Is the Nissan Leaf the little EV compliance car that could? As Nissan advances to the third (and somewhat handsome) third generation of the car, it’s beginning to look like the Leaf may make it after all. We discuss. We also chat about battery swapping a Tesla, Xiaomi outrunning a Rimic Nevera, and more!

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Perhaps you prefer to watch as well as listen. If so, we’ve got you covered.

SHOW NOTES
Specs drop on new Nissan Leaf: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a65075812/2026-nissan-leaf-revealed/

Out-of-Spec swaps a 100 kWh battery into a Model S 70D: https://insideevs.com/news/762998/tesla-model-s-70d-battery-upgrade-100d/

Tesla preparing for European sales for the Semi: https://electrek.co/2025/06/17/tesla-start-selling-semi-electric-truck-europe/

Corvette ZR1X hybrid: https://www.thedrive.com/news/zora-is-here-chevy-corvette-zr1x-makes-1250-hp-goes-0-60-under-2-seconds

Xiaomi SU7 Ultra beats Rimac Nevera’s Nurburgring lap time. https://www.theautopian.com/xiaomi-su7-ultra-nurburgring/
How reliable are Chinese EVs?: https://insideevs.com/news/761870/byd-dolphin-long-term-brazil/

This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. Sanchez
Episode art courtesy Nissan
Music courtesy Twisterium at Pixabay
Website: https://www.thewattcar.com
Buy merch: https://www.thewattcar.com/store
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar

With new electric vehicles that perform as well as they look, Cadillac is back! The Optiq-V is the next vehicle in the lineup, and based on what we’re seeing, it’s a winner. There’s more to the story with Caddy and GM, though, and we get into that in the podcast. We also discuss autonomous Teslas in Austin, BYD suing influencers, and more!

Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Spotify, PocketCasts, iHeartRadio, Podbean, and more! Or heck, use your favorite podcast application.

Perhaps you prefer to watch as well as listen. If so, we’ve got you covered.

SHOW NOTES
Cadillac launches 519 hp Optiq-V SUV: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a64992634/2026-cadillac-optiq-v-specs-revealed/

GM now #2 in EV sales in U.S.: https://electrek.co/2025/06/10/chevy-equinox-ev-selling-like-hotcakes/

Driverless Model Y robotaxis seen around Austin ahead of expected June 12 “official” announcement: https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-driverless-robotaxi-austin-tx-first-look/

BYD takes influencers to court, claiming defamation: https://insideevs.com/news/761962/byd-takes-influencers-to-court/

BMW announces production of iX5, iX6 and iX7 by 2028 in Spartanburg, SC: https://www.wardsauto.com/industry/bmw-spartanburg-plant-to-launch-ix5-ix6-and-ix7-by-2028

Pics of second-gen Rivian R1T Quad Motor leak: https://insideevs.com/news/762158/rivian-r1t-quad-nacs-port/

Stellantis’ design chief Ralph Gilles says they’re going to “experiment” with Chrysler: https://www.thedrive.com/news/chrysler-is-about-to-become-an-experiment

This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. Sanchez
Episode art courtesy Cadillac
Music courtesy Twisterium at Pixabay
Website: https://www.thewattcar.com
Buy merch: https://www.thewattcar.com/store
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar

Waymo’s in the news, for honking a lot…again. Same honks, different city. We discuss the many questions surrounding this phenomenon. Also on this week’s podcast, New Jersey boots Tesla Superchargers from the turnpike, Dodge experiences unintended acceleration, VinFast closes stores, and more!

Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Spotify, PocketCasts, iHeartRadio, Podbean, and more! Or heck, use your favorite podcast application.

Perhaps you prefer to watch as well as listen. If so, we’ve got you covered.

