Rivian Launches RAD, BYD EV Efficiency Rivals Lucid, Tesla Megawatt: TWC Podcast 260
By Phil Royle — March 5, 2026
Rivian launches RAD, its Rivian Adventure Department. On this week’s podcast, we try to determine whether we’ve gone crazy, because we thought Rivian was an adventure brand this whole time. Other topics on this week’s episode include whether BYD’s efficiency is catching Lucid, if VinFast’s next brand is too good for itself, whether Tesla’s megawatt charging is a game changer, plus more!
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SHOW NOTES
BYD brand Denza claims longest-range EV: https://electrek.co/2026/02/27/byds-new-luxury-ev-has-worlds-longest-range-at-1036-km/
VinFast launches Lac Hong upscale brand: https://www.electrive.com/2026/03/03/vinfast-formalises-lac-hong-ultra-luxury-car-brand-reveals-two-new-models/
Rivian launches Rivian Adventure Department (RAD): https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a70540244/rivian-rad-division-revealed/
Bill in Washington State would give Rivian and Lucid same status as Tesla: https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/03/02/for-rivian-and-lucid-path-finally-emerges-for-direct-to-consumer-car-sales/
Tesla announces major expansion of Megacharger network: https://insideevs.com/news/788598/tesla-megawatt-charger-rollout-us/
Tesla regains market share in Europe in February, still below historical benchmarks: https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/tesla-gains-market-france-norway-february-2026-03-02/
BGR rounds up top 5 EVs sold in U.S. with lowest costs of maintenance: https://www.bgr.com/2109932/electric-vehicles-cheapest-maintenance/
This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. Sanchez
Episode art courtesy Rivian
Music courtesy Twisterium at Pixabay
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