June 12, 2025 • 12 mins
BYD's EVs Offer Unmatched Charging Speeds
Sodium Batteries Are Coming For Your Gasmobiles
The Future Of Plug-In Hybrids That Barely Use Any Gas At All
#EV, #BYD, #ChargingSpeeds, #SodiumBatteries, #PlugInHybrids, #Cleantech, #FutureOfCars
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Welcome to Innovation Pulse, your quick no-nonsense update on the latest in clean tech and EVs.
(00:10):
First, we will cover the latest news.
BYD's megawatt charging technology in China redefines EV charging standards,
while Unigrid's sodium ion batteries offer a sustainable energy storage alternative.
After this, we'll dive deep into the resurgence of plug-in hybrids,
exploring their role in bridging the gap to full electrification.
(00:36):
BYD is revolutionizing electric vehicle charging in China with its megawatt charging technology.
This innovation allows a five-minute charge to add up to 400 kilometers of range,
making charging times comparable to traditional gasoline fill-ups.
The company showcased this breakthrough at the Shanghai Auto Show,
(00:56):
reaching a peak charging rate of 1.2 kHz.
This development could address the common concern of charging anxiety among EV users.
BYD's new platform and battery technology offer faster, safer and more durable charging,
aided by their vertically integrated production process.
(01:19):
While the technology is currently limited to China,
it sets a new standard in the EV industry, prompting other companies like Huawei and Zekar
to announce similar advancements.
BYD's progress highlights China's commitment to leading the global EV market through innovation
and government support.
(01:40):
Sodium batteries are emerging as a promising alternative for energy storage,
with the California startup Unigrid paving the way.
Unigrid focuses on developing sodium ion batteries for stationary energy storage
and eventually for electric vehicles in emerging markets,
supported by a $3 million grant from the California Energy Commission.
(02:04):
Unigrid aims to produce cylindrical sodium batteries,
which offer safety and environmental benefits over traditional lithium ion counterparts.
Despite challenges like weight, Unigrid's advancements in a node technology
aim to enhance energy density and reduce costs.
Sodium batteries could potentially offer a cost-effective and sustainable solution
(02:28):
with materials sourced domestically, easing supply chain issues.
While the AAA survey indicates skepticism about electric vehicles,
companies like Waffle House are investing in EV infrastructure,
hinting at a positive shift towards electrification in the US.
And now, pivot our discussion towards the main clean tech topic.
(02:56):
All right everybody, welcome to another deep dive on innovation pulse.
I'm Donna, and as always, I've got my co-host, Yaakov here,
to help us unpack some fascinating developments in the tech world.
Today we're talking about something that might surprise you,
the comeback story of Plug-In Hybrids.
Thanks Donna, and yeah, this is definitely one of those,
(03:16):
wait, I thought we were moving past this, moments.
But here's the thing, while everyone's been focused on the pure electric vehicle revolution,
there's this quiet renaissance happening with Plug-In Hybrids,
especially in the luxury SUV space.
And it's making me rethink what the future of transportation actually looks like.
(03:38):
Okay, lay it on me, because honestly, I've been thinking,
hybrids were just this stepping stone technology,
like we'd use them for a few years and then go fully electric, right?
That's exactly what a lot of us thought, but here's where it gets interesting.
Even in China, which is absolutely crushing it with EV adoption,
we're talking about half of new car sales being electric.
(04:02):
There are still these stubborn pockets,
where people just aren't ready to go fully electric.
Particularly when we're talking about big, expensive luxury SUVs.
Huh, so it's not just an American thing,
where people are hesitant about charging infrastructure.
Not at all. And this is where companies like Gile are getting really clever.
(04:22):
They've just launched this beast called the Link and Co 900.
Think Range Rover Vibes, but with some seriously impressive hybrid tech.
Instead of trying to convince luxury SUV buyers to go fully electric,
they're saying, hey, what if we gave you a car that drives like an EV 90% of the time,
but you never have to worry about running out of juice.
(04:44):
Now that sounds like having your cake and eating it too,
but I'm guessing there's some serious engineering behind making that work.
