Hybridiot
@hybridiot.com
I write about cars as culture — the cosplay, the contradictions, and the quiet revolutions shaping how we move today, as electrification rewrites the rules. Now @lanekeep.com
Today’s Substack post will be the last for Hybridiot. But it’s not the end! (Hint: Start following @lanekeep.com): transmissions.hybridiot.com/p/goodbye-hy...
October 18, 2025 at 12:12 AM
Today’s Substack post will be the last for Hybridiot. But it’s not the end! (Hint: Start following @lanekeep.com): transmissions.hybridiot.com/p/goodbye-hy...
Took a peek at the Scout Traveler today, on display in New York. Sporting a chic Pacific Mist Metallic hue, the retro-modern, American-made EV SUV looked ready to tame terrain & tarmac. Video soon.
September 19, 2025 at 6:17 PM
Took a peek at the Scout Traveler today, on display in New York. Sporting a chic Pacific Mist Metallic hue, the retro-modern, American-made EV SUV looked ready to tame terrain & tarmac. Video soon.
EV fans: "We want an affordable Model 3!"
Tesla: builds Cybertruck
Nissan: "Hold my beer. Here's an all-new $29,990 Leaf with 300+ miles of range and your Supercharger access." 🤷
Tesla: builds Cybertruck
Nissan: "Hold my beer. Here's an all-new $29,990 Leaf with 300+ miles of range and your Supercharger access." 🤷
August 20, 2025 at 7:02 PM
EV fans: "We want an affordable Model 3!"
Tesla: builds Cybertruck
Nissan: "Hold my beer. Here's an all-new $29,990 Leaf with 300+ miles of range and your Supercharger access." 🤷
Tesla: builds Cybertruck
Nissan: "Hold my beer. Here's an all-new $29,990 Leaf with 300+ miles of range and your Supercharger access." 🤷
Tesla Model S & X “refresh” — are they even trying? Has a company ever had such a commanding lead in a space & just ceased innovating? Maybe Nissan with the Leaf? At least the upcoming Leaf looks…like a new idea?
Video on Out of Spec: youtu.be/7VoVbG1ZM9k?...
Video on Out of Spec: youtu.be/7VoVbG1ZM9k?...
June 13, 2025 at 1:41 PM
Tesla Model S & X “refresh” — are they even trying? Has a company ever had such a commanding lead in a space & just ceased innovating? Maybe Nissan with the Leaf? At least the upcoming Leaf looks…like a new idea?
Video on Out of Spec: youtu.be/7VoVbG1ZM9k?...
Video on Out of Spec: youtu.be/7VoVbG1ZM9k?...
Saw the #Rivian R2 in NYC. Same test mule as last year, new mysterious gray paint, still off-limits to human touch.
But: it’s pretty. And timely. Especially with Tesla spiraling and everyone else frozen by tariffs.
I remain deposit-pilled. Video:
But: it’s pretty. And timely. Especially with Tesla spiraling and everyone else frozen by tariffs.
I remain deposit-pilled. Video:
June 4, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Saw the #Rivian R2 in NYC. Same test mule as last year, new mysterious gray paint, still off-limits to human touch.
But: it’s pretty. And timely. Especially with Tesla spiraling and everyone else frozen by tariffs.
I remain deposit-pilled. Video:
But: it’s pretty. And timely. Especially with Tesla spiraling and everyone else frozen by tariffs.
I remain deposit-pilled. Video:
Watching 1st hands-on encounters with Toyota's bZ Woodland EV wagon.
Pros: excellent power, ample cargo space, practical interior, comfy seats, Lexus-y infotainment, Subaru-inspired AWD.
Cons: questionable bZ4x cladding remains (see pic), RANGE. If they only coulda eked closer to 300 miles. Sigh.
Pros: excellent power, ample cargo space, practical interior, comfy seats, Lexus-y infotainment, Subaru-inspired AWD.
Cons: questionable bZ4x cladding remains (see pic), RANGE. If they only coulda eked closer to 300 miles. Sigh.
May 28, 2025 at 1:32 AM
Watching 1st hands-on encounters with Toyota's bZ Woodland EV wagon.
Pros: excellent power, ample cargo space, practical interior, comfy seats, Lexus-y infotainment, Subaru-inspired AWD.
Cons: questionable bZ4x cladding remains (see pic), RANGE. If they only coulda eked closer to 300 miles. Sigh.
Pros: excellent power, ample cargo space, practical interior, comfy seats, Lexus-y infotainment, Subaru-inspired AWD.
Cons: questionable bZ4x cladding remains (see pic), RANGE. If they only coulda eked closer to 300 miles. Sigh.
Both promise 260 miles of range, 4.5 second 0-60 times, and off-pavement capability — plus cargo space that mid-size EVs sorely lack.
Rumored for early 2026 with starting prices around $50K, would you circle these wagons or ride with Rivian’s R2?
Rumored for early 2026 with starting prices around $50K, would you circle these wagons or ride with Rivian’s R2?
May 15, 2025 at 8:32 PM
Both promise 260 miles of range, 4.5 second 0-60 times, and off-pavement capability — plus cargo space that mid-size EVs sorely lack.
