Quick Charge
Quick Charge is a recap podcast bringing you the latest in Tesla news and the top green energy stories every Monday through Friday.
Big Mack, hydrogen Honda, and a ride in the Tesla Semi at ACT Expo 2025 [part 6]

On today's thrilling episode of Quick Charge, we've got some of the highlights of the 2025 ACT Expo, including the all-electric Windrose and Mack Pioneer Class 8s trucks, a hydrogen fuel sell [sic] from Honda, a fun charging surprise, and â after an eight year wait â we finally get a ride in the all-new (in 2017) Tesla Semi!
ACT Expo is North America's premier clean truck and transport trade show â and for 2025 it was bigger than ever, with more exhibitors and more, more capable battery electric vehicles than ever. The downsides? NACFE have scored with their "messy middle" messaging, and the retur...
Commercial financing for EVs is way different than you think | Quick Charge

No matter how badly a fleet wants to electrify their operations and take advantage of reduced fuel costs and TCO, the fact remains that there are substantial up-front obstacles to commercial EV adoption ... or are there? We've got fleet financing expert Guy O'Brien here to help walk us through it on today's fiscally responsible episode of Quick Charge!
This conversation was motivated by the recent uncertainty surrounding EVs and EV infrastructure at the Federal level, and how that turmoil is leading some to believe they should wait to electrify. The truth? There's never been a better time...
The messy middle, hybrid semis, and century old tech comes to trucking

On today's fleet-focused episode of Quick Charge, we talk about a hot topic in today's trucking industry called, "the messy middle," explore some of the ways legacy truck brands are working to reduce fuel consumption and increase freight efficiency. PLUS: we've got ReVolt Motors' CEO and founder Gus Gardner on-hand to tell us why he thinks his solution is better.
You know, for some people.
We've also got a look at the Kenworth Supertruck 2 concept truck, revisit the Revoy hybrid tandem trailer, and even plug a great article by CCJ's Jeff Seger, who is asking...
Groundbreaking heavy equipment EVs (ha!) steals the show at bauma

It only happens every three years, but it's spectacular! I'm speaking of course, about bauma â one of the largest trade shows of any kind where heavy equipment manufacturers serving construction, forestry, mining, and more bring out their latest and greatest new job site innovations, and we've got a whole bunch of them here, on this special bauma edition of Quick Charge!
With more than two million square feet indoors and twice that outdoors, bauma hosts more than 600,000 guests from 200 countries to see 3,600 exhibitors' hardware (and, increasingly, software). We're only going to cover a sliver, but it's a real...
Tesla (TSLA) is having a terrible month, and itâs only April 10th!

On today's troubling episode of Quick Charge, we explore all the troubles befalling Tesla (and TSLA stock) in the month April â with top executives fleeing the ship, demand plummeting, sales slipping, government incentives at home and abroad under threat, and a raft of receipts brought on by an OpenAI lawsuit hitting the brand, it's already a bad month for Elon ... and there's still 20 more days to go!
None of this even touches on the $43 million "backlogged" rebate scandal Tesla's facing in Canada that's being blamed for people's negative attitudes about the brand (ha!) or the fact that nei...
Quick Charge | hydrogen hype falls flat amid very public failures

On today's hyped up hydrogen episode of Quick Charge, we look at some of the fuel's recent failures and billion dollar bungles as the fuel cell crowd continues to lose the credibility race against a rapidly evolving battery electric market.
We're taking a look at some of the recent hydrogen failures of 2025 â including nine-figure product cancellations in the US and Korea, a series of simultaneous bus failures in Poland, and European executives, experts, and economists calling for EU governments to ditch hydrogen and focus on the deployment of a more widespread electric trucking infrastructure.
Source Lin...
Quick Charge | the terrifying Trump tariffs are finally upon us!