Oh, absolutely. So here's where it gets really fascinating from a technical standpoint.
Most plug-in hybrids have these tiny batteries,
maybe enough for 20 or 30 miles of electric driving.
But this Link and Co 900, it's packing a 52.38 kilowatt hour battery.
(05:10):
For context, that's bigger than what you'd find in some full electric vehicles.
Whoa, okay. So we're not talking about your typical Prius hybrid situation here.
Exactly. And here's the kicker. With that big battery,
they're claiming 174 miles of pure electric range.
Think about your daily driving, Donna.
(05:31):
How often do you actually drive more than 174 miles in a single day?
Honestly, almost never. Maybe a few times a year for road trips,
so you're staying for 95% of people's driving.
This thing would essentially be a pure electric vehicle.
Bingo. And when you do need to go further, you've got this small but efficient gas engine that
can extend your total range to nearly 900 miles. But here's what's really clever.
(05:56):
During testing, even with the battery only at 35% charge,
the gas engine only kicked on twice during an hour and a half of driving,
and only for about 15, 20 seconds each time.
That's incredible. So you're getting the instant torque and quietness of electric driving,
but without any range anxiety. I can see why that would appeal to luxury car buyers
(06:19):
who want the best of both worlds.
And speaking of luxury, this isn't some stripped down compromise vehicle.
We're talking about a 206 inch long SUV that's eight inches longer than the already
massive Kia EV9. Air suspension, whisper quiet cabin, high resolution screens,
(06:39):
even some models with swiveling second row seats and fold down entertainment screens.
Okay, but here's what I'm wondering. If this technology is so good,
why aren't we seeing it everywhere? What's the catch?
Great question. Part of it is cost and complexity. You're essentially building
two power trains into one vehicle. You need the electric motors, the big battery,
(07:02):
the gas engine, and all the software to make them work together seamlessly. Plus,
this particular vehicle has up to 835 horsepower with a tri-motor setup. That's supercar territory.
Right. And I'm guessing that level of engineering doesn't come cheap.
Well, interestingly, in China, this starts at around $42,000, with the top spec version
(07:25):
around $60,000. By American luxury SUV standards, that's actually pretty reasonable.
But here's the bigger picture. This might be showing us what the future looks like for a lot of
automakers. How so? Think about it this way. Even Volvo, which was planning to go fully electric
by 2030, is now walking back those plans. They're saying they'll continue developing gas engines
(07:51):
beyond 2030. The chairman of Geely, which owns Volvo, recently said we are not giving up on gas engines.
So it sounds like the industry is realizing that maybe the transition isn't going to be as clean
and linear as we thought. Exactly. And when you think about it from a consumer psychology perspective,
it makes sense. People want the benefits of electrification, the performance, the efficiency,
(08:16):
the environmental benefits. But they also want the peace of mind that comes with knowing they can
fill up at any gas station if needed. It's like having a safety net. You get to experience the
future of driving, but you're not completely dependent on charging infrastructure that might
not exist everywhere you want to go. Perfect analogy. And here's what's really interesting.
(08:39):
This approach might actually accelerate the adoption of electric driving. If people get used
to driving in electric mode 90% of the time, because it's smoother and quieter and more responsive,
they might be more open to going fully electric for their next vehicle once the infrastructure
catches up. That's a really good point. It's like training wheels for the electric future.
(09:02):
But I'm curious, do you think this is just a temporary solution? Or could plug-in hybrids with
big batteries become a permanent part of the automotive landscape? I think it depends on
how quickly we can solve the charging infrastructure puzzle. For urban drivers with predictable routines,
pure EVs make perfect sense. But for people who need maximum flexibility, think rural drivers,
(09:26):
people who tow heavy loads, or anyone who regularly takes long road trips. This hybrid approach might
be the sweet spot for a very long time. And presumably, as battery technology continues
to improve and costs come down, we could see these electric only ranges getting even longer.
