EV Geek Podcast

The Q1 2026 EV sales data is officially in, and there is a new name in the top three. The Toyota bZ (formerly bZ4X) has seen a staggering 80% year-over-year increase, moving over 10,000 units and bypassing industry favorites like the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Chevy Equinox EV.

In this episode, we break down the technical and strategic shifts that fueled this surge. We analyze Toyota’s move to native NACS charging, the impact of their 2026 technical refresh, and why "brand trust" is winning over early-adopter tech in the current economic climate.

Hello everyone, and welcome to this episode of the Friday Charge, brought to you by EV Geek Studios. This week, we dive into the expanding used cars market and discuss Volkswagen's decision to discontinue another one of their evs. We also cover the latest ev news regarding Rivian's EPA numbers. Stay tuned for more insights from the ev geek!

Questions? Comments? Interested in being a guest? Email us at [email protected]

Don't let the headlines fool you. Rivian's Q1 2026 production might look "down," but the reality is a masterclass in business discipline. From clearing out 2025 inventory to launching the most anticipated SUV of the decade, RJ Scaringe is playing the long game.

We’re looking at the $1.25B Uber deal, the 30,000 Amazon van fleet, and why Rivian’s new "zonal architecture" is scaring the legacy automakers. If you’re holding $RIVN or thinking about an R2, you need to hear this.

Massive EV discounts are hitting the market—$7,500, $8,000+, and counting. What’s causing it, and what does it mean for buyers and the future of electric cars? Let’s break it down.

Toyota has long been labeled as “late” to the electric vehicle race—but Q1 2026 might be the turning point. In this episode, we break down the latest sales numbers for Toyota’s bZ lineup and what they reveal about the company’s evolving EV strategy.

Despite a cooling EV market and the loss of federal tax incentives, Toyota is seeing surprising momentum with its electric SUV. So what’s driving the growth? Is it pricing, improved range, brand trust—or perfect timing?

We dig into the data, compare Toyota’s performance to the broader EV market, and explore whether this is just a short-term rebound or the start of something much bigger.

If you’re following EV trends, automaker strategy, or thinking about going electric—this episode gives you the full picture.

Topics covered:

Toyota bZ Q1 2026 sales breakdown

EV market slowdown & tax credit impact

Pricing strategy and competition

Toyota vs Tesla, Hyundai, and Ford

What this means for the future of EV adoption

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