This episode of the "Kilometerfresser" podcast is all about current developments in the world of electromobility. The two hosts, Jonas and Tarek, have prepared a packed episode - so packed that they laughingly warn right at the beginning that you could spend the next few days listening to it. One of them jokes: "Get used to listening to the Kilometerfressers on the way to work for the next three days, because we've got a lot planned today." This relaxed, friendly atmosphere runs through the entire episode.
Despite all the jokes, the focus is of course on tangible information and news. Jonas and Tarek talk about exciting topics such as new charging infrastructure and partnerships for fast charging, spectacular new electric car models and clear trends on the market. Specifically, they talk about the charging station provider Ionity, which is cooperating with a restaurant chain and revising its technology. It's about the extravagant Renault 5 Turbo 3E show car, which is reminiscent of a classic rally car and is electrified. The two also discuss a possible "two-tier society" at charging stations - i.e. the question of whether drivers of slow-charging electric cars are at a disadvantage compared to owners of high-end vehicles.
They also turn their attention to the Chinese manufacturer BYD, which is causing a stir with its enormous charging capacities of up to 1000 kW. In keeping with this, Jonas drove the compact BYD Atto 2 in the city test and is impressed by the price-performance ratio of this new electric vehicle. A German premium model is not missing either: the brand new electric Mercedes-Benz CLA is critically examined - design and technology are discussed in detail. And last but not least: even industry giant Toyota is discussed. The Japanese were long regarded as hesitant when it came to purely electric cars, but now Toyota seems to be "waking up" and is launching revised models. All this and more is explored in an entertaining and informative way in this episode.
Key findings
- Ionity, one of Europe's largest fast-charging networks, is losing its previous unique selling point. Ionity used to boast that it provided the maximum power exclusively for one vehicle per charging station - "with us, you get 350 kW per vehicle", was the former promise. However, with new charging station models, the charging power may now have to be shared between two electric cars. This means that at an Ionity charging point, both connected vehicles will only receive around 200 kW each if two are charging at the same time. This change is causing discussion among hosts, as Ionity is losing an important advantage over other providers.
- The restaurant chain L'Osteria is becoming a partner of Ionity to make charging stops more convenient. In addition to pizza and pasta, 350 kW fast chargers will initially be available at 15 locations. The cooperation shows that charging infrastructure is increasingly being linked to gastronomy and everyday life in order to provide EV drivers with attractive breaks. Ionity is no longer alone with such offers - other operators are also integrating charging stations in shopping centers or service stations, so that Ionity is also following suit here and positioning itself more broadly.
- Renault is causing a stir with the Renault 5 Turbo 3E: an all-electric show car that pays homage to the legendary Renault 5 Turbo of the 1980s. The eye-catching vehicle delivers around 540 hp, has over 4000 Nm of torque thanks to wheel hub motors and uses state-of-the-art 800-volt technology. Just 1,980 examples are to be built, making the car an expensive collector's item (base price approx. €150,000). One of the hosts goes into raptures about the look - "it looks really cool" - but both agree that Renault is primarily pursuing an image project here and not a car for the mass market.
- There must be no two-tier society at German charging stations - this statement from the hosts comes across clearly. They condemn the arrogance of some drivers of fast Electric Vehicles compared to drivers of models with a lower charging capacity. Every e-mobilist has the same right to use expensive HPC chargers when they need electricity. As one of the presenters made clear: "People, everyone who drives electric has the right to charge. And if they need to charge, then they charge, regardless of whether it's 15 kW, 130 kW or 330 kW." Instead of reacting with nasty looks, it would be better to show mutual understanding and at best politely point out that if there are free alternatives, a slower vehicle could also use a less busy charging station - but only if it suits.
- The Chinese manufacturer BYD is fuelling the charging power arms race. Technologies have already been presented in China that allow electric cars to charge at peak power levels of up to 1000 kW. This is made possible, for example, by two charging connections on the vehicle that draw power simultaneously. The hosts are fascinated to discuss what would happen if such technology came to Germany - at conventional stations, such "charging monsters" would probably be severely limited. For comparison: current top models such as a Porsche Taycan charge with a maximum of around 270-320 kW. 1000 kW would therefore be a completely new order of magnitude, but one that places high demands on batteries and infrastructure.
