluEm5c&list=PLFQ1iRNtDyJt9rr1UT0pHCeMuOvm-6b9Q Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2E90 Nov 03, 2025 44 min 21 annotations

Episode 89: Budget Buzz, the Dinky Dacia and the Gilded Genesis

This week, Ginny and Mike discuss the new Kia PV5, the Dacia Hipster and the facelifted Genesis GV60. Plus, we’ll also be answering YOUR EV questions and dipping into the postbag to find out your views on last week’s episode. Welcome to the Kilowatt Half Hour - your weekly podcast from the team at Electrifying.com Contact us at [email protected] this podcast at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3yQxluEm5c&list=PLFQ1iRNtDyJt9rr1UT0pHCeMuOvm-6b9Q Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2E89 Oct 08, 2025 43 min 26 annotations

Episode 88: EV4 outrage, the Micra backlash and Volvo doubles up

This week we’ll be talking about the controversially-styled Kia EV4, Volvo's EX90 update, electric tow cars and the ongoing argument about the new Nissan Micra. Plus, we’ll also be answering YOUR EV questions and dipping into the postbag to find out your views on last week’s episode. Welcome to the Kilowatt Half Hour - your weekly podcast from the team at Electrifying.com Contact us at [email protected] this podcast at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3yQxluEm5c&list=PLFQ1iRNtDyJt9rr1UT0pHCeMuOvm-6b9Q Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2E88 Sep 29, 2025 45 min 24 annotations

Episode 87: Nissan’s lazy boi, Epiq tales and some Soul searching

This week we’ll be talking about how the busiest August for new cars since we launched in 2020 is fast turning into the busiest September with the Nissan Micra, Škoda Epiq and a host of other new arrivals. Plus, we’ll also be answering YOUR EV questions and dipping into the postbag to find out your views on last week’s episode. Welcome to the Kilowatt half hour your weekly podcast from the team at Electrifying.com Contact us at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2E87 Sep 22, 2025 52 min 28 annotations

Episode 86: The German edition - reborn TT, iX3 and VW’s new name game

This week, we’ll be talking about the busiest August we’ve ever had for EV launches and concepts - the electric Audi TT, the all-new and very clever BMW iX3, along with a crazy concept from Hyundai - and that just for starters!Plus, we’ll also be answering YOUR EV questions and dipping into the postbag to find out your views on last week’s episode. Welcome to the Kilowatt half hour your weekly podcast from the team at Electrifying.com Contact us at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2E86 Sep 11, 2025 41 min 15 annotations

Episode 85: Elon’s electrons, the Polestar that couldn't stop and the Corsa cometh

Hello and welcome to your weekly bits and bytes from the world of electric cars brought to you by the team at Electrifying.com This week we’ll be talking about Tesla’s plans for the UK energy market, the Polestar that went on and on and on, and the concept that sort of tells us how the new Vauxhall Corsa is going to look. And we’ll also be answering YOUR electric car questions and dipping into the postbag to find out your views on last week’s episode. Welcome to the Kilowatt half hour.This podcast is also available on the Electrifying.com YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC29JbxEwr7q5bP7ANJMSqAg) where you can leave comments and questions for the team. We can also be reached at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2E85 Aug 18, 2025 41 min 21 annotations