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. 1d ago

    274: Wipe the Slate Clean

    The Rivian R2 is in the hands of journalists, and the reviews are in. On this week’s podcast, we discuss whether the sprightly new offering from this EV maker will be enough to take on Tesla and its dominant Model Y. Things are looking good for Rivian, but are they also looking good for the likes of Slate and Telo, especially with Ford’s new low cost EV pickup being developed? We stare into our crystal ball to see whether Ford is about to wipe the slate clean. 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 NOTESFerrari Design Team designs an HP laptop: https://www.tweaktown.com/news/112095/hps-new-limited-edition-ferrari-laptop-is-made-from-carbon-fiber-and-glass/index.html Rivian R2 first drive review roundup: https://electrek.co/2026/06/09/rivian-r2-first-drive-this-is-everything-i-need-to-upgrade-my-model-y-except/ https://insideevs.com/reviews/798129/rivian-r2-first-drive-review/ https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a71483800/2027-rivian-r2-drive/ https://www.thedrive.com/car-reviews/2027-rivian-r2-first-drive-review https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8ii1R5aAMM Carvana could become the de facto nationwide franchisee for Slate: https://electrek.co/2026/06/05/carvanas-bet-on-slate-is-actually-a-bet-on-itself-as-the-future-of-automotive-retail/ Slate has amassed 150,000 (refundable) preorders to date: https://insideevs.com/reviews/786896/slate-ev-pickup-truck-everything-we-know/ Telo: https://www.telotrucks.com/ Stellantis attempting to sell Charger Daytona in Europe: https://insideevs.com/news/798063/dodge-charger-daytona-ev-gas-europe/ This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. SanchezEpisode art courtesy SlateMusic courtesy Twisterium at PixabayWebsite: https://www.thewattcar.comBuy merch: https://www.thewattcar.com/storeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar

    47 min

  2. Jun 4

    273: Superiority Complex

    Does electric propulsion mean a vehicle is in some way less enjoyable to drive? A recent video by Jason Camissa somewhat implies that, and we can’t help but discuss on this week’s podcast. In other news, Lotus recommits to ICE development, Rolls-Royce updates its Spectre with NACS and more, Rivian R2 looks efficient, and Hummer reveals a wild new concept car. 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 NOTESJason Camissa says “Gasoline is far too precious a resource to be wasted on those who are not enjoying the act of combusting it”: https://youtu.be/l74of0u_RBE?si=mNNC1yGoxh6PoHj6&t=612 Lotus recommits to ICE development: https://www.motor1.com/news/797272/lotus-thought-electric-vehicles-future/ Rolls-Royce Spectre gets more range, power, NACS port: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a71473034/2027-rolls-royce-spectre-details/ Rivian R2 matches Tesla Model Y Performance on EPA test despite boxier profile, heavier weight: https://electrek.co/2026/05/29/rivian-r2-epa-efficiency-matches-tesla-model-y/ GM shows Hummer X midsize pickup & SUV concepts, says “No plans for production”: https://insideevs.com/news/797175/gmc-hummer-x-suv-pickup-midsize-concept/ This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. SanchezEpisode art courtesy Rolls-RoyceMusic courtesy Twisterium at PixabayWebsite: https://www.thewattcar.comBuy merch: https://www.thewattcar.com/storeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar

    52 min

  3. May 28

    272: Ferrari’s Apple Car

    Ferrari unveils its first fully electric vehicle, and the reviews are mixed. From its Jony Ive (of Apple fame) exterior and interior design to its stated performance, the reviews are…well…mixed. And on this week’s podcast, we also have opinions. Also this week, Lucid takes back a lemon, Citroën trots out a new 2CV, VinFast hits gen two, 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 NOTESFerrari Luce unveiled: https://electrek.co/2026/05/25/ferrari-luce-first-electric-ferrari-hands-on-rome-launch/ Lucid takes back Jason Fenske’s (Engineering Explained) Lucid Air under Lemon Law: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrz1LXNm9cI The Citroën 2CV is coming back, as an EV: https://insideevs.com/news/796705/citroen-2cv-back-as-ev/ VinFast Unveils second-gen VF8 in Vietnam. Smaller, lower-cost: https://insideevs.com/news/796859/vinfast-vf8-new-generation-2025-specs/ Toyota study says (its) PHEV drivers plug in regularly: https://electriccarsreport.com/2026/05/do-plug-in-hybrids-really-work-toyota-study-says-yes/ Man in Grapevine, TX, drives his Cybertruck into a lake to use “Wade Mode” … gets stuck … and arrested.https://abc7news.com/post/driver-intentionally-drove-cybertruck-lake-use-vehicles-wade-mode-police-say/19138612/ This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. SanchezEpisode art courtesy FerrariMusic courtesy Twisterium at PixabayWebsite: https://www.thewattcar.comBuy merch: https://www.thewattcar.com/storeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar

    50 min

  4. May 21

    271: A Super Duper Car

    The Mercedes-AMG GT EV is unveiled, with some interesting styling choices. Does this car have what it takes to become a Porsche Taycan killer? That’s just one of the topics discussed on this week’s podcast. We also talk about federal EV fees, Rivian R2 pricing, Honda reversing course, 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 NOTESBill in Congress proposing national fee for EVs/PHEVs: https://www.autoblog.com/news/ev-owners-lost-tax-credits-now-lawmakers-want-a-yearly-fee Mercedes shows AMG GT EV: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a71337669/2027-mercedes-amg-gt-4-door-ev-revealed/ ID.Buzz is back for ‘27, adds new trims: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a71305922/2027-volkswagen-id-buzz-return-details/ Official specs drop on ID.Polo GTI: https://insideevs.com/news/796000/vw-id-polo-gti-reveal/ Rivian R2 configurator opens: https://electrek.co/2026/05/15/rivian-r2-configurator-live-pricing-options/ Honda retreats from all-EV by 2040 pledge: https://www.teslarati.com/honda-gives-up-on-all-ev-future-not-realistic/ California launches Clean Fuel Reward program for commercial trucks: https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/news/california-launching-1-billion-rebate-program-electric-trucks Cybertruck stuck on beach yanked out of trouble by Toyota Sienna: https://www.thedrive.com/news/minivan-to-the-rescue-beached-cybertruck-extracted-by-a-rental-spec-sienna This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. SanchezEpisode art courtesy Mercedes-AMGMusic courtesy Twisterium at PixabayWebsite: https://www.thewattcar.comBuy merch: https://www.thewattcar.com/storeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar

    55 min

  5. May 14

    270: Morbid Curiosity

    Call it morbid curiosity, but we couldn’t help but revisit the topic of the Cadillac Lyriq hearse, especially since there are now photos of the finished product. We take a look. We also look at Toyota’s Woven City, how Tesla’s Robotaxis are doing, whether non-geofenced, fully autonomous cabs will ever exist, and more. Then we say goodbye to the Tesla Model X and S. 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 NOTESWe finally have pics of the Lyriq hearse: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a71258861/cadillac-lyriq-hearse-details/ Cadillac EVs also popular with the living: https://insideevs.com/news/795368/cadillac-75-percent-buyers-new/ GM settles driver data selling lawsuit in California for $12.75 million: https://www.thedrive.com/news/shady-selling-of-driver-data-just-cost-gm-another-12-75-million Toyota’s Woven City: https://insideevs.com/features/795380/toyota-woven-city-tour-2026/ Reuters tests Robotaxi in Dallas with hilarious consequences: https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/teslas-robotaxi-rollout-features-texas-sized-wait-times-2026-05-12/ Electrek goes past the paywall on the Reuter’s article: https://electrek.co/2026/05/12/tesla-robotaxi-convenience-issues-hide-safety-bottleneck/ The last Tesla Model S and Model X rolled off the Fremont assembly line: https://insideevs.com/news/795519/tesla-model-s-x-production/ This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. SanchezEpisode art courtesy Wolf Coach BuildersMusic courtesy Twisterium at PixabayWebsite: https://www.thewattcar.comBuy merch: https://www.thewattcar.com/storeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar

    59 min

  6. May 7

    269: Mutually Assured Destruction

    Between Jaecoo, BYD, Yangwang, and Geely, Chinese automakers are most definitely coming. In fact, in Europe, they’re already there, and selling well. Is what’s keeping them from the U.S. fear on America’s side, or is there a legitimate reason to keep these vehicles from our shores? We look at some recent news and chew on what it all means. Also, Rivian ups production capacity, the Tesla Semi gets a slow charger, 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 NOTES“Temu Range Rover” Jaecoo J7 tops UK sales charts in March: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/may/01/jaecoo-7-china-electric-car-chery-price-temu-range-rover BYD moving into top spot for EV sales in multiple markets: https://electrek.co/2026/05/05/byd-overtakes-tesla-kia-best-selling-ev-brand-key-overseas-markets/ Yangwang U9 Extreme price announced: https://carnewschina.com/2026/04/30/byd-u9-xtreme-sold-at-2760000-becomes-most-expensive-byd-ever/ CNBC says Geely is best positioned for entry in U.S. market: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNPzWaafsCA Rivian expands plans for Georgia plant: https://www.electrive.com/2026/05/04/rivian-plans-georgia-plant-50-larger/ Tesla announces “Basecharger” slow-charging for big rigs: https://evchargingstations.com/chargingnews/tesla-semi-charging-business/ AAA studies effects of high/low temperatures on EVs, hybrids: https://newsroom.aaa.com/2026/05/aaa-study-reveals-temperature-impacts-on-ev-and-hybrid-performance-efficiency-and-costs/ This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. SanchezEpisode art courtesy BYDMusic courtesy Twisterium at PixabayWebsite: https://www.thewattcar.comBuy merch: https://www.thewattcar.com/storeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar

    59 min

  7. Apr 30

    268: God’s Eye

    BYD reveals a wild one with its Denza Z. Is this 1,000hp roadster everything that the new Tesla Roadster isn’t…because it’s real? Also on this week’s podcast, Toyota EV sales surge, GM delays EV redesigns, Porsche steps back from Bugatti Rimac Group, VW teases the Mk9 GTI (with EV variant), 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 redesigns on the fly: https://www.facebook.com/reel/950802907550703/?mibextid=9drbnH&s=yWDuG2&fs=e BYD shows off 1,000-hp Denza Z sports car: https://insideevs.com/news/794147/denza-z-ev-roadster-1000-hp-charging-reveal/ Toyota EV sales more than double from last year: https://electrek.co/2026/04/27/toyotas-ev-sales-surge-139-drivers-seek-gas-alternatives/ GM delaying redesign of full-size EV trucks, SUVs: https://www.thedrive.com/news/gm-delays-full-size-electric-truck-and-suv-redesigns-indefinitely-report Porsche sells stake in Bugatti Rimac Group: https://www.electrive.com/2026/04/25/porsche-exits-bugatti-rimac-and-rimac-group/ VW CEO Thomas Schäfer reportedly said “Wow” at Mk9 Golf styling: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a71138991/volkswagen-mk-9-golf-new-details/ Ford Cobra Jet 2200 sets EV quarter-mile record: https://www.hagerty.com/media/news/ford-racing-mustang-cobra-jet-2200-quarter-mile-time/ This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. SanchezEpisode art courtesy BYDMusic courtesy Twisterium at PixabayWebsite: https://www.thewattcar.comBuy merch: https://www.thewattcar.com/storeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar

    57 min

  8. Apr 23

    267: Nice and Juicy

    Mercedes-Benz has unveiled its new C-Class EV, boasting not only the company’s bold new grille, but also a nice and juicy 94.3 kWh battery. At the same time, EV sales have surged in the EU, Lucid receives funding from two sources (but will it be enough?), BMW follows Tesla in ease of charging, and more, all on this week’s podcast. 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 NOTESEV sales surge in Europe in March: https://electrek.co/2026/04/20/europe-ev-sales-surge-51-percent-oil-is-the-reason-why/ Lucid gets additional investment from Uber, Saudi PIF: https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/lucid-group-shares-jump-uber-154000044.html New Mercedes C-Class EV shows off its big “grille”: https://insideevs.com/reviews/793375/mercedes-benz-c-class-ev/ BMW introduces “contract-free” plug & charge in Germany: https://electriccarsreport.com/2026/04/bmw-simplifies-ev-charging-with-contract-free-plug-charge/ CATL says its newest battery can charge from 10-98% in 7 minutes: https://carnewschina.com/2026/04/21/catl-unveils-3rd-gen-shenxing-lfp-battery-charging-10-80-in-3-min-44-seconds-10-98-in-6-min-27-seconds/ Sony & Honda say they’re going to continue to collaborate: https://carbuzz.com/sony-honda-partnership-still-on/ Tesla Cybertruck approved for V2G program with PG&E: https://www.electrive.com/2026/04/21/pge-and-tesla-integrate-cybertruck-into-v2g-programme/ This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. SanchezEpisode art courtesy Mercedes-BenzMusic courtesy Twisterium at PixabayWebsite: https://www.thewattcar.comBuy merch: https://www.thewattcar.com/storeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar

    58 min
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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
    274
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Creative Commons
  • Show Website
    The Watt Car EV Podcast

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