- The compact BYD Atto 2 (also known as the BYD Dolphin) is a low-cost electric car from China that aims to compete with local models. Jonas tested this model in urban use and was "mega impressed" by the price-performance ratio. The discussion shows how much equipment you get for your money: if you compare a basic VW ID.3 with a similar battery size and equipment, for example, the BYD Atto 2 is noticeably cheaper. One of the hosts calculates: "If you equip an ID.3 Pure like an Atto 2, you end up paying 6000 euros more." This challenge in terms of price and performance is putting established manufacturers under pressure.
- Mercedes-Benz has unveiled an important model with the new electric CLA, but reactions to it have been mixed. In technical terms, Mercedes has got a lot right: the CLA is based on an efficient new platform with 800-volt architecture for fast charging and promises long ranges. The vehicle's interior also boasts modern features such as full-length displays and the latest software. However, the design is polarizing - especially the oversized illuminated radiator grille and countless Mercedes stars at the front and rear look very ostentatious. The presentation in Rome was obviously also aimed at the Chinese market, where opulent design is in demand. European viewers, including the hosts, would have liked a little more understatement and classic Mercedes elegance.
- The hosts' personal assessment of the Mercedes CLA is cautious. Despite all the technological advances, they are not enthusiastic about the vehicle. "I wouldn't buy it... it doesn't knock my socks off," is the sobering conclusion of one host. Although they expect a high-quality and efficient electric car, they don't see a real innovative leap forward. They also critically discuss how the interior is designed: although a continuous screen panel looks futuristic, it could appear empty and plain in lower trim levels if, for example, the passenger display is missing. It remains to be seen how Mercedes will manage the balance between high-tech and the usual premium ambience.
- Even industry giant Toyota is finally moving in the direction of battery electric cars and was therefore explicitly addressed in the podcast. Toyota has long focused primarily on hybrids and hydrogen, but now there are signs of a rethink. The existing electric SUV Toyota bZ4X has been technically revised and a new model C-HR EV (called "C-HR Plus") has been announced. With an optional 77 kWh battery, the latter should be able to achieve a range of over 600 km and offer a modern interior - a clear signal that Toyota wants to catch up when it comes to e-mobility. The hosts are pleased about this "awakening" and emphasize Toyota's former reputation as the most reliable car manufacturer: they have been watching for too long, now Toyota has to make up for lost ground. The update of the bZ4X, for example, should finally enable better route planning with charging stops, as the first version of this model still looked "like a combustion engine" on the software side and not like a well thought-out electric car.
- The entire electromobility market is experiencing an exciting dynamic. New models and improvements are appearing every week and no one can rest on their laurels. Strong competition from China in particular - exemplified by BYD - is increasing the pressure on European manufacturers to innovate. At the same time, traditional brands are following suit: Mercedes is focusing on faster 800-volt technology, BMW and Audi have similar plans and are "not sleeping", as emphasized in the podcast. For consumers, this means an ever-increasing choice of Electric Vehicles on the one hand, but also the need to keep up to date with the latest developments on the other. This is exactly where a program like this helps: It provides an entertaining overview of the most important trends and news in the EV world.
Important topics in detail
Ionity: new charging technology and partnership with L'Osteria
The fast-charging network Ionity is about to undergo changes that will provide plenty to talk about in the podcast. Ionity - a joint venture between several car manufacturers - was previously known for providing a charging capacity of up to 350 kW per vehicle at its stations, without two cars having to share this capacity. This unique selling point is now being lost: in future, Ionity will be using modern high-power chargers at new locations, which can deliver up to 400 kW but have two charging connections per column. If two EVs charge at the same time at one of these charging points, the available power is divided dynamically. In practice, this means, for example, that each car receives around 200 kW if both ports are occupied.
