Explore every episode of the podcast Ctrl Alt Refuel

In this episode of Ctrl Alt Refuel, we catch up on the latest EV news, including the new Nissan Leaf, a new £142/month Leapmotor T03 lease deal, the electric Ferrari Luce, and loads more.

We discuss:

The new smaller Nissan Leaf (52kWh) and bigger 77kWh version

Why I leased a Leapmotor T03 as a work car (and how it compares)

The Ferrari Luce electric – impressive or disappointing?

Renault 4 vs Lego Renault 5, Citroën 2CV EV, Skoda Epiq, Audi Nuvolari, Hyundai Ioniq 3 and more

UK government EV policy updates and the future of the ZEV mandate

Newt dons a flat cap in honour of Lawrence Whittaker's birthday

Three everyday idiots chatting about electric cars, renewables and the future of transport. Occasionally sweary.

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#EV #ElectricVehicles #NissanLeaf #Leapmotor #FerrariEV #electriccars

27

What happens when one of Europe’s biggest car groups turns to China for EV technology? ⚡

In this episode of Ctrl Alt Refuel, we take a first look at the stunning new Cupra Raval and dive into the growing relationship between Stellantis and Chinese EV tech.

Are Chinese manufacturers now leading the EV race?

Is Europe falling behind?

And could partnerships like this completely reshape the future of electric cars?

🚗 In this episode:

• Cupra Raval first impressions
• Stellantis and Chinese EV partnerships explained
• Why China dominates battery and EV technology
• The future of affordable electric cars
• Our honest thoughts on the Raval design and tech
• What this means for European car brands

The EV world is changing FAST — and this might be one of the biggest shifts yet.

👇 Let us know in the comments:

Would you buy a European EV powered by Chinese technology?

⚡ Subscribe for weekly EV news, reviews, road trips, charging guides and automotive chaos.

Three Nissan nerds and me! Join Paul, Newt and Hannah (our supply northerner) as we dive deep into the latest Nissan news in this episode of Ctrl Alt Refuel.

We kick things off with some positive financial updates: Nissan's small operating profit, cash in the business, and why new CEO Ivan Espinosa's cost-cutting moves seem to be working. Then we geek out over the bold new Juke design (love it or hate it?), its CMF-EV platform, Sunderland production plans, and how it stacks up against the outgoing model. We also chat about the Micra, Leaf, potential Qashqai future, and more quirky Nissan models.

Paul’s car has passed the meaningless 100,000 mile threshold. He seemed to think it was important enough to capture it on video. You will probably disagree. Newt then reminds him how it's had new wheel bearings, a new windscreen and four new tyres. Cheap car isn't all that cheap, as it turns out.

Are we getting a Primera EV in the UK? A maybe a new PHEV Navara too.

Nissan and Chery are in discussion to use a production line to build the Chinese manufacturers cars there. We examine what might and might not happen there.

We discuss news that the Jatco drivetrain plant - a joint venture of Nissan and Jatco isn't going to go ahead in Sunderland. We didn't see this coming, so it came as a surprise.

Expect honest takes, owner stories, design debates, and plenty of EV and platform chat. If you're into Nissan, EVs, or just fun car nerd chat, this one's for you!

And more... Like if you're Team Juke

What do you think of the new design?

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What happens when a major UK home battery and energy company goes into administration? ⚡ In this episode of Ctrl Alt Refuel, we break down the latest GivEnergy news, what it could mean for EV owners, solar customers and home battery users across the UK, plus whether the UK energy market is heading for more disruption.

We also take a look at the brand-new Renault Twingo EV — the affordable electric car aiming to shake up the small EV market. Could this be the cheap electric city car the UK has been waiting for?

🚗 Topics in this episode:

⚡ GivEnergy administration explained

🔋 UK home battery & solar market update

🇬🇧 What this means for EV charging in the UK

🚘 New Renault Twingo EV first look

💷 Affordable EVs are finally coming back?

⚡ EV news, batteries & charging discussion

👇 Let us know in the comments:

Would you trust a home battery company after this news?

And would you buy the new electric Renault Twingo?

👍 Like, subscribe and join the Ctrl Alt Refuel community for weekly EV news, electric cars, charging, batteries and energy discussions.

#24

Honda just cancelled the Honda 0… Tesla’s Full Self Driving is in another crash… and Nissan’s app has completely gone down.

What is actually going on with EVs right now?

In this episode of Ctrl Alt Refuel, Chris, Newt & Paul break down:

* 🚫 Honda pulling the plug on its EV future (Honda 0 cancelled)

* 🚗 Tesla FSD crash – how safe is it really?

* 📱 Nissan app outage – when your EV won’t connect…

* ⚡ The bigger picture: is the EV transition hitting problems?

👉 This is EV news explained without the fluff – real talk, real opinions.

