EV Geek Podcast

Rivian Bets Big on AI: What Autonomy Day Revealed

Rivian just pulled back the curtain on its AI and Autonomy Day, and it’s clear the company is going all-in on software, intelligence, and long-term autonomy.
In this episode, we break down Rivian’s AI strategy, what it means for driver assistance and future self-driving capabilities, and how Rivian plans to differentiate itself from Tesla, legacy automakers, and other EV startups. From in-house AI development to sensor strategy and over-the-air updates, this event signals a major shift in how Rivian sees its vehicles—not just as electric, but as intelligent platforms.
We’ll also talk about why AI and autonomy matter more than ever in the EV race, what Rivian got right, and where big questions still remain. Questions?
Comments? Interested in being a guest? Email us at info@evgeekstudios.com

The New Tesla Model 3 is Excellent! 2025 Tesla Model 3 Review

On today's episode, Joel and Sebastian check out a 2025 Model 3 Long Range, courtesy of Evolve Auto (www.evolveauto.com).
This is not our first time in a refresh Model 3, but man, this car is excellent. We also got a chance to check out Tesla's latest version of FSD, 14.2.1.
Questions? Comments? Interested in being a guest? Email us at info@evgeekstudios.com

BMW Plugs Into Tesla, Rivian Gets Smarter, and Say Hello to the Mercedes GLB

Today’s episode of The Friday Charge is packed with three huge stories shaping the EV world:
BMW Gets Supercharger Access MW officially joins the expanding list of automakers tapping into Tesla’s Supercharger network. We break down what this means for charging convenience, timelines for adapters, and how this shifts the competitive landscape.
Rivian’s AI Day HighlightsRivian just hosted its first-ever AI Day—showcasing new tech, smarter driver-assist capabilities, and its long-term vision for autonomy. We dig into the biggest announcements and what they mean for R1 owners and the industry.
Meet the Mercedes GLBMercedes brings updates and refinement to the GLB. We cover what’s new, performance expectations, interior upgrades, and how it stacks up in today’s luxury crossover market.
If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to like and subscribe on YouTube — and if you’re listening on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, tap that follow button and leave us a quick rating. It really helps the show grow.

Can the 2026 Nissan LEAF Make a Comeback?

The Nissan LEAF was once the world’s most popular electric car… then it fell behind. But with a bold redesign, 303 miles of range, and a sub-$30K starting price, Nissan is betting big on a comeback.
In this episode, we break down what went wrong, what’s changing for 2026, and whether the LEAF can truly surge back in popularity. Includes full industry sources and analysis.

The Battery Price Paradox

Battery pack prices just hit a new low — even as lithium, nickel, and cobalt costs continue to rise. How is that possible? In this episode, we break down the “battery price paradox” and explain why EV packs are still getting cheaper thanks to global manufacturing scale, new chemistries like LFP, factory overcapacity, and major efficiency gains.
We also explore what this means for EV prices, energy storage, and the future of clean energy. If you want to understand where EV technology is heading in 2025 and beyond, this episode is a must-listen.
Topics Covered:
2025 battery pack pricing milestone
Why raw material costs don’t tell the full story
LFP’s rise and its impact on EV affordability
Global gigafactories and overcapacity
What cheaper batteries mean for your next EV
How storage costs shape the future of renewables
Follow the show and charge forward with us!

Ford’s Big EV Gamble: Inside the New Renault Partnership

Today we dive into the biggest electric-vehicle story of the day: Ford has officially partnered with Renault to develop a new wave of affordable electric cars for Europe.
This bold move isn’t just another industry handshake — it’s a strategic response to what Ford CEO Jim Farley calls a “fight for our lives” as Chinese EV makers continue to dominate the lower-priced EV segment. In this episode, we break down:
Why Ford chose Renault as its EV partner
What kinds of electric vehicles will come from this alliance
How the deal helps Ford compete against aggressive Chinese automakers
What this means for the future of affordable EVs in Europe
Why collaboration may now be the new competitive edge in the auto industry
Whether you follow EV tech, global auto strategy, or the affordability battle shaping the next decade, this is a story worth understanding.
Sources Featured in Today’s Episode
Ford & Renault Partnership Announcement – Ford Media Centerhttps://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/feu/en/news/2025/12/09/Ford-and-Renault-Group-form-strategic-partnership.html
Competitive pressure from Chinese automakers – Business Standard / Reutershttps://www.business-standard.com/industry/auto/ford-to-use-renault-tech-plants-for-affordable-european-evs-against-china-125120900389_1.html

Inside the Nissan NX8: Nissan’s Bold New Electric SUV

The Nissan NX8 just dropped, and it might be the most important EV Nissan has built in years. In today’s episode, we dive into the design, powertrains, tech, charging speeds, and Nissan’s China-first strategy. Plus, we explore the big question: could the NX8 make it to the U.S. market? If you’re an EV geek or a Nissan fan, you won’t want to miss this one.
 
00:00 Introduction to the Nissan NX-8
00:29 Exploring Design and Powertrains of the NX-8
00:48 Introduction to the Nissan NX8
03:43 Design and Features of the NX8
06:40 Performance and Technology Innovations

CLA EV Price Leak, Kia EV3’s U.S. Arrival, Porsche Praises Competition & Rivian’s New Color

🚗⚡ BIG EV NEWS! Today on episode 63 of The Friday Charge, we’re talking about:• Mercedes CLA EV pricing — finally revealed!• Kia EV3 coming to the U.S. — affordable EV fans, this is your moment.• Porsche being blown away by its EV rivals — yes, really.• Rivian’s wild new purple color — and why it might be a fan favorite.
If you’re into EVs, charging, tech, or the future of transportation, this is the episode for you. Hit that LIKE button and SUBSCRIBE for daily EV updates!

Common EV Myths BUSTED: The Truth About Range, Batteries & Charging | Everyday Electric Ep. 3

In today’s Everyday Electric episode, we dive into the most popular fears and misconceptions about electric vehicles—range anxiety, battery replacement costs, grid overload, winter driving, charging speed, and more. Using real-world data and simple explanations, we separate EV facts from fiction so you can make smarter decisions about driving electric.
If you’ve ever wondered whether EVs can go the distance, survive harsh winters, or overload the electric grid… this episode is for you.

Ford Teases a New Affordable Electric Performance Sedan

Ford just dropped a major hint about a new affordable, rear-wheel-drive electric performance sedan — something the CEO says could be part of a “Model T-style revolution” for EVs. In this episode, we break down what Ford revealed, what’s still unknown, and how this EV could reshape the market.
Sources include Road & Track and Car and Driver.