EV Geek Podcast

Tesla Superchargers Hit Google Maps! Kia Slashes EV Prices + Waymo Expands!

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 Steps Up: EV Charging Goes Mainstream

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’s First Electric Pickup Is Here: The Hilux BEV Unveiled

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 Says Its Biggest Threat Isn’t Tariffs or Chips — It’s China’s EV Makers

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 China Sales Slump to 3-Year Low

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.

First Drive: 2026 Hummer EV — The Electric Beast Returns

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.

Nissan Leaf Range Test Revealed, Ford’s Next EVs Are Almost Here, and Jeep’s Big 4xe Recall

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!

Everyday Electric: How EV Charging Works (Beginner’s Guide)

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’s $30,000 EVs Could Change Everything

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’s 100-Day EV Return Policy: Game Changer or Gimmick?

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.