EV Geek Podcast

Volvo’s next electric SUV is coming to dethrone the Tesla Model Y—and it’s starting under $50,000! Built on Volvo's brand-new software-defined SPA3 platform, the upcoming EX50 delivers 800V ultra-fast charging, over 300 miles of range, and a roomier interior for thousands less than the outgoing EX40.

We dive deep into the numbers, production timelines out of Košice, Slovakia, and how Volvo plans to win over American EV buyers despite current trade tariffs.

#Volvo #EX50 #ElectricVehicles #TeslaModelY #EVNews #VolvoEX50

Audi just dropped preliminary specs for its cheapest EV yet—the all-new A2 e-tron—and it’s officially the most efficient Audi in the history of the brand! 

In this episode, we break down how Audi managed to extract an incredible 12.8 kWh per 100 km (4.85 miles per kWh) and up to 403 miles of WLTP range out of a compact footprint. 

Key topics covered in this breakdown:
• The A2 Heritage: Reviving a legend for the electric era
• Aerodynamic Tricks: Active grille shutters, air curtains, and a 0.24 drag coefficient
• Battery Architecture: Cell-to-Pack LFP tech & an impressive 89.6% wallbox charging efficiency
• Grid Tech: Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) bidirectional capabilities
• Market Outlook: Sub-€40k European pricing... and why this model won't be coming to the US market

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to follow the show and leave a 5-star rating on Spotify!

#Audi #EVs #ElectricVehicles #AudiA2etron #AutomotiveTech #EVCharging

This week on The Friday Charge, Joel and Sebastian break down the biggest EV stories making headlines!

⚡ This week's topics include:

Mercedes officially unveils the all-new GLA EV with 800V architecture, up to 320kW charging, and an impressive claimed range.

Volvo drops LiDAR from the EX90 and ES90—what does this mean for the future of driver assistance and autonomous driving?

The Rivian R2 is finally in the hands of reviewers! We discuss the first real-world highway range tests, charging performance, and whether its charging speed makes up for the lower-than-expected range.

Plus, our thoughts on Hyundai's Pleos software platform and what it could mean for the future of connected vehicles.

Whether you're shopping for an EV, following the latest industry news, or just love electric vehicles, we've got you covered.

What do you think?
👇 Let us know in the comments:

Is the Mercedes GLA EV a vehicle you'd consider?

Does Volvo's decision to remove LiDAR make sense?

Is the Rivian R2's real-world range good enough, or is charging speed more important?

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of The Friday Charge.

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!

Enjoyed the show? Tap the follow button, leave us a 5-star rating, and share this episode with fellow EV enthusiasts.

#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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