Kevin Williams joins the Plugged-In Podcast to share more stories from China’s electric space. Plus, what car isn’t an EV that should be?
There’s a phenomenon I call “The Great Squeeze-Out.” It’s the best way I can describe our weird, current economic moment in America (and frankly, much of the world) where everyone seems to be getting squeezed out in all areas of their lives: rent, mortgages, groceries, energy bills, you name it. And, yes, cars.
The average new car in the U.S. still hovers around $50,000, and if you want a used car that’s three years old or less, it’s gonna cost $30,000 on average. Great
electric vehicle deals
can be found everywhere, but they’re still generally more expensive than gas-powered cars. It often feels like the affordable car segment—especially the small, affordable car segment—in America has been largely abandoned
But
China’s BYD Seagull
shows what’s possible when a car company actually tries to get it right.
On today’s Plugged-In Podcast, I’m joined by
InsideEVs
‘ own Kevin Williams (Tim Levin is on vacation) who came on to talk about his experience driving the Seagull in China. While there’s no way the Seagull could cost $8,000 in America—even in Europe,
its local version is around €20,000
—but it still represents something we barely see anymore: a small, affordable, dignified car that doesn’t punish you for not spending a ton of cash. We also discuss the Lynk & Co 900, and why the “big battery, small engine” approach to plug-in hybrids feels like the future we want.
Finally (and because
news of the Elon Musk-Donald Trump split
happened after we recorded this episode), we have a more fun discussion: What car isn’t an EV, but should be? Kevin says it’s the Honda Civic, and he’s certainly not wrong. My idea is the Toyota Prius, for a version I call the Prius Zero. Cut out the gas entirely, maximize range through compact size and good aerodynamics, and I bet such a car could find an audience here.
Check out the show wherever you get your podcasts: We’re on
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And we’re looking to answer more listener questions on the show! Drop your burning questions about EVs, EV buying and the future of transportation below, or email us at
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