FORD BUILDS HUGE BATTERY PLANT, NISSAN LEAF GETS CHEAPER, TESLA RAISES PRICES & LEASING NEWS

EV Channels Review

This episode of The Friday Charge covers several key developments in the EV market. Ford has opened its Blue Oval SK battery plant in Kentucky, though production is currently below capacity due to slowing EV demand, impacting plans for a second Tennessee plant. Tesla is experimenting with leasing used Model 3 and Model Y vehicles in California and Texas, a move seen as a potential step towards a subscription model, with surprisingly low monthly rates for older models. In a controversial move, Tesla has also made a $10,000 'Lux package' mandatory for new Model S and X orders, bundling FSD, lifetime Supercharging, and premium service, significantly increasing the base price of these slow-selling vehicles. Nissan has announced pricing for the 2026 Leaf, with the S+ trim starting under $30,000 and offering 303 miles of EPA range, though it omits a battery heater and built-in navigation. Volkswagen UK is introducing a controversial subscription for an additional 27 horsepower on the ID3 hatchback, a move criticized for charging for software-locked features already present in the hardware. Finally, the hosts discuss Joel's new Kia EV9 and Sebastian's ongoing search for a new SUV, with the Chevrolet Equinox EV and Hyundai Ioniq 5 being top contenders, though warranty concerns and specific feature preferences complicate the decision.