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In this episode of the TechMobility Podcast, Ken Chester connects the dots between design, powertrains, and autonomy across a rapidly shifting auto landscape.

He opens with a look at Volvo’s new ES-90, a sleek full-electric premium car aimed at drivers who are burned out on SUVs but still want space, comfort, and ground clearance. Blending sedan elegance, fastback flexibility, and SUV practicality, the ES-90 targets professionals who value understated, confident design over flashy excess. The catch? Because it’s built in China, current U.S. tariffs make it unprofitable to sell here—so American buyers may never see it, even as European customers start taking delivery.

From there, Ken dives into a detailed review of the 2026 Ram 1500 Bighorn pickup truck. After a quick history lesson on how the old Dodge D/W pickups evolved into today’s Ram brand, he breaks down engine options, towing and payload numbers, and real-world driving impressions. With its mild-hybrid V6 or Hemi V8, comfortable ride, big-brash styling, and genuinely usable cabin, the Ram 1500 delivers the capability and refinement buyers expect from a modern full-size truck. He does call out some gripes—like the exposed spare tire placement and the lack of standard running boards on 4x4 models—but still concludes that, for those willing to pay the price, the Ram 1500 remains a highly compelling choice.

Ken then shifts to the growing wave of canceled or reshuffled EV programs. As tax credits fade and buyers gravitate toward hybrids over pure EVs, automakers are quietly killing or reconfiguring some electric models. He highlights surprising moves like Acura canceling the ZDX after just one year and GM walking away from its BrightDrop electric vans, with big financial implications for suppliers and owners alike. At the same time, he notes what hasn’t been canceled: key EVs like the Mustang Mach-E, Cadillac’s electric lineup, and GM’s Silverado and Sierra EVs are still moving ahead. The real story, he says, is not that EVs are dying, but that automakers are pivoting to hybrids and recalibrating timing, not abandoning electrification altogether.

Finally, the episode closes with the emerging “Robotaxi Wars.” Waymo, long the U.S. gold standard in autonomous ride-hailing, now faces incoming competition from Amazon’s Zoox and a late-to-the-party Tesla. Ken explains 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 at all. Tesla, meanwhile, is testing supervised robotaxis in Austin but trails Waymo by roughly a decade. Ken questions who will ultimately crack all-weather, all-city autonomy—especially in dense, messy environments like Boston—and suggests that while the field is getting crowded, Waymo is still the one to beat.

If you enjoy sharp, data-literate takes on cars, EV strategy, and autonomous tech, follow along, share with a friend, and leave a review. Have a question or hot take we should cover next? Drop us a note at talk@techmobility.show and subscribe for more deep dives.

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This episode of the TechMobility Show travels across three big conversations shaping America’s future: rail, air, and agriculture—then lands on a stark warning about digital surveillance at home.

Ken opens with a deep dive into Amtrak’s resurgence, highlighting the railroad’s record-setting ridership, rising revenues, and long-overdue investments in equipment and facilities. After decades of neglect, Amtrak is finally seeing renewed public demand—driven by high airfares, highway congestion, and the appeal of rail as a calmer, more convenient alternative. Clean trains, upgraded routes, and on-time targets are helping Amtrak inch toward operational profitability by 2028, a milestone never before achieved.

From rails to the sky, Ken explores the emerging world of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOLs)—and whether the long-imagined “flying car” is finally real. He breaks down the Pivotal BlackFly ultralight aircraft, its intuitive joystick controls, its safety-first automation, and why federal regulations—not technology—may be the biggest barrier to widespread adoption. With models like the new Pivotal Helix entering the market, Ken argues the conversation is no longer science fiction, but regulatory timing.

Back on the ground, the episode turns to the next evolution of precision agriculture: controlled drainage and subsurface irrigation. Using a high-value Indiana farm sale as a case study, Ken explains how farmers are using underground water-management systems to reduce runoff, preserve nutrients, recapture irrigation water, and boost crop yields by 10–20%. In a time of rising input costs and mounting water-quality concerns, the technology offers both environmental and financial benefits.

Finally, the tone sharpens with a critical look at a secretive U.S. Border Patrol surveillance program that tracks millions of American drivers far beyond traditional border zones. Ken unpacks how “suspicious” travel patterns—undefined and unregulated—are triggering detentions, “whisper stops,” and invasive questioning of law-abiding citizens. He raises urgent questions about civil liberties, Fourth Amendment protections, and the growing reach of domestic surveillance in everyday life.

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The Arctic isn’t just ice and maps—it’s a test of national power and supply chains. We start with a candid look at the global icebreaker gap: Russia’s eight nuclear heavy ships, China’s expanding fleet, and a U.S. plan focused on medium icebreakers that may struggle through four-foot ice. We examine what mediums can handle well, why heavy icebreakers still define access and deterrence, and how timing, cost, and reliability will shape leadership in the North.

Next, we get behind the wheel of the 2025 Audi A3. It’s more compact, smarter, and more digital, with a refined interior, standard quattro all-wheel drive, and a smooth, capable ride that feels more premium than its price. We highlight the wins—balanced handling, useful MMI upgrades, ambient lighting—and discuss the issues that matter: a dated cruise stalk, an awkward armrest for shorter drivers, and stock all-season tires that limit the car’s potential. The solution is simple and effective: install proper all-weather tires and let the chassis perform at its best.

Careers and code intersect as we explore AI in hiring. Recruiters rely on AI to sift through large volumes of resumes; job seekers use hidden prompts to influence the screeners. We explain how this works, why platforms are adapting, and the ethics of countering automation with automation. The main idea is straightforward: optimization outperforms manipulation because interviews still value clarity, evidence, and results.

Finally, we discuss the future of batteries that every EV enthusiast cares about. Solid-state batteries promise higher energy density, faster charging, and improved safety. Toyota aims for a 620-mile range and sub-10-minute charges; Stellantis is moving toward deployments with Factorial; GM decides its three chemistry strategy of LFP, lithium-enriched, and NMC chemistries to manage cost and scale makes sense now. Different timelines, different approaches —and a market that will favor those who connect technology readiness with real-world value.

If you enjoy in-depth analyses that link geopolitics, mobility technology, and everyday choices—subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review with your favorite moment. What are you betting on: heavy icebreakers, solid-state battery timelines, or smarter tire choices?

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