The hosts are critical of this change. After all, Ionity had long cited its "non-sharing" of charging power as an argument against other providers. Now Ionity is following suit for economic and practical reasons and - like many of its competitors - is using hardware from the manufacturer Alpitronic, which offers dual connections. One of the presenters reports on his own charging experience: on his way from Bavaria to Cologne, he stopped at an Ionity park with the new columns. He charged his car at high speed, but noticed the split power per plug. A lively exchange with listeners on social media immediately ensued. Ionity itself - represented by an employee on LinkedIn - explained to him that the load distribution is "dynamic", meaning that the first car to charge gets full power until a second car plugs in; only then is the power shared fairly.
In addition to the technology, the customer experience was also discussed. Ionity announced a cooperation with the restaurant chain L'Osteria. New Ionity fast chargers are to be installed at 15 L'Osteria locations in Europe by mid-2024. This partnership makes charging stops more attractive: drivers can eat a pizza or enjoy a coffee while their electric car is charging. The presenters welcome this trend, as it shows that charging infrastructure is becoming more and more integrated into everyday life. However, Ionity is also losing some of its exclusivity as a result - previously the stations were often stand-alone "charging oases" on highways, but now the concept is similar to that of other providers who already offer restaurants or stores at charging stations. Overall, it is clear that Ionity is adapting to the market, which brings advantages for users (more charging stations, better locations), but also means that Ionity has to reposition itself in the competition.
Renault 5 Turbo 3E: electric revival of a rally icon
A highlight of the episode is the presentation of the Renault 5 Turbo 3E - a spectacular electric car that amazes the presenters. This vehicle pays homage to the legendary Renault 5 Turbo from the 1980s, the small mid-engined rally car that is now a coveted collector's item. Renault takes up this history and presents the Turbo 3E, a show car that combines past and future: Retro charm meets state-of-the-art electric technology. On the outside, the car stands out with its extreme wide-body look and numerous design elements reminiscent of a racing car. "It looks really cool," commented one of the hosts enthusiastically about the look - and the vehicle does indeed stand out from the crowd.
The technical data underlines the extreme character of this car. Two electric motors - each attached to the rear wheels - provide all-wheel drive and together deliver around 400 kW (approx. 540 hp) of power. The positioning of the motors directly on the wheels (wheel hub motors) generates a brute torque of up to 4800 Nm, which acts on the rear axle. Thanks to a 70-kWh battery in the vehicle floor and an 800-volt architecture, the Turbo 3E can not only drive impressively fast (allegedly up to a top speed of 270 km/h), but can also be charged quickly - provided a suitable charging station can be found. The weight remains relatively moderate at around 1.45 tons, as Renault relies on a carbon chassis and lightweight construction.
As impressive as the car is, it remains a rarity: only 1,980 units are to be built. The unusual figure alludes to the 1980 model year of the original R5 Turbo. The small number of units and the sophisticated technology come at a price - the fun is expected to cost at least around 150,000 euros, and considerably more with customization. It is therefore clear that the R5 Turbo 3E is not a car for the masses. "This is about image - showing what we can do when we want to," summarizes one of the presenters. With this project, Renault is demonstrating what is technically feasible and how much emotion the brand can arouse. At the same time, the show car increases anticipation for the upcoming "normal" Renault 5 as an electric car, which is to be launched on the market as an affordable compact electric car from 2024. In the podcast, Jonas eagerly mentions that he will soon be able to drive the standard Renault 5 as a test car - an indication that Renault is also preparing the electric version of the classic for everyday use. The Turbo 3E remains a wild dream for the showcase or racetrack, but it serves its purpose: it makes car enthusiasts' hearts beat faster and gets Renault talking.
Charging etiquette: no two-tier society at the charging station
The podcast features a passionate discussion about behavior at public charging stations. The reason for this is the observation that with more and more electric cars and different charging speeds, a kind of "two-tier society" could emerge: Drivers of vehicles with a high charging capacity sometimes tend to look disapprovingly at or even criticize slow-charging cars at fast chargers. Jonas and Tarek clearly disapprove of this behavior. They make it clear that every Electric Vehicle driver - regardless of the model - has the same right to use a fast-charging station when the battery is empty. No one should have to feel guilty about going to an expensive 300 kW station just because their car may "only" charge at 50 kW. The original quote clearly states: "Everyone who drives electrically has the right to charge. And if they have to charge, then they charge, regardless of whether it's at 15 kW, 130 kW or 330 kW."
