The Kilowatt Half Hour

Is the Renault 5 getting even better , or is Renault simply fixing what wasn't broken? We look at the latest updates, including more range, a new entry-level version and some intriguing new tech. We also discuss yet another delay for the electric Defender , with the next-generation model now reportedly pushed beyond 2030, and ask whether the smaller Defender Sport could arrive sooner to fill the gap. And there’s a new Chinese EV brand to get your head around : Lepas is coming to the UK with the L6, a 279-mile electric SUV promising plenty of equipment for around £32,000. Plus, Nicola finds herself on the naughty step after some comments about EV range and public charging, we answer your questions about the Smart #1, Toyota bZ4X Touring and Subaru E-Outback , and hear your experiences of EV tyres, electric trucks and V2G. And, of course, we bring you your comments, including the latest instalment of the Kilowatt Half Hour running-time debate . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s a big one on the Kilowatt Half Hour this week – and not just because the podcast has once again spectacularly overshot the half-hour mark. Nicola, Tom and Mikeare talking big electric cars, big electric trucks and one very big question: is Volkswagen finally going to give us the electric Buzz camper van we’ve been waiting for? We take a look at the new Genesis GV90, a huge seven-seat electric SUV that’s aiming squarely at the Range Rover, complete with a 123.5kWh battery, 350kW charging and a frankly ridiculous 25-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. Tesla’s Semi is also finally heading for Europe, with more than 1,000bhp and the ability to add 60% of its range in just 30 minutes. But after all these years, is the Tesla electric lorry still relevant? Plus, the Renault 5 gets a new rival in the shape of the Aion UT, Geely reveals plans for its European production ambitions, and we look at the videos coming up this week – including our BMW iX3 vs Volvo EX60 twin test and the return of the Renault 5 Turbo 3E. In your EV questions, we tackle whether the Audi e-tron GT or BMW i4 makes the better used buy, whether the Renault Twingo could get a bigger battery, and whether EVs really are more prone to tyre blowouts. We also help another listener settle the eternal question: VW ID. Polo or Cupra Raval? And, of course, we dive into your comments – from Jaguar’s controversial new interior and Volvo’s EX60 door handles to the apparently devastating lack of exciting colours on modern cars. Join the conversation at podcast@electrifying.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we take a look inside Jaguar’s radical new Type 01, celebrate Omoda and Jaecoo passing 100,000 UK sales, and discuss what a YouGov poll tells us about public support for the UK’s EV sales targets. We’re also answering your EV buying questions, including whether to choose the VW ID. Polo or Cupra Raval , and finding the right electric car for a reluctant 78-year-old EV buyer. Plus, we revisit the Audi A2 , debate the return of sensible mechanical door handles, discuss what went wrong with the DS brand, and read your reaction to last week’s chaotic episode. And yes, we have to settle the important question: just how ‘quite’ funny is Batch? Message the team at podcast@electrifying.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

July’s EV sales are in – so who’s winning, who’s struggling and what does it tell us about the UK’s electric car market? Join Nic, Mike, Batch (and a cameo appearance by Christian from the Renault PR office) as we also take a closer look at the controversial new Audi A2. Is it a genuine reborn icon, or a clever bit of marketing wrapped around an ordinary EV? Plus, we’ve been driving the tiny Fiat Topolino and Honda WN7 electric motorcycle, Renault Twingos are invading Britain, and we tackle your questions – from the best small EV for a first-time buyer to whether a BMW i4 can beat a Tesla Model 3. We also get stuck into your comments on Lexus vs Mercedes, electronic door handles, the new VW ID. Polo and whether buying a used EV is now a completely different game. Message the team with your questions at podcast@electrifying.