On today's tariff-tastic episode of Quick Charge, we've got tariffs! Big ones, small ones, crazy ones, and fake ones â but whether or not you agree with the Trump tariffs coming into effect tomorrow, one thing is absolutely certain: they are going to change the price you pay for your next car ... and that price won't be going down!
Everyone's got questions about what these tariffs are going to mean for their next car buying experience, but this is a bigger question, since nearly every industry in the US uses cars and trucks to move their people and pro...
Elonâs missing billions, Tesla terrorism, bots rig surveys, and a Nissan battery deal

Is Elon Musk using the missing $1.4B to fund anti-Tesla protests as part of a massive false flag operation that will give him control of both the police and the courts? There's absolutely ZERO evidence to support that idea (plus: I just made it up), but it's 2025 and that means anything goes on today's bats**t episode of Quick Charge!
If there's one thing narcissists love it's playing victim, and the guy who asked everyone at Trump's inauguration if they's seen Kyle and spent the last decade stacking billions by failing to deliver on a mission to m...
Cartoonish Tesla crashes, Toyota battery deals, and new Chinese hotness

ACME stock soars on today's cartoonishly silly episode of Quick Charge, we watch Tesla Autopilot crash into a wall with a painting on it, make the Elon stans look silly when they point out shady behavior from their fearless leader, and toss out the notion that some franchise dealers might help the troubled EV brand make more sales in red states.
We also cover Toyota as it moves to position itself for global battery dominance by suppling batteries to more than 400,000 electrified Honda vehicles per year, plus an upgraded Xpeng G6 electric SUV that makes everything on...
Elon wants to rebuild exploded Cybertruck, Canadian cons, other bizarre EV news

On today's challenging episode of Quick Charge, Elon seems serious about rebuilding the Cybertruck that exploded outside the Trump hotel in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, there are questions about Tesla's record-setting weekend in Canada, and lots, lots more.
In other news, we've got a hot tub you can sail around a lake, a 140-ton electric hoverboard from Liebherr, a $1,000 electric pickup from China, questions about the effectiveness of EV rebates in general, and a 0% interest deal on an all-new electric Dodge Charger Daytona.
Source Links
Destroyed Cybertruck used in Vegas bombing is for sale, Musk...New cars from Volvo, VW, Cadillac, and more â plus 0% on Model 3 as Tesla sales fall

It's been a big day for big reveals with the all-new Volvo ES90, a new compact electric city car from Volkswagen, plus a pair of new, over-the-top EVs from General Motors that perfectly exemplify American excess. All this and maybe the dawn of the long-awaited "Tesla Killer" on today's revealing episode of Quick Charge!
GM is practically daring the competition to build a bigger, badder EV with a new, bigger $133,000 Cadillac Escalade and 1,100 hp off-road special in the form of the new Chevrolet Silverado EV ZR2. Finally, you guys are never happy ... try to enjoy this episode...
Elon protests turn violent as arsonists set fire to Tesla cars, Plus: 2026 Chevy Spark

On today's fiery episode of Quick Charge, it's all bad news for Elon as Tesla sales continue to plunge in Europe, the pump fails to stop the TSLA stock price slide, and people set fire to dealers. Plus: BMW takes the top two spots in the J.D. Power EV owner satisfaction survey.
Tesla shareholders were hoping today's claims of 10x growth in the coming years would help goose TSLA stock prices, but they slid instead as BMW took the top two spots in the J.D. Power EV owner satisfaction survey and GM launched an all-new...
TSLA gets hammered, Mercedes set to ditch EQ, and big van news

With revenue tumbling almost as fast as market share, Tesla stock is taking a pounding â exactly like CEO Elon Musk predicted! We've also got FSD rolling out in China, a German automation acquisition, and more on today's red candlestick edition of Quick Charge!
We've also got some clarifying news at Mercedes-Benz, which is set to ditch its confusing EQ-based model alphanumerics and (God willing) their suppository-based styling language, too. Plus, Rivian launches a new upfit service to make it easier for fleet managers to order ready-to-work EVs, Ram ProMaster EV lives up to its promises with more opt...
Tesla exec teases new Model S, protests gain momentum, and staff exodus continues

