The InEVitable

In this episode of The InEVitable by MotorTrend, hosts Ed Loh and Jonny Lieberman go hands-on with one of the most surprising EV conversions ever attempted — the Toyota AE86 Levin BEV, an electric restomod created by Lexus Electrified Development Division. Joining them are Kenji Arai, Chief Engineer at Lexus Electrified, and Toshi Hayama, JDM legend and translator, to discuss why Lexus chose to electrify one of Japan’s most iconic lightweight sports cars and what it means for the future of driving fun. This isn’t a gimmick — it’s an EV with a *manual transmission*, real gear shifts, simulated 4A-GE engine sound, and the soul of the 1980s drifting icon. From the technical challenges of reusing Lexus hybrid parts to how feedback from this prototype could inform future BEV sports cars, this is an inside look at Toyota and Lexus’ electrified philosophy for enthusiasts.

Ep116 - Welcome back to The Inevitable by MotorTrend—where we dig into the future of the automobile. Fresh off IAA Munich 2025, we compare BMW’s Neue Klasse / iX3 with Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric, talk mega watt charging, battery design, interiors, and who’s really leading right now.   Guest Kyle Conner (Out of Spec) joins us first, then Frank Markus and Ed go deep on Qualcomm x BMW tech from the show floor: zonal compute, ADAS that’s less annoying, AR HUDs, and on-device vs. cloud AI agents. We also hit VW Group’s software reset (Cariad → Rivian/Xpeng), the Polestar 5 reveal (and its pricing problem), plus Kyle’s Autobahn run in a Lucid Air Sapphire to an indicated 204 mph. ***MotorTrend Software-Defined Vehicle Innovator Awards — nominations for the 2026 SDV Innovator Awards are open now.*** SUBMIT NOMINATIONS HERE: https://www.motortrend.com/sdvsurvey   Topics covered IAA Munich highlights & how the show has “become CES for Europe”- BMW Neue Klasse platform: 4695 cylindrical cells, cell-to-pack, pack-to-body, zonal architecture (“Heart of Joy” ECU) Mercedes GLC Electric: big battery, 2-speed rear unit, 330 kW DC—how it stacks up AMG prototype mega-charging (~1 MW burst) VW Group software pivot: Cariad’s struggles, Rivian partnership, ID.1 single-ECU concept Polestar 5: specs vs. price, missing performance basics Lucid Sapphire at 200+ mph: stability and thermal takeaways ADAS/UX done right: AR HUD, driver monitoring that understands intent, Level 2→4 reality Agentic AI in cars: what can run on-device vs. in the cloud

WE’RE BACK! The InEVitable is unstoppable and back to ask and answer all sorts of questions about the future of the car, with one of the sharpest minds in the automotive scene, Out of Spec founder and man of the world, Kyle Connor.

MotorTrend's Ed Loh & Jonny Lieberman sit down with Mike Kunigonis, VP & GM of Corning Automotive Glass Solutions. From iPhones to windshields! The guys discuss fiber optics in cars, Gorilla Glass, their partnership with Apple, their newest innovation: Fusion 5, the evolution of glass technology, AR & HUDs, and much more. 0:28 - Introduction to Corning Automotive Glass Solutions. 2:35 - The Future of Optical Fiber in Vehicles. 11:09 - The Shift from Copper to Optical Fiber. 12:45 - Durability and Practicality of Optical Fiber. 14:40 - Solving for Autonomy. 26:26 - Gorilla Glass: Revolutionizing Windshields. 33:11 - The Origin of Corning's Partnership with Apple. 35:58 - Innovations in Automotive Glass: Fusion 5. 41:25 - The Evolution of Glass Technology in Vehicles. 54:11 - Future Trends: Augmented Reality and Heads-Up-Display (HUD). Learn more at: www.Corning.com/autoglass  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

