Shows
The TechMobility Podcast2026 Ram 1500 Review, Volvo ES-90 Heartbreak, Canceled EVs, and the Coming Robotaxi WarsDrop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode!In this episode of the TechMobility Podcast, Ken Chester connects the dots between design, powertrains, and autonomy across a rapidly shifting auto landscape.He opens with a look at Volvo’s new ES-90, a sleek full-electric premium car aimed at drivers who are burned out on SUVs but still want space, comfort, and ground clearance. Blending sedan elegance, fastback flexibility, and SUV practicality, the ES-90 targets professionals who value understated, confident design over flashy excess. The catch? Because it’s bu...
2025-12-0143 min
The TechMobility PodcastMercedes Bets On Electric Cars, A Turbo Mazda Tests My Willpower, Performance Theater, and Two-Wheeled Mobility Off-RoadDrop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode!The headlines claim car buyers don’t want EVs, yet Mercedes just approved a fully electric CLA and a flexible platform to support hybrids and gas models as well. We explain why platform strategy—not hype—determines winners: amortized R&D, quicker model updates, and the ability to meet demand without risking the entire company on one powertrain. We also discuss pricing pressures, tariffs, and how software services and over-the-air updates help premium brands make the numbers work after the sale.Then...
2025-11-0443 min
The TechMobility PodcastRange Rover Sport Goes Hybrid, GM Goes Digital, Foxconn Goes All In and West Virginia Plugs Orphan WellsDrop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode!A phone manufacturer building your next “American” EV might seem crazy—until you see the plan. We explain how Foxconn shifted from making iPhones to building electric cars, why rebadging through a U.S. automaker could unlock scale, and how tariffs, incentives, and dealer networks influence what actually ends up in your driveway. The past offers clues—Chevy LUV, Ford Courier—and the future arrives on private-label platforms.We then examine the 2025 Range Rover Sport Autobiography, a luxury SUV that blends smooth per...
2025-10-2843 min
The TechMobility PodcastThe Buckle, the Blazer, and the Bird: This Week in TechMobilityDrop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode!A $200 belt buckle for your Ford F-150 key fob, police cruisers going electric, and oil prices refusing to sit still—this isn’t noise, it’s a map of how mobility really changes. We open with Ford’s limited-run “Truckle,” a handcrafted buckle that holds your key fob in plain sight. It’s clever and clearly a brand flex, but we question the practical trade-offs: is hands-free access worth the security risk of your keys sitting on your waist, and who is this actually for b...
2025-10-2743 min
The TechMobility PodcastLucid Gravity Elevates, GTI Keeps It Real, Energy Gets Organic, and Fire Hydrants ThinkDrop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode!What if an electric SUV could accelerate like a supercar, hit the road like a gas guzzler, and charge 200 miles in roughly 11 minutes? We explore Lucid Gravity’s engineering choices—high-voltage architecture, ultra-efficient motors, and a smart route to Supercharger access—that turn range anxiety into range confidence. Along the way, we discuss tradeoffs, real charging times, and how clever power electronics make cross-network fast charging practical instead of just theoretical.Then we shift gears to a legend that still earns its st...
2025-10-2143 min
The TechMobility PodcastFrom Lexus to Lifelines: EV Truths, Smart Power, and Tech That CaresDrop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode!While a luxury sedan bids farewell, the bigger story is how mobility continues to evolve. The departure of the Lexus LS Heritage Edition marks the end of the original model line that set new standards for quality and service. Next, we ask a key question: can legacy brands still craft designs that inspire, while new competitors raise the bar? From impressive Genesis cabins to standout models like the Lincoln Nautilus, we explore where luxury is headed—and what Lexus needs to do to rega...
