The TechMobility Podcast

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Remember the distinctive sound of an AOL dial-up connection? After 30 years, this iconic internet service is finally shutting down on September 30, 2025. While most of us have long moved on to lightning-fast broadband, approximately 200,000 Americans in extremely rural areas still rely on dial-up as their only gateway to the digital world. The contrast is stark—today's internet speeds are roughly 18,000 times faster than those early connections, enabling everything from streaming video to sophisticated AI applications that would have been unimaginable in the dial-up era.

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Electric vehicles are surpassing expectations and redefining what's possible on America's roads. Imagine a pickup truck traveling over 1,000 miles on a single charge - that's precisely what Chevrolet achieved with their Silverado EV work truck during an impressive week-long test. Even when driving at just 25 mph without air conditioning, this demonstrates how driving habits and vehicle modifications can significantly extend EV range beyond EPA ratings.

The automotive revolution continues with Volvo's stunning EX 90, a vehicle so advanced that you'll need to...

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When performance is less important than nostalgia, something fascinating happens in consumer behavior. Ram's decision to bring back the Hemi V8 engine for their 2026 trucks perfectly illustrates this trend – customers willing to pay $1,200 extra for an engine that produces less power and torque than the standard Hurricane V6 it replaces. The numbers are clear: 395 horsepower versus 420 horsepower, 410 foot-pounds versus 469 foot-pounds. Yet, the emotional appeal of that V8 rumble proves stronger than cold, hard performance metrics for millions of Ram owners.

Beyond th...

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The automotive manufacturing landscape is undergoing a revolutionary transformation, driven by unexpected players and innovative approaches. At the forefront, Foxconn—the company that likely manufactured your iPhone—is making bold moves into the electric vehicle space. Rather than competing directly with established automakers, they're positioning themselves as the ultimate EV contract manufacturer by developing standardized, modular platforms in partnership with automotive software giant ElectroBit.

This strategic approach addresses one of the industry's most significant barriers: the billions required for platform development. By o...

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The electric vehicle revolution isn't taking the path many expected. Instead of a uniform march toward high-tech luxury EVs, we're seeing fascinating divergence at both ends of the market.

Slate Motors has captured my attention with their radical approach to affordability. Backed by Jeff Bezos and $700 million in venture capital, they're building a $20,000, bare-bones electric pickup truck. No power windows. No radio. Not even paint. Just a "clean slate" for owners to customize. What fascinates me most about their strategy is...

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The electric vehicle market continues to evolve quickly as manufacturers compete in an increasingly crowded space. US News and World Report recently released their 2025 Best Hybrid and Electric Cars rankings, evaluating an impressive 115 different models across various categories. Hyundai stood out as the top performer, earning three prestigious awards for their Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, and Tucson Hybrid models – a reflection of their $85 billion investment in EV technology across their brand portfolio.

What struck me most wasn't just who made the list, but wh...

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What happens when the transportation industry is caught in what truckers call "the messy middle" - that challenging space between today's fossil fuel reality and tomorrow's zero-emission future? This thought-provoking exploration takes you into the heart of commercial trucking's dilemma, where battery electric vehicles face significant hurdles for long-haul operations while hybrid solutions struggle to gain traction despite their success in passenger vehicles.

The economics tell a compelling story: with each commercial truck representing a six-figure investment and entire business infrastructures...

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The automotive industry continues its fascinating evolution as manufacturers navigate multiple pathways toward sustainable transportation. This episode explores how different technologies are finding their unique applications across various sectors of the mobility industry.

Honda's iconic Civic celebrates its legacy with the introduction of its first-ever hybrid hatchback. Delivering an impressive 200 horsepower while achieving 50 mpg in the city, this American-made compact combines practicality with driving enjoyment. Priced under $33,000, it represents an accessible entry point into electrified transportation without the range anxiety associated...

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The transportation landscape is undergoing seismic shifts that will fundamentally alter how people and goods are moved across America. Autonomous trucking has quietly evolved from experimental technology to commercial reality, with companies like Aurora now operating routes of 1,000 miles or more that dramatically outperform human-driven alternatives. When a self-driving truck can complete a journey in half the time without federally mandated rest breaks, the economic calculus becomes impossible to ignore.

Yet technological progress brings unexpected consequences. The advanced safety features designed...

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The autonomous vehicle revolution is happening faster than anyone predicted. Tesla recently made headlines by delivering a Model Y from its Austin factory directly to a customer's home—with no driver, no remote operator, and no human intervention whatsoever. This empty vehicle navigated 30 minutes of city traffic at speeds up to 72 mph, stopping for pedestrians and traffic lights while changing lanes like a seasoned driver. What once seemed like distant science fiction in films like "Minority Report" has arrived three decades ahead of sc...

