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Directly Current: EVs for All America · Sep 30, 2025 · 38 min

30: John Voelcker on Hybrids, Cheap EVs, and Detroit's Problems

John Voelcker has been reporting on EVs and hybrids for longer than almost anyone. The editor in chief of Green Car Reports for almost a decade, and now a frequent freelancer for magazines like Car and Driver and websites like InsideEVs, John is an engineer by training who has reported on major developments like General Motor's turnaround on producing batteries as well as the formation of the IONNA national charging network. Max and John go over The history of hybrids from the Prius to today and the complexities and problems with "plug-in" models The state of the US auto market, including the fortunes of the big three and their success in investing in EVs Cheap EVs finally within reach including the new Nissan LEAF and Slate Pickup Truck The Chinese market and the untested promise of the software defined vehicle ▶️ Watch the episode: YouTube Listen on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform Resources and Links: John's Side Project: Tempting Fate Tours ⚡ Stay Plugged In Subscribe to Directly Current Support EVs for All America Visit the EV Politics merch store

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John Voelcker has been reporting on EVs and hybrids for longer than almost anyone. The editor in chief of Green Car Reports for almost a decade, and now a frequent freelancer for magazines like Car and Driver and websites like InsideEVs, John is an engineer by training who has reported on major developments like General Motor's turnaround on producing batteries as well as the formation of the IONNA national charging network.

Max and John go over
  • The history of hybrids from the Prius to today and the complexities and problems with "plug-in" models
  • The state of the US auto market, including the fortunes of the big three and their success in investing in EVs
  • Cheap EVs finally within reach including the new Nissan LEAF and Slate Pickup Truck
  • The Chinese market and the untested promise of the software defined vehicle
▶️ Watch the episode: YouTube
Listen on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform

Resources and Links:
John's Side Project: Tempting Fate Tours

⚡ Stay Plugged In
links6

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