InsideEVs Plugged-In Podcast

Patrick was among the first people outside of Rivian to drive the R2. He tells us what he thought about Rivian’s upcoming SUV in the flesh, from its 650+ horsepower to its new user interface. The guys also discuss the 2027 Toyota Highlander, which was revealed this week and will only be available as an EV. Tim saw it in person and explains why it’s a big deal for the electric space. 
In Plus/Minus, Patrick and Tim talk about the EPA’s war on climate science and Stellantis’ $26 billion EV write-off. 
Read/watch Patrick’s review of the Rivian R2
https://insideevs.com/reviews/786814/rivian-r2-prototype-first-drive/ 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0iJXfooaws 
2027 Toyota Highlander: An American-Made, 320-Mile Electric Three-Row SUV
https://insideevs.com/news/786882/2027-toyota-highlander-ev-suv-specs-charging/ 
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China has banned hidden, pop-out door handles like you find on Teslas, and Patrick is thrilled. He and Tim explain why regulators are cracking down globally on electronic door handles. Then the guys explore reporting of a potential partnership between Ford and China’s Geely Group. Finally, Tim spent the day at QuantumScape’s headquarters and saw the future of solid-state battery production. 
In Plus/Minus, the guys chat about the new BMW i3 sedan and Patrick’s impressions of the very strange Polestar 4. 
Reuters story on Ford/Geely talks: 
https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/ford-geely-talks-manufacturing-technology-partnership-sources-say-2026-02-04/ 
China Just Banned One Of The Most Controversial Car Features Ever
https://insideevs.com/news/786170/china-ev-door-handles-banned/ 
BMW's Most Important Electric Car Is One Big Step Closer To Your Driveway
https://insideevs.com/news/786373/bmw-i3-production-start-munich/ 
Patrick’s review of the Polestar 4, “America’s weirdest EV”
https://insideevs.com/reviews/786314/2026-polestar-4-review/ 
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China has banned hidden, pop-out door handles like you find on Teslas, and Patrick is thrilled. He and Tim explain why regulators are cracking down globally on electronic door handles. Then the guys explore reporting of a potential partnership between Ford and China’s Geely Group. Finally, Tim spent the day at QuantumScape’s headquarters and saw the future of solid-state battery production. 
In Plus/Minus, the guys chat about the new BMW i3 sedan and Patrick’s impressions of the very strange Polestar 4. 
Reuters story on Ford/Geely talks: 
https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/ford-geely-talks-manufacturing-technology-partnership-sources-say-2026-02-04/ 
China Just Banned One Of The Most Controversial Car Features Ever
https://insideevs.com/news/786170/china-ev-door-handles-banned/ 
BMW's Most Important Electric Car Is One Big Step Closer To Your Driveway
https://insideevs.com/news/786373/bmw-i3-production-start-munich/ 
Patrick’s review of the Polestar 4, “America’s weirdest EV”
https://insideevs.com/reviews/786314/2026-polestar-4-review/ 
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This week, Patrick and Tim give a proper send-off to the Tesla Model S and Model X, which the company is canceling to make room for more Optimus robot production. Then they recap an astonishing year of growth for America’s EV charging network. Finally, Tim interviewed the CEOs of Slate Auto and Scout Motors this week, and he shares some takeaways. 
In Plus/Minus, the guys discuss Tesla’s growing energy business and new Trump tariffs. 
The Tesla Model S And X Are Dying Next Quarter To Make Room For Robots
https://insideevs.com/news/785761/tesla-model-s-x-discontinued-2026-earnings/ 
America’s EV Charging Network Just Had Its Biggest Year Of Growth Ever
https://insideevs.com/news/785615/america-ev-fast-charging-record-2025/ 
How Much Will Slate's EV Truck Cost? Slate Is Still Figuring That Out.
https://insideevs.com/news/785737/slate-truck-price-discussion-ceo/ 
Scout Motors EREVs Will 'Most Likely' Arrive Before Pure EVs, CEO Says
https://insideevs.com/news/785636/scout-motors-range-extender/ 
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