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The digital transformation of agriculture takes center stage as we dive into John Deere's strategic acquisition of Sentera, a company revolutionizing farming through drone-based imaging technology. This partnership promises farmers unprecedented precision in weed management and resource allocation, potentially saving thousands in herbicide costs while reducing environmental impact. But beneath this technological marvel lies a troubling question: who truly owns the data collected from America's farmland?

When sophisticated drones map every inch of your fields and AI algorithms generate detailed prescriptions...

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When technology evolves faster than legislation, who protects your privacy? This episode dives deep into the concerning world of automatic license plate readers operated by companies like Flock Safety, which are collecting data on your movements without consent or oversight. We expose how law enforcement agencies have been caught circumventing state laws to conduct nationwide searches—a wake-up call about the urgent need for comprehensive data protection in America.

As our power grid strains under growing demands from data centers and AI...

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The automotive industry has always been a battleground where dreams and capital collide - something startup EV manufacturer Bollinger Motors discovered firsthand. Beginning with prototype models B1 and B2, Bollinger's journey from ambitious newcomer to acquisition target illustrates the fundamental truth about automotive manufacturing: you need billions, not millions, and decades of commitment to make a meaningful impact.

After being acquired by Mullen Automotive, Bollinger's story took an unexpected turn. While most startups quickly burn through capital and disappear, Mullen boasts...

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From lunar technology to invasive surveillance, the mobility landscape is transforming in ways both promising and concerning. This episode explores three critical developments reshaping how we move—and who's watching us move.

Michelin's groundbreaking lunar rover tires represent innovation at its finest. Designed to withstand extreme temperatures from -400°F to 212°F without air, these thermoplastic marvels could revolutionize Earth vehicles too. With electric vehicles weighing up to 30% more than their gas counterparts, the lessons learned from space might solve pressing chal...

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Battery technology is evolving faster than most consumers realize. GM's announcement of its new lithium manganese-rich (LMR) battery cell represents a significant shift toward more affordable, efficient electric vehicles. By replacing expensive, rare-earth materials like nickel and cobalt with more abundant manganese and utilizing a more efficient prismatic cell design, GM expects to deliver over 400 miles of range in electric trucks while substantially reducing costs. This development follows the natural progression that many industry experts predicted—as manufacturers scale up production and refine th...

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The mobility landscape is transforming rapidly, with innovations that make clean transportation more accessible to underserved communities. Massachusetts' new e-bike incentive program offers vouchers up to $1,200 for lower-income residents, addressing transportation deserts where public transit is limited and car ownership impossible. These electric-assisted bikes flatten hills and shorten distances without excessive exertion, creating practical mobility solutions for those previously left behind.

Meanwhile, a disturbing technological development threatens our ability to trust what we see online. Real-time deepfake fraud has evolved beyond...

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Behind the wheel of a commercial truck weighing up to 60 tons, distraction can turn deadly in seconds. New research reveals a shocking truth: 79% of truck drivers reported close calls due to distraction, primarily from mobile devices. At highway speeds, these massive vehicles cover a football field every few seconds—a sobering reality for everyone sharing the road.

The legendary Toyota Land Cruiser has returned after a brief hiatus, shedding its luxury pretensions to embrace its rugged heritage. With 74 years of global hi...

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The mobility revolution is accelerating across multiple fronts, and this episode dives deep into the most exciting developments reshaping how we move.

Volkswagen has emerged as a surprising contender in the autonomous vehicle race, announcing plans to deploy thousands of self-driving ID Buzz electric minivans on Uber's platform starting in Los Angeles next year. This bold move comes after a decade of quiet development following the company's post-Dieselgate transformation. While Waymo currently leads with hundreds of thousands of autonomous rides weekly...

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A revolutionary material that could transform our built environment is emerging from laboratories into commercial production. Super Wood, developed at the University of Maryland, demonstrates strength properties that outmatch conventional steel while maintaining a dramatically lighter profile. With 50% greater tensile strength and a weight-to-strength ratio ten times better than steel, this transformed natural material is heading to market this summer after seven years of development. Unlike steel production, which releases nearly two tons of carbon dioxide per ton manufactured, Super Wood sequesters carbon...

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Hyundai Mobis has revolutionized EV safety with a breakthrough battery fire suppression system that doesn't just delay thermal runaway fires—it prevents them entirely. The technology utilizes real-time temperature and voltage monitoring to command fire suppressant within five minutes of ignition, stopping fires before they spread to adjacent cells. This innovation comes at a pivotal moment when global regulatory bodies are mandating stronger EV safety measures, with China leading since 2021 and the US implementing requirements this past March.

What makes this de...