2025-10-2143 min
The TechMobility PodcastA Camaro crossover, Plain Jane Corolla, Urban Forest, and Parking SmarterDrop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode!Think the Camaro name can’t live on as an EV crossover? Let’s test that idea. We explore why legacy coupes struggle financially, how Ford’s Mach‑E shifted the market, and why GM’s Ultium platform—and Chevrolet's Blazer SS EV running gear—could make a performance-focused Camaro revival more than just a rumor. Instant torque, AWD grip, and fewer moving parts aren’t just buzzwords; they’re the economic and emotional reasons for a new kind of fast.Then we get behind...
2025-10-0743 min
The TechMobility PodcastEV Dreams, Climate Nightmares: Nissan Retreats, Cadillac Rises, Ford GamblesDrop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode!The automotive landscape is changing underneath us, and this week's show explores three transformative stories that are reshaping how we view transportation and climate change.I begin with my heartfelt lament for Nissan's decision to discontinue the Ariya EV—a vehicle I found truly impressive during my test drive. While Nissan cites import tariffs and declining sales as reasons, their alternative plan of producing only 500 Leaf EVs each month for the U.S. market seems woefully insufficient. Most dealerships won't even ge...
2025-09-2943 minThe TechMobility PodcastRivian’s Billion-Dollar Bet, NYC’s Big Win, and the Sand Battery RevolutionDrop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode!The automotive industry's long-term strategic vision takes center stage in this episode as we examine Rivian's bold move to begin construction on its manufacturing plant in Georgia. Despite current market hesitation around EVs, Rivian is doubling down with a facility scheduled to open in 2028. Why commit billions when consumer preferences seem to be shifting? The answer lies in understanding how global automakers operate with long-term horizons, looking 10-20 years ahead when making capital-heavy investments.We've seen this before—remember when Tesla's am...
2025-09-2943 minThe TechMobility PodcastSmart’s Comeback, Prelude’s Return, and Shipping ShockwavesDrop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode!The automotive world never stops evolving, and this week we're tracking three fascinating developments that impact everything from your daily commute to your online shopping habits.Remember the Smart car? That tiny "pregnant roller skate" that briefly captured America's imagination is making a surprising comeback—this time fully electric. Through a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Chinese automotive giant Geely (Volvo's parent company), the Smart car is being reimagined for 2026. We explore whether this pint-sized EV makes sense for American roads or...
2025-09-2343 min
The TechMobility PodcastSpirit of Purpose-Driven Real Estate, INEOS Grenadier Quartermaster review, EV Battery Recycling Breakthroughs and CybersecurityDrop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode!Key topics in this episode include the transformation of church real estate into affordable housing, an in-depth review of the INEOS Grenadier Quartermaster pickup truck, advances in EV battery recycling, and the cybersecurity implications of software-defined vehicles.Church Real Estate TransformedMany aging churches with dwindling congregations, especially in the Northeast, are repurposing their buildings into low-income housing, responding to local housing crises and remaining true to their social mission.IRS rules prevent churches from selling their property...
2025-09-1543 min
The TechMobility PodcastDriving the Lexus RX 450h+, Debating Data, and Ranking AirportsDrop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode!Ken Chester guides us through the constantly changing world of automotive technology, surveillance issues, and travel infrastructure in this thought-provoking episode of the TechMobility Podcast.The ongoing saga of Faraday Future continues as Ken examines their latest revival effort with an infusion of $105 million in funding. Eight years after unveiling their initial prototype, this EV manufacturer still faces significant challenges in ramping up production. While their Hanford, California, facility involves a $300 million investment, Ken offers perspective by comparing this to established...
2025-09-0943 minThe TechMobility PodcastAging America, Fading Icons, Rising Tech, Stolen CarsDrop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode!America's rural landscape is aging quickly, with more than one in five older Americans living miles from essential services. The latest Census Bureau data reveals a startling reality: in states like Vermont and Maine, over 60% of seniors live in rural communities where the nearest neighbor could be miles away, and basic necessities require long drives. This demographic shift presents unprecedented challenges around healthcare access, transportation, and social isolation that demand innovative solutions.Meanwhile, iconic American manufacturer Harley-Davidson faces an existential crisis...
