James goes on a well-deserved rant about his local government doubling the road tax on electric vehicles. Despite rarely using highways, his Nissan LEAF EV is now subject to a tax that funds road repairs outside the city and it's six times what a similar gas vehicle would pay. It's a move that highlights how some governments continue to punish EV owners instead of encouraging clean transportation.
Meanwhile, California has unveiled an ambitious plan to deploy six million heat pumps by 2030. However, despite incentives, the state is projected to fall two million units short of its goal. We discuss what's being done to promote heat pump adoption and how the initiative could serve as a model for the rest of the U.S.
In a major shake-up for the automotive industry, Chinese battery and car manufacturer BYD has delivered what could be the final blow to the internal combustion engine. With their latest breakthrough in ultra-fast EV charging, vehicles can now recharge in just five minutes—matching the convenience of refueling a gas car. If this innovation takes hold, it could rapidly accelerate EV adoption worldwide.
Also on the show:
London is set to install 570 sidewalk-flush EV chargers, making it easier than ever for city dwellers to charge their vehicles.
The Ultra Low Emissions Zone in London continues to be a success, reducing air pollution significantly and improving public health.
Listener Mail: A real-life experience with Hyundai's ICCU recall, and a discussion on the future of electric air taxis ahead of the L.A. Olympics.
The Lightning Round: Global BEV sales surge, solid-state battery advancements, and U.S. states wrestling with Chinese automaker investments.
Links & References:
California's Heat Pump Initiative
London's Flush EV Chargers
Ultra Low Emissions Zone Impact
BYD's Five-Minute Charging Announcement
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