Absolutely. Imagine if that 174 mile electric range becomes 250 miles, then 300 miles. At some point,
(09:53):
the gas engine becomes so rarely used that it's almost vestigial. But it's still there for that
one time a year when you really need it. It's fascinating how this challenges the narrative
that we've been hearing about transportation's future being this clean binary between gas and
electric. Reality, as usual, turns out to be more nuanced. Right. And what's really encouraging is
(10:16):
that this shows the industry is listening to consumers. Instead of trying to force people
into a pure electric future before they're ready, companies are finding ways to give people most of
the benefits of electrification while addressing their real world concerns. So if someone's listening
to this and thinking about their next vehicle purchase, what should they take away from this
(10:38):
conversation? I'd say keep an open mind about plug-in hybrids, especially if you're looking at
larger vehicles. The technology has evolved way beyond what most people think of when they hear
hybrid. If you can find one with a big battery and good electric range, you might discover that
you're essentially driving an electric vehicle most of the time, but with the flexibility of a
(11:02):
gas engine when you need it. And it sounds like we should expect to see more vehicles like this,
Lincoln Co 900 from other manufacturers, as they figure out how to bridge the gap between where
we are now and a fully electric future. Exactly. This might not be the future we imagined,
but it could be the future that actually works for the most people. Sometimes the best solution
(11:26):
isn't the purest one. It's the one that gives people what they actually need.
Well said. This has been a really eye-opening conversation about how the path to electrification
might be more winding than we expected, but also more practical. Thanks for breaking this down,
Yaakov. Always a pleasure, Donna. And to our listeners, maybe this gives you something to
(11:47):
think about the next time you're considering how transportation technology might fit into your own
life. Absolutely. Thanks for tuning in to Innovation Pulse, everyone. Until next time,
keep your minds open to the unexpected ways that innovation might surprise us.
(12:07):
As we wrap up today's podcast, we've explored how BYD's megawatt charging technology is setting
new standards in China's EV market, while sodium ion batteries are emerging as a sustainable
alternative and discuss the growing popularity of plug-in hybrids like the Lincoln Co 900 in the
luxury SUV market as a transitional solution. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this
(12:32):
episode with your friends and colleagues so they can also stay updated on the latest news
and gain powerful insights. Stay tuned for more updates.
Thank you.
Welcome to Innovation Pulse, your quick no-nonsense update on the latest in clean tech and EVs.
(00:10):
First, we will cover the latest news.
BYD's megawatt charging technology in China redefines EV charging standards,
while Unigrid's sodium ion batteries offer a sustainable energy storage alternative.
After this, we'll dive deep into the resurgence of plug-in hybrids,
exploring their role in bridging the gap to full electrification.
(00:36):
BYD is revolutionizing electric vehicle charging in China with its megawatt charging technology.
This innovation allows a five-minute charge to add up to 400 kilometers of range,
making charging times comparable to traditional gasoline fill-ups.
The company showcased this breakthrough at the Shanghai Auto Show,
(00:56):
reaching a peak charging rate of 1.2 kHz.
This development could address the common concern of charging anxiety among EV users.
BYD's new platform and battery technology offer faster, safer and more durable charging,
aided by their vertically integrated production process.
(01:19):
While the technology is currently limited to China,
it sets a new standard in the EV industry, prompting other companies like Huawei and Zekar
to announce similar advancements.
BYD's progress highlights China's commitment to leading the global EV market through innovation
and government support.
(01:40):
Sodium batteries are emerging as a promising alternative for energy storage,
with the California startup Unigrid paving the way.
Unigrid focuses on developing sodium ion batteries for stationary energy storage
and eventually for electric vehicles in emerging markets,
supported by a $3 million grant from the California Energy Commission.
(02:04):
Unigrid aims to produce cylindrical sodium batteries,
which offer safety and environmental benefits over traditional lithium ion counterparts.
Despite challenges like weight, Unigrid's advancements in a node technology
aim to enhance energy density and reduce costs.
Sodium batteries could potentially offer a cost-effective and sustainable solution
(02:28):
with materials sourced domestically, easing supply chain issues.