2025-09-0943 min
The TechMobility PodcastSilverado EV's Exceptional Mileage; 2025 Volvo EX90 review; Shale Oil's Rocky Future; The Robotic EconomyDrop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode!Electric vehicles are surpassing expectations and redefining what's possible on America's roads. Imagine a pickup truck traveling over 1,000 miles on a single charge - that's precisely what Chevrolet achieved with their Silverado EV work truck during an impressive week-long test. Even when driving at just 25 mph without air conditioning, this demonstrates how driving habits and vehicle modifications can significantly extend EV range beyond EPA ratings.The automotive revolution continues with Volvo's stunning EX 90, a vehicle so advanced that you'll need to...
2025-08-1241 min
The TechMobility PodcastSlate Auto Ramps Up; GMC Sierra Denali EV Review; AI is Rewriting Your Org chart; Chinese Cars, Brazil StyleDrop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode!The electric vehicle revolution isn't taking the path many expected. Instead of a uniform march toward high-tech luxury EVs, we're seeing fascinating divergence at both ends of the market.Slate Motors has captured my attention with their radical approach to affordability. Backed by Jeff Bezos and $700 million in venture capital, they're building a $20,000, bare-bones electric pickup truck. No power windows. No radio. Not even paint. Just a "clean slate" for owners to customize. What fascinates me most about their strategy is...
2025-08-0441 min
The TechMobility PodcastBest Hybrids & EVs List; 2025 Chevrolet Equinox review; Concrete vs Steel; EV Batteries' 2nd ActDrop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode!The electric vehicle market continues to evolve quickly as manufacturers compete in an increasingly crowded space. US News and World Report recently released their 2025 Best Hybrid and Electric Cars rankings, evaluating an impressive 115 different models across various categories. Hyundai stood out as the top performer, earning three prestigious awards for their Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, and Tucson Hybrid models – a reflection of their $85 billion investment in EV technology across their brand portfolio.What struck me most wasn't just who made the list, but wh...
2025-07-2841 minThe TechMobility PodcastAutonomous Truckling Gains Momentum, The Paradox of Modern Vehicles; Auto Industry Cargo Theft, The End of EV CreditsDrop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode!The transportation landscape is undergoing seismic shifts that will fundamentally alter how people and goods are moved across America. Autonomous trucking has quietly evolved from experimental technology to commercial reality, with companies like Aurora now operating routes of 1,000 miles or more that dramatically outperform human-driven alternatives. When a self-driving truck can complete a journey in half the time without federally mandated rest breaks, the economic calculus becomes impossible to ignore.Yet technological progress brings unexpected consequences. The advanced safety features designed...
2025-07-1441 min
The TechMobility PodcastThe Battle Between Farmers and Big Ag; Subaru BRZ Coupe review; When Others Pay Your Rent; and No Humans, Dark FactoryDrop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode!The digital transformation of agriculture takes center stage as we dive into John Deere's strategic acquisition of Sentera, a company revolutionizing farming through drone-based imaging technology. This partnership promises farmers unprecedented precision in weed management and resource allocation, potentially saving thousands in herbicide costs while reducing environmental impact. But beneath this technological marvel lies a troubling question: who truly owns the data collected from America's farmland?When sophisticated drones map every inch of your fields and AI algorithms generate detailed prescriptions...
2025-07-0741 minThe TechMobility PodcastFrom Tesla Factory to Your Driveway; Computerized Wheels, Electricity as a Cure; and a Cheap Electric MotorcycleDrop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode!The autonomous vehicle revolution is happening faster than anyone predicted. Tesla recently made headlines by delivering a Model Y from its Austin factory directly to a customer's home—with no driver, no remote operator, and no human intervention whatsoever. This empty vehicle navigated 30 minutes of city traffic at speeds up to 72 mph, stopping for pedestrians and traffic lights while changing lanes like a seasoned driver. What once seemed like distant science fiction in films like "Minority Report" has arrived three decades ahead of sc...