⸻

🚀 Get involved

What do you think:

👉 Is Tesla FSD safe yet?

👉 Is Honda making the right call?

👉 Have you had issues with EV apps?

Drop a comment – we reply to as many as we can 👇

⸻

🔌 Subscribe for weekly EV content

If you’re into:

* Electric cars

* Charging costs (like 39p/kWh ⚡)

* EV news & real-world ownership

👉 Hit subscribe & join the Ctrl Alt Refuel community

In episode 22 of Ctrl Alt Refuel, we dive into the latest EV and PHEV news with our signature unfiltered takes. No corporate echo chamber chat here!

We roast (and eventually warm up to) the new BMW i3 – from its controversial "Clingon sword" steering wheel and weird rear camera to the elongated kidneys, massive range potential, and hopes for an estate version.

Is this the grown-up Neue Klasse EV that finally wins over sceptics?

Is this the grown-up Neue Klasse EV that finally wins over Paul???

Plus: Zeekr 009 – boxy outside, stunning inside

BYD Seal 6 DM-i Touring PHEV – efficient but feels a bit dated

Rolls-Royce Spectre and rumours of ditching EVs (we're sceptical and not a little hopeful they don't)

And the big one: BYD's insane megawatt charging rollout in China – 1000 kW+, 9 minutes to 97%, thousands of stations already, and plans for Europe

Casual chat, honest opinions, and plenty of laughs about EV design, range anxiety, and where the industry is heading in 2026.

What do you think of the new BMW i3? Drop your thoughts below

⚡ 3 Minute Battery Swap?! Is this the future of EV charging?

In this episode of Ctrl Alt Refuel, we dive into one of the most controversial innovations in the electric vehicle world — battery swapping.

Forget waiting 30–60 minutes at a charger…

👉 What if your EV could be “refuelled” in just 3 minutes?

We take a look at how companies like NIO are rolling out battery swap stations across China and beyond — and whether this could finally solve the UK’s charging problem.

⸻

🚗 What we cover:

• How battery swapping actually works

• Is it faster than rapid charging?

• Could this work in the UK infrastructure?

• The real cost vs charging at home or public chargers

• Why China is leading the EV revolution

• Is this the end of traditional EV charging?

⸻

🇬🇧 Why this matters for UK drivers:

With rising EV adoption and charging concerns across the UK, battery swapping could be a game-changing solution — but is it realistic?

⸻

💬 We want your opinion:

👉 Would you use battery swapping instead of charging?

👉 Or is this just hype?

Drop your thoughts in the comments 👇

⸻

🔔 Don’t forget:

👍 Like the video

📺 Subscribe for more EV insights

🔔 Turn on notifications so you don’t miss future episodes

⸻

⚡ About Ctrl Alt Refuel:

Your go-to podcast for EV news, charging insights, and the future of transport.

From UK charging networks to global EV innovation — we break it all down.

The BYD Shark 6 is making serious waves… but why is everyone so shocked? 🤯⚡

In this episode of Ctrl Alt Refuel, we break down the brand new Chinese pickup that’s turning heads across the UK and beyond. 🇨🇳🚗

Is this the moment China takes the lead in the EV truck market?

From performance and tech to what it means for UK drivers, we dive into everything you need to know about the BYD Shark 6 — and why it could change the game.

👉 Is this the future of pickups?

👉 Should UK buyers be paying attention?

👉 And is the West already falling behind?

Watch now and decide for yourself…

⸻

🔥 What we cover

• BYD Shark 6 first look

• China’s EV dominance explained

• What this means for the UK market

• Performance, design & tech breakdown

• Is this better than Ford / Tesla alternatives?

⸻

⚡ Join the conversation

What do YOU think of the BYD Shark 6?

Would you buy one in the UK? 👇

⸻

📢 Follow Ctrl Alt Refuel

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Can your electric car really power your house? ⚡🏠

In this episode of Ctrl Alt Refuel, we break down whether an electric vehicle can power your home using Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) technology.

With rising UK energy costs and new EV charger grants, could your car become the biggest battery you own?

We explain:

⚡ What Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) actually is

⚡ How electric cars can power your home

⚡ Which EVs support bidirectional charging

⚡ UK EV charger grants explained

⚡ Whether this actually saves you money

Is this the future of home energy… or just hype?

Watch to find out 👀

👇 Let us know in the comments:

Would you power your house with your car?

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EV news, charging tech, and real-world electric car insights.

🚨 Are car companies really ditching electric after investing £44.5 billion?

Major manufacturers have poured £44.5 BILLION into EV development — but now we’re seeing delays, petrol extensions, hybrid pivots and production slowdowns.

So what’s really happening in the UK car market?

In this episode of Ctrl Alt Refuel, we break down:

⚡ Why some car makers are scaling back EV targets

⚡ The truth about UK EV demand in 2026

⚡ Are hybrids making a comeback?

