NISSAN ARIYA IS GONE? PLUS FSD V14, AND SEBASTIAN TOOK HIS FIRST IONIQ 5 ROAD TRIP!

EV Channels Review

The Friday Charge podcast discusses the surprising discontinuation of the Nissan Ariya in the US for the 2026 model year, attributing it to slow sales and Nissan's decision to reallocate resources to the new Leaf. While acknowledging the Ariya's sharp looks and decent commuter capabilities, the hosts point out its shortcomings as a road tripper, including charging issues in cold weather and a complex user interface. The discussion then shifts to the 2026 Volvo EX90, highlighting its upgrade to an 800-volt battery pack and new software platform, with the potential for a 155-mile range boost in 10 minutes. Tesla's upcoming FSD v14 is mentioned, with Elon Musk's claim of near-sentience, though tempered by skepticism regarding rollout timelines and hardware compatibility. The potential arrival of Kia's PV5 electric van in the US is also explored, based on recent sightings. Finally, Sebastian shares extensive details from his 1900-mile road trip in a Hyundai Ioniq 5, covering charging experiences, including a frustrating slow charging session due to heat and issues with a Tesla Supercharger, as well as a positive experience with Electrify America. He also details his struggles with the Ioniq 5's Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2) system, finding it overly sensitive and prone to nagging, contrasting it with the improved systems in newer Hyundai/Kia models.