TechMobility Topics

In this episode, I examine technology that could subtly change city life. A new porous, solar-reflective coating passively cools buildings and pulls water from the air, providing a dual benefit for urban heat islands and small-scale water collection. Imagine rooftops that reduce heat and supply cisterns—weighing modestly per square foot but making a big difference at neighborhood scale.

For this episode, I review the 2025 Lincoln Navigator Black Label to determine if its power, elegance, and spaciousness justify a six-figure price, and where the experience still falls short—like fuel economy and those massive 24-inch tires and rims you never want to replace.

During this episode, I discuss what happens when an EV startup drops paint, dealers, and the traditional service department. We explore Slate Auto’s bold low-cost truck strategy, the fine print of using independent shops for warranty repairs, and the real risks around training, parts, mobile service expectations, and lemon law recourse. 

This episode explores the mystery of modern engine failures. Today’s aluminum, turbocharged, tight-tolerance powertrains deliver incredible efficiency — but they’re much less forgiving. Tiny machining debris, called swarf, can turn thin oil into grit, leading to recalls across major brands. We explain the physics, manufacturing challenges, and owner habits that matter: correct oil specifications, timely changes, and patience during warm-up. Precision powers the engine; cleanliness keeps it running.

In this episode, I explore the airport of the future. Imagine a world where check-in is seamless, smart baggage arrives at the correct plane, and biometric gates eliminate long lines. Personalized signage could guide you in your own language from the curb to your seat. While this technology offers convenience, it also raises concerns about privacy, bias, and the danger of over-personalization. The goal is to implement invisible automation under the surface that reduces stress without turning terminals into surveillance zones.

The conversation shifts to water scarcity, where headlines and concerns often overshadow engineering. Desalination has a reputation for harming oceans, yet modern diffuser design, deep-water siting, and careful monitoring tell a different story. With the Carlsbad plant producing about 54 million gallons daily and multi-year studies showing healthy local waters, desalination appears less like a villain and more like an essential tool alongside conservation and reuse. Agriculture still uses 70% of the world's freshwater; addressing that need requires all of these solutions.

During this episode, I kick off the conversation with a trail-ready EV that looks unstoppable—then ask tough questions about energy. We break down the Vanderhall Brawley GTS: quad motors, a climate-controlled cabin, and a 40 kWh pack promising 140 miles. It’s exciting on paper, but what happens when the temperature drops, the trail gets tough, and there’s no charger for days? We explore the real challenges of off-road electrification and the planning mindset that can make or break an adventure.

For this episode, I explore the emerging “Robotaxi Wars.” Waymo, long considered the gold standard for autonomous ride-hailing in the U.S., now faces new competition from Amazon’s Zoox and the latecomer Tesla. I discuss how Waymo has spent years and billions building a multi-city fleet using modified vehicles from established automakers, while Zoox is betting on funky, fully symmetric, purpose-built pods with no steering wheel. Meanwhile, Tesla is testing supervised robotaxis in Austin but is roughly a decade behind Waymo. I also question who will ultimately master all-weather, all-city autonomy—especially in dense, complex environments like Boston—and suggest that although the field is becoming crowded, Waymo remains the leader to watch.

In this episode, I discuss the increasing trend of canceled or restructured electric vehicle (EV) programs. As tax credits diminish and consumers shift their preferences toward hybrids instead of pure EVs, automakers are quietly discontinuing or adjusting some electric models. I highlight unexpected decisions, such as Acura canceling the ZDX after just one year and GM stepping away from its BrightDrop electric vans, which have significant financial implications for both suppliers and owners. 

However, it’s important to note that not all EVs are being canceled. Key models like the Mustang Mach-E, Cadillac’s electric lineup, and GM’s Silverado and Sierra EVs are still progressing. The real takeaway, as I see it, is that EVs are not disappearing; rather, automakers are pivoting toward hybrids and recalibrating their timelines, rather than abandoning electrification completely.automakers are pivoting toward hybrids and recalibrating their timelines, rather than abandoning electrification completely.

This episode provides a detailed review of the 2026 Ram 1500 Bighorn pickup truck. It begins with a brief history of how the old Dodge D/W pickups evolved into today’s Ram brand, then explains engine options, towing and payload capacities, and real-world driving impressions. With its mild-hybrid V6 or Hemi V8, smooth ride, bold styling, and a practical cabin, the Ram 1500 offers the capability and refinement expected from a modern full-size truck. The review notes some issues—such as the exposed spare tire placement and the absence of standard running boards on 4x4 models—but overall, it concludes that, for those willing to pay the price, the Ram 1500 remains a very appealing choice.