The Watt Car EV Podcast

The Watt Car
  • 3.7 (6)
  • NEWS COMMENTARY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Watt Car editors and guests discuss the latest automotive electrification news, covering EVs, hybrids, plug-ins, fuel cells, and beyond. Check out thewattcar.com for our take on what’s happening in the industry.

  1. 2D AGO

    262: Preamble to the Preamble

    With war raging and oil becoming scarce, what does this mean for EV adoption in the short and long term? Is this a tipping point for the EV industry? We ponder several possible outcomes. We also contrast Honda’s EV strategy with Toyota’s, and consider whether Lucid and Rivian matter in a world gone mad. Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Spotify, PocketCasts, iHeartRadio, Podbean, and more! Or heck, use your favorite podcast application. Perhaps you prefer to watch as well as listen. If so, we’ve got you covered. SHOW NOTESNational average for diesel tops $5: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/03/17/diesel-gas-oil-price-iran-war-hormuz.html Car shoppers are paying more attention to EVs as gas prices rise: https://www.edmunds.com/car-news/electrified-vehicle-research-gas-prices-data.html Honda cancels its three EVs, the 0 SUV, 0 sedan, and Acura RSX EV: https://arstechnica.com/cars/2026/03/facing-heavy-losses-honda-cancels-its-three-us-made-electric-vehicles/ Volvo drops EX30 for the U.S. market: https://www.thedrive.com/news/the-volvo-ex30-is-dead-in-the-us-exclusive Lucid announces Earth, Cosmos, un-named midsize SUV: https://insideevs.com/news/789809/lucid-cosmos-earth-ev-suv-official/ Rivian announces R2 pricing: https://electrek.co/2026/03/12/rivian-reveals-full-r2-lineup-pricing-rwd-model/ Trump orders restart of Santa Barbara oil pipeline off coast: https://calmatters.org/environment/2026/03/trump-emergency-sable-santa-barbara/ This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. SanchezEpisode art courtesy Lucid MotorsMusic courtesy Twisterium at PixabayWebsite: https://www.thewattcar.comBuy merch: https://www.thewattcar.com/storeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar

    52 min

  2. MAR 12

    261: itselectric, Three Years Later

    This week, itselectric co-founders Tiya Gordon and Nathan King join us on the podcast for an update on their innovative bring-your-own-cable curbside charging company. Over the years, Nathan and Tiya have brought itselectric from concept to reality, with curbside chargers in six cities, with a seventh on the way. And that’s only the beginning. Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Spotify, PocketCasts, iHeartRadio, Podbean, and more! Or heck, use your favorite podcast application. Perhaps you prefer to watch as well as listen. If so, we’ve got you covered. SHOW NOTESitselectrichttps://itselectric.us/ hello@itselectric.com Previous episodes and articles:Episode 117, May 2023: https://www.thewattcar.com/home/twc-podcast-117-curbside-ev-charging-with-itselectrics-nathan-king May 2023 article: https://www.thewattcar.com/home/byoc-finally-comes-to-america-with-itselectric Episode 182, Aug. 2024: https://www.thewattcar.com/home/twc-podcast-182-its-been-a-year-catching-up-with-itselectric This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. SanchezEpisode art courtesy itselectric.usMusic courtesy Twisterium at PixabayWebsite: https://www.thewattcar.comBuy merch: https://www.thewattcar.com/storeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar

    51 min

  3. MAR 5

    260: That’s RAD

    Rivian launches RAD, its Rivian Adventure Department. On this week’s podcast, we try to determine whether we’ve gone crazy, because we thought Rivian was an adventure brand this whole time. Other topics on this week’s episode include whether BYD’s efficiency is catching Lucid, if VinFast’s next brand is too good for itself, whether Tesla’s megawatt charging is a game changer, plus more! Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Spotify, PocketCasts, iHeartRadio, Podbean, and more! Or heck, use your favorite podcast application. Perhaps you prefer to watch as well as listen. If so, we’ve got you covered. SHOW NOTESBYD brand Denza claims longest-range EV: https://electrek.co/2026/02/27/byds-new-luxury-ev-has-worlds-longest-range-at-1036-km/ VinFast launches Lac Hong upscale brand: https://www.electrive.com/2026/03/03/vinfast-formalises-lac-hong-ultra-luxury-car-brand-reveals-two-new-models/ Rivian launches Rivian Adventure Department (RAD): https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a70540244/rivian-rad-division-revealed/ Bill in Washington State would give Rivian and Lucid same status as Tesla: https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/03/02/for-rivian-and-lucid-path-finally-emerges-for-direct-to-consumer-car-sales/ Tesla announces major expansion of Megacharger network: https://insideevs.com/news/788598/tesla-megawatt-charger-rollout-us/ Tesla regains market share in Europe in February, still below historical benchmarks: https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/tesla-gains-market-france-norway-february-2026-03-02/ BGR rounds up top 5 EVs sold in U.S. with lowest costs of maintenance: https://www.bgr.com/2109932/electric-vehicles-cheapest-maintenance/ This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. SanchezEpisode art courtesy RivianMusic courtesy Twisterium at PixabayWebsite: https://www.thewattcar.comBuy merch: https://www.thewattcar.com/storeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar

    48 min

  4. FEB 26

    259: Unpacking Things

    There’s a lot to unpack this week. First, with Trump’s IEEPA tariffs being struck down as illegal, what does this mean for the world of EVs? Long story short, we’re unsure, but there’s still a lot to unpack based on what we do know. Then, we know the top five Chinese EVs we’d like to see make it to U.S. shores — the question is, would the price be right? We unpack whether our fantasy pick of Chinese cars would stand a chance on American soil. Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Spotify, PocketCasts, iHeartRadio, Podbean, and more! Or heck, use your favorite podcast application. Perhaps you prefer to watch as well as listen. If so, we’ve got you covered. SHOW NOTESSupreme Court finds Trump’s IEEPA tariffs are illegal: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/supreme-court/live-blog/-trump-tariffs-ruling-supreme-court-live-updates-rcna252655 Related, on Episode 257, we discussed BYD suing Trump administration over IEEPA tariffs: BYD sues the US government on tariffs: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/byd-sues-us-government-over-165900311.html Polestar says EV wagon is “absolutely” coming to the U.S.: https://insideevs.com/news/787705/polestar-4-station-wagon-ev-absolutely-us-sales/ This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. SanchezEpisode art courtesy NioMusic courtesy Twisterium at PixabayWebsite: https://www.thewattcar.comBuy merch: https://www.thewattcar.com/storeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar

    54 min

  5. FEB 19

    258: It Depends on Context

    Toyota’s big news involves the announcement of two new EVs, and neither overwhelm nor disappoint. We have the specs. We also have news on Ford’s new low-cost EV development, and everything looks good! In other news, the elimination of stop-start tech may lead to more hybrids, Chinese automakers may be getting closer to the U.S., and more. Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Spotify, PocketCasts, iHeartRadio, Podbean, and more! Or heck, use your favorite podcast application. Perhaps you prefer to watch as well as listen. If so, we’ve got you covered. SHOW NOTESToyota Highlander EV debuts. Similar specs to bZ: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a70293168/2027-toyota-highlander-ev-revealed/ Toyota bZ Woodland: https://electrek.co/2026/02/17/toyota-reveals-2026-bz-woodland-prices-newest-electric-suv/ More details on Ford’s low-cost EV platform emerge: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a70390625/2028-ford-mid-size-electric-truck-details/ EPA “eliminates” auto stop/start: https://www.theautopian.com/the-epa-just-eliminated-automaker-benefits-for-stop-start-tech-heres-what-that-means-for-your-next-car/ Trump’s EPA revokes scientific finding that underpinned US fight against climate change https://apnews.com/live/trump-immigration-climate-change-2-12-2026 Volvo says new chassis architecture could enable a wagon comeback: https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/volvo-estates-could-return-new-platform-allows-proper-low-evs Geely, BYD, VinFast eyeing takeover of Nissan/Mercedes plant in Mexico: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/12/seeking-mexico-foothold-chinas-byd-and-geely-bid-to-buy-car-plant.html This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. SanchezEpisode art courtesy ToyotaMusic courtesy Twisterium at PixabayWebsite: https://www.thewattcar.comBuy merch: https://www.thewattcar.com/storeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar

    53 min

  6. FEB 12

    257: When Will Then Be Now?

    As the Toyota Highlander goes all EV, what does that mean for the rest of Toyota’s lineup? Is the RAV4 next? Will the bZ be put out of its misery? We discuss the possibilities on this week’s podcast. Plus, Tesla’s Semi nears production (this time maybe for real), China bans retractable door handles, and more! Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Spotify, PocketCasts, iHeartRadio, Podbean, and more! Or heck, use your favorite podcast application. Perhaps you prefer to watch as well as listen. If so, we’ve got you covered. SHOW NOTESToyota Highlander goes full EV: https://www.carscoops.com/2026/02/toyota-highlander-ev-suv-launch/ Nissan announces pricing for Rogue PHEV: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a70300002/2026-nissan-rogue-hybrid-pricing/ Tesla reveals final specs on production Semi: https://www.cleantrucking.com/battery-electric/article/15816649/tesla-semi-final-specs-range-power-fast-charging China bans retractable door handles in 2027+ models: https://arstechnica.com/cars/2026/02/china-bans-all-retractable-car-door-handles-starting-next-year/ Canada changes its “EV Mandate” for a more flexible approach: https://www.cbc.ca/lite/story/9.7075302 BYD sues the US government on tariffs: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/byd-sues-us-government-over-165900311.html Ferrari EV gets a name, sneak peek of interior: https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/inside-ferraris-luce-ev-the-jony-ive-interior-is-here-130000211.html This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. SanchezEpisode art courtesy ToyotaMusic courtesy Twisterium at PixabayWebsite: https://www.thewattcar.comBuy merch: https://www.thewattcar.com/storeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar

    1 hr

  7. FEB 5

    256: Poverty Spec

    Tesla’s Model S and X, the upper echelon of its lineup, will soon be dead. What do we get instead? A “poverty spec” Model Y and the promise of Optimus production. That could be an entire episode of The Watt Car podcast, but we don’t stop there. Also on this week’s docket: Chevy’s Blazer weighs three tons, Xiaomi’s SU7 Ultra sales crater, and more. Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Spotify, PocketCasts, iHeartRadio, Podbean, and more! Or heck, use your favorite podcast application. Perhaps you prefer to watch as well as listen. If so, we’ve got you covered. SHOW NOTESTesla to kill off the Model S and X: https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/28/tesla-is-killing-off-the-model-s-and-model-x/ Tesla adds a poverty-spec Model Y AWD to lineup: https://insideevs.com/news/786221/tesla-model-y-awd-cheaper-version-standard/ Chevy Blazer EV SS more than 1,200 lbs heavier than Model Y Performance: https://insideevs.com/reviews/785990/2026-chevy-blazer-ev-ss-review/ Sales of Xiaomi SU7 Ultra drop off a cliff: https://electrek.co/2026/01/31/sales-of-the-ultra-fast-xiaomi-su7-ultra-have-ultra-plummeted-to-under-50-units/ Hyundai pausing Kona EV for 2026: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a70245408/hyundai-kona-electric-skipping-2026-model-year/ This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. SanchezEpisode art courtesy TeslaMusic courtesy Twisterium at PixabayWebsite: https://www.thewattcar.comBuy merch: https://www.thewattcar.com/storeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar

    49 min

  8. JAN 29

    255: The Bolt Shall Live Again…Or Maybe It Won’t

    The Bolt is back, but not for long. This time, Chevy is killing its affordable EV to make room for Buick production. Is this the right move? We ponder the decision on this week’s podcast. We also discuss GM’s plug-and-charge compatibility with Electrify America, air quality shifts due to EV adoption, and more. Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Spotify, PocketCasts, iHeartRadio, Podbean, and more! Or heck, use your favorite podcast application. Perhaps you prefer to watch as well as listen. If so, we’ve got you covered. SHOW NOTESThe Bolt is dead again, this time making room for a gas Buick and Chevy Equinox: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a70108311/2027-chevy-bolt-in-production-for-18-months/   Electrified vehicles outsell ICE in Europe for the first time: https://www.acea.auto/pc-registrations/new-car-registrations-1-8-in-2025-battery-electric-17-4-market-share/ Adoption of EVs has made a measurable impact on California air quality, according to study: https://www.theautopian.com/one-state-has-purchased-enough-electric-cars-to-make-the-air-measurably-cleaner-study/ GM joins Electrify America to enable Plug & Charge: https://electrek.co/2026/01/26/gm-plugs-in-electrify-america-to-make-ev-charging-a-breeze/  Judge rules Trump’s suspension of NEVI funding was illegal: https://www.evinfrastructurenews.com/ev-policies/untitled 0% financing on EV purchase deals: https://electrek.co/2026/01/23/all-the-evs-you-can-buy-with-0-financing-in-january-2026/ Geely said it will start production on solid-state batteries in 2026: https://www.techradar.com/vehicle-tech/hybrid-electric-vehicles/650-miles-from-one-charge-volvos-parent-company-beats-tesla-to-the-punch-with-first-production-ready-solid-state-battery VW changing the name of the ID.4 to the ID Tiguan: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a70107417/volkswagen-id4-to-id-tiguan-name-change/ SC-01 sports car concept going into production: https://www.motor1.com/news/785194/china-electric-sports-car-europe/ This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. SanchezEpisode art courtesy ChevroletMusic courtesy Twisterium at PixabayWebsite: https://www.thewattcar.comBuy merch: https://www.thewattcar.com/storeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar

    58 min
See All (262)

3.7
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

The Watt Car editors and guests discuss the latest automotive electrification news, covering EVs, hybrids, plug-ins, fuel cells, and beyond. Check out thewattcar.com for our take on what’s happening in the industry.

Information

  • Creator
    The Watt Car
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    262
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Creative Commons
  • Show Website
    The Watt Car EV Podcast

You Might Also Like