SUPERCHARGERS FOR BMW, RIVIAN’S BIG AI SHOWCASE, AND THE NEW MERCEDES GLB

EV Channels Review

This episode of Friday Charge covers significant developments in the EV space, with a deep dive into Rivian's AI and autonomy advancements. The hosts express excitement about Rivian's in-house silicon, new AI features like the Rivian Assistant, and the 'universal hands-free driving' capability, but raise concerns about the rapid obsolescence of older models and the potential for a similar 'hardware obsolescence' issue seen with Tesla. The pricing and range of Subaru's new Uncharted and Trail Seeker models are detailed, with a positive reception to their aggressive pricing and Subaru's reputation for building solid cars. A major announcement is BMW's integration with the Tesla Supercharger network, though the rollout is marred by delays and a lack of official adapters, leading to criticism of BMW's execution. Finally, the review highlights the impressive real-world range of the new Mercedes-Benz CLA (434 miles) and introduces the upcoming electric GLB, noting its WLTP range, battery size, and interior upgrades, while questioning the naming convention and the practicality of its optional third row.