The TechMobility Podcast

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! The tech cycle keeps turning—covering beige PCs to the early web, from must-have apps to autonomous hype—and now a surge of AI. We examine what actually works: a human-in-the-loop approach that shifts AI from just spraying out content to becoming a disciplined helper. I share my real workflow with multiple models and editors, how I ver...

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! Start with a trail-ready EV that looks unstoppable—then ask the tough questions about energy. We break down the Vanderhall Brawley GTS: quad motors, a climate-controlled cabin, and a 40 kWh pack promising 140 miles. It’s exciting on paper, but what happens when the temperature drops, the trail gets tough, and there’s no charger for day...

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! What happens when an EV startup drops paint, dealers, and traditional service—while a legacy brand doubles down on a rolling sanctuary with a 48-inch display and massage seats for every row? We explore Slate Auto’s bold low-cost truck strategy, the fine print of using independent shops for warranty repairs, and the real risks around tr...

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! In this episode of the TechMobility Podcast , Ken Chester connects the dots between design, powertrains, and autonomy across a rapidly shifting auto landscape. He opens with a look at Volvo’s new ES-90 , a sleek full-electric premium car aimed at drivers who are burned out on SUVs but still want space, comfort, and ground clearance. Bl...

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! This episode of the TechMobility Show travels across three big conversations shaping America’s future: rail, air, and agriculture—then lands on a stark warning about digital surveillance at home. Ken opens with a deep dive into Amtrak’s resurgence , highlighting the railroad’s record-setting ridership, rising revenues, and long-overdue...

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! Power bills, car payments, and grocery expenses don’t happen in isolation—they’re connected to choices about energy, vehicles, buildings, and the technology we use to operate them. We connect these threads to show how reliability, cost, and carbon influence everyday decisions, from the kilowatts that keep cities powered to the monthly...

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! The Arctic isn’t just ice and maps—it’s a test of national power and supply chains. We start with a candid look at the global icebreaker gap: Russia’s eight nuclear heavy ships, China’s expanding fleet, and a U.S. plan focused on medium icebreakers that may struggle through four-foot ice. We examine what mediums can handle well, why he...

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! What happens when EVs finally offer real range and value, nuclear power receives a major vote of confidence, and trucking prepares for its biggest shakeup in years? We connect the dots between cars, kilowatts, and cargo to show how these shifts collide at the checkout line and on your dashboard. From Chevy’s sub-$35K Equinox EV and a 4...

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! The future rarely moves in a straight line—and this week’s episode proves it. We explore four stories that reveal how technology, markets, and human behavior collide in unexpected ways. We begin with GM’s sudden decision to halt the Chevrolet BrightDrop EV vans , just as fleet upfitters and RV manufacturers were getting onboard. We exa...

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! A familiar automotive nameplate gets a bold update. We start with Toyota’s plan to make the Corolla impossible to ignore: a low, wide, sporty design paired with a platform capable of supporting gasoline, hybrid, battery electric, or hydrogen powertrains. Instead of relying on a single future, Toyota is designing for many—shrinking engi...

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! The headlines claim car buyers don’t want EVs, yet Mercedes just approved a fully electric CLA and a flexible platform to support hybrids and gas models as well. We explain why platform strategy—not hype—determines winners: amortized R&D, quicker model updates, and the ability to meet demand without risking the entire company on on...

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! A phone manufacturer building your next “American” EV might seem crazy—until you see the plan. We explain how Foxconn shifted from making iPhones to building electric cars, why rebadging through a U.S. automaker could unlock scale, and how tariffs, incentives, and dealer networks influence what actually ends up in your driveway. The pa...

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! A $200 belt buckle for your Ford F-150 key fob, police cruisers going electric, and oil prices refusing to sit still—this isn’t noise, it’s a map of how mobility really changes. We open with Ford’s limited-run “Truckle,” a handcrafted buckle that holds your key fob in plain sight. It’s clever and clearly a brand flex, but we question t...

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! While a luxury sedan bids farewell, the bigger story is how mobility continues to evolve.  The departure of the Lexus LS Heritage Edition marks the end of the original model line that set new standards for quality and service.  Next, we ask a key question: can legacy brands still craft designs that inspire, while new competitors raise...

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! What if an electric SUV could accelerate like a supercar, hit the road like a gas guzzler, and charge 200 miles in roughly 11 minutes? We explore Lucid Gravity’s engineering choices—high-voltage architecture, ultra-efficient motors, and a smart route to Supercharger access—that turn range anxiety into range confidence. Along the way, w...

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! What if being “late” saved you billions—but cost you the future? We examine Stellantis’ decision to cancel the pure-electric Ram 1500 and explore the larger question behind it: whether pausing EV investments during a downturn preserves cash or erodes the expertise needed to succeed later. From GM’s Ultium investment to Nissan’s early l...

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! What happens when the auto supply chain starts to wobble, a family SUV hits most of the right notes, and a startup promises a personal Level 4 robocar you can actually own? We connect the dots between factory floors, dealer lots, and your driveway to map out what’s next—and what to avoid. We begin with a clear look at supplier stress:...

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! Think the Camaro name can’t live on as an EV crossover? Let’s test that idea. We explore why legacy coupes struggle financially, how Ford’s Mach‑E shifted the market, and why GM’s Ultium platform—and Chevrolet's Blazer SS EV running gear—could make a performance-focused Camaro revival more than just a rumor. Instant torque, AWD gr...

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! Think the back seat is the safest spot in a crash? New IIHS testing challenges that idea, and we examine why rear-seat protection in many newer vehicles still lags behind that of the front. We highlight which models earned top marks, why small and midsize SUVs exceeded expectations, and why minivans—despite their family-friendly image—...

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! The automotive landscape is changing underneath us, and this week's show explores three transformative stories that are reshaping how we view transportation and climate change. I begin with my heartfelt lament for Nissan's decision to discontinue the Ariya EV—a vehicle I found truly impressive during my test drive. While Niss...

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! The automotive industry's long-term strategic vision takes center stage in this episode as we examine Rivian's bold move to begin construction on its manufacturing plant in Georgia. Despite current market hesitation around EVs, Rivian is doubling down with a facility scheduled to open in 2028. Why commit billions when consume...

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! The automotive world never stops evolving, and this week we're tracking three fascinating developments that impact everything from your daily commute to your online shopping habits. Remember the Smart car? That tiny "pregnant roller skate" that briefly captured America's imagination is making a surprising comeback—t...

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! The automotive landscape is experiencing a seismic shift as traditional manufacturers pivot while new mobility solutions gain undeniable traction. At the forefront of this evolution stands Jeep's strategic revival of the Cherokee, a model whose absence devastated dealer profits and slashed Stellantis' market share from 12.5%...

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! Technological innovation often emerges from unexpected partnerships and overlooked opportunities—a theme that runs throughout today’s exploration of evolving infrastructure. The Automotive Industry: Hyundai and GM’s surprising partnership to create an electric commercial van illustrates how even fierce rivals are rethinking competition...

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! Key topics in this episode include the transformation of church real estate into affordable housing, an in-depth review of the INEOS Grenadier Quartermaster pickup truck, advances in EV battery recycling, and the cybersecurity implications of software-defined vehicles. Church Real Estate Transformed Many aging churches with dwindling c...