On today's energized episode of Quick Charge, a Tesla executive leaks news of a new Model S and X as protests at retail locations escalate and key staff continue their exodus from the troubled brand. Plus: 0% financing deals on EVs and PHEVs and Volvo brings off-grid power to bauma.
We've also got a look at the crowded EV sedan market the updated Tesla Model S (if it happens) will enter, talk about the Chinese answer to Rolls-Royce and Bentley from Huawei, and the latest off-grid BESS substation concept from Volvo Penta. Enjoy!
Source Links
...Elon is setting up shop in India as first Tesla Semi station gets real (6 years late)

Elon Musk's visit to India may have been more about Tesla than any mission for the US government, if recent job listings at Tesla are to be believed. Plus, we've got news that construction on the first Tesla Semi truck stop is underway in California â and only six years behind schedule! All this and more on today's (also late) episode of Quick Charge!
We've also got news Hyundai and Kia have plans to get back their $7,500 Federal tax credits, are set to launch a new, 509 hp version of the hot-selling EV9 GT, and there's a new battery fac...
Protests erupt at Tesla dealers as China holds FSD hostage in tariff war

It was a rough weekend for TSLA as public protests of CEO Elon Musk and his actions at DOGE overwhelm Tesla showrooms as calls from shareholders to fire America's most powerful immigrant grow louder. Plus, solid-state batteries and a brand-new, affordable EV from Kia on today's rapidly escalating episode of Quick Charge!
We've also got word that Xi Jinping could be holding approval of Elon's (supervised) Full Self Driving software hostage until the US backs off its proposed tariffs against China, and a new purchase from Cummins could make drop-in hybrid kids a commercial reality for construction an...
Nobody wants a Cybertruck â including Tesla! Plus: Nissan news, pricey solar

On today's downright giddy episode of Quick Charge, at least one Cybertruck owner is sick of people making fun of his ride â but Tesla won't let him trade it in. Plus, the Associated Press reports that Tesla is suing its own customers, and Nissan is adding AI to its EVs to its record time.
Bloggers and journalists might be in trouble if they keep writing about Tesla's shortcomings â especially in China, where the company has allegedly been using its pull with the government to put pressure on journalists to keep their spin on the company positive. We've also g...
Chicago EV deals, Amazon delivery vans for all, and visits from the FBI!

On today's wheelin' and dealin' episode of Quick Charge, we take a look at a $9,140 deal on a 2025 Nissan LEAF*** in Chicago, things you can do with a robotic lawnmower, and talk about the tough times Tesla is experiencing while its CEO asks if you've seen Kyle.
We've also got some fresh new additions to our list of 0% interest EV and PHEV financing offers, a hot new commercial electric van heading to market, and an industry icon reaches a new, multibillion dollar threshold of ZEV funding. All this and more â enjoy!
Source Links
At ju...Reddit TSLA group moves to fire Elon, Tesla insurance discounts, and big solar

On today's episode of Quick Charge, we look at a group of $TSLA shareholders on Reddit who want Elon Musk fired as CEO of Tesla â and they're using his own public words against him. Plus the new Model Y arrives in US showrooms and FSD users can get a break on insurance.
Plus the Volvo EX30 is ready to drive home today, the Lucid Gravity is taking off, we've got VW ID.4 pricing for 2025, and we've officially hit a major solar energy milestone five years ahead of schedule.
Source Links
Tesla offers 10% insurance discount if...Tesla sales tank in Europe, fresh EV deals, and Canada strikes back

On what feels like the first-ever February episode of Quick Charge, we explore the rapid decline of Tesla fortunes in Europe and California, the rapid rise of BYD plug-in vehicles, and talk through the latest round of Canadian trade tariffs as President Trump's North American trade war hits its stride.
We've also got some great 0% financing deals on EVs from Chevy, Ford, Honda, and Volkswagen â will they be the last new car sales we'll get before these tariffs pitch the country into an economic depression the likes of which it's never known? Give us a listen, then le...
Tesla Q4 earnings call recap, PE ratios, and big Texas solar project goes online

