InsideEVs Plugged-In Podcast

Electric Heavy Truck Deep-Dive! + What the Midterms Mean for EV Tax Credits

Can class 8 semi-trucks and heavy-duty transit buses actually go 100% electric on a global scale? On this week’s episode of The Plugged-In Podcast, Tim and Mack sit down with Ray Minjares, Director of the Heavy-Duty Vehicles Program at the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT). Ray breaks down the state of zero-emission commercial transport around the world—from megawatt charging hubs for trucks to —and explains whether the Tesla Semi and its competitors can truly replace long-haul diesel fleets. Plus, we tackle what this week’s election results could mean for federal EV tax credits and the shift to clean transportation. We also cover some unlikely news from the highly controversial Ferrari Luce EV, and Mack gripes about screen-based vent controls. Check out InsideEVs for the latest future of transportation news and find us online: Instagram Threads YouTube BlueSky X

Inside Rivian’s Software Strategy with Chief Software Officer Wassym Bensaid

How does a car transform into a Ghostbusters Ecto-1 overnight? On this week’s episode of The Plugged-In Podcast, Tim and Mack sit down with Rivian’s Chief Software Officer, Wassym Bensaid , for an in-depth conversation about Rivian’s vertically integrated software strategy, custom compute architecture, and zonal controllers—and how those in-house systems power both deep OTA updates and viral seasonal features like their annual Halloween Mode. Plus, we break down major news across the EV industry: Europe's Milestone: Fully electric car sales in the EU just officially surpassed gasoline and diesel sales combined for Q3 Ford Fathom Bidirectional Power: New details reveal Ford's upcoming $28K Fathom electric truck moves the inverter onboard—allowing 10kW home backup power with 60% cheaper home hardware. Cybercab Battery Tech: Digging into the latest specs and pack details powering Tesla's autonomous robotaxi fleet. Rivian Van Sales Surge: Commercial van deliveries continue to gain momentum as Rivian expands fleet adoption beyond Amazon. Check out InsideEVs for the latest future of transportation news and find us online: Instagram Threads YouTube BlueSky X

BMW iX5 First Drive! + GM’s Next-Gen EV Platform Revealed

1 Year After EV Tax Credits: Dead EVs, Tesla’s Dominance, Hybrid Surge & Sales Rebound

One full year after federal EV tax credits vanished, the electric vehicle landscape looks completely different. On this week’s episode of The Plugged-In Podcast, Tim and guest host Suvrat step back to look at the big-picture trends shaping the market: which EVs died off (and which deserved it), how Tesla managed to stay strong, why Toyota is surging, the explosive growth of charging infrastructure, and how EV sales actually seem to be in the early stages of a comeback. Plus, in our Plus/Minus segment at the end of the show, we discuss a big Android Auto update that brings native EV route planning to Google Maps, plus an exciting update for the VW ID. Buzz. Plus: Android Auto gets a huge upgrade with native EV route planning in Google Maps. Minus: Teasing what's next for Volkswagen as reports suggest a potential new iteration or direction for the ID. Buzz. #InsideEVs #PluggedInPodcast #ElectricVehicles #Tesla #Toyota #EVTaxCredit #AndroidAuto #VWIDBuzz Further reading: EV Sales Rebound To Their Highest Level In A Year https://insideevs.com/news/811825/ev-sales-q3-2026/ Gen 3 EVs Are Coming https://insideevs.com/features/781390/gen-3-electric-vehicles-report/ America Now Has More Than 80,000 Public Fast Charging Ports https://insideevs.com/news/811678/us-ev-charging-growth-q3-2026/ The Next VW ID. Buzz Could Get More Tech And A Lower Price Tag https://insideevs.com/news/811821/second-generation-vw-id-buzz/ Check out InsideEVs for the latest future of transportation news and find us online: Instagram Threads YouTube BlueSky X

Has Jaguar Gone Too Far? + Driving Kia’s Awesome Cheap EV

Is Jaguar’s radical rebrand genius? Or madness? On this week’s episode of The Plugged-In Podcast, we react to the reveal of Jaguar’s controversial Type 01 grand tourer. The design is impossible to ignore, but can this car and all-electric pivot save Jaguar? Plus, is Kia about to dominate the affordable EV segment? Tim reports back from his first drive in the brand-new Kia EV3. With its impressive range, aggressive pricing, and appealing design, is it better than the Chevy Bolt and Nissan Leaf? Tim thinks so. Plus, we tackle a listener question: Will the surge of electric cars actually crash or overwhelm the U.S. electrical grid? Also on this week's episode: Tesla Powershare Expands: Tesla officially rolled out Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) power capabilities to the Model 3 and Model Y. Lucid’s Q3 Production Dip: Lucid has slashed production to better meet demand. What it all means. Kia EV3 First Drive Review: The Best Cheap EV SUV Yet? https://insideevs.com/reviews/810861/kia-ev3-review-drive-best-affordable-ev/ Jaguar Type 01 Revealed https://insideevs.com/news/810839/jaguar-type-01-launch-ev/ Tesla Model 3 Or Model Y Can Now Power Your Home https://insideevs.com/news/810989/tesla-model-y-model-3-home-backup-powershare/ Lucid Production Plunges As EV Maker Clears Inventory https://insideevs.com/news/810884/lucid-sales-production-q3-2026/ Check out InsideEVs for the latest future of transportation news and find us online: Instagram Threads YouTube BlueSky X

