The EVs for Everyone Podcast

Elena Ciccotelli

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.

  1. Ep. 261: "Hey Chat, Where Should I Buy a Car?" Voice Search & AI with Experian Automotive

    2D AGO

    Ep. 261: "Hey Chat, Where Should I Buy a Car?" Voice Search & AI with Experian Automotive

    Car shoppers are now voice‑dictating their way to dealerships at 10pm from the couch. If your AI bouncer is guarding bad data, you’re losing deals before they ever hit your showroom. In this episode, I’m at the Used Car Summit in Miami with Experian Automotive’s Michael Kraut, VP of Advertising Data Solutions and Kirsten Von Busch, Director of Product Marketing to talk about how voice search and AI are now becoming the new “bouncer at the door” for dealers. This time, we dug into: why half-baked inventory listings are a fast track to losing AI‑driven shoppers, how Experian’s new agentic AI, “Vinny,” helps consumers decode vehicle history reports without feeling dumb, whether dealers should optimize for AI answers, SEO, or both and if voice‑first shoppers might actually be better, more informed leads. If AI is the new front door to your dealership then this episode is your reminder: if the data’s wrong, the deal is gone! Also, be sure to listen until the end to hear our "Yes / No paddle game" where Michael and Kirsten answer a set of rapid fire questions that'll make you wanna check your ChatGPT history (like right now). _______________________________ 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 Michael 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/ ________________________

    15 min
  2. Ep. 260: Thinking About Buying a Used EV? Listen To This Before You Sign

    5D AGO

    Ep. 260: Thinking About Buying a Used EV? Listen To This Before You Sign

    Before you buy a used EV, don’t trust, “it charges fine” as an answer. Scott Lear, President of Battery4Life, joined me in Miami at the Used Car Summit last month to unpack the realities of used EV ownership and why your battery is the single most important part of the deal. Scott explains how Battery4Life flips traditional service contracts on their head with VIN-specific coverage and lifetime protection on both the high-voltage pack and 12V battery. You’ll also hear why battery degradation rarely happens “slowly and gently,” what the infamous Tesla “red screen of death” really means for your wallet, and how Scott’s team uses state-of-health reports and cell balance data to decide which batteries they’ll cover for life. He also shares a simple, practical checklist for anyone considering a used EV, plus a candid story about how a bad Level 2 charger install nearly “blew up” a customer’s car. Whether you’re an auto exec, dealer, or first-time EV shopper, this episode will help you buy smarter, protect your battery, and avoid any surprises down the road! _______________________________ This episode is sponsored by Battery4Life (B4L). For the first time in battery retailing, B4L offers automotive dealerships and other organizations the ability to sell a lifetime battery contract to consumers. Coverage is available on Gas, Hybrid and Electric vehicles for life. Dealers: learn more at https://www.1battery4life.com/ _______________________________ Connect with Scott Lear on LinkedIn or email: scott@dealerbenefit.com _______________________________ 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/ ________________________

    14 min
  3. Ep. 259: The Great Rebalancing Act with Elizabeth Krear (Center for Automotive Research)

    APR 27

    Ep. 259: The Great Rebalancing Act with Elizabeth Krear (Center for Automotive Research)

    Friend of the show Elizabeth Krear, President & CEO of the Center for Automotive Research (CAR), is back again (for a third time!) to unpack why working in the auto industry in 2026 feels a lot like joining the circus, plus a smorgasbord of other hot topics. In this episode, Elizabeth and I cover how tariffs and a reshuffled USMCA landscape are squeezing margins for automakers, the reality behind why “cars are so expensive now” vs. what prices look like in real 10‑year dollars, the rise of the K‑shaped auto economy (SUVs and trucks for the haves and shrinking options for entry‑level buyers), why hybrids are having a slow‑burn glow‑up while full BEVs settle into a 5–6% groove, and finally, how China’s EV machine and North American policy choices are one big competitive showdown. Plus, Elizabeth previews CAR’s Management Briefing Seminars where the industry will dig deep into affordability, the EV transition, China, supply‑chain resilience, and policy. If you’ve ever wondered how tariffs, geopolitics, and battery materials end up in your monthly payment, this one’s for you. _______________________________ CAR Management Briefing Seminars | June 15-16, 2026 | American Center for Mobility & Marriot Eagle Crest Resort | Ypsilanti, MI For over six decades, the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) has hosted the industry’s most essential retreat. In 2026, experience a reimagined, two-day experience where policy, technology, and economic innovation intersect. Learn more here: https://www.cargroup.org/mbs/ _______________________________ Connect with Elizabeth 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/ ________________________

    17 min
  4. Ep. 258: Used EV Dealers Unplugged: High Miles, Hard Truths And a $40K Battery Repair

