Why EV Leasing Is A Double-Edged Sword with Jessica Caldwell

The federal EV tax credit expired on September 30th, 2025. Did the market collapse? No, but it did reveal who's really buying electric vehicles and why.In this episode of EV Insider, host Scott Case sits down with Jessica Caldwell, AVP of Insights at Edmunds, to unpack what happened after the incentive ended and what it means for the future of EV adoption in America.What We Cover:✅ The "EV Reset" – How consideration dropped 30% overnight (but didn't disappear)✅ Why EV lease rates are STILL 60% (and why that might be a good thing)✅ The surprise winner: Used EVs are selling faster than used gas cars✅ What Jessica's watching in 2026: New models, Tesla drama, and the Nissan LEAF comeback✅ The brand loyalty gap – Why EV buyers are up for grabsKey Insight: EV shoppers today are less payment-focused and more experience-driven than the lease-chasing cohort of late 2025. This shift could actually strengthen the market long-term.About Jessica Caldwell:Jessica leads the Insights team at Edmunds, one of the nation's leading automotive research and shopping platforms. With deep expertise in consumer behavior, market trends, and data analysis, she's become one of the most trusted voices on the EV transition.About EV Insider:EV Insider is a podcast from Recurrent exploring the real stories behind electric vehicle adoption—from the dealers selling them to the analysts tracking the market. Hosted by Scott Case.