Electric cars are widely considered to be the future. They represent a more efficient and cleaner technology. However, transitioning to this future will be challenging.
Looking at the first half of 2025, while new electric vehicle models were released and charging infrastructure improved, the automotive industry faced headwinds from tariffs and the impending end of EV tax credits. This resulted in a mixed outcome.
Electric vehicle sales saw modest growth in the first half of the year, but the second quarter was disappointing. General Motors had a strong quarter, doubling its electric vehicle sales. However, Tesla, the leading EV manufacturer in the US, experienced a decline, which was not helped by the Cybertruck’s performance.
In the latest episode of The Plugged-In Podcast, Stephanie Valdez Streaty, director of industry insights at Cox Automotive, discusses the significant developments in the EV market so far this year. She and her co-host Suvrat Kothari examine the winners and losers, the factors hindering EV sales, and future prospects.
Experts generally agree that affordability is the key to wider EV adoption. Streaty said, “We need vehicles that are affordable that have that price parity with their ICE counterparts.” She believes that increased availability of such options will be a game-changer.
Also on the show, Suvrat Kothari and Stephanie Valdez Streaty recap recent mobility news, including Lucid’s partnership with Uber for autonomous SUVs, the concept of Tesla’s robotaxi, and updates on battery technology from GM, Panasonic, and Redwood Materials.
Listeners can find The Plugged-In Podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and other platforms. The show encourages listeners to subscribe and leave reviews, and welcomes questions about EVs, EV buying, and the future of transportation. For inquiries, contact Tim.Levin@InsideEVs.com.

I’m Rohan Mehta, the voice behind KhelRe—a trusted and steadily growing blog dedicated to electric vehicles (EVs) in India. With over five years of experience as a tech and automotive blogger, I turned my frustrations with owning an EV into a mission: to help others make more intelligent choices in this fast-evolving world of electric mobility.
I’ve been an early adopter of EV technology—I repurchased my first electric scooter in 2019. That experience opened my eyes to both the promises and the pitfalls of this new mode of transport. From slow charging times and range anxiety to misleading specs and hidden costs, I’ve faced it all. But instead of walking away, I decided to write about it.
That’s how KhelRe was born—a no-nonsense, hands-on blog where I share practical, real-world reviews of EV cars, bikes, and scooters. I break down features, range, performance, and pricing from a user-first perspective. I take pride in simplifying complex tech into clear, valuable insights—offering tips, ownership stories, and advice you won’t find in flashy press releases or sales brochures.
Whether you’re a first-time EV buyer or just a curious auto enthusiast, my goal is to help you navigate the EV landscape with confidence. My motto: “EV knowledge should come from experience, not just brochures.”
When I’m not test-driving the latest e-scooter or comparing charging networks, you’ll probably find me tinkering with my garage EV setup, chatting with fellow enthusiasts online, or sipping chai while writing my next blog post from a cosy local café.