SHOW NOTES
New Jersey Turnpike Authority cancels contract with Tesla, decommissions 64 Supercharger stalls: https://insideevs.com/news/761428/tesla-superchargers-removed-from-new-jersey-turnpike/

Waymos are honking again: https://yovenice.com/2025/06/02/waymo-faces-escalating-tensions-in-santa-monica-over-noise-complaints-report/

Dodge’s unintended acceleration: https://www.motor1.com/news/761547/dodge-charger-daytona-unintended-acceleration/

VinFast closing half of its stores in Canada: https://driving.ca/auto-news/industry/vinfast-closing-five-stores-canada

Mate Rimac says turbos don’t make sense on hybrids: https://www.motor1.com/news/761384/bugatti-boss-criticizes-hybrid-supercars/

Mate Rimac’s daily driver: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKK_EM_MmVu/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. Sanchez
Episode art courtesy Waymo
Music courtesy Twisterium at Pixabay
Website: https://www.thewattcar.com
Buy merch: https://www.thewattcar.com/store
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar

Afeela is pushing hard, but when it comes to this Honda-Sony collaboration our Spidey Senses are tingling. Also on this week’s podcast, congress tackles California’s authority, GM plans to bring LFP manufacturing to America (or does it?), Stellantis gets a new head, Tesla goes down in flames (or does it?), and more!

Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Spotify, PocketCasts, iHeartRadio, Podbean, and more! Or heck, use your favorite podcast application.

Perhaps you prefer to watch as well as listen. If so, we’ve got you covered.

SHOW NOTES
Congress attempts to overturn California’s emissions waiver: https://calmatters.org/environment/2025/05/california-electric-car-mandate-senate-revoke-waiver/

UK government looks at dropping the “Tesla Tax” in a bid to boost EV demand: https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/electriccars/article-14739945/Government-dump-Tesla-Tax-new-electric-cars-introduced-April-industry-warns-stifling-EV-demand.html

GM bringing LFP battery production to U.S. in collaboration Samsung and LG Energy Solution: https://insideevs.com/news/760990/general-motors-bringing-lfp-battery-production-to-america/

Stellantis names 25-year company veteran Antonio Filosa as CEO: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/28/auto-stellantis-appoints-north-america-boss-antonio-filosa-as-new-ceo.html

Tesla going down in flames? Not so fast: https://cleantechnica.com/2025/05/23/tesla-model-y-model-3-still-1st-3rd-best-selling-cars-in-california/

DeLorean gets into crypto: https://carbuzz.com/electric-vehicles-delorean-alpha5-complicated-reservation-process-live/

This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. Sanchez
Episode art courtesy Afeela
Music courtesy Twisterium at Pixabay
Website: https://www.thewattcar.com
Buy merch: https://www.thewattcar.com/store
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar

Have automakers been naming their EVs incorrectly all these years? By dropping the “ID” and swapping to its traditional naming conventions, VW seems to think so. Do we agree? We discuss. Also, VW’s upcoming electric GTI will retain its front-drive motivation, Trump’s administration looks to cut EV tax credits, GM flip-flops again, and more!

Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Spotify, PocketCasts, iHeartRadio, Podbean, and more! Or heck, use your favorite podcast application.

Perhaps you prefer to watch as well as listen. If so, we’ve got you covered.

SHOW NOTES
Future VW EVs will have “normal” names: https://www.carscoops.com/2025/05/no-more-ids-vws-evs-will-get-real-names/

EV VW GTI will remain front-wheel-drive: https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/volkswagen/golf/366808/confirmed-new-vw-golf-gti-will-be-electric-and-its-monster

Toyota RAV4 goes all-hybrid for 2026: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a64704544/2026-toyota-rav4-revealed/

Trump’s bill has EV tax credits in its crosshairs: https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2025/05/19/trump-big-beautiful-bill-electric-vehicle-tax-credit/83673329007/

GM changes its tune on California’s EV mandate: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/general-motors-company-gm-reportedly-012533059.html

Xiaomi to unveil YU7 SUV to accompany SU7 sedan: https://electrek.co/2025/05/19/xiaomi-launch-new-yu7-game-changing-suv/

CATL is 2025’s biggest IPO at $4.6 billion: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/chinas-catl-shares-set-jump-125-hong-kong-trading-debut-2025-05-20/

Waffle House getting DC fast chargers courtesy of BP Pulse: https://insideevs.com/news/760076/waffle-house-bp-pulse/

This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. Sanchez
Episode art courtesy Volkswagen
Music courtesy Twisterium at Pixabay
Website: https://www.thewattcar.com
Buy merch: https://www.thewattcar.com/store
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar

Does branding matter? Yes! Does it matter for GM’s Ultium technology and Toyota’s bZ4X crossover EV? Probably not, and on this week’s podcast, we talk about why. We also discuss another Toyota EV crossover that’s on its way, Mazda moving to NACS (in Japan), Xiaomi being like totally super fake, and more!

Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Spotify, PocketCasts, iHeartRadio, Podbean, and more! Or heck, use your favorite podcast application.

Perhaps you prefer to watch as well as listen. If so, we’ve got you covered.

SHOW NOTES
GM Unveils LMR battery chemistry: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/13/gm-new-ev-battery-tech.html

Toyota bZ4x now just bZ: https://pressroom.toyota.com/toyota-bz-all-electric-suv-adds-range-charging-and-exterior-updates-for-2026/

Toyota C-HR is coming back to the U.S. as EV: https://www.theautopian.com/the-new-338-horsepower-electric-toyota-c-hr-seems-surprisingly-whelming/

Mazda adopts NACS…in Japan: https://www.teslarati.com/mazda-chooses-tesla-nacs-japan/

Chinese EV enthusiasts upset when they discover Xiaomi SU7 Ultra’s hood ducts are fake: https://www.thedrive.com/news/xiaomi-su7-owners-big-mad-over-useless-ducts-on-6k-carbon-fiber-hood

Xiaomi-backed EV company JMEV shows its Small Sports Car SC01: https://www.theautopian.com/small-sports-car-sc01-2/

Mercedes teases 1,000-hp AMG EV super-sedan: https://electrek.co/2025/05/11/mercedes-amg-teases-first-ever-bespoke-1000-hp-electric-super-sedan/

This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. Sanchez
Episode art courtesy Toyota
Music courtesy Twisterium at Pixabay
Website: https://www.thewattcar.com
Buy merch: https://www.thewattcar.com/store
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar

The Cadillac Celestiq exists and reviews are appearing – but at a $340k price point, does anyone care? Also on this episode, Tesla sales continue to decline, New York piles on, Jeep hotrods the Compass, Toyota fears China’s entry into fuel cells, and more!

Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Spotify, PocketCasts, iHeartRadio, Podbean, and more! Or heck, use your favorite podcast application.

Perhaps you prefer to watch as well as listen. If so, we’ve got you covered.

SHOW NOTES
Tesla sales decline sharply in Europe: https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/france-car-registrations-down-564-april-tesla-sales-drop-5945-2025-05-01/

New York State introduces bill to strip Tesla of its franchise dealer exception: https://www.carscoops.com/2025/04/tesla-risks-total-shutdown-in-new-york-as-political-fury-erupts/

Car and Driver drives the Cadillac Celestiq: https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a64671356/2025-cadillac-celestiq-drive/

Jeep unveils new Compass, including 375 hp EV model: https://insideevs.com/news/758673/2026-jeep-compass-ev-range-specs-official/

Compass EV may not be headed to U.S.: https://www.motor1.com/news/758699/jeep-compass-future-uncertain-usa/

Slate truck: https://www.theverge.com/electric-cars/655527/slate-electric-truck-price-paint-radio-bezos

Toyota says the Chinese are gaining in another area - fuel cells: https://electrek.co/2025/05/05/toyota-issues-urgent-warning-chinas-lead-isnt-just-evs/

This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. Sanchez
Episode art courtesy Cadillac
Music courtesy Twisterium at Pixabay
Website: https://www.thewattcar.com
Buy merch: https://www.thewattcar.com/store
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar

This week’s episode of The Watt Car EV Podcast is a little different. From local EV car shows to exploring Rove charging, podcast hosts Ed Sanchez and Phil Royle discuss what’s on their minds. For example, when it comes to themed EV charging like Tesla’s forthcoming drive-in, is Tesla viewing the future with the same rose colored glasses that “technologists” did in the 1950s? Has Tesla’s reputation been irreparably damaged by Elon Musk? And the big one: Is Dodge’s Fratzonic EV exhaust actually cool?

Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Spotify, PocketCasts, iHeartRadio, Podbean, and more! Or heck, use your favorite podcast application.