⚡ Is government policy (ZEV mandate) forcing the issue?

⚡ What this means for drivers, fleets & the future of electric cars

Is this an EV slowdown… or just a reset?

With billions already invested in battery plants, electric platforms and UK charging infrastructure, this shift could reshape the entire automotive industry.

If you’re into:

Electric cars UK

EV news

Hybrid vs electric debate

UK car industry updates

Automotive business analysis

Charging infrastructure rollout

— this episode is for you.

👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments:

Are car companies overreacting… or is the EV market correcting itself?

⸻

🔔 Subscribe to Ctrl Alt Refuel for weekly UK-focused EV news, industry analysis and real-world electric car discussion.

🔥 Volvo EX30 fire recall? Ferrari EX2 electric rumours? And your biggest EV questions answered!

In this episode of Ctrl Alt Refuel, we tackle the latest headlines and dive into your viewer questions.

⚡ We break down:

• The Volvo EX30 fire recall — what actually happened and what it means for owners

• The rumours surrounding the Ferrari EX2 and Ferrari’s electric future

• Real-world EV charging costs in the UK

• Battery safety myths vs facts

• Range anxiety — still a thing in 2026?

• Home charging vs public charging

• What we’d buy right now

No scripts. No spin. Just straight answers to your EV questions.

If you’ve ever wondered whether electric cars are safe, affordable, or actually ready for everyday UK driving — this one’s for you.

👇 Drop your next question in the comments — we might feature it in the next Q&A episode.

👍 Like the video

🔔 Subscribe for weekly EV news, reviews & industry insight

⚡ Join the Ctrl Alt Refuel community

#VolvoEX30 #FerrariEX2 #EVNews #ElectricCarsUK #EVRecall #ElectricVehicle #CtrlAltRefuel

China has reportedly moved to ban certain electric / pop-out car door handles — and the move is sending shockwaves through the global automotive industry.

In this episode of CTRL ALT Refuel, we break down:

• Why China is targeting electric door handles

• The safety and reliability concerns behind the decision

• What this means for EV manufacturers worldwide

• How this impacts UK and European car buyers

• And what Toyota’s new CEO could do next with their EV strategy

With electric vehicles evolving rapidly, design choices like flush door handles, software integration, and electronic systems are under more scrutiny than ever. If major markets begin restricting certain features, it could reshape how future EVs are built.

We also discuss:

• EV safety standards

• Government regulation and automotive policy

• Toyota’s leadership change and future electrification plans

• The wider EV vs petrol & diesel debate

If you’re interested in electric cars, hybrid vehicles, automotive news, UK car industry updates, and honest EV discussions — this episode is for you.

👇 Let us know in the comments:

Should electric door handles be banned for safety reasons?

🔔 Subscribe for weekly UK automotive news & EV debates

🎙️ Podcast: CTRL ALT Refuel

📍 Covering electric, hybrid, petrol, diesel & hydrogen vehicles

No expense was spent to secure a chat with James Gee of Be.EV. And what a smashing chap he is.

Be-EV have acquired the UK arm of European charging behemoth Mer. In a stroke, Be-EV have tripled their charging network with a particular focus on the south of England, a region previously not well served by Be-EV.

Paul gets a bit giddy and turns the conversation to CHAdeMO, Chris asks very long questions and Gareth talks about places in Dorset. So, normal service has very much been resumed.

Do not adjust your set.

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@Tedisiek

@eV_Newt

@PaulNissanEV

@_james_gee_

&

Chris Petchelli

Viewer ‪@REV-EV‬ asks us to talk about very long range EVs. And we do for a while.

Like an ongoing soap opera where everybody misunderstands everyone else to further the weak plot, the Petchellis are keeping their salary sacrifice Genesis GV60 until the summer, when its lease ends. As we find out, not much coherent planning has gone into finding its replacement.

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Like an unexpected special forces unit taking your palace and stuffing you into a Blackhawk, Episode 13 of Ctrl Alt Refuel lands on the roof of your timeline, shrouded in acrid smoke.

Apparently immune to jet lag, Paul marshals his trusted lieutenants and rewards their loyalty with pictures of a new Honda that looks nice from the side, but mings when seen from the rear.

We discover that while Gareth and Paul were driving in the eighties, Chris was slurping his primary school milk in the playground.

We discuss the terrible Chinese EVs that Canada’s tariff change will allow into the United States’ favourite northern neighbour that isn’t Greenland and then we ponder on Tesla’s changes to the FSD offering.

We examine Octopus’s top 5 lease cars and why Petchelli has left Twitter, formerly known as Twitter.

Episode 12 is a feature-length offering because one of our team members is going away. Yes! Gareth is going as far as the Hampshire border!

We mourn the end of the F-150 Lightning and discuss EV pickups that will survive it: the Silverado and some Rivians. Dodge Ram? We forgot about it!

Waymoo is coming to London, and we hatch a plan to meet up and try them, though Gareth notes their I-PACE cars have only operated in dry places thus far - rainwater being Jaguar's kryptonite. Waymo have yet to return my calls. Perhaps it’s for the best.

Chris tells us some people ask him to stop talking – we suggest it’s Londoners and Scousers, who, Gareth reveals, live mostly in the New Forest now. Calm down!

Mentions:

@Rivian

@Tesla

@swearjar

@Waymo

@forduk

@NIOGlobal

@Hyundai_UK

@chevrolet

@TesCalendar1

and of course………. @NissanUK

Your home is at risk if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or other loan secured on it.

Objects in the mirror are closer than they appear.

May contain nuts.

You may experience a malodorous, reddish discharge. Seek medical advice if it persists.

Hannah deputises for Chris, who is unavoidably detained until his long-suffering partner pays the bond.

Gareth, Hannah and Paul press on regardless, discussing solar panels, home batteries and Octopus Energy's EV tariffs.

Chris' children shout poo poo.

Ctrl Alt Refuel Episode 10

Despite planning to ingest, digest and "expel" the week's news, Chris, Gareth and Paul discuss why Chris loves both Nick Clegg and Andy Burnham.

Sadly, we correctly predicted the pay-per-mile EV tax would be implemented in 2028 and we argue about it some more.

In Ford news, Puma EV sells out and Chris says the successor to the Focus should be called the Ford Elbow. We also know the difference between Ford Kuga and Cougar, which annoys Chris even more.

We discuss why Kia beats Ford in the UK and we solve the Gerry McGovern mystery. As usual, it was the caretaker in a mask! If it wasn't for you pesky kids etc etc.

Lastly, we examine the inevitable end of Zipcar and the rise of e-Bikes.

The ultimate old school confectionery, Wagon Wheels make their debut on Ctrl Alt Refuel.

We discuss fuels that might replace diesel with a lean towards heavy vehicles. Gareth’s cat steals the limelight again and we answer, in our own inimitable style, our first viewer question. Mostly.

We get our first viewer complaint from the Channel Islands.

• Episodes (Video versions)

Contact us: mailto:ctrlaltrefuel@gmail.com or comment on any of our content.

In Episode 8, the Ctrl Alt Refuel team bring you another slice of carrot cake that nobody asked for. Gareth and Paul flex by drinking beer while Chris is at work - he pretends not to notice. Gareth arrives late, while Chris applauds the US justice system nibbling at Toyota before his attention is drawn to an EV coach. The Ctrl Alt Refuel swear jar gets its first public outing (don't say the T word!) and Paul, dull as ever, wants to talk about cars - small cars.

I know. I KNOW! Caramel or Curly Wurly, right? Confused? You won't be after this episode of @CtrlAltRefuel .

Chris, Gareth and Paul attempt to dissect the rumours of EV-specific road pricing coming out of the UK's crappiest newspaper. They discuss how HM Treasury has arrived at this position and how much worse it's going to get.

Our new sponsor is in full, erm, flow and we play the first and last round of Where's Petchelli, where we pretend to care where Chris is. [Spoiler; Scotland]. In a dark turn, we get a grim insight into Chris’s Uncle Dave’s turbulent marriages.

Ctrl Alt Refuel: Episode 6. Back, despite unpopular demand, Chris, Gareth, and Paul peer into the murky world of used car dealers with a slant towards EVs. Paul babbles on about Nissans again and Chris can't decide whether he wants a new house, new car or both. Or even which car he wants.

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• Genesis GV60 Pure 2026 Review | The Best, ...

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Ctrl Alt Refuel Episode 5 is born. Just gas and air, none of that epidural nonsense here!

Guest Graeme Cobb takes us into Tesla World to see the new Standard Trim 3 and X and then delights us with his SEXY knobs, buttons and stalks. To bring us back down, he uses a terrible 90's taxi ride in a Vauxhall Astra as support/justification for Robotaxis.

• Episodes

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Welcome to Ctrl Alt Refuel Episode 4! The script said "We'll talk about Charging Hubs", but Gareth shoehorns his middle-class credentials into the episode by banging on about sourdough and Chris wants to discuss the finer points of Starbucks' toilet policies.

If you've been affected by anything in this program..... welcome to Paul's world.

@ctrlaltrefuel

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Ctrl Alt Refuel Episode 3.

Watch in disbelief as Chris, Gareth and Paul turn their inattention to EV Buyers, Tesla design and the Genesis Chav Ball.

Ctrl Alt Refuel Episode 2

Join Chris, Gareth and Paul as they ignore the week's news and discuss Tree Tunnels, a weird Italian scrappage scheme, the Ford Puma Gen-E and the travails of Jaguar Landrover.