211: Critical Tipping Point…Again

Once again, Rivian finds itself at a tipping point. From billions in DOE loans potentially disappearing to the company making its van available to the (commercial) masses, 2025 could be the year that makes or breaks the startup EV maker. We also discuss the Honda-Nissan merger, Kia’s teased EV4, Tesla’s anti-theft charging cables, and more! Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Spotify, PocketCasts, iHeartRadio, Podbean, and more! Or heck, use your favorite podcast application. Perhaps you prefer to watch as well as listen. If so, we’ve got you covered. SHOW NOTES Honda-Nissan merger is over: https://global.nissannews.com/en/releases/release-6f7c5389115338d12e020075e50091a2 https://global.honda/en/newsroom/news/2025/c250213beng.html Kia shows production versions of EV4: https://insideevs.com/news/750869/kia-ev4-official-hatchback-sedan/ Rivian’s $6.6 billion DOE loan could be under jeopardy under Trump admin and DOGE: https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/atlanta/gov-kemp-not-sure-about-federal-loan-earmarked-new-rivian-plant/W5O6K5KZNNC33F7DRNVJWD64QE/ Rivian opens up sales of its RCV van to all (commercial) customers: https://www.teslarati.com/rivian-launches-sales-of-once-exclusive-van-price-specs-features/ Tesla testing copper cable etching, “Dye Defender” on Supercharger cables: https://www.electrive.com/2025/02/17/tesla-tests-new-measures-to-prevent-cable-theft-at-superchargers/ Tom Moloughney does a deep dive on NEVI with Bill Farro, CTO of Paren, EV charging analytics company: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lkm0MJOAx9A This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. Sanchez Episode art courtesy Rivian Music courtesy Twisterium at Pixabay Email comments and questions to [email protected] Website: https://www.thewattcar.com Buy merch: https://www.thewattcar.com/store YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewattcar