Daily Recap: Thursday, March 26, 2026
32 episodes · If you only listen to one: Chris Ashton / Ruffian Cars on Overcrest: A Pretty Good Podcast
The Sony Honda Afeela cancellation dominated conversation across multiple shows as hosts unpacked what it means for Honda's broader EV strategy. Rising fuel prices in China and globally came up in discussions about EV adoption barriers, alongside deep dives into Xiaomi's surprisingly strong profitability and the ongoing debate over consumer confidence in electric vehicles. The 66th World of Wheels show in Kansas City and the Midwest Dream Car Collection gave hosts plenty of material on custom builds and classic American muscle, with the Ford Mustang, Dodge Charger, and Chevrolet Corvette getting heavy airtime.
More Shows Weigh In on Sony Honda's Afeela Cancellation and Honda's EV Strategy Retreat
Sony Honda has officially scrapped the Afeela EV program following Honda's broader EV strategy reassessment, which included a $15.7 billion write-down.
The Afeela One sedan was originally priced at around $90,000 for the entry model and was slated to be built in the United States before the cancellation, with California reservation holders receiving full refunds.
"Sony Honda confirm the project is scrapped. The partnership with Honda's engineering and Sony software and entertainment will cease [Afeela] development now."
Honda's decision reflects the company's determination that they could not make money from EVs, marking a major retreat from their previous electrification goals.
Chili Pepper Trophy Day at Tailpipes & Tacos, Beaumont!
Honda's $15.7 billion impairment charge stems largely from what hosts called an ill-timed bet on EVs.
Rising Gas Prices Globally Driving Shift Toward Electric Vehicles
Gas prices have surged significantly in multiple regions, with EU fuel prices rising 12% since recent geopolitical conflicts and now averaging about $7.40 per gallon, while some northern countries reach $9 per gallon.
In China, fuel prices have climbed towards 9 yuan a litre, equivalent to $1.24 a litre.
"Fuel prices in China have climbed towards 9 yuan a litre. That is $1.24 a litre."
These elevated fuel costs are driving consumer interest in electric vehicles, with one French online used car dealer reporting that used EV sales nearly doubled since mid-February, while BYD estimates drivers switching to its new Song Ultra EV with free charging will save 20,000 yuan over 18 months.
"Since the conflict began, gas prices in the EU have risen 12%. They now average about $7.40 per and in some northern countries, it's $9 a gallon."
Episode Spotlights
Driven Radio Show #346: Live from the 66th Annual World of Wheels
Driven Radio broadcast live from the Kansas City Convention Center for the 66th Annual World of Wheels, covering the custom car show floor with the Ford Mustang, Dodge Charger, and Chevrolet Corvette all getting significant airtime.
On used Tesla battery degradation after 250,000 miles:
"I've been busy driving cars... We've just driven a Tesla that's got 91% of its battery life left, and it's done 250,000 miles."
On robotaxis' projected impact on new car sales:
"McKinsey says robotaxis could eliminate as much as 30 percent of private car sales by 2035 which would have a major impact on automakers, suppliers and car dealers."
On unsold 2025 model year inventory nationwide:
"New cars still for sale that are 2025 model year or earlier, there's 330,000, almost 331,000 of them nationwide. More than 10% of new cars for sale in America right now are leftovers."
If You Only Listen To One
Chris Ashton / Ruffian Cars
Chris Ashton co-founded Ruffian Cars after a career in game development, and the conversation covers how that background shaped his function-first approach to hot rod building, stripping away everything that doesn't serve the drive.
By the Numbers
Most-Discussed Cars
| Car | Mentions |
|---|---|
| Ford Mustang | 9 |
| Porsche 911 | 8 |
| Dodge Charger | 6 |
| Chevrolet Corvette | 6 |
| Jeep Wrangler | 5 |
| Ford F150 | 5 |
| Chevrolet Camaro | 5 |
| Porsche Cayenne | 4 |
Trending Terminology
| Term | Mentions |
|---|---|
| EV | 9 |
| joint venture | 3 |
| plug-in hybrid | 3 |
| head gasket | 3 |
| Formula One | 3 |
| liquid electrolyte | 2 |
32 episodes. 371 car mentions. 798 terms explained. Browse every episode with searchable annotations and plain-language term definitions in the Car Curious app.