EV Geek Podcast

The $5B EV Charging Standoff: Why "Buy America" is Freezing the Grid

Is the dream of an all-American EV charging network actually killing the rollout? In today’s episode, we dive into the massive legal battle between 20 state attorneys general and the federal government over the 100% "Buy America" mandate. We break down why $5 billion in NEVI funding is currently stuck in limbo and what it means for the future of your road trips.
We also take a first look at the 2027 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Electric—is the "jellybean" design finally dead?—and celebrate a major 100-location milestone for the IONNA charging network.

MAJOR UPDATES from Rivian and Lucid!

Today on the Friday Charge, Joel and Sebastian discuss some major updates from Lucid and Rivian. Plus other news from Mercedes, Honda and Chevy!

Subaru Is Finally Getting Serious About EVs

Subaru is finally making a major push into electric vehicles.
In this episode we break down every Subaru EV expected by 2026, including the updated Subaru Solterra, the brand-new Subaru Uncharted, and the rugged Subaru Trailseeker electric SUV.
Subaru has traditionally been known for all-wheel drive, reliability, and outdoor-focused vehicles, but the company is now entering the EV race with several new models built to compete with vehicles like the Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Ford Mustang Mach-E.
We cover:
⚡ The upgraded 2026 Subaru Solterra⚡ The affordable Subaru Uncharted EV crossover⚡ The adventure-focused Subaru Trailseeker electric SUV⚡ Subaru’s potential 3-row electric SUV⚡ Performance, range, charging, and pricing details⚡ Whether Subaru can compete with Tesla and other EV makers
If you’re a Subaru fan or just curious about the next generation of electric SUVs, this episode breaks down everything you need to know.

The 5-Minute Recharge: How BYD Just Killed Range Anxiety

s the 20-minute charging stop finally a thing of the past?
In today’s episode, we’re breaking down the massive announcement from BYD that has the entire automotive world on high alert. The Chinese EV giant has officially unveiled the Second-Generation Blade Battery and their revolutionary 1.5-Megawatt "Flash Charging" infrastructure.
 
We dive deep into the technical "magic" making this possible, including:
The 5-Minute Charge: How the new Gen-2 Blade goes from 10% to 70% in the time it takes to grab a coffee.
The 1.5MW FLASH Network: Why BYD is building 20,000 "overhead" charging stations that feel more like a gas station than a parking lot.
1,000km on a Single Charge: A look at the Denza Z9GT, the luxury shooting brake that just claimed the title of the world’s longest-range production EV.
 
The Cold Weather Breakthrough: How this new chemistry maintains lightning-fast speeds even at -30°C.
Whether you’re a Tesla fan, a legacy auto enthusiast, or just curious about the future of transportation, this is the milestone that changes everything.
 

BYE, BYE Ioniq 6, CRAZY Cybertruck Pricing and Subaru Uncharted!

This week on the Friday Charge, Joel and Sebastian chat about the Ioniq 6 exit from the US market, stupid (and crazy) Cybertruck pricing, Volvo going V2L and the Subaru Uncharted!

The Ioniq 6 Experiment Is Over!

Our good friend, Doug, joins the podcast to chat about why it was finally time to trade in his Hyundai Ioniq 6...and you may be surprised why!

2026 Subaru Trailseeker: The Fastest Subaru Ever?

375 HP. 4.4 seconds to 60. 9.8 inches of clearance. The 2026 Subaru Trailseeker isn't just an EV; it’s a powerhouse built for the dirt.  Joel breaks down the specs of Subaru’s newest adventure machine, including its 3,500lb towing capacity, 280-mile range, and the 1,500W onboard power inverter that runs your entire campsite.

New Cybertruck, Waymo Expands and Volvo EV30 Recall

In today’s episode, we break down the latest updates on the new Tesla Cybertruck variant, what they mean for buyers, and whether the hype is finally meeting reality. We also dive into Waymo’s rapid expansion into new cities, what it signals for the future of autonomous driving, and how quickly robotaxis are becoming mainstream.
Plus, we cover the Volvo EX30 recall, what caused it, how serious it is for owners, and what this means for Volvo’s fast-growing electric lineup.
If you follow electric vehicles, autonomous tech, or the future of transportation, this episode has everything you need to stay informed.
Topics covered:
Tesla Cybertruck updates and production changes
Waymo expansion and the robotaxi rollout
Volvo EX30 recall details and owner impact
What this means for the EV market moving forward
New episodes every week covering the biggest stories in EV news, tech, and industry trends.
Follow the show so you don’t miss the next update.
 
 
 

The Anti-Tesla Revolution: Is ‘Boring’ the New Beautiful?

Headline: The era of the $100,000 "luxury toy" EV is ending. Meet the $30,000 "appliance" cars coming to save your wallet.
Description: As the global EV market hits the "Luxury Ceiling," a new breed of affordable, practical electric vehicles is emerging to win over the mass market. In today’s episode, we break down why legacy giants like Hyundai and Chevy are pivoting away from "flashy" and doubling down on "boring."
What we’re plugging into today:
The Used EV Boomerang: Why used EV sales are up 21% while new sales struggle, and how you can snag a 2023 model for half price.
The Hyundai Elexio Deep Dive: We look at the $38k "Model Y Fighter" and the LFP battery technology making it possible.
The Infrastructure Legal War: A federal judge just unfroze $5 billion in NEVI funding. Find out what this means for "charging deserts" across America.
The Hybrid Pivot: Why Lamborghini and Stellantis are retreating from pure-EV plans and what it signals for the future of your next car.
Whether you're an EV enthusiast or a skeptic waiting for the right price, this episode reveals why the next few years of electrification will look a lot more like a Toyota Camry and a lot less like a spaceship.
Resources Mentioned:
J.D. Power 2026 EV Experience Study
Cox Automotive February Market Pulse
Federal NEVI Funding Court Ruling (Judge Tana Lin)

Rivian’s Make-or-Break Year: Can the R2 Save the Company?

Is 2026 the year that defines Rivian?
With the launch and production ramp of the all-new Rivian R2, Rivian is projecting a major delivery surge — but this isn’t just about selling more vehicles. It’s about survival, scale, and proving the EV startup model can actually work long term.
In this episode, we break down:
Why the R2 is Rivian’s most important vehicle ever
How it compares to the Tesla Model Y
Whether Rivian can improve margins while increasing production
The manufacturing challenges behind scaling EVs
The competitive pressure from Tesla and legacy automakers
What investors will be watching in 2026
The R1T and R1S built Rivian’s brand.The R2 has to build the business.
If Rivian executes, this could be the moment it transitions from promising EV startup to real mass-market contender. If it misses? The road ahead gets much harder.