MotorTrend's Ed Loh & Jonny Lieberman sit down with Everrati Founder & CEO Justin Lunny. Everatti is electrifying your favorite classics! From Mercedes, to Porsche, to Land Rover and more! Some classics are just better electrified! 0:07 - Introduction to Everati and Electric Resto Mods. 2:17 - Everati's Mission and Unique Approach. 4:50 - Addressing Criticism from Automotive Enthusiasts 11:31 - Diving into the Electric Porsche 911 (964) RSR. 19:40 - Pricing and Sourcing Donor Vehicles. 27:35 - Let's Talk Porsche... 30:49 - The Enduring Appeal of Classic Cars. 34:01 - Porsche: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation. 39:39 - Engineering the Land Rover. 43:11 - Driving Experience: Old vs. New. 45:59 - Porsche Artificial Sound. 48:34 - Reviving the Lamborghini LM002. 53:44 - Future of Everrati: Expanding Horizons. Learn more at everrati.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

MotorTrend's Ed Loh & Jonny Lieberman sit down with Scout Motors President & CEO, Scott Keogh! The guys discuss Scout's Reemergence into the Market with the Scout Traveler SUV & Terra Truck, Market Demand for EREVs, their Unique Electrification Strategy, Community UX Infotainment System, Consumer Reception, and How Their Plan to Refresh on the Modern American Truck & SUV Market. 0:08 - The Vision Behind Scout's Revival. 3:36 - Understanding Electric Range Extended Vehicles (EREVs). 8:54 - Market Timing and Consumer Demand for EREV SUVs. 9:11 - Getting a Look at the Scout Traveler & Scout Terra. 12:00 - The Evolution of Scout's Electrification Strategy 13:08 - Technical Considerations of EREVs vs. Pure EVs. 17:55 - Consumer Reception and Market Insights. 19:48 - Multi Platform Approach. 23:10 - Understanding Customer Habits. 27:17 - Understanding Scout Motors' Relationship with Volkswagen. 31:17 - Navigating Complexity in EREVs. 35:15 - The Role of Traditional Manufacturers in EV Transition. 39:34 - User Experience and Community Engagement. 41:11 - Direct To Consumer Sales Approach. 44:07 - Innovative Design Choices in Scout Motors. 51:02 - Community UX Infotainment System, Software Architecture and Over-the-Air Updates. 56:54 - Brand Identity and Market Positioning. 01:00:42 - Future Models and Market Strategy. 01:04:32 - Challenges and Opportunities in the Truck & SUV Market. 01:08:40 - Building an American Brand for the Future. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

MotorTrend's Ed Loh & Jonny Lieberman sit down with Dodge CEO, Matt McAlear! The guys dive into the all new Dodge Charger Daytona(EV & ICE), the "Fratzonic" artificial sound, their transition to EVs, how the new administration may shake things up, generational perspectives on EVs, defining success for the Charger EV, Hornet, Durango, Viper, EV adoption, and other opportunities for Dodge in the Stellantis family. 0:07 - About our guest. 1:58 - QOTD. - New Administration. 6:34 - New Trump Administration. 9:15 - Dodge's Unique Product Strategy. 11:29 - Exploring the 2025 Charger Daytona: A New Era of Muscle Cars. 15:33 - Dual Platform Design. 18:57 - Will we see a V8? 22:30 - "Fratzonic" artificial sound. 26:44 - One-pedal driving options. 28:18 - Charging: Understanding the Buyer. 32:32 - Dealer Perspectives. 33:17 - Generational Perspectives on EV Technology. 37:19 - No Burnouts!? Performance and Physics of EVs. 39:57 - User Experience and Customization in EVs. 41:12 - Challenges and Growth of the Hornet. 44:07 - Performance and Market Positioning of the GLH. 45:02 - Future of Durango and SUV Platforms. 47:10 - Compliance and the Future of V8 Engines. 48:32 - The Legacy and Future of the Viper. 50:04 - Opportunities for Dodge in the Stellantis Family. 52:19 - Benchmarking Against Competitors. 54:20 - Global Market Dynamics and EV Adoption. 59:13 - The InEVitable Shift Towards EVs. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

MotorTrend's Ed Loh & Jonny Lieberman sit down with the Executive Director of Energy Independence Now, Brian Goldstein! Learn more at EINow.com & DriveH2.org! 0:57 - Question of the Day - Choosing The Right EV. 9:27 - What is Energy Independence Now 13:40 - California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's Hydrogen Highway Initiative. 19:12 - Where Are We With Hydrogen Stations? 21:00 - Infrastructure Challenges. 26:41 - Advancements in Hydrogen Dispensing Technology. 30:47 - Demand vs. Supply: The Hydrogen Dilemma. 40:02 - The Future of Hydrogen Vehicles: Opportunities and Challenges. 46:05 - The Environmental Impact of Our Energy Choices. 49:03 - Navigating the Hydrogen Debate. 55:18 - Personal Journey: From Alabama to Environmental Advocacy. 01:06:27 - The Future of Hydrogen in Transportation. 01:09:02 - Funding the Hydrogen Movement: Challenges and Opportunities. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

MotorTrend's Ed Loh & Jonny Lieberman sit down with Wall Street Journal's Sean McLain! The group discusses Sean's Book (Boundless: The Rise, Fall, & Escape of Carlos Ghosn) & Documentary (Wanted: The Escape of Carlos Ghosn), about the unprecedented story of one of the most feared and admired automotive executives - Carlos Ghosn. 1:22 - Die Hard! 05:05 - Sean's Path into Automotive Journalism. 09:20 - Covering The EV Industry for WSJ. 13:43 - The Fall of Fisker. 22:58 - The Complexities of Automotive Manufacturing. 27:33 - Nissan's Transformation and Challenges. 35:28 - The Carlos Ghosn Investigation. 38:58 - Secret Investigation: Unraveling the Charges. 40:08 - The Compensation Controversy of Carlos Ghosn. 45:33 - Public Perception and Personal Identity. 48:50 - The Escape. 56:58 - Aftermath and Legacy of Carlos Ghosn. 01:02:01 - Lightning Round: The Future of the Automotive Industry. 01:03:39 - Toyota's Long Term Future. 01:12:43 - Are EVs InEVitable, for all? 01:17:08 - Could Chinese EVs dominate the global EV market? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

MotorTrend's Ed Loh & Jonny Lieberman sit down with Founder & CEO of Range Energy, Ali Javidan! The guys chat with Ali about his incredible resume (Ground Control Suspension, Tesla, Google, Zoox, Dinan), Tesla before & after Elon Musk, bringing the original Tesla Roadster & Model S to life, AND they talk all about his new company, Range Energy - Electric Powered Trailer Systems! Learn more at Range.Energy! 0:28 - About our guest... 2:07 - Ali's professional history & background 7:22 - Aging Infrastructure and Heavy EVs. 9:52 - Ali's Path to Working on the First Tesla Roadster. 14:25 - Early Days of Elon Musk's Takeover at Tesla. 16:36 - Building the First Tesla Model S. 22:14 - Inspiration for Tesla's Turbine Wheels. 25:05 - Initial Reactions to "CLS" Model S Rollout. 27:18 - History of Tesla's Integrated System. 30:14 - Elon's First Principles Thinking. 36:36 - Internal Response to MotorTrend Naming Tesla Model S the 2013 Car of the Year. 44:32 - BTS - Tesla Model S Reveal Party. 48:05 - What is Range Energy? Innovations in Trailer Technology! 51:45 - Software Defined Towing: Safety and Control Systems. 53:10 - Fuel Efficiency and Emission Reduction. 01:02:32 - Refrigeration Trailer Technology. 01:07:22 - Driver Experience and Confidence. 01:08:28 - Charging Flexibility. 01:13:38 - Cost Analysis and ROI. 01:17:34 - Complementing Existing Technologies. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.