The EVs for Everyone Podcast

Hosted by Elena Ciccotelli

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281

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Aug 2026

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About the show

If you're an EV enthusiast, you've come to the right place. The EVs for Everyone Podcast is a fun, entertaining look at how some of the world's most innovative companies are racing towards an electrified future. Press play to listen to exclusive interviews with respected leaders in the automotive industry who are ramping up their electrification efforts and sharing what they've learned along the way. If you're an automotive professional who wants to keep up with the latest EV trends (all while having a little fun), this is definitely the show for you.

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September 2, 202621 min

Ep. 281: It's The Year of the Hybrid (With Used Payments Hitting A Record Of $542) with Experian Automotive

Auto financing trends just changed (again) and if you’re still selling based on last year’s playbook, you’re behind. In today’s episode, Melinda Zabritski, Head of Automotive Financial Insights at Experian Automotive is back on the show to unpack the Q2 2026 State of the Automotive Finance Market Report and translate it into moves you can make on the showroom floor and in your used car lot. We get into why average used payments just hit a record $542, whether the “starter car” is really dead, and how lenders are rethinking risk as buyers stretch further back in model years while loan terms blow past 73 months. Melinda also explains what’s really happening with delinquencies and repos across prime, near-prime, and subprime, which segments are holding up, and where dealers should be cautious. Then we jump to the electrified side of the house: the collapse in EV lease share post-tax credits, why 2026 is shaping up to be the year of the hybrid, and how hybrids have suddenly become the payment friendly hero with lower monthly notes than comparable ICE vehicles. We also break down the surprising profile of today’s used EV buyer, why credit scores are rising, how Tesla Model Y off-lease volume is shaping the market, and what an $821 average new EV payment means for mainstream adoption. If you’re in charge of making inventory or finance decisions, this episode is your fast track to seeing where the money is flowing, where the risk is hiding, and how to position your store for the next wave of EVs, hybrids, and used inventory. ____________________________________ 🔗 Want the full story in data form? We pulled the highlights, but you’ll want the details: The Experian Automotive State of the Automotive Finance Market Report for Q2 2026 This quarter’s report highlights several key trends shaping the automotive finance landscape: 16.8% Hybrid share of new vehicle financing (up from 12.99% YOY) $83/month average savings from auto loan refinancing. 2% increase in outstanding automotive loan balances YOY. 1 in 3 vehicle loans now exceed 72 months in length. Used vehicle financing share increased while overall financing volumes declined YOY. Download it here _______________________________ Check out Experian's EV Resource Page for all things electric vehicle data _______________________________ This episode is sponsored by Experian. Experian is a global data and technology company, powering opportunities for people and businesses around the world. Experian helps to redefine lending practices, uncover and prevent fraud, simplify healthcare, deliver digital marketing solutions, and gain deeper insights into the automotive market, all using their unique combination of data, analytics and software. Learn more here https://www.experian.com/automotive/ev-resource-center?cmpid=EVS_for_Everyone _______________________________ Connect with Melinda on LinkedIn _______________________________ Connect with Elena: https://evs4everyone.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/ Let's talk on X: https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryone Are you connected with the show on LinkedIn? https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/ ________________________

August 26, 202616 min

Ep. 280: Did Regulators Give Polestar False Hope? The U.S. Ban Fallout with WSJ’s Chris Otts

Polestar’s U.S. exit just got messier. In today’s episode, Wall Street Journal autos reporter Chris Otts is here to explain why Volvo got the green light from the Trump administration while Polestar was denied, despite sharing ownership, platforms, and even a factory line in Ridgeville, South Carolina. Chris breaks down the national security rules for connected vehicles, the Commerce Department’s concerns over how vehicle data is shared and how a niche EV brand (that actually has a decent product) ended up as the first test case. We also talked about the latest developments in a New Jersey dealer’s lawsuit against Polestar, Polestar’s detailed letter to retailers claiming it was “strung along” by regulators, and what it all means for discounted Polestar inventory and state franchise laws. Finally, Chris also talks about whether this chaotic situation is an early blueprint for how U.S. regulators might treat other Chinese backed automakers and global brands with Chinese stakeholders going forward. Hang on tight… this one’s full of plot twists, question marks and a whole bunch of frustrated Polestar dealers. _______________________________ Read both articles on WSJ: Polestar Dealer Claims Automaker ‘Orchestrated’ Its U.S. Ban in Lawsuit EV-Maker Polestar Says Trump Administration Strung It Along Before U.S. Ban _______________________________ Connect with Chris on LinkedIn _______________________________ Connect with Elena: https://evs4everyone.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/ Let's talk on X: https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryone Are you connected with the show on LinkedIn? https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/ ________________________