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mercedes, Lexus and Audi are all fighting for executive EV supremacy, Volkswagen's new electric supermini is finally on sale, and BYD has launched a tiny kei car in Japan. There's plenty to get through in Episode 118 of the Kilowatt Half Hour. This week, Vicky Parrott is joined by Batch and Tom to discuss the latest electric car news and compare notes on the new Mercedes C-Class Electric, Lexus ES and Mercedes GLA. They also look ahead to Audi's upcoming electric hatchback, share their first impressions of the wild 1,600hp Denza Z, and ask why Audi has been so quiet while rivals have been grabbing the headlines. Elsewhere, the team debates whether flush electronic door handles should be banned, takes a closer look at BYD's bold move into Japan's kei car market, and discusses the launch of the Volkswagen ID.Polo. There's also the latest Bargain of the Week, including an eye-catching lease deal on the BYD Sealion 7 and a nearly-new Jaecoo 5 with a hefty discount. As always, the listener questions and comments spark plenty of debate. This week the team recommends the best first EVs for a young driver, revisits the pay-per-mile road pricing discussion, compares real-world EV efficiency figures, hears from a happy Ford Mustang Mach-E owner, and explains why journalists are sometimes invited to drive cars they can't actually talk about. If you've got a question or topic you'd like us to cover, email us at podcast@electrifying.com . And don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of the Kilowatt Half Hour. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Range Rover has a new electric GT, Ford has teamed up with Geely in one of the biggest automotive stories of the year, and Mercedes has unveiled a family EV that has us reminiscing about the Blur vs Oasis rivalry. There's plenty to get stuck into in Episode 117 of the Kilowatt Half Hour. Ginny Buckley, Mike Askew and Vicky Parrott discuss the latest electric car news, including the sleek new Range Rover GT, Ford's surprising partnership with Chinese giant Geely, and the wave of new Mercedes EVs heading our way. There's also a look at what the Electrifying team has been driving, including the Mercedes C-Class Electric, Honda WN7, and Vicky's long-term Škoda Elroq. Plus, we pick out a bargain BYD Seal lease deal, suggest an overlooked used EV alternative to the Kia e-Niro, and answer your questions on EV servicing costs, Volkswagen ID. Buzz wheels, and when you can expect our Peugeot E-208 GTi review. As always, we dive into your comments too, debating pay-per-mile road pricing, EV efficiency versus battery size, DS pricing, Volkswagen's future, and, naturally, Batch's ever-expanding trouser collection. If you've got a question or topic you'd like us to cover, email us at podcast@electrifying.com . And don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of the Kilowatt Half Hour. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ford and Geely? It's the partnership nobody saw coming. In this podcast special, Ginny Buckley and Tom Barnard are joined by "the Godfather of the Nissan Leaf", former Nissan COO and Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer, to unpack one of the biggest stories in the automotive industry this year. Why has Ford turned to Chinese giant Geely to help build its future European models? Is this simply a smart way to cut costs, or does it signal a much bigger shift in the global car industry? And what does Geely stand to gain? The team discusses what the deal means for consumers, whether buyers still care where their cars are made, the risks Ford is taking, and whether this is the latest step in the company's transformation from traditional manufacturer into a global automotive brand. They also look at the future of familiar names like Capri, Explorer and Bronco, and ask why manufacturers are still investing in combustion engines alongside electric cars. It's a fascinating conversation about the changing face of the car industry – and what it could mean for the cars we'll all be driving in the years ahead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Kilowatt Half Hour, Vicky and Batch dig into the government's newly confirmed pay-per-mile scheme for electric cars, set to land at 3p per mile from 2028, and unpack what it really means for the cost of running an EV versus a petrol car (spoiler: home charging still wins). They also cover Volkswagen's bombshell restructuring plans, with up to 50,000 jobs at risk in Germany and a major shake-up of its model line-up and platform sharing across the VW Group. Plus: more highlights from Goodwood, first impressions of the DS No7, this week's leasing and used-car bargains (a Renault 5 for under £280 a month, and a Mini Electric for under £10k), and your comments and questions, including a listener's case for wanting 600 miles of range, and a brilliantly weird suggestion for testing whether car colour affects EV range. All that, plus your comments from across the Electrifying.com channels. 