Under optimal conditions, anything can happen. The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra Prototype can smash a Nürburgring record, the Escalade IQ can go more than 600 miles on a charge, and Tesla can deliver a car autonomously. This week’s podcast covers those, plus Toyota knocking Tesla down a rung, 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
Toyota RAV4 knocks Model Y off the global sales leader board: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/toyota-rav4-topples-tesla-model-y-as-worlds-best-selling-car

Xiaomi SU7 Ultra tops its own Nürburgring record: https://insideevs.com/news/763959/xiaomi-su7-prototype-ring-record-broken/

Mercedes unveils AMG GT XX prototype, said to preview production EV model aimed at Porsche Taycan: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a65182945/mercedes-amg-gt-xx-concept-revealed/

Xiaomi YU7 receives 240,000 orders in first 18 hours on sale: https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/shares-chinas-xiaomi-surge-after-launch-electric-vehicle-yu7-2025-06-27/

Tesla claims first autonomous customer delivery: https://www.engadget.com/transportation/tesla-shows-off-its-first-fully-autonomous-delivery-to-convince-us-its-self-driving-cars-work-163805707.html

Cadillac delivers Celestiq VIN 001: https://www.thedrive.com/news/the-340000-cadillac-celestiq-is-officially-out-in-the-wild

Tom Molougney range test on the Escalade IQ at 60 mph: https://youtu.be/HTOB_AwzpxI?si=fz39nenf7TSjliAE

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

Tesla finally made a deadline! Or did it? Yes, autonomous Teslas are driving around Austin by the date promised, but with safety passengers riding shotgun ready to hit the “oh crap” button and back-seat passengers being invite only, is this the future we were promised? In other news, Toyota plans for multiple three-row EV SUVs, the Escalade IQ goes the extra mile, 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 Robotaxi service “officially” launches in Austin, initially available on an invite-only basis: https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-officially-launches-robotaxi-service-with-no-driver/

Toyota reportedly planning two three-row EV SUVs for North American market: https://electrek.co/2025/06/24/toyota-tweaks-ev-plans-again-with-two-new-3-row-electric-suvs/

Tom Moloughney tests Escalade IQ. Achieves 482 miles of range: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icrG3KQwSwE

National Electrical Code to require home EVSE installation by professional electricians: https://www.motortrend.com/news/nec-2026-diy-home-ev-charger-install-ban

Senate considering dropping C.A.F.E. standard requirement: https://www.autoblog.com/news/us-senate-might-kill-automotive-fuel-economy-rules

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

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!

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
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