On today's episode, Joel and Sebastian drive a 2023 Rivian R1S Quad Motor, courtesy of Evolve Auto (www.evolveauto.com). Questions? Comments? Interested in being a guest? Email us at info@evgeekstudios.com

This week is packed with EV news — from Porsche finally pulling the camo off the all-new Electric Cayenne, to Jeep fully revealing the long-awaited Recon EV, to Waymo announcing even more expansion. Plus, Volvo breaks up with LiDAR, Amazon gets deeper into car buying, and Polestar/Volvo unlock V2H for U.S. owners.

Tesla is preparing for one of the biggest strategic pivots in its history: removing China-made components from its U.S.-assembled EVs by 2027. In this episode, Joel breaks down what’s driving the shift, how it affects Tesla’s batteries, pricing, tax-credit eligibility, and why this move could reshape global EV manufacturing. We also explore what this means for Mexico, India, and the U.S. supply chain — and how rivals like GM, Ford, and Rivian may be forced to respond. Whether you're an EV enthusiast, a Tesla watcher, or just curious about the geopolitics behind electric vehicles, this episode delivers the context you need to stay ahead of the curve.

EV sales in South America are booming, with growth rates outpacing expectations — but Tesla is almost nowhere to be found. In this episode, we explore why EV adoption is rising so quickly, why Chinese brands such as BYD and Great Wall Motor are capturing market share, and how new ports and logistics networks are transforming regional auto markets. We also look ahead at what this trend means for affordability, supply chains, and global EV competition. If you’re following the future of EVs, this is a story you can’t afford to miss.

Today on episode 61 of The Friday Charge from EV Geek Studios, Joel and Sebastian get you caught up with news on the following topics... - Tesla Charging Network added to Google Maps - Tesla does rentals now? - Waymo expands features and locations - Toyota’s first US Battery Plant officially opens - Kia Cuts EV Pricing - Tesla might be bringing Apple CarPlay to its vehicles  

Walmart just got the green light to install EV charging stations at eight stores in Jacksonville, Florida — and it’s a sign of something much bigger. In this episode, Joel breaks down how America’s biggest retailer is quietly becoming a major force in the EV revolution. From convenience to accessibility, this could reshape how and where millions of people charge their cars. We’ll explore:⚡ How Walmart’s massive store network gives it an edge in EV charging⚡ Why retailers might beat automakers and utilities in the charging race⚡ What this means for everyday drivers, road trips, and EV adoption Plug in for a fresh look at how charging is going mainstream — one parking lot at a time.

Toyota has finally entered the electric truck market with its first fully electric pickup: the Hilux BEV. In this episode, we break down everything you need to know — from its twin-motor all-wheel-drive setup, 150-mile range, and rugged off-road capabilities, to payload and towing specs. We also cover: Where and when the Hilux BEV is launching globally, and why it won’t come to the U.S. How Toyota’s multi-path strategy, including future hydrogen fuel-cell versions, shapes its EV plans. Why this launch is significant for the global EV pickup market. Sources referenced in this episode: Electrek – Toyota’s First Electric Pickup Is Finally Here InsideEVs – This Is Toyota's First Electric Pickup Truck Autoweek – Toyota's Legendary Hilux Is Going Electric Road & Track – 2026 Toyota Hilux Electric Variant Details Motor1 – Toyota Hilux BEV and Fuel-Cell Plans

Honda just made a surprising admission: its biggest challenge isn’t global tariffs or chip shortages — it’s China’s electric vehicle makers. In this Mini Charge episode, Joel breaks down why Honda is feeling the pressure, what’s behind its 20% profit forecast cut, and how EV giants like BYD, XPeng, and NIO are reshaping the global car market. We’ll explore:⚙️ The rapid rise of Chinese EV innovation💸 How price and speed are redefining competition🏭 Why legacy automakers are struggling to keep up🌍 What this means for the future of global EV dominance Sources: Reuters, Bloomberg, and CleanTechnica

Tesla’s sales in China have dropped to their lowest level in three years — just over 26,000 vehicles sold in October, according to Reuters. In this episode, we break down what’s behind Tesla’s sudden slowdown in its second-largest market: 🇨🇳 Why competition from BYD, XPeng, and NIO is heating up 💰 How constant price cuts may be backfiring ⚙️ What leadership shakeups at Tesla mean for its future 🌍 And what this says about the next phase of the global EV market Sources include Reuters, Bloomberg, Electrek, and CleanTechnica.

n this episode, Joel gets behind the wheel of the 2026 Hummer EV, GM’s massive all-electric supertruck that’s rewriting what power and capability mean in the EV world. From its jaw-dropping acceleration and CrabWalk mode to its off-road muscle and high-tech interior, this first drive review covers everything you need to know about one of the boldest EVs on the market. 🎧 In this episode: First impressions of the 2026 model updates Real-world driving Charging speed, range, and practicality Tech features and interior upgrades Verdict: Is the Hummer EV all show, or real electric substance? Buckle up — this is one electric truck that’s as wild as it looks.

