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While new circumstances might spell difficulties for the makers of electric vehicles, Hyundai is charging ahead with new variants of its popular Ioniq 5. Accompanying a 2025 model-year refresh, the newest of the variants is the Ioniq 5 XRT, an off-road take on the platform. It includes standard all-wheel-drive, increased ride height, all-terrain tires and tow hooks. To describe it for us we have Mike Evanoff, a senior product planner and expert on the vehicle. Host Jack Nerad just caught up with him at a Hyundai-sponsored event in and around Palm Springs, California, and we have that interview for you.
This week our road tests include thorough evaluations of the 2025 Polestar 3 battery-electric crossover and the 2025 Toyota Corolla FX. Guest Co-Host Matt DeLorenzo, author of How To Buy an Affordable Electric Car: A Tightwad’s Guide to EV ownership, applied his special expertise to a review of the Polestar 3. Also in this episode, Host Jack Nerad describes his experiences during a week at the wheel of the new Corolla FX trim.
In the news this week, Chevrolet has unveiled a startlingly new ultra-high performance prototype based loosely on a production EV. It might end up being a racecar in a series that would feature several similar EVs. We’ll have the details.
There’s more tariff talk this week as the Trump Administration signals that it is looking at “reciprocal tariffs” on automobiles and other products. We can give some clarity on what has become an emotional issue.
In light of changing regulations — and changing market conditions — Ford has decided to delay the launch of its next-generation F-150 pickup. And a troubled electric vehicle maker has entered into Chapter 11 bankruptcy. We’ll tell you which one and what its future might hold coming up.
Jack Nerad’s newest book
Jack is now offering his newest crime novel, Only One Thing Stays the Same, at a pre-publication price of just $4.99. Click here to buy from Amazon at this special limited-time price.
Matt DeLorenzo’s Book
Pick up a copy of co-host Matt DeLorenzo’s terrific new book How to Buy an Affordable Electric Car: A Tightwad’s Guide to EV Ownership.
Brought to you by:
• DrivingToday.com
• Mercury Insurance: Find out how much you can save at DrivingToday.com/auto-insurance.
• EMLandsea.com, publisher of Only One Thing Stays the Same and Dance in the Dark
We have a lot of shows for you this week. Thanks for joining us, and don’t forget to look for new content on our YouTube and Rumble channels. Please subscribe. If you do, we’ll like you forever.
America on the Road is brought to you by Driving Today.com, Mercury Insurance, and EMLandsea.com , the publisher of Nerad’s latest book, Only One Thing Stays the Same which is available HERE on Amazon.com
Keywords
Electric Vehicles, NASCAR, Tariffs, Ford F-150, Nikola, Polestar 3, Toyota Corolla, Emissions Regulations, Automotive Industry
Summary
In this episode of America on the Road, hosts Jack Nerad and Matt DeLorenzo discuss the latest developments in electric vehicles, including the introduction of the Blazer EVR NASCAR prototype and the implications of electric performance in racing. They delve into the impact of tariffs on the automotive industry, particularly regarding Ford’s F-150 and the recent bankruptcy of Nikola. The hosts also review the Polestar 3 and Toyota Corolla, highlighting their features and performance. Finally, they address a listener question about how upcoming emissions regulations may affect car prices.
Takeaways
• The Blazer EVR NASCAR prototype showcases the potential for electric vehicles in racing.
• Electric vehicles are seen as a way to help consumers accept EV technology.
• Tariffs on imported vehicles could lead to higher prices for consumers.
• Ford’s delay of the F-150 reflects economic uncertainties in the market.
• Nikola’s bankruptcy highlights the challenges in the hydrogen fuel cell market.
• The Polestar 3 offers a blend of luxury and performance in the EV segment.
• The Toyota Corolla remains a reliable and economical choice for consumers.
• Toyota’s multimedia systems have improved, making them more user-friendly.
• Emissions regulations may stabilize car prices in the near future.
• Consumer choice is essential in the evolving automotive landscape.
Titles
• Racing into the Future: Electric Vehicles in NASCAR
• The Shift to Electric: Performance vs. Authenticity
• Tariffs and Trade: The Automotive Industry’s Dilemma
Sound Bites
• “Who’s going to buy all these sporty EVs?”
• “Ford is going to delay its next F-150.”
• “Nikola has filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy.”
• “The Corolla is a terrific vehicle.”
• “More choice for the consumer is a good thing.”
• “The gas vehicles are a moving target.”
Chapters
00:00 What’s new this week with Guest Co-Host Matt DeLorenzo
03:00 The Future of Electric Vehicles and Performance
06:45 Tariffs and Their Impact on the Automotive Industry
09:55 Ford’s F-150 and Market Shifts
11:45 Nikola’s Bankruptcy and the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Market
12:50 Road Test: Polestar 3 Review
18:30 Road Test: Toyota Corolla Review
25:50 Interview: Hyundai’s Mike Evanoff on 2025 Ioniq 5 XRT
39:34 Listener Question: Emissions Regulations and Car Prices
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