🔌 Brought to you by the team at Electrifying.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Goodwood Festival of Speed went electric in 2026 — and the team were there to see it all. This week, Ginny and Nicola report from Goodwood with the standout new EVs, from the MG Go concept and electric BMW M3 to the forthcoming Alpine A110. Mike, meanwhile, definitely wasn’t at Goodwood. We also discuss a Volvo EX30 lease bargain, a tempting used Vauxhall Mokka Electric, and answer your questions on choosing a first EV, depreciation, the Peugeot E-3008 versus DS N°7, and whether the Volkswagen ID. Polo will be easy to get in and out of. Plus: steel wheels, Fisker Ocean ownership, Ferrari Luce opinions, electric motorcycles and your suggestions for the ultimate EV group test. Send your questions to podcast@electrifying.com . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Kilowatt Half Hour, the team dives into the biggest stories from the world of electric cars. We discuss the Ferrari Luce’s surprise sell-out success in China, reveal why Britain’s cheapest EV has just become even more affordable, and ask whether now is the perfect time to snap up a bargain Fisker Ocean. There’s also a look at the best seven-seat electric cars on sale today, plus what we’ve been driving – including the Renault 4, Mazda 6e and a rather different take on electric transport. As always, we answer your questions, from choosing the best used EV for £20,000 to why manufacturers give UK models different specifications. We also celebrate a new pair of “EV Virgins”, share an incredible AI vision of a retro-inspired electric Ford Fiesta from a listener, reveal Mike’s latest bargain lease and used car picks, and read through your comments on manual gearboxes, Ford’s future, car apps and just how many EVs you’ve owned over the years. If you’re thinking about buying an EV, already own one, or simply love keeping up with the latest electric car news, this is the podcast for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Kilowatt Half Hour, the Electrifying.com team discuss Ford’s plans to bring back the iconic Fiesta as an electric car, Skoda’s all-new 7-seater (or has it “Peaqed”?) and the unusual lengths one Chinese brand is going to in order to tempt buyers – with free ice cream on offer for test drives. There’s also a look at what we’ve been driving, including the Zeekr 7GT, Volkswagen ID. Buzz, Audi Q4 e-tron facelift, Polestar 2 and Skoda Peaq, plus Barnard’s Bargains with the best new and used EV deals. In Almost an EV Virgin, we hear from a listener who’s swapped to a Changan Deepal S07 and wants to spread the word about one of China’s newest arrivals to the UK. Our reader question tackles a luxury SUV dilemma: would we choose the upcoming Porsche Cayenne Electric or the Volvo EX60? We also dive into your comments on learning to drive in a manual, the importance of EV smartphone apps, Audi’s electric future and Zeekr’s UK launch. As always, thanks for listening, and don’t forget to subscribe, leave us a review and send your questions or comments to podcast@electrifying.com . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to the Kilowatt Half Hour! This week we’re celebrating our truly global community after asking where you’re listening from – and the response was incredible. From Tasmania to Türkiye, Canada to Chhattisgarh, South Africa to Spain, thank you for tuning in and making the Kilowatt Half Hour part of your week. Joining Ginny this episode are Mike and Vicky, and there’s plenty to get through. We kick off with the latest cars we’ve been driving, including the all-new Zeekr 7GT, Hyundai Ioniq 6 N, Polestar 2 and Mitsubishi Outlander. In the news, BMW opens early orders for the next i3, Dacia confuses everyone with a teaser for a new Spring, and we discuss our pick of the best EVs for summer. There’s also the latest from the Electrifying video team, including first drives of the Renault 4 Plein Sud, Mercedes VLE and the highly anticipated Zeekr 7GT. In Barnard’s Bargains, we ask whether the Alpine A290 is really worth the premium over the Renault 5, and uncover a nearly-new bargain that’s already shed almost £10,000 from its list price. As always, thanks for listening, thanks for commenting, and thanks for being part of the Electrifying community. If you enjoy the show, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review and tell your EV-curious friends where to find us. The Kilowatt Half Hour is brought to you by Electrifying.com – the home of electric car reviews, news and