258: It Depends on Context

By The Watt Car Staff — Feb. 19, 2026

Toyota’s big news involves the announcement of two new EVs, and neither overwhelm nor disappoint. We have the specs. We also have news on Ford’s new low-cost EV development, and everything looks good! In other news, the elimination of stop-start tech may lead to more hybrids, Chinese automakers may be getting closer to the U.S., and more.

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SHOW NOTES
Toyota Highlander EV debuts. Similar specs to bZ: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a70293168/2027-toyota-highlander-ev-revealed/

Toyota bZ Woodland: https://electrek.co/2026/02/17/toyota-reveals-2026-bz-woodland-prices-newest-electric-suv/

More details on Ford’s low-cost EV platform emerge: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a70390625/2028-ford-mid-size-electric-truck-details/

EPA “eliminates” auto stop/start: https://www.theautopian.com/the-epa-just-eliminated-automaker-benefits-for-stop-start-tech-heres-what-that-means-for-your-next-car/

Trump’s EPA revokes scientific finding that underpinned US fight against climate change 
https://apnews.com/live/trump-immigration-climate-change-2-12-2026

Volvo says new chassis architecture could enable a wagon comeback: https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/volvo-estates-could-return-new-platform-allows-proper-low-evs

Geely, BYD, VinFast eyeing takeover of Nissan/Mercedes plant in Mexico: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/12/seeking-mexico-foothold-chinas-byd-and-geely-bid-to-buy-car-plant.html

This week’s hosts: Phil Royle and Edward A. Sanchez
Episode art courtesy Toyota
Music courtesy Twisterium at Pixabay
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