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What happens when one of the world's richest men decides to challenge Tesla with a $20,000 electric vehicle that strips away every non-essential feature imaginable? We're diving deep into Slate, the Jeff Bezos-backed EV startup that's reimagining affordability with plastic body panels, hand-crank windows, and a revolutionary "bring your own device" approach to infotainment.

But that's just the beginning of our tech exploration. While innovation races forward above ground, something troubling is happening beneath our feet. Major American cities from Chicago to...

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Revolutionary solar paint technology from Mercedes could transform how we power our vehicles. This breakthrough innovation promises to deliver enough energy annually to drive nearly 8,700 miles without plugging in—eliminating range anxiety and potentially reshaping the entire EV landscape. With current photovoltaic cells functioning at just 20% efficiency, future improvements could push this technology to power 15,000, 20,000, or even 30,000 miles annually. Imagine never needing to search for a charging station or worry about electricity costs.

Meanwhile, Duolingo has become the first major company to...

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California's charging revolution has quietly reshaped the electric vehicle landscape, with the Golden State now boasting an astonishing 48% more EV chargers than gas nozzles. This remarkable milestone challenges the persistent narrative about charging scarcity, though important questions remain about fast charger availability and accessibility for apartment dwellers. The dramatic 70% year-over-year growth demonstrates how quickly infrastructure can evolve when necessity drives innovation.

Behind the wheel of the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander reveals a vehicle that represents the automaker's best effort yet. This seven-passenger SUV...

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The mobility landscape is transforming before our eyes, with technological advancements creating both opportunities and challenges that demand our attention.

Commercial trucking is undergoing a significant shift as PACCAR brands Kenworth and Peterbilt introduce fully electric vocational trucks after five years of development. These aren't mere experiments—they're purpose-built workhorses delivering up to 605 peak horsepower and 1850 foot-pounds of torque, capable of handling an impressive 82,000 pounds. What makes these viable? Their predictable use patterns and nightly returns to the same depot eliminate ra...

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Take a thrilling journey through cutting-edge mobility innovations that are transforming how we power, live in, and learn about our world. Ken Chester dives deep into BYD's revolutionary EV charging technology that delivers 249 miles of range in just 5-10 minutes—a game-changing advancement that effectively eliminates one of the biggest barriers to electric vehicle adoption.

The landscape of EV development has dramatically shifted, with manufacturers like BYD offering sophisticated electric vehicles starting around $13,000 while achieving charging speeds comparable to refueling a ga...

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A digital doppelgänger might be stealing cars in your name right now. The automotive industry is facing an alarming new threat as sophisticated scammers deploy deep fake technology to defraud dealerships and manufacturers. These criminals create convincingly realistic digital personas—sometimes mimicking actual customers—to orchestrate vehicle thefts worth tens of thousands of dollars each.

What makes this particularly chilling is how they might be using your own social media videos as raw material. That innocent Facebook update or Instagram reel...

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The automotive world continues to evolve with groundbreaking solutions to age-old problems – theft, affordability, and safety. This week, we dive deep into Ford's innovative approach to vehicle security with their new mobile app engine immobilizer for its F-150 trucks. Imagine being able to prevent your truck from starting even if thieves have your keys, all controlled remotely from anywhere in the world. Ford's comprehensive security package not only offers peace of mind but also includes a substantial $2,500 insurance deductible reimbursement if theft occurs de...

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Boston's innovative approach to EV charging infrastructure is reshaping urban mobility possibilities by tackling one of the most significant barriers to widespread adoption: access for apartment dwellers. The city's behind-the-meter curbside charging solution not only eliminates installation costs for homeowners but transforms their curb space into potential revenue streams. This groundbreaking system bypasses the need for utility grid enhancements while creating charging options for those without garage access—a critical step toward transportation equity.

What makes this solution particularly fascinating is th...

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Rivian is expanding beyond traditional electric vehicles with a bold new venture into micromobility. The EV manufacturer that's attracted billions in investment from Amazon, Ford, and Volkswagen has launched "ALSO" – a separate startup focused on developing small, lightweight electric vehicles for global markets. With $105 million in initial funding from Eclipse Ventures, ALSO represents Rivian's acknowledgment that transportation solutions must vary dramatically across different cultures and geographies. While Americans embrace spacious trucks and SUVs thanks to our highway-centric infrastructure, many global markets require entirely di...

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The transportation landscape is undergoing a hydrogen revolution that few are talking about. While headlines focus on battery electric vehicles, hydrogen is quietly emerging as the true contender for zero-emission long-haul trucking. As I reveal in this episode, hydrogen offers two compelling pathways - direct combustion in modified engines or electricity generation via fuel cells - both eliminating the weight, charging, and capacity challenges that plague battery electric solutions in Class 8 trucks.

Hyundai and Toyota are already proving hydrogen's commercial viability...