August 19, 202626 min

Ep. 279: $3,500 Off Your First New EV? California’s MyFirstEV Program Just Changed The Game with Mike Murphy

You heard it here first! Back in January of this year, Mike Murphy, founder and CEO of EVs for All America, said he was cooking up a California incentive for first time EV buyers. Back then, I only half believed him. Fast forward to today: the “MyFirstEV” program is now live in California, with up to $3,500 for new EVs and $1,750 for used, backed by 13 automakers and a coalition that actually got it through Sacramento. In this episode, Mike explains how the program works, why it’s focused on converting first time EV buyers, and how matching funds from automakers turn a state budget line into a market moving lever. We also talked about what other states can steal from this playbook, why “let the free market decide” is a fantasy in a world dominated by China’s EV push, and what’s at stake for American manufacturing and national security. Oh, and yes, Mike also recounts his story of driving a Porsche Cayenne EV 3,000 miles (across the country from New Hampshire to LA) in six days, nearly torching a Bucee’s with a drone, and why today’s public charging landscape feels like a different planet compared to 2023. ______________________________ Check out the MyFirstEV website here ______________________________ Automotive News: California’s EV rebate breaks new ground with automaker matching funds, first-time buyer focus ______________________________ Check out the EVs for All America website and here's all of Mike's EV Roadtrip videos _______________________________ Follow Mike on X and LinkedIn _______________________________ Connect with Elena: https://evs4everyone.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/ Let's talk on X: https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryone Are you connected with the show on LinkedIn? https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/ ________________________

August 17, 202624 min

Ep. 278: Absolutely Brutal Truths from Inside Legacy Auto with Jan Griffiths

Humanoid robots are having a moment but the real disruption in automotive right now is a bit more… human. In today’s episode, Jan Griffiths, host of the Automotive Leaders Podcast, is here to talk about obliterating all the early 20th century management thinking, getting rid of all the “approval theater,” and building automotive organizations with real velocity. Jan went from being a CPO at a global Tier One, then walked away from her dream job to launch Gravitas Detroit and a mission driven media company focused on leadership and culture. Jan and I also talked about how legacy silos crush innovation, what Tenneco’s turnaround under Jim Voss teaches us about people first performance, and why servant leadership is now a competitive advantage in a “China speed” world. Jan also gets real about podcasting in this niche and what it looks like to lead from the heart in an industry built on steel, scale, and stubborn habits. This is a slight departure from my normal EV content but I know you’ll love this candid conversation with Jan! _______________________________ Subscribe to The Automotive Leaders Podcast on Apple , Spotify , YouTube _______________________________ Connect with Elena: https://evs4everyone.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/ Let's talk on X: https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryone Are you connected with the show on LinkedIn? https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/ ________________________

August 11, 202618 min

Ep. 277: Ford Fathom vs. Slate: Who Wins the Affordable EV Truck War? with Nora Eckert from Reuters

If you’ve got room in your heart for one more take on the Ford Fathom, make it this one. Nora Eckert, auto correspondent at Reuters joins the show today to help unpack Ford’s big swing at a sub-$30K electric pickup, the Fathom. We get into who this truck is for, what the “Fathom” name says about Ford’s EV reset, and how it stacks up against Slate’s build-it-your-way platform. We talk shifting rules, messy EV economics, and why no electric truck has broken through as a true smash hit yet. And because this is a real-world EV show there’s a ton of twists and turns along the way. Hit play on this episode (right now) if you can’t get enough Fathom coverage! _______________________________ Read Nora's full article here on Reuters _______________________________ Connect with Nora on LinkedIn _______________________________ Connect with Elena: https://evs4everyone.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/ Let's talk on X: https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryone Are you connected with the show on LinkedIn? https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/ ________________________