On today's exciting episode of Quick Charge, we explore the Tesla Q4 earnings call's high-level weirdness, including the impact Bitcoin had on the bottom line, what it means for stock prices, and whether or not you'll die without Tesla's solar roof.
You'll also hear Jo ask, "What even is a P/E Ratio, and why does it matter?" before asking if we'll all be killed without a solar roof, and learning about what happens when our phones run out of power. All this and more â enjoy!
Source Links
Tesla (TSLA) releases Q4 2024 results: big mis...Elon canât get it up (past 325 kW), BP can, and GM hopes to keep it up in 2025

Despite mocking 350 kW as "a child's toy" in 2016, the company is just rolling out 325 kW V4 chargers in 2025. Meanwhile companies like BP are celebrating 400 kW installations along major highways â and they're making money doing it. All this and more on today's thrilling January 47th episode of Quick Charge!
We've also got a blast from the past in the form of one of my first Electrek article from way back in 2022, GM's performance making TSLA look like a meme stock, and a massive lithium project in the Heartland.
Source Links
Tesla announces all V4 Superchargers can...Fred isnât happy with FSD transfer as Rivian gets into the self-driving game

The big news this week is the new Model Y being available for order in the US, but it doesn't stop there â a new ECU photo inspired Fred to vent about Tesla's FSD transfer policy, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe announced plans to get into the self-driving business himself, and solar had a very, very big year. All this and more on today's thrilling episode of Quick Charge!
We've also got spy pictures of a NACS-ready BMW i5 in Utah, news that even more OEMs are chasing software deals with Rivian, and even some speculation about who that mig...
Polestar hopes to steal Tesla sales, CATL revenue dips, and feeding the orcas

On today's episode of Quick Charge, Polestar hopes to steal customers from Tesla now that Elon is involved in politics, CATL revenue dips for the first time ever, and a whole new way to feed the orcas drops down under.
As above, Polestar is hoping Elon's descent into politics spells opportunity for the struggling Swedish/Chinese performance brand, CATL has big news in Europe, and Scooter Doll shows off a new electric submarine that's so expensive, they won't even tell us the price.
Source Links
Elon Musk is ânot good for America or the wo...Trumpâs first day, Hyundai lease deals, and Volvoâs EVs arrive in the US

On today's episode of Quick Charge, President Trump has a wild first day in office, but it's not ALL bad, either. Plus: Tesla gets diner integration, Hyundai keeps the deal train rolling, and it's dad's 80th birthday.
We also look ahead to some possible discounts for Tesla insurance customers, some news on the upcoming "cheap" Cybertruck, and wonder out loud if Puerto Rico's billion dollar solar project is going to see the light of day. All this and more â enjoy!
Source Links
Trump attacks EVs with executive orders, but mostly signals further damages Unleashing Ame...Southern Company announces 6 month, grid-enhancing EV fleet pilot

On today's episode of Quick Charge, Southern Company's Tom Canada talks us through the utility's new, six-month pilot program that aims to overcome some of the perceived barriers to EV adoption by demonstrating the transformative potential of EV adoption in commercial fleets.
Developed in partnership with Ford Pro, the Southern Company pilot will see more than 200 F-150 Lightning trucks incorporated into the utility's existing vehicle fleet, will leverage pricing signals and demand response to evaluate the impact of cost-effective charging within a fleet environment while demonstrating the efficiency of using established charging depots.
In addition t...
Bidenâs $635M good-bye, Trumpâs DOT pick will investigate Tesla, and a look ahead