While the AAA survey indicates skepticism about electric vehicles,
companies like Waffle House are investing in EV infrastructure,
hinting at a positive shift towards electrification in the US.
And now, pivot our discussion towards the main clean tech topic.
(02:56):
All right everybody, welcome to another deep dive on innovation pulse.
I'm Donna, and as always, I've got my co-host, Yaakov here,
to help us unpack some fascinating developments in the tech world.
Today we're talking about something that might surprise you,
the comeback story of Plug-In Hybrids.
Thanks Donna, and yeah, this is definitely one of those,
(03:16):
wait, I thought we were moving past this, moments.
But here's the thing, while everyone's been focused on the pure electric vehicle revolution,
there's this quiet renaissance happening with Plug-In Hybrids,
especially in the luxury SUV space.
And it's making me rethink what the future of transportation actually looks like.
(03:38):
Okay, lay it on me, because honestly, I've been thinking,
hybrids were just this stepping stone technology,
like we'd use them for a few years and then go fully electric, right?
That's exactly what a lot of us thought, but here's where it gets interesting.
Even in China, which is absolutely crushing it with EV adoption,
we're talking about half of new car sales being electric.
(04:02):
There are still these stubborn pockets,
where people just aren't ready to go fully electric.
Particularly when we're talking about big, expensive luxury SUVs.
Huh, so it's not just an American thing,
where people are hesitant about charging infrastructure.
Not at all. And this is where companies like Gile are getting really clever.
(04:22):
They've just launched this beast called the Link and Co 900.
Think Range Rover Vibes, but with some seriously impressive hybrid tech.
Instead of trying to convince luxury SUV buyers to go fully electric,
they're saying, hey, what if we gave you a car that drives like an EV 90% of the time,
but you never have to worry about running out of juice.
(04:44):
Now that sounds like having your cake and eating it too,
but I'm guessing there's some serious engineering behind making that work.
Oh, absolutely. So here's where it gets really fascinating from a technical standpoint.
Most plug-in hybrids have these tiny batteries,
maybe enough for 20 or 30 miles of electric driving.
But this Link and Co 900, it's packing a 52.38 kilowatt hour battery.
(05:10):
For context, that's bigger than what you'd find in some full electric vehicles.
Whoa, okay. So we're not talking about your typical Prius hybrid situation here.
Exactly. And here's the kicker. With that big battery,
they're claiming 174 miles of pure electric range.
Think about your daily driving, Donna.
(05:31):
How often do you actually drive more than 174 miles in a single day?
Honestly, almost never. Maybe a few times a year for road trips,
so you're staying for 95% of people's driving.
This thing would essentially be a pure electric vehicle.
Bingo. And when you do need to go further, you've got this small but efficient gas engine that
can extend your total range to nearly 900 miles. But here's what's really clever.
(05:56):
During testing, even with the battery only at 35% charge,
the gas engine only kicked on twice during an hour and a half of driving,
and only for about 15, 20 seconds each time.
That's incredible. So you're getting the instant torque and quietness of electric driving,
but without any range anxiety. I can see why that would appeal to luxury car buyers
(06:19):
who want the best of both worlds.
And speaking of luxury, this isn't some stripped down compromise vehicle.
We're talking about a 206 inch long SUV that's eight inches longer than the already
massive Kia EV9. Air suspension, whisper quiet cabin, high resolution screens,
(06:39):
even some models with swiveling second row seats and fold down entertainment screens.
Okay, but here's what I'm wondering. If this technology is so good,
why aren't we seeing it everywhere? What's the catch?
Great question. Part of it is cost and complexity. You're essentially building
two power trains into one vehicle. You need the electric motors, the big battery,
(07:02):
the gas engine, and all the software to make them work together seamlessly. Plus,
this particular vehicle has up to 835 horsepower with a tri-motor setup. That's supercar territory.
Right. And I'm guessing that level of engineering doesn't come cheap.
Well, interestingly, in China, this starts at around $42,000, with the top spec version
(07:25):
around $60,000. By American luxury SUV standards, that's actually pretty reasonable.
But here's the bigger picture. This might be showing us what the future looks like for a lot of
automakers. How so? Think about it this way. Even Volvo, which was planning to go fully electric
by 2030, is now walking back those plans. They're saying they'll continue developing gas engines
(07:51):
beyond 2030. The chairman of Geely, which owns Volvo, recently said we are not giving up on gas engines.
So it sounds like the industry is realizing that maybe the transition isn't going to be as clean
and linear as we thought. Exactly. And when you think about it from a consumer psychology perspective,
it makes sense. People want the benefits of electrification, the performance, the efficiency,
(08:16):
the environmental benefits. But they also want the peace of mind that comes with knowing they can
fill up at any gas station if needed. It's like having a safety net. You get to experience the
future of driving, but you're not completely dependent on charging infrastructure that might
not exist everywhere you want to go. Perfect analogy. And here's what's really interesting.
(08:39):
This approach might actually accelerate the adoption of electric driving. If people get used
to driving in electric mode 90% of the time, because it's smoother and quieter and more responsive,
they might be more open to going fully electric for their next vehicle once the infrastructure
catches up. That's a really good point. It's like training wheels for the electric future.
(09:02):
But I'm curious, do you think this is just a temporary solution? Or could plug-in hybrids with
big batteries become a permanent part of the automotive landscape? I think it depends on
how quickly we can solve the charging infrastructure puzzle. For urban drivers with predictable routines,
pure EVs make perfect sense. But for people who need maximum flexibility, think rural drivers,
(09:26):
people who tow heavy loads, or anyone who regularly takes long road trips. This hybrid approach might
be the sweet spot for a very long time. And presumably, as battery technology continues
to improve and costs come down, we could see these electric only ranges getting even longer.
Absolutely. Imagine if that 174 mile electric range becomes 250 miles, then 300 miles. At some point,
(09:53):
the gas engine becomes so rarely used that it's almost vestigial. But it's still there for that
one time a year when you really need it. It's fascinating how this challenges the narrative
that we've been hearing about transportation's future being this clean binary between gas and
electric. Reality, as usual, turns out to be more nuanced. Right. And what's really encouraging is
(10:16):
that this shows the industry is listening to consumers. Instead of trying to force people
into a pure electric future before they're ready, companies are finding ways to give people most of
the benefits of electrification while addressing their real world concerns. So if someone's listening
to this and thinking about their next vehicle purchase, what should they take away from this
(10:38):
conversation? I'd say keep an open mind about plug-in hybrids, especially if you're looking at
larger vehicles. The technology has evolved way beyond what most people think of when they hear
hybrid. If you can find one with a big battery and good electric range, you might discover that
you're essentially driving an electric vehicle most of the time, but with the flexibility of a
(11:02):
gas engine when you need it. And it sounds like we should expect to see more vehicles like this,
Lincoln Co 900 from other manufacturers, as they figure out how to bridge the gap between where
we are now and a fully electric future. Exactly. This might not be the future we imagined,
but it could be the future that actually works for the most people. Sometimes the best solution
(11:26):
isn't the purest one. It's the one that gives people what they actually need.
Well said. This has been a really eye-opening conversation about how the path to electrification
might be more winding than we expected, but also more practical. Thanks for breaking this down,
Yaakov. Always a pleasure, Donna. And to our listeners, maybe this gives you something to
(11:47):
think about the next time you're considering how transportation technology might fit into your own
life. Absolutely. Thanks for tuning in to Innovation Pulse, everyone. Until next time,
keep your minds open to the unexpected ways that innovation might surprise us.
(12:07):
As we wrap up today's podcast, we've explored how BYD's megawatt charging technology is setting
new standards in China's EV market, while sodium ion batteries are emerging as a sustainable
alternative and discuss the growing popularity of plug-in hybrids like the Lincoln Co 900 in the
luxury SUV market as a transitional solution. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this
(12:32):
episode with your friends and colleagues so they can also stay updated on the latest news
and gain powerful insights. Stay tuned for more updates.
Thank you.
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