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Volkswagen's groundbreaking partnership with Rivian marks a pivotal moment in the democratization of electric vehicles. With a substantial $1.3 billion investment, the German automaker has accelerated its EV timeline, bringing forward the launch of its first software-defined vehicle (SDV) – the ID.1 electric minicar. Set to debut in 2027 at a remarkably affordable price point around €20,000, this compact EV aims to serve first-time buyers, older customers, and commercial delivery services.

The strategy exemplifies how established automakers are responding to the influx of low-cost Chinese EVs...

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The electric vehicle landscape in America faces a pivotal moment as the suspension of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Funding Formula Program puts $1.5 billion of charging station development on hold. As public funding stalls, private solutions emerge with major automakers adopting Tesla's charging standard to give their customers access to the reliable Supercharger network. Meanwhile, new EVs continue pushing range boundaries beyond 450 miles, challenging traditional concerns about electric mobility.

Taking center stage in our vehicle spotlight, the Ford Ranger's evolution from...

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General Motors has made a pivotal move in the automotive industry by appointing Barak Turovsky, formerly of Cisco and Google, as its first-ever Chief AI Officer. This signals GM's commitment to revolutionizing how artificial intelligence shapes everything from manufacturing processes to customer experiences. With over 115 years of data to analyze, AI implementation could transform how vehicles are designed, built, and sold while potentially saving billions in operational costs.

The appointment raises fascinating questions about responsible AI deployment. Without federal regulations establishing...

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America's military might seems unstoppable on paper, but a critical vulnerability lurks beneath the surface. The Pentagon is urgently seeking to purchase used cargo ships to bolster an aging logistics fleet that supports global military operations. Despite spending more on defense than the next ten countries combined, the U.S. relies on supply ships with a median age of 47 years – some even running on steam power. This precarious situation threatens our ability to project power worldwide when needed most.

Moving from na...

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Cadillac's electric revolution takes center stage as Ken Chester examines the upcoming 2026 Vistiq, a luxury three-row SUV that represents the brand's ambitious push to dominate the EV market. Despite packing a massive 102-kilowatt-hour battery, the Vistiq's 300-mile range falls short compared to competitors offering 500+ miles. Yet the vehicle highlights how traditional automakers are finally finding their footing in the EV space, with General Motors now achieving operational profitability on electric vehicles.

The episode takes a fascinating detour into intellectual property rights...

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AI is revolutionizing the transportation industry at breakneck speed, but are we ready for the consequences? Chinese automakers BYD and XPENG are leading this charge with groundbreaking innovations that could reshape our automotive landscape forever. BYD's decision to implement their "God's Eye" self-driving technology on vehicles priced under $10,000 signals a democratization of advanced features previously reserved for luxury models. Meanwhile, XPENG's P7 Plus introduces what they call the "world's first AI-defined vehicle," merging premium quality with sophisticated AI integration.

These developments...

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Technology and tradition collide in this fascinating exploration of how innovation disrupts established systems—sometimes for better, sometimes creating unforeseen challenges.

Massachusetts' well-intentioned EV truck regulations have created a peculiar standstill: dealers can't sell the diesel trucks businesses need until they sell electric trucks that customers don't want and infrastructure can't support. With just 301 electric trucks among 186,000 medium/heavy-duty vehicles in the state, this regulatory mismatch demonstrates the "messy middle" of decarbonization efforts when policy outpaces practicality.

Meanwhile, a qu...

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Technology is rapidly reshaping workplaces and homes, presenting opportunities and challenges at every turn. In our latest episode, we tackle the controversial topic of AI performance monitoring systems being implemented in factories. These systems offer a glimpse into a future where every move made by employees is tracked, raising serious ethical concerns about privacy and employee dignity. 

We also delve into a significant recent event: the recall of over 877,000 General Motors vehicles due to critical engine failures linked to their 6.2-liter V...

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In this episode, we dive deep into the changing landscape of the automotive and agricultural sectors, revealing how they're interconnected and what it could mean for consumers. Rivian has made headlines with its recent profit reports, marking a significant milestone in its quest to rival established players like Tesla in the electric vehicle market. We explore Rivian's strategic choices that have helped it flourish against all odds, alongside GM's promising path toward profitability as it navigates the intricate world of EV production. 

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Join me as we ignite conversations surrounding the latest in automotive innovation! In this episode, we bring you insights into the transformative world of electric vehicles— spotlighting the futuristic Lucid Gravity SUV and the luxurious Acura MDX Type S. The Gravity is a game changer in the EV market with its impressive range and advanced charging capabilities, while the MDX Type S marries performance with comfort, showcasing Acura's commitment to luxury and user experience.

As we explore cutting-edge technologies, we also to...