On today's episode of Quick Charge we explore the uncertainty around the future of EV incentives, the roles different stakeholders will play in shaping that future, and our friend Stacy Noblet from energy consulting firm ICF stops by to share her take on what lies ahead.
We've got a couple of different articles and studies referenced in this forward-looking interview, and I've done my best to link to all of them below. If I missed one, let me know in the comments.
Source Links
Biden pushes through $635M in EV charger grants before Trumpâs...Toyota funded climate deniers and Fred says Elon fudged the FSD numbers

On today's episode of Quick Charge, we look into a new study revealing that Toyota outspends all other automakers when it comes to funding climate change denying politicians and Fred accuses Elon of misrepresenting the data behind Full Self Driving (again).
We've also got word that the recently redesigned Tesla Model Y is being built in Giga Berlin, Hyundai's electrified lineup is leading a record export year for the brand, and a new study says cleantech investments will beat out conventional energy production for the first time in 2025.
Source Links
Elon Musk misrepresents data t...Cybertruck goes solar, new Model Y takes off, and BYD tackles Toyota

On today's exciting episode of Quick Charge, Tesla's redesigned Model Y is grabbing headlines, but the solar Cybertruck might be the thing for you. We've also got news from BYD, and an innovative new energy storage system in California.
BYD is rolling out a new, monstrously powerful sport sedan in the Chinese market that's set to challenge the Tesla Model S Plain â but that's not all. The Chinese upstart also beat Toyota in EV sales in its Japanese home market, up 54% year over year while Toyota's EV sales were down nearly 30%.
Source Links
This is...Tesla sales fall, Honda brings back ASIMO, and a bunch of stuff from CES2025

Despite big discounts and 0% financing, Tesla sales are down for the first time in a decade ... but there's even bigger robot news with the return of Honda ASIMO, a flying car from China, and a whole lot more from today's episode of Quick Charge!
CES2025 was all about AI â and not just what AI could do, but what AI could do for you. That's where ASIMO comes in, helping everyone have a better time in there car and not at all just a modern day version of KITT dreamed up by a bunch of Gen X executives (win...
Tesla semi gets closer, others are millions of miles ahead, and EV of the year

On today's exciting episode of Quick Charge, we explore not one but two existing electric truck fleets that crossed the 5 million miles driven mark this year, along with some potentially exciting news for last-minute shoppers looking for a sweet deal on a new Toyota or GMC Sierra EV, and the Electrek EV of the year.
We've also got a rundown of some of the best new 0% financing deals to close out 2024, featuring news from Ford, GMC, and Toyota. We also talk about why Tesla got omitted from the list.
Source Links
Tesla Semi factory...Hydrogen had a wild ride in 2024, but Honda has more to come in 2025

On today's high-powered episode of Quick Charge, we've got Honda fuel cell manager David Perzynski here to talk about Honda's forty year history developing hydrogen powertrains, and the role Honda sees for HFCEVs in a battery dominated world.
In the course of the conversation we talk about several hydrogen articles posted in 2024, as well as some Honda projects related to CES. You'll be able to read more about those, below. Enjoy!
Source Links
MAN CEO: âimpossibleâ for hydrogen to compete with BEVs Hydrogen early adopter faces big problems amid Nikola challenges Nikola hydrogen semi seem...Tesla keeps up the customer experience, Hyundai owners get presents

On today's festive episode of Quick Charge, Tesla steps up for its owners by calling in mobile charging stations to cut down on wait time. Meanwhile Hyundai has some extra goodies for your stockings and Texas is cleaning up its act.
We've also got big savings for Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra shoppers, as well as some good environmental news in the form of new solar and wind projects coming online at a record clip, and a dirty Texas mine that's cleaning up its act.
Source Links
Tesla deploys a fleet of âMegapack Ch...Model Y loses top sales spot, Walmart goes solar, and Montana is for the kids

