Car Chat

Jingyi Chen, Head of Battery at Breathe Battery Technologies, joins me to discuss how software is transforming the way EV batteries are charged, managed, and designed. We get into the science behind fast charging, battery degradation, and why Breathe’s tech is already being used by major OEMs like Volvo, Rimac and Cosworth. Enjoy. https://www.breathebatteries.com [https://www.breathebatteries.com] Chapters: 00:00 - Intro: Smarter batteries, faster charging 02:48 - What makes lithium-ion batteries tick 05:44 - Battery management software: the brain of the pack 08:30 - Real-time monitoring, diagnostics & control systems 11:36 - Lithium plating, fast charging & what can go wrong 14:38 - Where charging tech is headed next 17:31 - What's coming in future EV battery tech 20:23 - How to treat your battery to make it last 22:27 - Wrapping up: challenges and breakthroughs ahead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Matt Prior is back for a good rant about car tech gone wrong — from driver-monitoring nags to touchscreens where buttons should be. We cover the charm of the Ineos Grenadier, the Ariel Nomad, small luxury cars, and Matt’s latest purchase, plus behind-the-scenes stories from Autocar’s “My Week in Cars.” Enjoy. https://www.autocar.co.uk/ [https://www.autocar.co.uk/] Show Notes: 00:00 – Why Cars Nag You: Attention Assist and Driver Monitoring 03:02 – How The Podcast Started (and Who’s Behind It) 05:55 – Weird Cars We Love: Niche Gems and Cult Favourites 09:05 – Why Car Companies Make Odd Decisions 11:37 – Luxury Cars: What Actually Sells and Why 14:44 – Can Small Car Makers Survive the EV Shift? 17:39 – How Car Design Has Evolved (and What Buyers Want Now) 20:31 – Speed Isn’t Everything: What Makes a Great Drive 23:49 – When Tech Helps vs When It Just Gets in the Way 26:34 – The Laws That Shape the Cars We Get 42:43 – Why Small Cars Got So Big 47:07 – Premium Feel in Pint-Sized Cars 49:06 – Real Quality vs Perceived Quality 51:18 – Why New Tech Can Be So Annoying 56:33 – Driver Aids: Helpful or Just a Hassle? 01:00:46 – Why Simple Cars Are So Hard to Make Now 01:09:43 – The UI Problem: Why Are Car Screens Still So Bad? 01:15:29 – The Sweet Spot Between Features and Frustration Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Simon Saunders, founder of Ariel Motor Company, returns to chat about the all-new Nomad 2, the future of EVs, Ariel's experimental hypercar, and why some cars just make people smile. We also dive into titanium 3D printing, rally testing, and the psychology of driving. Enjoy, https://www.arielmotor.co.uk [https://www.arielmotor.co.uk] Chapters: 03:01 Introducing the Nomad 2: Design and Performance Changes 05:58 Off-Road Capabilities and Customer Experiences 08:58 Testing and Development: Real-World Applications 11:51 The Psychology of Driving: Car Perception and Enjoyment 14:56 Navigating Regulations: The Future of Internal Combustion Engines 18:03 Electric Vehicles: Challenges and Opportunities 23:25 The Future of Electric Vehicles 28:15 Innovations in Electric Bike Design 35:05 3D Printing and Material Advancements 40:31 Design Philosophy and User Experience Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Goran Turkic, founder and CEO of Tedson Motors, returns to the podcast to discuss their bold new project: the Etna. Based on the Lamborghini Gallardo, yet radically re-engineered and redesigned, the Etna aims to deliver the most authentic driving experience possible in 2025. Goran shares insights into the challenges of blending Lamborghini's iconic V10 heritage with cutting-edge technology, achieving over 10,000 RPM, and how they've completely reimagined the Gallardo chassis and aesthetics. Enjoy https://tedsonmotors.com/ [https://tedsonmotors.com/] Chapters: 00:00 Reinventing the Gallardo: A New Era Begins 09:02 Technical Mastery: Power, Balance, and Production 17:57 Choosing the Gallardo: A Design and Heritage Perspective 25:07 Mastering the V10: Engineering and RPM 33:17 Aerodynamics and Technical Innovations 39:24 Manufacturing Techniques and Future Ambitions 43:12 Client Preferences: Balancing Power and Usability Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Paul Howse shares insights from his fascinating career as a car designer, highlighted by his 11-year tenure at McLaren Automotive where he was instrumental in designing iconic cars like the McLaren P1 and the 720S. From drawing cars in his school books to refining automotive design at Northumbria and the Royal College of Art, Paul discusses the delicate balance between aesthetics, functionality, and innovation in automotive design. He also shares personal stories about the pressures and triumphs at McLaren, his journey into watercolor artistry, and his current exciting projects, including collaborations with Lanzante. Enjoy, https://www.paulhowseart.co.uk/ [https://www.paulhowseart.co.uk/] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]