Rumored for early 2026 with starting prices around $50K, would you circle these wagons or ride with Rivian’s R2?
Rumored for early 2026 with starting prices around $50K, would you circle these wagons or ride with Rivian’s R2?
Just when the EV market had my spirits laggin’, suddenly we’ve got not one but TWO electric wagons!
Toyota revealed its bZ Woodland wagon today (top), the sister car to Subaru’s Trailseeker, giving this wagon lover “oh what a feeling” vibes!
Toyota revealed its bZ Woodland wagon today (top), the sister car to Subaru’s Trailseeker, giving this wagon lover “oh what a feeling” vibes!
May 15, 2025 at 8:32 PM
Just when the EV market had my spirits laggin’, suddenly we’ve got not one but TWO electric wagons!
Toyota revealed its bZ Woodland wagon today (top), the sister car to Subaru’s Trailseeker, giving this wagon lover “oh what a feeling” vibes!
Toyota revealed its bZ Woodland wagon today (top), the sister car to Subaru’s Trailseeker, giving this wagon lover “oh what a feeling” vibes!
The argument is that the credit gives EVs an unfair leg up over gas cars.
But that “leg up” has delivered $210B+ in factory #investment to U.S. soil.
Top states:
— Georgia: $31B
— Michigan: $20B
— North Carolina: $19B
This isn’t a coastal trend. It’s a nationwide industry. 2/3
But that “leg up” has delivered $210B+ in factory #investment to U.S. soil.
Top states:
— Georgia: $31B
— Michigan: $20B
— North Carolina: $19B
This isn’t a coastal trend. It’s a nationwide industry. 2/3
May 6, 2025 at 8:36 PM
The argument is that the credit gives EVs an unfair leg up over gas cars.
But that “leg up” has delivered $210B+ in factory #investment to U.S. soil.
Top states:
— Georgia: $31B
— Michigan: $20B
— North Carolina: $19B
This isn’t a coastal trend. It’s a nationwide industry. 2/3
But that “leg up” has delivered $210B+ in factory #investment to U.S. soil.
Top states:
— Georgia: $31B
— Michigan: $20B
— North Carolina: $19B
This isn’t a coastal trend. It’s a nationwide industry. 2/3
Republicans want to kill the #EVtaxcredit because it’s “too expensive.” (Bloomberg)
Sure, the 10-year cost might hit $200B.
But that’s only because Americans are actually buying #EVs.
That’s not waste. That’s uptake.
Meanwhile, China’s exporting EVs to every major nation but us.
🧵
Sure, the 10-year cost might hit $200B.
But that’s only because Americans are actually buying #EVs.
That’s not waste. That’s uptake.
Meanwhile, China’s exporting EVs to every major nation but us.
🧵
May 6, 2025 at 8:36 PM
Republicans want to kill the #EVtaxcredit because it’s “too expensive.” (Bloomberg)
Sure, the 10-year cost might hit $200B.
But that’s only because Americans are actually buying #EVs.
That’s not waste. That’s uptake.
Meanwhile, China’s exporting EVs to every major nation but us.
🧵
Sure, the 10-year cost might hit $200B.
But that’s only because Americans are actually buying #EVs.
That’s not waste. That’s uptake.
Meanwhile, China’s exporting EVs to every major nation but us.
🧵
Subaru’s hybrid era is here & it's hotter than Pedro Pascal in a Patagonia vest.
They built trust with eco-conscious buyers before they had efficient cars.
Now their hybrids are here & running Toyota tech. Their EVs don’t suck. Their timing? Perfect. buff.ly/zboUcOf
They built trust with eco-conscious buyers before they had efficient cars.
Now their hybrids are here & running Toyota tech. Their EVs don’t suck. Their timing? Perfect. buff.ly/zboUcOf
April 30, 2025 at 7:57 PM
Subaru’s hybrid era is here & it's hotter than Pedro Pascal in a Patagonia vest.
They built trust with eco-conscious buyers before they had efficient cars.
Now their hybrids are here & running Toyota tech. Their EVs don’t suck. Their timing? Perfect. buff.ly/zboUcOf
They built trust with eco-conscious buyers before they had efficient cars.
Now their hybrids are here & running Toyota tech. Their EVs don’t suck. Their timing? Perfect. buff.ly/zboUcOf
Most kids still ride to #school on diesel buses that are 10x dirtier than modern cars.
A few lucky ones? They get electric. Cheaper to run & cleaner for all, made in the U.S. #EV buses save money, save lungs, and they’re built here. But frozen funding & #trade wars are slowing things down.
A few lucky ones? They get electric. Cheaper to run & cleaner for all, made in the U.S. #EV buses save money, save lungs, and they’re built here. But frozen funding & #trade wars are slowing things down.
April 28, 2025 at 7:40 PM
Yes, the guerrilla campaign was garbage — but the sub-$25K EV truck #Slate just launched? This is the cheap, no-frills #EV we need.
150 miles of range, no screen, no colors, DIY upgrades. Not chic, but accessible.
Sometimes progress looks more like an ‘80s Datsun beater than a #Cybertruck.
