TRANSPORT EVOLVED EPISODE 163 TEN YEARS AND COUNTING

EV Channels Review

This episode of Transport Evolved, "Ten Years and Counting," features a robust discussion on the Nissan Leaf's battery degradation issues in hot climates. The hosts highlight Nissan's acknowledgment and ongoing development of a tweaked battery chemistry to improve temperature resistance, with testing nearing completion and an expected rollout around April. While this addresses a significant concern for Leaf owners in warmer regions, the discussion also touches upon the potential for Nissan to maintain two battery supply chains. The episode further explores the broader EV landscape, including the 75,000th Nissan Leaf sale, the future of autonomous vehicles, and critiques Volkswagen's late entry into the EV market with the e-Golf and e-Up. The conversation also delves into the complexities of the ATVM loan program and the security of connected car technology, particularly the Tesla Model S API, concluding that while concerns are valid, the immediate risks appear benign. Finally, a report predicting nearly 200,000 DC fast chargers globally by 2020 is met with skepticism regarding necessity and fiscal responsibility.