Electric cars promise a clean-energy future, but if their batteries depend on dirty, fragile supply chains, is the EV revolution really as green as it seems?

In this debut episode of Brilliant or BS, host Soleil Rain sits down with Brian Dillard, former head of battery R&D at VinFast and longtime battery industry veteran, to unpack the messy truth behind the EV boom. From lithium mines in Australia to gigafactories in China, we follow the global journey of a battery — exploring what’s brilliant about this technology, what’s pure BS, and what it means for the planet (and your next car).

Along the way, Soleil and Brian break down:
🔋 What’s actually inside an EV battery

🌍 How the global supply chain works and who holds the power

♻️ Why recycling could make or break a clean future

💰 The role of government incentives and what “subsidies” really mean

⚠️ And how to separate genuine innovation from overhyped headlines

So… are EVs brilliant or bullshit? Let’s find out.

News audio courtesy of WLNS 6 News (May 2025), 9 News Melbourne (August 2025), Global News (2024), Car Coach Reports (August 2025)

Used under fair-use principles for commentary and analysis.

Original music licensed from Blue Dot Sessions.