advice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Kilowatt Half Hour, Ginny and Nic are back with tales from behind the wheel, fresh EV news, and another packed mailbag. We’ve been driving some of the hottest new electric cars around, including the Alpine A290, Renault 4, Polestar 3 and the eye-catching Renault 4 Plein Sud. We also chat about the world’s biggest real-world EV range test and reveal which manufacturers exceeded expectations when the batteries met reality. Elsewhere, Kia opens the order books for its seven-seat PV5, Peugeot gives us our first look at the new E-208 GTi, and we round up the latest videos landing on the Electrifying YouTube channel. In Bargain of the Week, we uncover a tempting Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer lease deal and a nearly-new XPENG G6 that’s already shed £10,000 from its list price. Our Electric Virgin of the Week features Hollywood star Jason Momoa and his electrified Land Rover project, while listener Roy gets in touch with a practical question about home charging cables and whether they need to be fully unwound before use. Plus, your comments on hidden charging gems, cup holders, the controversial Ferrari “Luce”, and why dealership experiences can vary wildly depending on where you shop. Got a question, comment or EV dilemma? Get in touch at podcast@electrifying.com. ⚡ Subscribe, leave a review, and join us every week for your essential guide to electric motoring. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chinese cars are having a big moment in the UK, and this week we're asking whether some of them could soon be built here too. Vicky, Batch and Lucas discuss Nissan's talks with Chery about using spare production capacity at Sunderland, the latest customer satisfaction data which suggests Chinese brands are winning over British buyers, and another record month for EV sales as electric cars take more than 27% of the UK new-car market. There's also a look at what we've been driving, including the Alpine A390 GTS and the Kia EV2, plus the latest Electrifying videos featuring the Polestar 5, Toyota Hilux BEV, Zeekr crash testing and a Kia EV2 range test. As always, we welcome a new pair of Electric Virgins, answer a listener question about whether rear-wheel drive is really a problem on British roads in winter, and dive into your comments on everything from the Ferrari Luce to Mercedes-AMG styling and the brilliance of YASA's axial-flux motors. All that, plus Bargain of the Week and the usual collection of comments, questions and moans. Follow, subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ferrari has finally shown its hand with the upcoming Luce EV – and the internet has had thoughts . Lots of them. In this week’s Kilowatt Half Hour, Ginny, Vicky and Mike dive into the fierce reaction to Ferrari’s first electric car, asking whether the criticism is justified or if we’re all judging too soon. Away from Maranello, the team catches up on the latest cars they’ve been driving, including the Alpine A290, Skoda Elroq, Renault 5 and Renault 4, plus a brief encounter with a diesel Transit. There’s also a look at BYD’s reported interest in Formula 1, some cracking EV bargains in the new and used markets, and another Electric Virgin success story as a listener takes the plunge with a brand-new Renault 5. As always, we tackle your comments, questions and hot takes – from charger etiquette and Chinese challengers to retro-inspired Citroëns, automatic-only licences, and whether Mercedes has completely lost the styling plot. All that, plus the week’s favourite comment and plenty of automotive moaning along the way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Kilowatt Half Hour, Vicky, Batch and Tom tackle another packed week in the world of EVs, from rumours of a cut-price electric Škoda Citigo revival to Volvo’s bold claim that cars “wouldn’t be accepted” if invented today. There’s chat about the stunning new Volvo EX60, the tiny Škoda Epiq, and whether the AMG GT Coupe is actually… good looking? Plus, the team discuss manual gearboxes and diesel engines potentially disappearing by 2030, and the latest cars added to the UK government’s EV grant scheme. Also this week: ⚡ Could MG’s new parking tech cure Britain’s worst parkers? ⚡ Lee from Doncaster needs help choosing his next company EV ⚡ Barnard’s Bargain returns with a tempting Volvo EX30 lease deal ⚡ Your comments on battery degradation, charging, terminology nitpicks — and complaints that the podcast STILL isn’t long enough… As always, expect news, views, gentle arguing and questionable tangents