August 4, 202624 min

Ep. 276: It's a "Data-Driven Summer:" Inside the EV Year in Review Report with Experian Automotive

“Data-driven summer” is officially here and in today’s episode, Experian Automotive’s Director of Product Marketing, Kirsten Von Busch is back to talk about the Electric Vehicle 2025 Year in Review Report with a sneak peek into 2026. Press play to hear how we really get into the weeds: new EV registrations dropped more than 35% year over year while used EVs jumped over 25% in the same window, tax credit pull-ahead demand reshaped the market, and the used side might actually be the real EV story of the year. Then we get into the Model Leaderboard with Tesla’s sustained dominance in both new and used, Chevy’s one-two punch with Equinox and Bolt, the Nissan Leaf’s staying power as the perennial used EV workhorse, as well as Ford’s puzzling absence from the used top five. Kirsten also spotlights the fastest-growing EV DMAs beyond the usual suspects, from Naples, FL to Charlotte, NC, and explains how lifestyle segments like “brand loyalists” and “quality-first” buyers are reshaping automaker and dealer strategy. If you want to understand where EV demand is really moving, how hybrids fit into the electrified mix, and which metrics you should be obsessing over heading into the fall season, this is a “data-driven summer” must-have. _______________________________ 🔗 Want the full story in data form? We pulled the highlights, but you’ll want the details: Experian Automotive's Electric Vehicle 2025 Year in Review Report Year-over-year changes in the New, Retail and Individual Market Key Market Highlights: New retail individual EV registrations fell 35.9% year-over-year Used retail individual EV registrations grew 25.4% from a year ago Tesla made up the top three models of the used individual registrations last year, with the Model 3 coming in at 27.2%, Model Y at 21.7%, and Model S (6.6%). The Chevrolet Bolt EV followed at 4.8% and the Nissan Leaf was at 4%. Download it here ______________________________ Listen to the "Data Driven Summer" Playlist on Spotify! ______________________________ Check out Experian's EV Resource Page for all things electric vehicle data _______________________________ This episode is sponsored by Experian. Experian is a global data and technology company, powering opportunities for people and businesses around the world. Experian helps to redefine lending practices, uncover and prevent fraud, simplify healthcare, deliver digital marketing solutions, and gain deeper insights into the automotive market, all using their unique combination of data, analytics and software. Learn more here https://www.experian.com/automotive/ev-resource-center?cmpid=EVS_for_Everyone _______________________________ Connect with Kirsten on LinkedIn _______________________________ Connect with Elena: https://evs4everyone.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/ Let's talk on X: https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryone Are you connected with the show on LinkedIn? https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/ ________________________

July 27, 202613 min

Ep. 275: Can Lucid Escape a Billion-Dollar Burn Rate? with David Welch, Detroit Bureau Chief at Bloomberg

Lucid is burning more than a billion dollars a quarter, the Saudi PIF just wrote them another massive check, and bankruptcy rumors are flying. So…is this Lucid’s last real shot? Bloomberg’s Detroit Bureau Chief, David Welch, joins the show today to unpack Lucid’s high-stakes bet on “cheaper” midsize EVs, the Cosmos SUV, and a new CPO play that’s meant to move metal and buy time. David also takes a look at the bigger picture: why the auto industry in 2026 feels a lot like 2005, how policy whiplash and politics are reshaping EV adoption, and why pure play EV strategies are colliding with consumer realities. And finally, David lays out what **not** to do when you’re building an EV company, why hybrids suddenly look genius, and so much more. Don’t miss this quick hit loaded with insights! _______________________________ Check out David's full article here on Bloomberg _______________________________ Connect with David on LinkedIn _______________________________ Connect with Elena: https://evs4everyone.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/ Let's talk on X: https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryone Are you connected with the show on LinkedIn? https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/ ________________________