The presenters instead encourage mutual consideration without arrogance. Their appeal: electric car drivers should help each other and show understanding instead of establishing a hierarchy based on charging capacity. In practical terms, this means, for example, that a driver of a slow-charging model is welcome to use a free 50 kW charger if no one is waiting next door at the HPC - simply to keep the fast column free for potential fast chargers. But the same applies: if the only free connection is a 300 kW charging point, then of course the small car can also charge there without attracting any disapproving looks. Often outsiders don't know the background: perhaps the driver of an older model has a subscription with Ionity and pays less there than elsewhere, or the alternative 50 kW charger at the location is defective. The hosts point out that you can never know what situation someone is in.
Instead of making hasty judgments, Jonas and Tarek advocate a friendly approach at the charging station. Everyone contributes to the transport transition, whether in a €15,000 electric car with a small battery or a €100,000 electric sedan. This sense of community should be at the forefront. This keeps the charging break stress-free and positive - for everyone involved.
Record-breaking charging: BYD and 1000-kW peaks
The mention of "1000 kilowatts of charging peak" by BYD made the hosts sit up and take notice. BYD (Build Your Dreams) is one of the largest electromobility companies in China and is constantly making a name for itself with technological advances. The podcast discusses what is behind the 1000 kW claim: manufacturers such as BYD and its luxury sub-brand Denza are actually working on electric vehicles that have two charging ports, one on each side of the vehicle. This means they could theoretically use two ultra-fast chargers at the same time. Combining two 500 kW connections, for example, would result in an incredible 1000 kW peak charging power. In practice, such charging points hardly exist so far - even the most modern public stations in Europe deliver a maximum of 350 to 400 kW per plug. However, the first pilot systems with significantly higher output have already been set up in China, and BYD obviously wants to be prepared.
The idea of being able to charge a car almost completely in just a few minutes is fascinating. The presenters use current models as a comparison: a Porsche Taycan or Audi e-tron GT, for example, currently charge at around 270-320 kW (peak), which is already considered very fast. 1000 kW would be almost four times this power. The hosts joke that you would then probably have to buckle up, the charge level would climb so rapidly. At the same time, they note that such values are mainly for show. No modern battery can handle 1000 kW for more than a few seconds without overheating or wearing out. So we are talking about peak values under ideal conditions.
The question of how such charging power could be used in Europe also comes up during the discussion. One host speculates with a wink whether it would be possible to connect an electric car to two Ionity charging points at the same time with two cables if necessary - theoretically, 2 × 350 kW = 700 kW. Of course, this is neither planned nor practicable in everyday life, but the idea illustrates the curiosity about future possibilities. BYD's announcement is certainly a statement: the charging race continues. For EV drivers of the future, this could mean that charging stops will become shorter and shorter. However, it remains to be seen when and how this 1000 kW will actually arrive in real-life operation - and whether our infrastructure will be prepared for it.
Price-performance champion: BYD Atto 2 in an everyday test
Now that BYD is making headlines when it comes to charging technology, Jonas and Tarek turn their attention to a specific model from the manufacturer: the BYD Atto 2. This compact electric car - also known as the "BYD Dolphin" in other markets - was tested by Jonas in a special city test. His impression is extremely positive. He was particularly impressed by the price-performance ratio: despite its relatively low entry-level price, the Atto 2 offers many features that are often not found in European models in this class or are only available at extra cost. These include, for example, modern assistance systems, a generous infotainment display and a decent build quality.
