Tesla is preparing for one of the biggest strategic pivots in its history: removing China-made components from its U.S.-assembled EVs by 2027. In this episode, Joel breaks down what’s driving the shift, how it affects Tesla’s batteries, pricing, tax-credit eligibility, and why this move could reshape global EV manufacturing. We also explore what this means for Mexico, India, and the U.S. supply chain — and how rivals like GM, Ford, and Rivian may be forced to respond.

Whether you're an EV enthusiast, a Tesla watcher, or just curious about the geopolitics behind electric vehicles, this episode delivers the context you need to stay ahead of the curve.

EV sales in South America are booming, with growth rates outpacing expectations — but Tesla is almost nowhere to be found. In this episode, we explore why EV adoption is rising so quickly, why Chinese brands such as BYD and Great Wall Motor are capturing market share, and how new ports and logistics networks are transforming regional auto markets. We also look ahead at what this trend means for affordability, supply chains, and global EV competition. If you’re following the future of EVs, this is a story you can’t afford to miss.

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 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:

Plug in for a fresh look at how charging is going mainstream — one parking lot at a time.

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 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:

Sources: Reuters, Bloomberg, and CleanTechnica

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

Sources include Reuters, Bloomberg, Electrek, and CleanTechnica.

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.

Today on episode 60 of The Friday Charge Joel and Sebastian chat about…

Plus what we have been driving!

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:

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.