150 miles of range, no screen, no colors, DIY upgrades. Not chic, but accessible.
Sometimes progress looks more like an ‘80s Datsun beater than a #Cybertruck.
April 25, 2025 at 5:03 AM
Yes, the guerrilla campaign was garbage — but the sub-$25K EV truck #Slate just launched? This is the cheap, no-frills #EV we need.
150 miles of range, no screen, no colors, DIY upgrades. Not chic, but accessible.
Sometimes progress looks more like an ‘80s Datsun beater than a #Cybertruck.
150 miles of range, no screen, no colors, DIY upgrades. Not chic, but accessible.
Sometimes progress looks more like an ‘80s Datsun beater than a #Cybertruck.
There’s something so cynical about the Slate EV guerrilla campaign — they've dropped their as-yet-unveiled new EV in plain sight, wrapped in fake ads for cat therapy and baby napping services. (h/t @theautopian.bsky.social) 1/2
April 21, 2025 at 9:28 PM
There’s something so cynical about the Slate EV guerrilla campaign — they've dropped their as-yet-unveiled new EV in plain sight, wrapped in fake ads for cat therapy and baby napping services. (h/t @theautopian.bsky.social) 1/2
You'd be hard-pressed to find a charging cable at the Wheels of NYC #carshow. Could the journey toward #green driving skip the lab & focus on gatherings like this — with ’90s mixtape energy & a crowd deeply invested in design, sound, and identity?
Bring back the flex — but with a charging port.
Bring back the flex — but with a charging port.
April 20, 2025 at 3:17 PM
How did @polestarcars.bsky.social become the hottest brand in EVs? 🧵 1/4
April 11, 2025 at 1:37 AM
How did @polestarcars.bsky.social become the hottest brand in EVs? 🧵 1/4
This wagon has my tongue waggin'! The #mercedesbenz #AMG E53 #PHEV wagon is coming to 🇺🇸. 42 miles of pure electric range + 577 horsepower when you let it all hang out. Per @caranddriver.bsky.social it'll start just short of $100K — let's just pretend Trump tariffs don't exist for a happy second.
April 9, 2025 at 5:53 PM
This wagon has my tongue waggin'! The #mercedesbenz #AMG E53 #PHEV wagon is coming to 🇺🇸. 42 miles of pure electric range + 577 horsepower when you let it all hang out. Per @caranddriver.bsky.social it'll start just short of $100K — let's just pretend Trump tariffs don't exist for a happy second.
Say what you will about Jeff Bezos. But a $25K American electric pickup would be a massive deal if he can pull it off. Great scoop from @techcrunch.com re: Slate Auto buff.ly/shskvyH
April 9, 2025 at 11:43 AM
Say what you will about Jeff Bezos. But a $25K American electric pickup would be a massive deal if he can pull it off. Great scoop from @techcrunch.com re: Slate Auto buff.ly/shskvyH
When it comes to buying a car, yesterday’s “Liberation Day” of tariffs is just going to liberate money from your wallet. Best move? Snag your new or used car NOW. Here’s why. buff.ly/GfwPJm0
April 3, 2025 at 9:45 PM
When it comes to buying a car, yesterday’s “Liberation Day” of tariffs is just going to liberate money from your wallet. Best move? Snag your new or used car NOW. Here’s why. buff.ly/GfwPJm0
As @thesmokingtire.bsky.social illustrates, a used #Porsche Taycan Gran Turismo is an elite EV “value.” Yes, it’s north of $60k but that’s half of what it cost new! youtu.be/dmPaUM_6ksg?...
February 28, 2025 at 7:57 PM
As @thesmokingtire.bsky.social illustrates, a used #Porsche Taycan Gran Turismo is an elite EV “value.” Yes, it’s north of $60k but that’s half of what it cost new! youtu.be/dmPaUM_6ksg?...
Not all crappy, auto industry-crippling tariffs are products of 2025 economics. The “chicken tax” dates back to the 1960s & preserves an American monopoly on light trucks — which will likely prevent the Kia PV5 from coming here. autos.yahoo.com/chicken-tax-...
February 28, 2025 at 7:50 PM
Not all crappy, auto industry-crippling tariffs are products of 2025 economics. The “chicken tax” dates back to the 1960s & preserves an American monopoly on light trucks — which will likely prevent the Kia PV5 from coming here. autos.yahoo.com/chicken-tax-...
Nothing says "government efficiency" like spending $1 billion to undo years of federal investment into electric vehicle fleets, chargers, and infrastructure: www.eenews.net/articles/tru...
February 27, 2025 at 11:28 PM
Nothing says "government efficiency" like spending $1 billion to undo years of federal investment into electric vehicle fleets, chargers, and infrastructure: www.eenews.net/articles/tru...
Gimme. Kia’s PV5 electric minivan will be officially unveiled soon but this is the kind of basic, utilitarian ride we need! Cannot wait to hear the specs. Via @insideevs.com
February 20, 2025 at 10:10 PM
Gimme. Kia’s PV5 electric minivan will be officially unveiled soon but this is the kind of basic, utilitarian ride we need! Cannot wait to hear the specs. Via @insideevs.com