EV Geek Podcast

Ford is firing back at the U.S. Department of Transportation, IONNA is rapidly expanding its EV charging network, and Tesla’s Cybercab is facing some serious regulatory questions from NHTSA!
In this episode of The Friday Charge, Joel and Sebastian cover:
🚨 Ford vs. the DOT and the CATL controversy⚡ IONNA’s rapid charging-network expansion🏎️ The latest Tesla Roadster news📱 GM and Apple CarPlay🤖 NHTSA’s Cybercab investigation and what it could mean for Tesla’s robotaxi plans
Plus, we break down the latest EV news you need to know!
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General Motors has officially blinked in the great dashboard software war. After announcing a highly controversial ban on Apple CarPlay and Android Auto back in 2023, GM has entirely reversed course. Today, they revealed a brand-new infotainment UI debuting on the 2027 Chevy Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 that natively supports full smartphone mirroring. Even better? This new design is set to expand across their broader vehicle portfolio. In this Mini-Charge Episode, we break down the timeline of GM's attempt to build a walled software garden, the brutal consumer survey data that forced their hand, and why this new "window-in-window" split-screen compromise might actually be the perfect sweet spot for drivers.
 
 
 

The Tesla Roadster is FINALLY back — and Tesla just gave us a date. 🚀 After nearly 9 YEARS of waiting, Tesla has officially teased an October 1 reveal for the next-generation Roadster. But this isn't just another Roadster update. Tesla's latest teaser says "Go for launch", immediately bringing attention back to the long-rumored SpaceX connection and the possibility of rocket-powered technology being demonstrated with the Roadster. So what exactly is Tesla planning to show us? Could we finally see the production Roadster? Could Tesla actually demonstrate the infamous hovering technology? Or are we about to see another incredible prototype that still leaves customers waiting for production? The next-generation Roadster was first unveiled all the way back in 2017. Now, in 2026, Tesla appears ready to put the car back in the spotlight. The question is... Will Tesla finally deliver? And if the Roadster really does hover, will this become one of the most insane EV reveals we've ever seen? Watch the episode and let us know what YOU think Tesla is going to reveal on October 1! 👇 COMMENT BELOW: Would you actually buy a Tesla Roadster with SpaceX rocket thrusters?

Americans might finally be changing their minds about electric vehicles. ⚡🚗
Despite EV market share being down this year, the latest HERE-SBD EV Index reveals something surprising: 53% of surveyed drivers say they are more open to buying an EV than they were a year ago.
In this episode of The Friday Charge, we break down the numbers behind that shift—including the impact of gas prices, improving charging infrastructure, faster charging, increased range, and growing confidence in EVs as a practical purchase.
We also discuss another delay for Stellantis' EREVs, including the Jeep Wagoneer EREV and Ram 1500 REV, Volvo discontinuing the EX40 in the U.S., and why the upcoming EX60 and rumored EX50 could reshape Volvo's EV lineup.
Plus, new European data raises a major question about plug-in hybrids: Are PHEVs actually producing far more emissions than their official ratings suggest? With real-world emissions reportedly reaching six times their certified levels, we look at why owners aren't charging their PHEVs and how the EU plans to respond.
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👍 Like the video, drop your thoughts in the comments, and let us know: Are you more interested in buying an EV today than you were a year ago?
 

Tesla’s Cybercab is finally here—and the reaction is anything but simple. 
After nearly a decade of promises about a fully autonomous Tesla without a steering wheel, pedals, or expensive LiDAR sensors, Cybercab is now carrying real passengers in Austin.
But while Tesla is pushing toward a future of 24/7 autonomous robotaxis, federal regulators are already asking some very serious questions.
In this episode of EV Geek Studios, Joel breaks down the latest Tesla Cybercab developments, including the wild engineering decisions behind Tesla’s newest vehicle, the growing regulatory scrutiny, Tesla’s plans for overnight robotaxi service, and why public skepticism could become one of the biggest challenges Tesla faces.
 
 

Ford reportedly has massive goals for its upcoming electric truck, the Ford Fathom. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, Ford has set a target of producing and selling 100,000 units of the Fathom in its very first year. If they achieve this, the Fathom would become the first non-Tesla EV in America to reach that kind of volume.
In this video, we cover:
Ford’s ambitious 100,000 Fathom production goal
Why pricing strategy will make or break the Fathom
Toyota’s extended delay for the Highlander EV & Getaway
The all-electric Range Rover specs: 333 miles of range, NACS port, & 35.4" water wading
Slate's new low and high-roof Cargo Van conversion kit for fleet operators.
From production targets and pricing strategies to off-road capability and commercial EVs, there’s a lot happening behind the scenes.
👉 Which of these EVs do you think has the biggest potential? Let us know in the comments!