    APR 23

    Ep. 258: Used EV Dealers Unplugged: High Miles, Hard Truths And a $40K Battery Repair

    Three used‑EV pros walk into an industry conference… and immediately start competing on who’s seen the most insane battery quote. In today's episode, live from the Used Car Summit in Miami, we've got a fun episode for you with Chip Geppi, Owner of Hybrid and Electric Car Sales in Nashville, Scott Lear, Founder of Battery4Life, and Gary Pretzfeld Co-Owner of AutoTrust USA in Hollywood, Florida. During this episode you'll hear a range (forgive the pun) of stories starting with a $43,000 Nissan Leaf undercarriage disaster, a flooded Tesla battery pack and a McLaren EV that needed engineers flown in from Europe. We also talked about how customer questions have evolved because range anxiety is out, but battery longevity and reliability are in. Chip explains why EV‑focused dealers talk state‑of‑health, not just EPA range, and how battery warranties can be a sales superpower, boosting used EV sales by ~10% and giving buyers the one thing they actually want, peace of mind. Gary also shares some real world buyer stories featuring a Vermont Tesla owner furious she couldn’t get home, until basic math, freezing temps, and preconditioning explained everything. If you’ve ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes of the used EV market and how much a bad day with a battery can actually cost, this episode is your front‑row seat. _______________________________ This episode is sponsored by Battery4Life (B4L). For the first time in battery retailing, B4L offers automotive dealerships and other organizations the ability to sell a lifetime battery contract to consumers. Coverage is available on Gas, Hybrid and Electric vehicles for life. Dealers: learn more at https://www.1battery4life.com/ _______________________________ Connect with Scott Lear on LinkedIn or email: scott@dealerbenefit.com Connect with Chip Geppi on LinkedIn Connect with Gary Pretzfeld 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/ ________________________

    17 min
  5. Ep. 257: LIVE from Miami with Experian Automotive: What Car Buyers Actually Did In Q4 2025

    APR 21

    Ep. 257: LIVE from Miami with Experian Automotive: What Car Buyers Actually Did In Q4 2025

    Live from the Used Car Summit in Miami, Kirsten Von Busch, Director of Product Marketing at Experian Automotive, is back on the show today to unpack what’s really happening on America’s roads (and in consumers’ heads). More specifically, we're taking a close look at how evolving consumer behavior and market trends are influencing new and used vehicle buying in the U.S. with Experian’s Q4 2025 Automotive Consumer Trends Report as our guide. SUVs are still the undisputed heavyweight champions, now grabbing over 60% of new retail sales, while traditional cars quietly lose ground. On the electrification front, the headlines may scream “EV slowdown,” but the data says otherwise: Tesla still ties for fourth overall, and the real surprise hero is the Toyota Camry Hybrid, now the top dog in electrified registrations over the last 12 months. Alternative fuel vehicles have climbed to nearly 39% of new retail registrations, as shoppers juggle gas-price pain, range anxiety, and total cost of ownership. On the marketing side, it’s a generational split-screen: Boomers buying new cars want you in their inbox while Gen Z used-car shoppers live on mobile, online, and new media like voice AI. Kirsten’s message to dealers: “Know your buyer, know what you're selling.” A used EV shopper in LA is not the same as a used truck shopper in Texas. Segment, model, and geography all demand tailored targeting. And last but not least, this episode wraps with an aggressive “Yes, No" paddle game that was interrupted by the conference xylophone and somehow covers if Bear needs a sibling and whether or not millennials over-index for used cars. Don't miss this trends report episode with Experian because this one feels more like a Miami joyride instead of homework. _______________________________ 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 _______________________________ Here's the link to Experian’s Q4 2025 Automotive Consumer Trends Report _______________________________ 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/ ________________________

    12 min
  6. Ep. 256: VW/Scout Taken To Court By CA Dealers, Rivian Wins In Washington As AFEELA Meets Its End

    APR 6

    Ep. 256: VW/Scout Taken To Court By CA Dealers, Rivian Wins In Washington As AFEELA Meets Its End

    If you like your auto news with a side of legal intrigue, this one’s for you. Today, Brian Maas, President of the California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA) is back on the show *again* to talk lawsuits, EV reversals, and why Scout’s reservation list might be more complicated than it looks. First up, a federal court allows CNCDA’s lawsuit move forward, challenging Scout’s direct-to-consumer reservation model and pushing for sales through franchise dealers instead. Scout’s first vehicles are now pushed to 2028, but tens of thousands of consumers have already put down deposits for vehicles that aren’t here yet and might not be sold the way the law intended. Next, Sony Honda Mobility rethinks its electrification strategy, putting the brakes on the infamous Afeela while CNCDA’s lawsuit is still active. And finally, we discussed how Rivian successfully negotiated with dealers to withdraw opposition in Washington. Brian breaks down why some states let Tesla and Rivian sell directly while others don’t, and why dealers say the 125-year-old franchise system still protects local jobs, service, and competition. Ready for more? Press play for a continuation of all the legal drama in the EV world. _______________________________ Connect with Brian on LinkedIn __________________________ Bear wants you to support his snack addiction, I mean, this show. Shop all merch here! https://evs4everyone-shop.fourthwall.com _______________________________ 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/ ________________________

