EV Geek Podcast

This week's topics include:
🔹 Ford chooses Apple Maps as the native navigation system for its next-generation UEV platform, complete with EV route planning, battery preconditioning, and BlueCruise integration.
🔹 Subaru officially delays its upcoming three-row Getaway EV following Toyota's Highlander EV production delay.
🔹 GM expands Energy Pass with Plug & Charge support for ChargePoint stations—and even older EVs like the Chevy Bolt can take advantage.
🔹 Ford introduces a new, lower-cost home backup power solution for the F-150 Lightning using the new Generlink system.
🔹 Volvo's new EX60 beats its original EPA range estimates.
🔹 Pilot reaches a major milestone by opening its 300th EV fast-charging location across the United States.
🔹 Joel shares the latest rumors and discussion surrounding a possible Toyota Corolla EV.

Whether you're an EV owner, prospective buyer, or simply love staying on top of the latest electric vehicle news, we've got you covered every Friday.

The world's best-selling car is finally going electric, but Toyota is facing an uphill battle it didn't see coming.

A rare behind-the-scenes look inside Toyota’s R&D center revealed prototype footage of the upcoming Toyota Corolla EV, alongside candid admissions from top leadership that the company is struggling to keep pace with rapid Chinese EV development.

Instead of a clean-sheet EV skateboard architecture, Toyota is underpinning the next-gen Corolla with a flexible platform designed for BEVs, Plug-In Hybrids, Traditional Hybrids, and Gas engines. Is this "one-size-fits-all" approach the ultimate bridge strategy—or a dangerous compromise in 2026?

In a massive strategy shift, General Motors is pivoting back to gas-powered vehicles. Following their latest earnings report, GM revealed that Chevy and Cadillac essentially have zero new or redesigned electric models planned for the next several years—focusing instead on updated gas engines and full-size trucks.

In this episode, we break down:

Why GM is freezing its consumer EV lineup while taking over $10B in restructuring charges.

What this means for existing models like the Equinox EV, Blazer EV, and Chevy Bolt.

How global competitors like Hyundai and Rivian are stepping up to capture mass-market share.

Whether GM's short-term profit play will cost them long-term dominance in the EV transition.

Is GM making a pragmatic business decision, or are they leaving the door wide open for rival automakers? Listen in and let us know your thoughts!

In this episode of The Friday Charge, we're breaking down the biggest electric vehicle stories of the week, including:

🔋 This Week's EV Headlines:

Honda confirms the end of the Prologue after the 2026 model year

Why Honda is betting big on hybrids instead of EVs

Hyundai drops the price of the 2027 Ioniq 5 N by over $6,300

The Ioniq 5 N switches to a native NACS charging port

California launches a brand-new EV rebate program

Hyundai's new $5 billion U.S. battery factory is now online

Toyota delays the all-electric Highlander SUV

GMC celebrates 25 years of Hummer with the limited-edition 2027 Hummer EV ICON | 25

Honda's decision is especially surprising considering the Prologue was one of America's best-selling EVs last year. Is this the right move, or is Honda giving up on the EV market just as competition heats up?

We also discuss Hyundai's growing investment in U.S. battery production, Toyota's continued reliance on hybrids, and why performance EV fans have a new reason to celebrate with a more affordable Ioniq 5 N.

👇 Let us know in the comments:
Is Honda making a huge mistake by abandoning the Prologue? Or are hybrids the smarter path forward?

If you enjoy honest EV news and analysis every week, make sure to Like, Subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of The Friday Charge!

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.

California just signed a brand-new $3,500 instant EV rebate into law called "MyFirstEV" (SB 168)—but there is a massive catch hidden in the fine print.

While the new program is designed to help first-time buyers go electric with an on-the-hood, point-of-sale discount, a highly specific "headquarters loophole" completely waives the $50,000 price cap for California-based EV brands like Rivian and Lucid. Meanwhile, Tesla (now headquartered in Texas) gets left out in the cold on its premium models. In today's episode, we break down exactly how this new $3,500 rebate works, why it's sparking a massive political feud between Gavin Newsom and Elon Musk, and how you can take advantage of the cash before the state's funding completely runs out.

Are you looking to buy your first EV this summer? What do you think about this new loophole? Let me know in the comments!