In the podcast, the two hosts draw a direct comparison with established competitors. For example, the VW ID.3, a compact car that can be considered the equivalent from Germany. In the new Pure version, the ID.3 has a battery of around 52 kWh - comparable to the BYD Atto 2, which has a battery of around 45 kWh. However, the ID.3 is priced higher, especially if you tick a similar equipment list. One of the presenters calculates that an ID.3 in a comparable configuration costs a good 6,000 euros more than the Atto 2, which is a considerable sum in this segment. Of course, the VW has a slightly larger battery and the brand advantage in return, but the difference shows how aggressively BYD is positioned.
The Atto 2 is apparently also impressive in terms of driving performance and suitability for everyday use. Jonas reports that the car is nimble and maneuverable in city traffic. Depending on the battery option, the range should be more than sufficient for typical commuting distances (BYD speaks of approx. 300 to 400 km). The presenters particularly emphasize that such a "budget electric car" does not look cheap at all: The vehicle is solidly made and does not feel like a sacrifice. This experience coincides with a general trend: Chinese manufacturers such as BYD or MG are bringing electric cars to Europe that offer an astonishingly high standard at competitive prices. This is a welcome development for price-conscious e-mobilists - but it also increases the pressure on domestic suppliers to follow suit with similar offerings.
Luxury under power: the new Mercedes-Benz CLA electric model
Another focus of the podcast episode is a discussion of the new electric Mercedes CLA. Mercedes-Benz recently presented this model - a four-door coupé saloon in the compact segment - to the public in grand style. It is technically the harbinger of a new generation of electric cars based on the Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA). This platform brings with it a number of improvements: among other things, Mercedes now relies on an 800-volt on-board system (like the competition), which enables significantly faster charging. Charging times have been promised that can recharge around 400 km of range in 15 minutes. Mercedes also wants to set new standards in terms of range - up to 750 km WLTP was mentioned at the presentation (for economical variants, mind you). On paper, this all sounds excellent and contemporary.
However, the presenters are mainly focusing on the design and interior, as this is where opinions differ. Externally, Mercedes has given the electric CLA a very striking face: The radiator grille (although functionless on an electric car) is huge and dotted with illuminated little Mercedes stars. A continuous LED light strip connects the headlights - a stylistic device that Mercedes has already used on its EQ models. This light strip continues at the rear, garnished with illuminated brand logos. Jonas and Tarek are divided on this: on the one hand, you can see the effort to give the car a futuristic appearance, but on the other, the look seems "overloaded" and a little ostentatious to them. "Now it's just bling-bling," describes one of the hosts, alluding to the loss of a certain classic Mercedes elegance. In fact, they suspect that this design is primarily intended to appeal to Chinese customers, who have a penchant for lavish décor and lighting. They were therefore somewhat surprised that Mercedes held the premiere in Europe (Rome) instead of China.
The interior of the new CLA is ultra-modern, but here too the presenters have points of criticism. The model presented had the full range of displays: a huge screen panel (MBUX Hyperscreen of the new generation) extending across almost the entire width of the vehicle offers the driver and front passenger their own displays. Below this are futuristically curved air vents and a center console with touch controls. It looks impressive in the press photos - but how does it look in a simpler equipment line? Jonas and Tarek ask this question openly. A CLA does not belong to the luxury class in terms of price, and many buyers are more likely to order basic versions. If, for example, the passenger display is removed, a large, black plastic surface may be left over. Would Mercedes design part of the surface with trim strips or ambient lighting instead? We will have to wait and see how the concept is implemented in the production vehicles. The hosts make positive mention of the sporty steering wheel design, which is reminiscent of AMG models (even if they don't like the touch buttons on it as much). In summary, both agree that the electric CLA will be a solidly developed vehicle that will make Mercedes competitive in the battle against the Tesla Model 3, BMW i4 and co. However, they lack the "wow effect" - they are looking in vain for groundbreaking innovations and the car leaves them rather cold emotionally. Jonas' conclusion is clear: "I wouldn't buy a Mercedes CLA... it's certainly good and efficient, but it doesn't knock my socks off."