Today on episode 60 of The Friday Charge Joel and Sebastian chat about… New CPO Power Up! Polestar 4 gains cool navigation feature The new Nissan Leaf range tests are in! EV4 not launching in U.S. Jeep recalls 375k 4xe’s Ford’s new affordable EVs are “almost” here. Plus what we have been driving!

If you’ve ever wondered what the difference is between Level 1, Level 2, and DC Fast Charging — or how long it really takes to charge an EV — this episode breaks it all down in simple terms. We’ll cover: ✅ How each level of charging works ✅ Real-world charging times ✅ What setup is best for home charging ✅ How charging speed affects battery life, temperature and efficiency plus a whole bunch more! Whether you’re a first-time EV buyer or just curious about how “filling up” works in the electric world, this is your complete beginner’s guide to EV charging.

Ford just confirmed that its long-awaited $30,000 electric vehicles are “right around the corner.” The automaker says its new low-cost EV platform is 95% ready, with production expected to start at the Louisville Assembly Plant and battery cells sourced from Michigan. In this episode, Joel breaks down what Ford’s announcement means for the EV industry, why affordable electric cars are critical in a post-subsidy market, and how Ford plans to compete with Tesla, BYD, and Hyundai for the mass-market EV crown. Sources cited: Electrek (Nov 4 2025) — “Ford’s $30,000 EVs are right around the corner” Reuters (Nov 4 2025) — “U.S. vehicle and EV sales drop as subsidies expire” MarketWatch (Nov 4 2025) — “Here’s how much Ford’s EV sales dropped as tax credits expired” Cox Automotive (Q3 2025 data) — Average EV transaction prices

Volkswagen is shaking up the EV world with its new ID Promise — a 100-day return policy for its electric ID lineup. In this episode, Joel breaks down what the program offers, why VW is betting big on buyer confidence, and what this could mean for the future of EV sales.Will this “try before you buy” approach convince more drivers to go electric — or is it just smart marketing? Plug in and find out.

Tesla’s sales are slipping across Europe — with sharp declines in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. What’s driving the drop? In this episode, we break down the three big factors — rising competition, shrinking incentives, and a confidence shift that could reshape the EV landscape. Tune in as we explore what it means for Tesla, its rivals, and the global EV race. ⚡ #EVNews #Tesla #ElectricVehicles #Europe #BYD #Nio #XPeng #CleanTech #EVGeekPodcast 

Join Joel and Sebastian for an in-depth first drive and review of the 2023 Lucid Air Touring — a luxury EV that’s redefining performance, comfort, and efficiency. From its jaw-dropping acceleration to its ultra-premium interior and long-range capability, we break down what makes the Air Touring one of the most impressive electric sedans on the road today. Whether you’re an EV enthusiast or just curious about Lucid’s rise to fame, this episode gives you a real-world look at what it’s like behind the wheel of one of the most advanced EVs ever built. 🎧 Tune in for: Driving impressions and ride comfort Tech, design, and interior highlights How it stacks up against Tesla and other luxury EVs Final verdict: is it worth the price tag? Perfect for anyone considering an EV upgrade — or just dreaming of the future of electric luxury.

This week on The Friday Charge from EV Geek Studios we dive into the biggest electric vehicle headlines: GM recalls its brand-new Optiq and Equinox EVs over potential safety issues Ford halts F-150 Lightning production (again) — what’s going on at Dearborn? And could Chinese EVs soon be hitting Canadian roads? Ionna and Caseys team up! EA FINALLY adds live station updates in Google Maps! Join us for insights, analysis, and a breakdown of what this means for EV buyers and the industry’s future. 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your EV news!

General Motors just announced major cuts to its electric vehicle and battery operations — including over 1,200 job losses and a pause in Ultium battery production. In this episode, Joel breaks down:⚡ Why EV demand is cooling off in the U.S.⚡ What this means for GM’s “all-electric” strategy⚡ How other automakers are reacting to the slowdown⚡ And whether this marks a new phase in the EV market Tune in for quick analysis, clear context, and insight into the changing landscape of electric vehicles.

Lucid Motors just announced a mid-size electric vehicle built with Nvidia’s DRIVE Thor AI chip — bringing advanced self-driving to a $50K EV.Joel breaks down what this means for Lucid’s future, how the tech stacks up against Tesla, and why this move could reshape the premium EV market. #LucidMotors #Nvidia #LucidEV #SelfDriving #ElectricVehicles #EVNews #EVGeekPodcast #LucidAir #TeslaRival #FutureOfDriving #AutonomousCars #EVTechnology #EVGeekStudios

Canada is reportedly considering removing its 100% import tariff on Chinese-made electric vehicles — a move that could shake up the entire North American EV market. In this Mini Charge Episode, Joel breaks down what’s driving this possible policy shift, why it’s happening now, and what it means for Canadian consumers, farmers, and automakers. Will this open the door for affordable EVs from BYD, NIO, and XPeng? Or could it threaten Canada’s growing electric vehicle manufacturing industry? Let’s dig in. ⚡️ Sources:Electrek, InsideEVs, The Energy Mix #EVNews #CanadaEVs #BYD #ElectricVehicles #EVGeekPodcast