What Drives Us episode

#380 In 2025, I Promise

22 Aug , 2020   Video

00:00 Intros

04:13 – Hybrids, Plug-ins, and EVs

25:15 – Xos Raises $20 Million to Scale Production 

32:30 – This Week in Tesla

37:05 – Toyota Solid-State Batteries

43:15 – Tritium Fast Charger

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What Drives Us episode

#377 Tonka Toy Van Down By The River

30 Jul , 2020   Video

00:00 Intros

07:40 Hybrid Fleets Would Reduce Emissions Now

15:55 Electric Brands Introduces Module EV Bus

22:00 Tesla Willing to License Software and Technology

26:00 Hyundai Ramps up EV Production Plans

37:40 The Real Cost of “Public” Parking

43:15 Community Solar for Those Who Can’t Solar

49: 30 Fossil Fuel Companies Funding the Police

1:01:15 Shout-outs and Go Home

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What Drives Us episode

# 369 2020 is Going to Kill Us All!

3 Jun , 2020   Video

  1. Please make the world a better place. Join a sit in if that’s your thing. If you’re more of an introvert, make sure you do your research and vote. Get your friends and family to vote. Change the world. It’s the least you can do.
  2. Russell spends – literally – a few seconds teasing about his upcoming Toyota Supra review.
  3. There are dealers in the US right now selling Jaguar I-Pace for up to $21,000 USD under MSRP! Seriously consider picking one up.
  4. Toyota announced RAV4 Prime pricing and – all things considered – you can get a RAV4 Prime for less then a RAV4 Hybrid.
  5. Bicycles are better for you and the community. Go Ride a Bike!

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What Drives Us episode

#368 Let’s Return to Better

30 May , 2020   Video

  1. Russell spent some time with a Tesla Model Y and a Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Both reviews are available in our “Car Reviews” playlist. Make sure to check out “The Tesla Life” to get Russell’s full Model Y review.
  2. Toyota recently introduced the PROACE van, offering a warranty of 15 years or 1,000,000 miles, whichever comes first. After that time, they promise the battery will still have 75% or more capacity remaining.
  3. People will only return to riding the bus when they feel safe doing so. We spend some time discussing how buslines can maintain ridership by helping people feel safe.
  4. BloombergNEF predicts that by 2040 new car sales will favor EVs over ICEs. Interesting side topic, they also predict that ICE vehicles peaked in 2017.
  5. Volvo has taken the bold step of limiting the top speed of all new vehicles starting next year. This will be done in the name of safety, referencing the amount of vehicular fatalities attributed to high speeds.

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What Drives Us episode

#367 Tried and Died

23 May , 2020   Video

  1. General Motors and LG Chem have formed a joint venture to create batteries for EVs. They are calling it Ultium. The factory will be in Lordstown, OH. It’s expected to employ more than 1,000 people. This could be a really big thing. Here’s hoping.
  2. Toyota introduced two new hybrids to their fleet: Venza and Sienna.
  3. Russell just finished spending a week with the 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. There are things he really liked. And then there are other things.
  4. In case you didn’t know, Dyson (yes, the vacuum company) announced a while ago that they were developing an electric vehicle. After actually creating a very nice looking prototype, they have announced that they are abandoning the effort. Reportedly, Dyson realized there was no way to manufacture and price the car such that it would be even remotely profitable. Let’s hope they continue the idea and work on a lower-priced car they can bring to market.
  5. GM had created an e-Bike called the Ariv (pronounced ‘arrive’). They had a standard version and a folding version. Sure it looks a little quirky, but in a time when e-bikes are seeing a huge uptick in sales, GM kills theirs.
  6. We’re about more than just vehicles. We like the whole circular lifestyle of generating your own electricity, storing it in your own batteries, and using that electricity to power your house and/or charge your car. However, far too many utility companies few residents with solar panels as competition. They work very hard to make going solar difficult and fins ways to punish the homeowner after the panels are installed. We decided to take a little time and talk about how utilities companies can be real jerks.

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What Drives Us episode

#349 Whose Data is it, Anyway?

16 Jan , 2020   Video

In this week’s show:

1) The current NTSB requirements for black box data is woefully short of all the data required to determine the actual situation of a modern-day crash. Manufacturers are not required to hand over additional data. Should owners be able to pull the data themselves to turn over to the police? Should they be able to pull data from a used car prior to purchasing it?

2) Tesla’s stock has soared recently to the point that the company is now valuated higher than GM and Ford, combined! It doesn’t help that Ford and GM have seen their own valuations dropping in the recent months.

3) The Boring Company’s 0.8 mile tunnel is completed under Las Vegas between convention centers. It’s likely not going to reach 140mph like previously advertised, it might use skates to move cars or not. Details are few and far between.

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What Drives Us episode

#348 Dieselgate Saves VW

14 Jan , 2020   Video

This week:
1) States face roadblocks on path to lower tailpipe emissions.
2) BMW remains committed to ICE cars for at least 30 more years.
3) The Prius is no longer Toyota’s top-selling hybrid.
4) Sony shocks CES by unveiling a car.
5) The Fisker Ocean might actually be areal thing.
6) Tesla’s Gigafactory 4 has to tread lightly in the forest.

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Review

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid – Ride-along Review

3 Jan , 2020   Video

Totally redesigned in 2019, the RAV4 feels as familiar as ever. Toyota’s hybrid system delivers seamless hybrid functionality and absolutely stellar miles per gallon. If you’re looking for an affordable SUV that can comfortably seat four, lug a bunch of stuff, and save gas money, the RAV4 Hybrid is your reliable option.

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Review

RAV4 Hybrid – Walk-around Review

3 Jan , 2020   Video

Totally redesigned in 2019, the RAV4 feels as familiar as ever. Toyota’s hybrid system delivers seamless hybrid functionality and absolutely stellar miles per gallon. If you’re looking for an affordable SUV that can comfortably seat four, lug a bunch of stuff, and save gas money, the RAV4 Hybrid is your reliable option.

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audio only,What Drives Us episode

# 347 Robot Replacements

3 Jan , 2020   Video

1) Tony reviewed the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. Be sure to check out his two separate reviews:
Ride-along review: https://youtu.be/ed4CUB73QWE
Walk-around review: https://youtu.be/hty_KFkWZMY

2) At the beginning of the 2010s, Lithium-Ion batteries were projected to herald in the era of the electric vehicle. We discuss accessibility of battery components and the drop in prices.

3) Volkswagen has released conceptual animations of very cute little battery charging robots. You park your car anywhere in a parking garage and the robots will not only bring a mobile battery pack, the pack will plug itself into your car.

4) December saw a flurry of Tesla software updates. We pick them apart.

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