    16 min
  7. Ep. 255: FIRST LOOK -> The All-New 2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid with e-POWER

    APR 1

    Ep. 255: FIRST LOOK -> The All-New 2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid with e-POWER

    Christian Spencer, Senior Manager of Marketability at Nissan Technical Center North America joins the show today to tell us exactly what happens when you mash up EV-style performance with hybrid convenience. Nissan calls it e‑POWER, and the all-new 2027 Rogue Hybrid is bringing it to U.S. roads later this year. Driven exclusively by dual electric motors (eliminating the need for a transmission) the gasoline engine serves as a generator and provides convenient refueling. Press play on this episode to get the inside scoop on how the Rogue Hybrid delivers instant, shift-free acceleration with no transmission, why the gas engine is basically just the battery’s personal assistant, the quiet, refined, EV-like drive, and how it stacks up against hybrid heavyweights like Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR‑V. If you love new product reveals and the feeling of your hair getting blown back on acceleration, this one’s for you. _______________________________ What is Nissan e-POWER? While most hybrid-electric vehicles in the U.S. use a parallel hybrid system, Nissan e-POWER is a next-generation series hybrid. That means two electric motors power the wheels directly, delivering instantaneous torque and quick, smooth acceleration. Meanwhile, a gasoline engine serves as a generator for the battery and motors, providing the convenient refueling that customers equate with internal-combustion vehicles. Drivers refuel just like a typical gas-powered car, there is no plug. In city and suburban driving, the gasoline engine runs infrequently, because speeds are lower and battery demand is modest. On highways or under heavy load, the engine runs more often to maintain battery charge and supply sustained electrical power. The lithium-ion battery stores energy captured through regenerative braking and from the engine, which is connected to a generator instead of a transmission. The third-generation hybrid system in the all-new Rogue, tuned for the North American market, can effectively meet the demands of a wide variety of driving environments. _______________________________ Learn more about Nissan's Third Generation of e-POWER here. https://www.nissan-global.com/EN/INNOVATION/TECHNOLOGY/ARCHIVE/E_POWER_GEN3/ _______________________________ Shop all EV4E merch here! https://evs4everyone-shop.fourthwall.com _______________________________ 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/ ________________________

    9 min
  8. Ep. 254: This Is Not A Drill: ~1.1M Used EVs Will Flood the Market In The Next 3 Years, Now What?

    MAR 30

    Ep. 254: This Is Not A Drill: ~1.1M Used EVs Will Flood the Market In The Next 3 Years, Now What?

    Working in the auto industry in 2026 is either “a marathon” or “like fracturing a couple ribs” and this episode lives right at that intersection of never ending hustle and pain tolerance. Jimmy Douglas, CEO of Plug, a used EV marketplace built exclusively for electric vehicles and John Possumato CEO of DriveItAway,  join the show today to talk about the coming tidal wave of off‑lease EVs (about 1.1 million over the next three years) and why it's the buying opportunity of the decade. With gas prices going off the rails, consumers are finally doing the math: it’s not just about the monthly car payment, it’s about the monthly fuel bill, and EVs are suddenly looking... good? We unpacked why used EVs are the best arbitrage on the planet: often 40–50% depreciated while barely 10% into their useful life, how flexible leases are pulling people with shaky credit and no down payment into reliable transportation, instead of dumping them into 200,000 mile gas beaters, the huge gap between dealers who actively lean into EVs (28‑day turns, healthy margins, happy customers) and those who get one on trade every few months and let it collect dust while sales staff can’t explain regenerative braking and how OEMs like Tesla and others have built powerful pre‑owned pipelines and reconditioning networks behind the scenes. Bottom line: used EVs aren’t a consolation prize. They’re the cheat code for dealers, for consumers, and for an industry trying to survive the most chaotic, opportunity‑packed decade it’s ever seen. ________________________________ This episode is sponsored by DriveItAway. If you’re a franchise dealer, you can now launch a profitable (and scalable) micro-lease to own program with zero upfront costs, to transform your unsold inventory into monthly revenue, effortlessly. And if you want to support DriveItAway’s mission directly, check out their stock on the OTC markets, "DWAY." Learn more at driveitway.com/dealers _______________________________ Connect with Jimmy on LinkedIn Connect with John 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/ ________________________

    20 min
4.9
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

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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