The sleeping giant awakens: Toyota and the electric offensive
Finally, Jonas and Tarek turn their attention to Toyota - a manufacturer that has long been considered a latecomer when it comes to electric cars. The news: Toyota seems to be "waking up" and investing more heavily in e-mobility. Two specific developments were mentioned in the podcast. Firstly, Toyota has given its first modern electric SUV, the bZ4X, a makeover. Secondly, the C-HR Plus (or C-HR EV), a completely new, all-electric model, is in the starting blocks.
The Toyota bZ4X was launched in 2022, but failed to really impress either the press or customers. In addition to technical recalls (e.g. due to loose wheel nuts), the bZ4X suffered above all from outdated software and poor charging performance. In the vehicle, it felt more like a converted combustion engine: The navigation showed gas stations instead of charging stations by default, and features like battery preconditioning for fast charging were missing. In the podcast, the bZ4X is therefore mentioned as a negative example - "that was nothing", was the drastic verdict of one of the hosts about the first version. This makes the upgrade that Toyota has given its e-SUV all the more exciting. It is expected that Toyota has modernized the software, e.g. by integrating a sensible charging plan with charging stop suggestions. The charging technology could also have been improved in order to achieve more competitive charging times.
The second major topic is the newly announced Toyota C-HR EV, which the presenters refer to as the "C-HR Plus". According to initial information, this model will be available with two battery sizes (around 58 and 77 kWh) and the top version will have a range of over 600 km (according to WLTP). This would allow Toyota to catch up with competitors such as the VW ID.4/ID.5, Hyundai Ioniq 5 or Kia EV6 in one fell swoop. Visually, the C-HR EV is based on the popular crossover design of the hybrid model, but will be adapted to the requirements of an electric car both inside and out. The hosts think it is long overdue for Toyota to take this step. "Toyota has been asleep long enough," is their comment. As one of the largest and most reliable car manufacturers in the world, Toyota has all the prerequisites to build successful electric cars - they just had to finally get around to it. Now that seems to be happening. The mood in the podcast is optimistic: more choice is good for the market, and if a "giant" like Toyota gets seriously involved, this should further accelerate the transition to electromobility. For EV fans, Toyota's awakening commitment is definitely one of the positive messages of this episode.
Conclusion
All in all, this podcast episode provides a wealth of insights into the current world of electromobility - and does so in an entertaining, personal way. Jonas and Tarek manage to convey complex technical topics such as charging infrastructure or vehicle technology in a relaxed and understandable way. As a listener, you almost feel as if you are sitting down for a coffee with the two of them and being brought up to date by a good friend. The mixture of news, shop talk and humorous anecdotes makes listening entertaining.
In terms of content, the main thing that sticks in the mind is that a lot is happening right now: something is happening with the charging infrastructure - Ionity is upgrading and adapting to the market, which means more options and convenience for us EV drivers. At the same time, the hosts warn that enthusiasm for technology should always go hand in hand with fairness: The discussion about the "two-tier society" at charging stations reminds us that the e-mobility community must stick together. Every contribution to the transport transition, no matter how small, counts, and no one should be treated downwards just because their car may charge a little slower.
The vehicles presented range from extravagant sports electric vehicles to affordable city EVs - proof of how diverse the range now is. For enthusiasts, this means that there is more and more choice, but also more and more to learn and compare. Who would have thought a few years ago that a Chinese manufacturer like BYD would be offering cars in Europe that seriously compete with established brands in terms of value for money? Or that traditional companies such as Mercedes-Benz and Toyota would make a technological leap almost simultaneously in order to keep up in the electric sector?
The conclusion of the episode is optimistic: electromobility has finally arrived in the mainstream and is constantly producing improvements - be it faster charging stations, innovatively designed vehicles or new market players that bring a breath of fresh air. For those interested in e-mobility, this means on the one hand that they can look forward to exciting times ahead. On the other hand, it is clear how useful information sources such as this podcast are for keeping track of things. With their passionate discussion, Jonas and Tarek have shown what is important: openness to new things, a critical view of hypes and a positive spirit that makes you want to embrace the electric future. After listening, you feel well informed and motivated to follow further developments - from the announced BYD test to the market launch of the next electric model - with anticipation.