from the Electrifying.com team. Email your questions and comments to: podcast@electrifying.com Watch the podcast and all our latest videos on the Electrifying.com YouTube channel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Batchelor has seized the host’s chair this week on the Kilowatt Half Hour, proving that in the glamorous world of podcasting, promotion can happen very quickly indeed. Joined by Tom and Lucas, the team dive into another packed week in the world of EVs, including the rebirth of a legendary hot hatch badge, fresh details on Jaguar’s long-awaited electric future, and encouraging signs from the booming used EV market. Tom brings news of the electric Volkswagen ID.Polo GTI and asks whether it could become the EV hot hatch to beat, while Lucas talks us through the latest on Jaguar’s upcoming Type 01 and why the brand is leaning heavily into heritage with its naming strategy. There’s also discussion around: Why used EV sales are surging in 2026 The growing appeal of second-hand electric cars The complicated world of funding solar panels and home chargers Whether ultra-long-range batteries really matter EVs for caravan towing And the increasingly competitive electric hot hatch market, featuring the Corsa GSE, Cupra Raval, Alpine A290 and more Barnard’s Bargains returns with more tempting lease and used EV deals, while the listener questions cover long-term EV ownership, keeping a Kia Niro EV beyond finance, and whether today’s technology is already “good enough” for most drivers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Kilowatt Half Hour podcast, the team finally recover from the chaos of the Beijing Motor Show… only to dive straight into another packed week of EV news, launches and listener questions. We've been driving the new Vauxhall Corsa GSE — a properly quick electric hot hatch with 281hp, checked seats, three-spoke alloys and a 0–62mph time that’s somehow almost identical to a Lotus Carlton. Plus, it’s cheaper than the old Corsa Electric used to be. Naturally, opinions are shared. Vicky’s been living with the Skoda Elroq, preparing for the international launch of the Cupra Raval and getting familiar with the Geely EX2, while Batch breaks down the latest UK car sales figures and what they tell us about the state of the EV market right now. There’s also plenty to discuss from CATL, including claims of a 930-mile semi-solid-state battery, ultra-fast 10C charging capable of adding charge in minutes, and sodium-ion batteries designed to work in extreme cold. As always, there are bargains too — including a surprisingly tempting used Corsa Electric for under £10k — plus your questions and comments. This week the team tackles whether heat pumps really matter on EVs like the upcoming Cupra Raval and Volkswagen Polo EV, helps one listener choose between a Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia EV3 for a brutal motorway commute, and suggests affordable used EVs that won’t completely destroy insurance premiums for teenage drivers. There’s also a brilliant efficiency flex from an Ioniq 6 owner averaging 3.8 miles per kWh over nearly 14,000 miles, plus your thoughts on future battery tech, lightweight EVs and the new generation of electric hot hatches. Oh, and Tom apparently now sounds like Morgan Freeman. All that and more on this week’s Kilowatt Half Hour. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ginny and Steve are back from China with a proper debrief after the Beijing Auto Show – less jet lag, more perspective. They chat about the sheer scale of the show, the standout cars, and what it’s really like on a first visit. There’s plenty of EV news to get into, including the VW ID. Polo reveal, Renault 5 updates (and even a Lego version), plus a Freelander comeback. Barnard’s Bargain returns, and the team tackles your questions—from the best family EVs to buy, to road-tripping across Europe, financing options, and whether to go used or take a punt on new Chinese brands. As always, there are your comments, some strong opinions on self-driving tech, and a warm welcome to this week’s “electric virgins” making the switch. Message us at podcast@electrifying.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Ginny, Vicky and guest Steve Fowler as they discuss the highs and lows of the Beijing Motor Show where a host of new EVs made their first public appearance. Which were the team's favourites and which missed the mark. Message us at podcast@electrifying.com and watch a video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/yKW1bi-Mpwo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.