2025-07-0741 min
The TechMobility PodcastDoes Bollinger Motors Have a Future, 2025 Lexus TX SUV review, Knowing Wet Bulb Temperature, and Domestic Bees in CrisisDrop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode!The automotive industry has always been a battleground where dreams and capital collide - something startup EV manufacturer Bollinger Motors discovered firsthand. Beginning with prototype models B1 and B2, Bollinger's journey from ambitious newcomer to acquisition target illustrates the fundamental truth about automotive manufacturing: you need billions, not millions, and decades of commitment to make a meaningful impact.After being acquired by Mullen Automotive, Bollinger's story took an unexpected turn. While most startups quickly burn through capital and disappear, Mullen boasts...
2025-06-3041 minThe TechMobility PodcastData Vultures, Nuclear Energy, Clean Water Heroes, and Self-Driving Amazon CarsDrop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode!When technology evolves faster than legislation, who protects your privacy? This episode dives deep into the concerning world of automatic license plate readers operated by companies like Flock Safety, which are collecting data on your movements without consent or oversight. We expose how law enforcement agencies have been caught circumventing state laws to conduct nationwide searches—a wake-up call about the urgent need for comprehensive data protection in America.As our power grid strains under growing demands from data centers and AI...
2025-06-3041 min
The TechMobility PodcastDistracted Trucking, Luxury Cars, Humanoid Robots, and the go-anywhere 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser reviewDrop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode!Behind the wheel of a commercial truck weighing up to 60 tons, distraction can turn deadly in seconds. New research reveals a shocking truth: 79% of truck drivers reported close calls due to distraction, primarily from mobile devices. At highway speeds, these massive vehicles cover a football field every few seconds—a sobering reality for everyone sharing the road.The legendary Toyota Land Cruiser has returned after a brief hiatus, shedding its luxury pretensions to embrace its rugged heritage. With 74 years of global hi...
2025-06-0941 minThe TechMobility PodcastMeet the Wood That Laughs at Steel, Who is Rural America, Wanted: More Wheelchair RampsDrop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode!A revolutionary material that could transform our built environment is emerging from laboratories into commercial production. Super Wood, developed at the University of Maryland, demonstrates strength properties that outmatch conventional steel while maintaining a dramatically lighter profile. With 50% greater tensile strength and a weight-to-strength ratio ten times better than steel, this transformed natural material is heading to market this summer after seven years of development. Unlike steel production, which releases nearly two tons of carbon dioxide per ton manufactured, Super Wood sequesters carbon...
2025-06-0241 min
The TechMobility PodcastEV Battery Fire Suppression, Genesis GV80 Coupe Review, Burning Man for Runners, Corporate Climate Change QuagmireDrop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode!Hyundai Mobis has revolutionized EV safety with a breakthrough battery fire suppression system that doesn't just delay thermal runaway fires—it prevents them entirely. The technology utilizes real-time temperature and voltage monitoring to command fire suppressant within five minutes of ignition, stopping fires before they spread to adjacent cells. This innovation comes at a pivotal moment when global regulatory bodies are mandating stronger EV safety measures, with China leading since 2021 and the US implementing requirements this past March.What makes this de...
2025-05-2643 min
The TechMobility PodcastShifting Gears: EVs, Tiny Homes, and Ghost Trucks; 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander reviewDrop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode!California's charging revolution has quietly reshaped the electric vehicle landscape, with the Golden State now boasting an astonishing 48% more EV chargers than gas nozzles. This remarkable milestone challenges the persistent narrative about charging scarcity, though important questions remain about fast charger availability and accessibility for apartment dwellers. The dramatic 70% year-over-year growth demonstrates how quickly infrastructure can evolve when necessity drives innovation.Behind the wheel of the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander reveals a vehicle that represents the automaker's best effort yet. This seven-passenger SUV...
2025-05-1241 min