Global EV sales are telling two VERY different stories in 2026. 🌎⚡
While Europe’s EV sales surged 33% in July, North America went in the opposite direction, with EV sales falling 27%. And that’s just the beginning.
In this episode of The Mini Charge from EV Geek Studios, Joel breaks down the latest global EV sales numbers for the first seven months of 2026 and explores why the electric vehicle market is increasingly splitting into regional winners and losers.
We’ll look at:
⚡ Global EV sales: Roughly 11.5 million plug-in vehicles sold worldwide so far in 2026🇪🇺 Europe: EV sales up 33% in July, with France, Germany and the UK seeing major growth🇺🇸 North America: EV sales down 27% in July as federal incentives disappear🔋 BEVs vs. PHEVs: Battery-electric vehicles are surging while plug-in hybrids decline🇨🇳 China: New Energy Vehicles reached a record 65.1% of retail auto sales⛽ Gas cars in China: ICE vehicle sales plunged an astonishing 44% in July🚗 BYD vs. Tesla: The two automakers continue to battle for global EV dominance🌎 Chinese automakers: BYD, Geely, SAIC and Leapmotor continue expanding globally
The biggest question may not be whether the EV transition is happening — it’s where it is happening fastest.
With Europe accelerating, China transforming its automotive market, and North American sales slowing, can U.S. legacy automakers continue competing on the global stage?
Or are some automakers in danger of being left behind?
👇 What do you think?Is the United States falling behind in the global EV race, or is this just a temporary slowdown?
Let us know in the comments!

Walmart just hit a HUGE milestone in the EV world—and this could be the beginning of something much bigger.
The retail giant has officially opened its 100th Walmart EV charging location, with 400kW chargers and at least 8 charging plugs at each site. But 100 locations is just the beginning. Walmart says it plans to expand to thousands of EV charging locations by 2030 across Walmart and Sam's Club stores.
With roughly 90% of Americans living within 10 miles of a Walmart, this could become one of the most accessible EV charging networks in the country.
And Walmart isn't just installing chargers. The company is developing its own charging backend, working on credit card and tap-to-pay options, and building out a network designed around convenience and accessibility.
On this episode of The Friday Charge, Joel and Sebastian break down:
⚡ Walmart's 100th EV charging location⚡ Why Walmart is installing 400kW chargers⚡ The plan for THOUSANDS of charging locations by 2030⚡ Why charger reliability and the number of plugs may matter more than raw charging speed⚡ Walmart's plans for credit card and tap-to-pay charging⚡ What Walmart's massive retail footprint could mean for EV adoption⚡ Tesla Cybertruck sales and Tesla's surprising $5,000 price increases⚡ Hyundai's plan for 100 new models by 2030⚡ Hyundai's upcoming 600-mile Santa Fe EREV⚡ Why bigger EV charging sites may be better for drivers
Is Walmart quietly building one of the most important EV charging networks in America?
Let us know what you think in the comments!
🔌 The Friday Charge is brought to you by EV Geek Studios.
 

Polestar has effectively been kicked out of the U.S. market—and the reason why is raising some serious questions.
Starting with model year 2027, Polestar has been denied authorization to sell its EVs in the United States under the federal government's new Connected Vehicle Rule. That means no new Polestar 2, Polestar 3, or Polestar 4 sales in America unless something changes.
But here's where this story gets WILD:
The Polestar 3 and Volvo EX90 are built side-by-side in South Carolina, share the same SPA2 platform, and have closely related software and technology. Yet Volvo received approval to continue selling the EX90 in the U.S.—while Polestar was denied.
And Polestar says the U.S. government hasn't even told them why.
In this Mini Charge, we break down:
⚡ Why Polestar was denied U.S. authorization🇺🇸 How the Connected Vehicle Rule works🇨🇳 How Polestar's ownership by China's Geely became a major issue🚙 Why the Volvo EX90 was approved while the Polestar 3 wasn't💰 Why Polestar is offering discounts of up to $25,000⚖️ Why a Polestar dealer is suing the automaker🔥 Allegations that Polestar may have been planning its U.S. exit for years📉 What this could mean for Polestar owners, resale values and future software support🌎 What this means for other automakers with Chinese ownership or technology ties
And perhaps the biggest question of all:
Would YOU buy a Polestar 3 for nearly $25,000 off knowing the brand is being pushed out of the U.S.?
Let us know in the comments!
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Vs under $30,000 are finally becoming a reality — and the next few years could completely change the electric car market. From the redesigned Chevy Bolt and Nissan Leaf to the upcoming Slate Truck, Kia EV3, and Ford Fathom, there are more affordable EVs coming than ever before.
In this episode of The Friday Charge, Joel and Sebastian break down the cheapest electric vehicles available in the U.S. right now, what you get for your money, and which upcoming EVs could shake up the market.
We cover:
⚡ 2027 Chevy Bolt — The cheapest new EV in America, with 262 miles of range and a starting price under $30K⚡ 2026 Nissan Leaf — 303 miles of range in the base model and a major redesign⚡ 2027 Toyota bZ — Toyota's more affordable electric crossover⚡ 2027 Subaru Uncharted — Over 300 miles of range for around $35K⚡ Chevrolet Equinox EV — 319 miles of range at its $35K starting price⚡ Slate Truck — A bare-bones electric pickup starting around $25K⚡ Ford Fathom — Ford's upcoming affordable electric pickup⚡ Kia EV3 — One of the most anticipated affordable EVs coming to America
And the biggest question:
If you had $30,000 to spend on an EV, would you buy one today or wait for what's coming?
Let us know in the comments!
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