July 22, 202617 min

Ep. 274: FIRST LOOK: The All-New 2027 Kia EV3 with James Bell from Kia America

If you think EVs are too expensive, too complex, or too niche, Kia’s all-new 2027 EV3 is here to prove you wrong. James Bell, Head of Corporate Communications and PR at Kia America, is back on the show to talk about how Kia used its FIFA partnership to turn EV9s and Tellurides into rolling World Cup brand activations—and to dig into the all-new EV3. James talks about why Kia is doubling down on EVs while other automakers are pulling back, how the EV3 riffs on the EV9's design in a smaller, more affordable package, and why a 400-volt system is a smart trade-off for cost-conscious, real-world drivers who mainly charge on Level 2. And finally, we explored the future of vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-grid charging—from Kia’s solar-powered, bidirectional city of Menifee in California to states like Maryland testing programs that let EV owners sell power back to the grid. And be sure to stay until the end for EV3 timing intel. When will the EV3 hit dealer lots? Listen to find out! _______________________________ Check out more photos of the EV3 at kia.com _______________________________ Connect with James on LinkedIn _______________________________ Connect with Elena: https://evs4everyone.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/ Let's talk on X: https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryone Are you connected with the show on LinkedIn? https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/ ________________________

July 13, 202617 min

Ep. 273: What Happens When AI Outbids Detroit for DRAM and Data Centers Set the Rules? with Molly Boigon from Automotive News

Molly Boigon, Technology and Innovation Reporter at Automotive News is back on the show today to talk about how AI companies are hoarding DRAM memory chips, leaving automakers paying 450% markups and rethinking what “standard” even means on software defined vehicles (SDVs). Then we swerve into Polestar’s mess in the U.S., where 32 dealers face being downgraded to service points thanks to a Commerce Department ruling that effectively walls off China linked connected vehicles for the 2027 model year. With Europe being Polestar’s growth engine, Canada hanging on as a smaller player, and other automakers with China ties squinting at the same broad rule language, this episode unpacks how geopolitics, national security, and SDV strategy all collide; before ending on an unofficial “Jalen Brunson Statue of Liberty Knicks tee” that proves AI may own the chips, but humans still own the hustle. _______________________________ Check out Molly's full article in Automotive News _______________________________ Connect with Molly on LinkedIn ________________________________ Connect with Elena: https://evs4everyone.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/ Let's talk on X: https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryone Are you connected with the show on LinkedIn? https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/ ________________________

July 9, 202627 min

Ep. 272: Juggling Chainsaws: Car and Driver Magazine’s John Voelcker On The U.S. Polestar Ban & The Detroit 2.5

John Voelcker, Contributing Editor at Car and Driver Magazine says today’s auto industry feels like “juggling chainsaws,” and that’s exactly the energy we’re bringing to this episode. We talked about why a “much smaller” U.S. auto market by 2040 might be overhyped, how $25-30K EVs could blow the doors open on adoption, and why used cars are becoming the real power center of the market. John also **fully explains** the Polestar U.S. ban and what Chinese automakers are really playing for after their big CES flex. Then we pivot to America’s favorite paradox: massive six-figure pickups and the rising demand for smaller trucks like Ford’s Maverick and Slate’s $25K EV. If you care about where the auto industry is headed next, this one’s a full masterclass with a side of snark. _______________________________ CNBC: A ‘perfect storm’ points to a much smaller U.S. auto market by 2040 Automotive News: Polestar dealers ‘devastated’ as Trump administration forces brand out of U.S. over Chinese tech WSJ: Automakers Built Ever-Larger Trucks. Can Cheap, Small Pickups Make a Comeback? _______________________________ Connect with John on LinkedIn Check out Tempting Fate Tours on YouTube and Instagram _______________________________ Connect with Elena: https://evs4everyone.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/ Let's talk on X: https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryone Are you connected with the show on LinkedIn? https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/ ________________________