The BMW i3 Crushes Tesla On Range + U.S. Guts Clean Car Rules

BMW’s next-generation electric sedan gets up to 468 miles of range on a single charge. But will it sell? On this week’s episode of The Plugged-In Podcast, Mack and Tim break down the mind-blowing specs for the all-new BMW i3—a car that promises more range than every Tesla on the market today. They react to its pricing and discuss whether it’ll be a hit during a tough time for electrification. Plus, we dive into the massive federal CAFE fuel economy rollback. What do far lower MPG targets mean for automakers, buyers, and the broader timeline for EV adoption? Also on this week's episode: Chevy Bolt’s Limited Run: Reports reveal production of the 2027 Chevy Bolt EV may be capped at just 35,000 units. Why is GM holding back on its most affordable EV? Ionna Hits 180 Sites: The automaker-backed charging coalition has doubled its footprint this year and shows no sign of slowing down. Tesla Roadster Event Delayed (Again): Tesla postpones its next-gen Roadster reveal event yet again. The BMW i3’s 468-Mile Range Demolishes Every Tesla https://insideevs.com/news/810281/bmw-i3-us-specs-revealed/ America's Clean Car Retreat Is Complete. The World Will Move On https://insideevs.com/features/809886/us-fuel-economy-standards-rollback/ 35,000 Cars: Now We Know How 'Limited' The Chevy Bolt's Run May Be https://insideevs.com/news/810063/gm-35000-chevy-bolt-production-report/ Ionna Has Doubled Its Charging Network This Year. It's Not Slowing Down https://insideevs.com/news/810062/ionna-doubled-in-size/ Tesla Patents 'Electric Fan Car' Weeks Before Roadster Reveal https://insideevs.com/news/809920/tesla-roadster-reveal-event-delayed-october-15/ Check out InsideEVs for the latest future of transportation news and find us online: Instagram Threads YouTube BlueSky X

Bentley Dropped Its First EV + China Built A 2.2 Megawatt Charger

Bentley has officially entered the electric era. On this week's episode of The Plugged-In Podcast, Mack and Tim team react to the debut of the Bentley Torcal—an 875-horsepower luxury SUV with 400 kW charging and over 300 miles of range. Plus, we break down a fascinating new study revealing that the real split in EV adoption isn't political party—it's age. A generational divide in EV sentiment is shaping the future of cars. Also on this week's episode: Geely's 2.2 MW Ultra-Fast Charger: Geely unveils a mind-boggling 2.25 megawatt charging system that promises 10% to 70% top-ups in under 5 minutes and one-ups BYD. Saudi Arabia's Wild "Exobot" EVs: A look at Ceer's futuristic, wedge-shaped sedan and SUVs with gullwing doors. READ MORE: Bentley's First EV Charges Faster Than You Can Finish Lunch https://insideevs.com/news/809318/bentley-torcal-midsize-suv-fast-charging/ Geely's New EV Charger Is Absurdly Powerful: 2.2 Megawatts https://insideevs.com/news/809271/geely-2-megawatt-smart-charging-system/ These Absolutely Wild-Looking EVs Are Saudi Arabia's First Domestic Cars https://insideevs.com/news/809011/ceer-exobot-sedan-suv/ ZETA Generational EV Divide Study https://www.zeta.org/news/ahead-of-climate-week-new-poll-finds-ev-divide-is-more-generational-than-political Check out InsideEVs for the latest future of transportation news and find us online: Instagram Threads YouTube BlueSky X

