211: Critical Tipping Point…Again
By The Watt Car Staff — Feb. 20, 2025
Once again, Rivian finds itself at a tipping point. From billions in DOE loans potentially disappearing to the company making its van available to the (commercial) masses, 2025 could be the year that makes or breaks the startup EV maker. We also discuss the Honda-Nissan merger, Kia’s teased EV4, Tesla’s anti-theft charging cables, and more!
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SHOW NOTES
Honda-Nissan merger is over:
https://global.nissannews.com/en/releases/release-6f7c5389115338d12e020075e50091a2
https://global.honda/en/newsroom/news/2025/c250213beng.html
Kia shows production versions of EV4: https://insideevs.com/news/750869/kia-ev4-official-hatchback-sedan/
Rivian’s $6.6 billion DOE loan could be under jeopardy under Trump admin and DOGE: https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/atlanta/gov-kemp-not-sure-about-federal-loan-earmarked-new-rivian-plant/W5O6K5KZNNC33F7DRNVJWD64QE/
Rivian opens up sales of its RCV van to all (commercial) customers: https://www.teslarati.com/rivian-launches-sales-of-once-exclusive-van-price-specs-features/
Tesla testing copper cable etching, “Dye Defender” on Supercharger cables: https://www.electrive.com/2025/02/17/tesla-tests-new-measures-to-prevent-cable-theft-at-superchargers/
Tom Moloughney does a deep dive on NEVI with Bill Farro, CTO of Paren, EV charging analytics company: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lkm0MJOAx9A
This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. Sanchez
Episode art courtesy Rivian
Music courtesy Twisterium at Pixabay
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