EV Geek Podcast

Hyundai Motor Group is officially overhauling its digital cabin. Starting in 2027, Kia vehicles will begin featuring Pleos Connect—a brand-new, Android-based infotainment platform designed to power the next generation of software-defined electric vehicles.

In today’s episode, we break down what this major tech shift means for future EV owners:

• What is Pleos Connect and how does Android Automotive OS change the in-car experience?
• Why Hyundai and Kia are keeping physical backup buttons alongside giant touchscreens.
• Gleo AI: How context-aware voice assistance actually works on the road.
• Scaling to 20 Million EVs: The plan for continuous over-the-air updates and a third-party app ecosystem.

Got thoughts on pure touchscreens vs. physical buttons in modern EVs? Leave a comment or send us a message in the Spotify app!

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#ElectricVehicles #EVNews #Kia #Hyundai #PleosConnect #CarTech #SoftwareDefinedVehicle #TheFridayCharge

BMW has officially built its 50,000th Neue Klasse iX3 electric SUV at its new Debrecen plant in Hungary—marking the fastest production ramp-up in BMW Group history.

Join us for a full breakdown of the flagship iX3 50 xDrive and the newly announced entry-level iX3 40. We discuss battery capacities, 800-volt 400kW charging speeds, real-world range, and BMW's plans for the upcoming iX4 and high-performance M models through 2027.

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This week's topics include:
🔹 Ford chooses Apple Maps as the native navigation system for its next-generation UEV platform, complete with EV route planning, battery preconditioning, and BlueCruise integration.
🔹 Subaru officially delays its upcoming three-row Getaway EV following Toyota's Highlander EV production delay.
🔹 GM expands Energy Pass with Plug & Charge support for ChargePoint stations—and even older EVs like the Chevy Bolt can take advantage.
🔹 Ford introduces a new, lower-cost home backup power solution for the F-150 Lightning using the new Generlink system.
🔹 Volvo's new EX60 beats its original EPA range estimates.
🔹 Pilot reaches a major milestone by opening its 300th EV fast-charging location across the United States.
🔹 Joel shares the latest rumors and discussion surrounding a possible Toyota Corolla EV.

Whether you're an EV owner, prospective buyer, or simply love staying on top of the latest electric vehicle news, we've got you covered every Friday.

The world's best-selling car is finally going electric, but Toyota is facing an uphill battle it didn't see coming.

A rare behind-the-scenes look inside Toyota’s R&D center revealed prototype footage of the upcoming Toyota Corolla EV, alongside candid admissions from top leadership that the company is struggling to keep pace with rapid Chinese EV development.

Instead of a clean-sheet EV skateboard architecture, Toyota is underpinning the next-gen Corolla with a flexible platform designed for BEVs, Plug-In Hybrids, Traditional Hybrids, and Gas engines. Is this "one-size-fits-all" approach the ultimate bridge strategy—or a dangerous compromise in 2026?

In a massive strategy shift, General Motors is pivoting back to gas-powered vehicles. Following their latest earnings report, GM revealed that Chevy and Cadillac essentially have zero new or redesigned electric models planned for the next several years—focusing instead on updated gas engines and full-size trucks.

In this episode, we break down:

Why GM is freezing its consumer EV lineup while taking over $10B in restructuring charges.

What this means for existing models like the Equinox EV, Blazer EV, and Chevy Bolt.

How global competitors like Hyundai and Rivian are stepping up to capture mass-market share.

Whether GM's short-term profit play will cost them long-term dominance in the EV transition.

Is GM making a pragmatic business decision, or are they leaving the door wide open for rival automakers? Listen in and let us know your thoughts!