Tesla Roadster Is Actually Coming? + NYC’s Massive Curbside Charging Plan

Is the long-delayed Tesla Roadster finally happening? On this episode of The Plugged-In Podcast, Mack and Tim react to Tesla’s surprise announcement setting an official October 1 unveil date—almost a decade after the concept first debuted. We break down what to expect and whether it’s for real this time. Plus, we’re joined by Tiya Gordon, cofounder of the Brooklyn-based charging company It’s Electric, to talk about their major new contract with New York City to install hundreds of curbside EV chargers—and how street-level charging is solving the apartment-dweller dilemma. Also on this week's show: Mercedes-Benz GLC First Drive: Mack takes the wheel of the all-new electric GLC and gives his hands-on verdict. VW Mission Efficiency Concept: Volkswagen’s EV prototype reminds us of the hyper-efficient VW XL1. Volvo’s Next-Gen PHEVs: A look at Volvo’s latest long-range plug-in hybrids. READ MORE: 2027 Mercedes GLC 400 Electric Review: The Best Mercedes EV Ever https://insideevs.com/reviews/808381/mercedes-glc/ Tesla Confirms Next-Generation Roadster Reveal On October 1 https://insideevs.com/news/808054/tesla-roadster-ev-october-2026-reveal/ 2028 Volvo XC60 And XC90 Plug-In Hybrids Get A Massive EV Range Boost https://insideevs.com/news/807862/2028-volvo-xc60-xc90-long-range-plug-in-hybrid/ New York City Is Getting 700 EV Chargers Right On The Curb https://insideevs.com/news/808264/new-york-ev-charging-its-electric-curbside/ Volkswagen Just Unveiled The Most Efficient EV Ever Tested https://insideevs.com/news/808168/volkswagen-mission-efficiency-concept-range-charging-test/ Check out InsideEVs for the latest future of transportation news and find us online: Instagram Threads YouTube BlueSky X

Can The Electric Jeep Recon Beat The Wrangler? + Ford’s Fight With The Trump Administration

The Jeep Recon is here. With removable doors, chunky tires, and a charming look, does the first real Jeep EV hold a candle to the Wrangler? In some ways, the EV comes out on top. On this week’s Plugged-In Podcast, the guys discuss Mack’s first impressions of the Recon after driving it both on- and off-road. They also break down the Tesla Cybercab’s long-awaited launch, what we learned last week, and the big questions that still stick out. They also recap the brutal letter Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy sent to Ford CEO Jim Farley about its ties to Chinese companies. Plus, Mack takes his first ride in Waymo’s new Ojai robotaxi in San Diego, and we drool over the wild SkyNomad N90 Max Studio, an SUV designed to double as a tiny apartment. READ MORE: The All-Electric Jeep Recon Beats The Wrangler In One Key Way. But It's Still Flawed. https://insideevs.com/reviews/807485/jeep-recon-moab-first-drive/ 'Deeply Alarmed': Trump Administration Slams Ford's Deal With Chinese Battery Company https://insideevs.com/news/807596/ford-china-trump-administration-catl/ Tesla’s Cybercab Is Finally Giving Paid Robotaxi Rides. Here’s What It Can And Can’t Do https://insideevs.com/news/807174/tesla-cybercab-paid-robotaxi-rides-austin/ This Electric Camper SUV Has Heated Floors, A Loft, And Built-In Storage. See The SkyNomad N90 Max Studio. https://insideevs.com/news/807526/skynomad-n90-max-studio-camper/ Check out InsideEVs for the latest future of transportation news and find us online: Instagram Threads YouTube BlueSky X

Range Rover Electric Breaks Cover + How Long Do EV Batteries Actually Last?

How long do electric vehicle batteries really last in the real world? This week on The Plugged-In Podcast, Mack and Tim break down a massive new study analyzing over 500,000 EV battery health tests—and the data reveals a clear picture of long-term degradation, plus how specific EVs like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Tesla Model Y hold up after around 100,000 miles. Plus, we dive into: Range Rover Electric: What we know so far about Land Rover’s high-stakes entry into luxury EVs. Nissan's Hybrid Scramble: Nissan pulled forward its Rogue hybrid launch twice as automakers without solid hybrid lineups race to meet surging U.S. demand. Waymo's Expansion: Autonomous taxis head to new cities, including their first test in real snow conditions in Denver. Norway's Latest EV Milestone: Looking at the astounding August sales numbers as Norway inches closer to a 100% electric market. EVs Hit A Record 98.7% Market Share In Norway. These Are The Top Sellers https://insideevs.com/news/806799/norway-ev-sales-98-percent/ Nissan's 'Home Run' Hybrid SUV Arrives In November To Rival Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V https://insideevs.com/news/806636/nissan-rogue-epower-hybrid-suv-launch-america/ This Study Covered 500,000 EV Batteries. Some Models Aged Much Better Than Others. https://insideevs.com/news/806798/ev-battery-aging-study-2026/ Waymo's Newest City Brings Its Biggest Challenge Yet: Rides In The Snow https://insideevs.com/news/806758/waymo-denver-san-diego-tampa-launch-day/ I Drove The $138,000 Range Rover Electric Off-Road. It Was Exceptional https://insideevs.com/news/806401/range-rover-electric-specs-drive/