On today's energizing episode of  Quick Charge, judges rule that Montana's companies owe their kids a cleaner future, the Dacia Sandero looks set to overtake the Tesla Model Y in the European sales race, and a bunch of other stuff.
We've also got two brand-new, zero-emission Honda EVs set to debut at the CES show in January, a new and better way to recycle electric car batteries developed by BMW, and a massive new solar project being bankrolled by Walmart.
Source Links
Tesla (TSLA) sales in Europe are down 14% year-to-date and itâs time to...California wins the first round against Trump as Tesla faces down a union coup

On today's episode of Quick Charge, the Trump administration has lost its first battle against state's rights in California while Tesla faces down (what it's calling) a union coup in Germany. Meanwhile, SoCal Edison puts 280 Chevy Silverado EV pickups to work on California's roads and Colorado is putting up a bunch of new DC fast chargers.
We've also got a possible Honda-Nissan-Mitsubishi merger shaping up in Japan, some dumb thieves in China, 130 new hybrid bucket trucks getting to work in the northeast, and a massive, twin-rotor wind turbine that is finally online.
Source Links
...Cybertruck gets un-founded, Tesla computers fail, and Trump has a plan

On today's episode of Quick Charge, it's bad news for Tesla as the nonexistent demand for its Foundation Series Cybertruck models leads Musk to desperate tactics. Meanwhile, the company's new AI4 computers have major safety concerns, and Trump is moving to kill EV tax credits.
We've also got record-breaking sales from BYD to prove that the US President doesn't matter when it comes to global EV adoption, a record-setting electric semi truck order from Canada, and a big solar project coming online in America's dairyland.
Source Links
Tesla is buffing Foundation Series badges off C...Nikola bankruptcy looms as hydrogen problems add up, Toyota is everywhere

On today's heavy-duty episode of Quick Charge, we take a look at Nikola Motors' troubling finances, reliability problems with their hydrogen semi trucks, and an all-new, all-different electric Toyota cute-ute makes its debut. Will it be enough to take Toyota to the front?
On any other day a new Toyota crossover â and an electric one at that â would be the big news of the day, but massive deals on a new Toyota bZ4X and $1 billion investment in a new paint shop need to be acknowledged, as well. All that, plus big-time recycling news!
Source Links<...
Tesla loses HW chief to Amazon and Cybertruck might go to China after all

On today's prime time episode of Quick Charge, Amazon is taking on Tesla with the launch of an online car shopping tool AND by snagging Elon's longtime head of Autopilot hardware development. Tesla isn't taking the news lying down, however â they're eyeing new markets for Cybertruck expansion!
That's right â Tesla is once again looking into expansion plans in India and the Chinese market seems once again in play for the controversial Cybertruck. We've also got a huge solar financing deal and buffoonery surrounding the USPS, so be sure to let us know what you think in the commen...
Tesla Model Q rumors, EV sales set records, and $2B California solar

Tonight on Quick Charge, we wonder if the upcoming Tesla Cybercab could actually benefit from growing a few pedals. Meanwhile, Tesla Supercharger customers are getting a better deal this week, and there's a new, $2 billion solar project coming on line in southern California.
We've also got a report showing that EV charging sessions were up 50% YoY during the Thanksgiving weekend, an inexpensive flat-pack truck that's bringing e-mobility to Africa, and a whole lot more.
Source Links
EVs and hybrids hit a record high in US sales in Q3 2024 Report: EV charging sessions were up 50...China ducks EV tariffs, Tesla column stalks return, and an electric Cobra

On today's exciting episode of Quick Charge, you can get steering column stalks on your Tesla, the Honda Prologue becomes the best-selling GM Ultium-based EV, a new electric Cobra surfaces, and more!
We've also got Chinese automakers using V2G technology to help Japan protect itself against Earthquakes, free home batteries in Texas, and a whole lot more.
Todayâs episode is sponsored by Buzz Bicycles, an omnichannel eBike brand that prioritizes excellent value for its growing base of eBike enthusiasts. For a limited time, use promo code âELECTREK200â at checkout for $200 off the purchase of a B...