Perhaps you prefer to watch as well as listen. If so, we’ve got you covered.

This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. SanchezEpisode art courtesy RoveMusic courtesy Twisterium at PixabayEmail comments and questions to [email protected]: https://www.thewattcar.comBuy merch: https://www.thewattcar.com/storeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar

Tesla Q1 earnings underwhelm, but aren’t a surprise. Also not a surprise was Subaru updating its Solterra specs. What was a surprise was Subaru’s “but wait, there’s more” vehicle, the Trailseeker EV, which is what the Solterra should have been all along — or is it? We pick it apart. We also get into the forthcoming electric Mercedes minivan, Lucid’s most recent purchase, and more!

Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Spotify, PocketCasts, iHeartRadio, Podbean, and more! Or heck, use your favorite podcast application.

Perhaps you prefer to watch as well as listen. If so, we’ve got you covered.

SHOW NOTES
Tesla Q1 earnings underwhelm: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/tesla-misses-on-q1-results-but-stock-jumps-after-musk-says-time-at-doge-will-drop-significantly-214802096.html

Elon Musk reportedly shut down internal report: https://electrek.co/2025/04/16/elon-musk-shut-down-internal-tesla-analysis-that-showed-robotaxi-would-lose-money/

Tesla VP of Engineering Lars Moravy gives big hints at “low cost” model: https://insideevs.com/news/757406/tesla-affordable-options-critical-earnigns/

Updated 2026 Subaru Solterra gets more power, range: https://www.theverge.com/news/651786/subaru-solterra-ev-2026-facelift

Subaru unveils Trailseeker EV: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a64442428/2026-subaru-trailseeker-revealed/

Mercedes shows ultra-lux Vision V minivan, says it’s coming to the U.S.: https://www.edmunds.com/car-news/mercedes-benz-van-ea-concept-first-look-debut.html

Lucid buys Nikola production facility for $30 million: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/lucid-wins-nikola-bankruptcy-auction-104036171.html

Pebble trailer reportedly actually goes into production: https://www.theautopian.com/the-worlds-first-self-towing-camper-has-actually-gone-into-production/

Ferrari to unveil EV on Oct. 9. Apparently building new facility: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a64434311/ferrari-ev-suv-future-cars/

Jeff Bezos-backed Slate Auto’s $25k EV truck possibly spotted: https://techcrunch.com/2025/04/10/bezos-backed-ev-startup-slate-autos-pickup-truck-spotted-in-the-wild/

Slate SUV versionspied: https://www.theautopian.com/the-slate-auto-suv-is-now-hiding-in-plain-sight-with-a-harry-potter-themed-wrap/

This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. Sanchez
Episode art courtesy Subaru
Music courtesy Twisterium at Pixabay
Email comments and questions to [email protected]
Website: https://www.thewattcar.com
Buy merch: https://www.thewattcar.com/store
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar

Forgive us — this week’s podcast was recorded before Trump changed the tariff situation again. Despite that, what we cover on this episode is very applicable because tariffs still exist, Elon Musk is still controversial, and political decisions that are currently being made might slow the roll for other EV manufacturers as they look toward their own global expansion.

Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Spotify, PocketCasts, iHeartRadio, Podbean, and more! Or heck, use your favorite podcast application.

Perhaps you prefer to watch as well as listen. If so, we’ve got you covered.

SHOW NOTES
Tesla posts worst Q1 sales in more than two years: https://insideevs.com/news/755384/tesla-q1-2025-deliveries-drop/

Elon Musk may be forced out of DOGE by virtue of his classification: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/02/elon-musk-trump-doge-tesla-white-house-wisconsin-supreme-court.html

What EV’s excite me as much as a Tesla? Not many: https://www.thewattcar.com/home/sell-your-tesla-for-what

The Watt Car’s take on tariffs: https://www.thewattcar.com/home/i-also-thought-tariffs-were-a-good-idea-when-i-was-12

This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. Sanchez
Episode art courtesy Lucid Motors
Music courtesy Twisterium at Pixabay
Email comments and questions to [email protected]
Website: https://www.thewattcar.com
Buy merch: https://www.thewattcar.com/store
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar