Episode #49
Gas Cars Are Back — And EV Charging Is Getting Expensive
Gas-powered cars are NOT going away as fast as automakers once promised, and this week on The Drive with Lauren and Karl, we dig into why. Cadillac is delaying the end of several gas models, Honda is shifting the CR-V toward hybrids, Volkswagen is bringing back big gas-powered SUVs, and Audi is doubling down on large gasoline-powered SUVs. Meanwhile, EV charging costs are raising some serious questions about the claim that electric vehicles are always cheaper to operate. Lauren Fix and Karl Brauer break down what’s really happening in the automotive industry, including one EV charging mistake that cost a Chevrolet Bolt driver $414 to charge, why public fast charging can rival the cost of gasoline, and whether falling gas prices could completely change the EV cost equation. We also have some good news from California. Leno’s Law has passed the California legislature with overwhelming support, potentially eliminating annual emissions testing for 1976–1985 vehicles. But there are still restrictions attached that could limit how owners use these classic cars. Plus, Lauren and Karl explain the difference between start-stop technology and keyless start, reveal the longest-lasting vehicle brands according to a massive iSeeCars study covering nearly 395 million vehicles, and discuss the growing problem of rear-camera recalls affecting millions of vehicles on American roads. On this episode:Gas-powered cars are making a comebackEV charging costs vs. gasolineA $414 EV charging billLeno’s Law and California’s classic carsStart-stop vs. keyless startThe longest-lasting car brandsMillions of vehicles affected by rear-camera recalls The Drive with Lauren and Karl brings you automotive news, industry trends, new vehicles, technology, consumer issues and the stories that matter to drivers. Subscribe to The Drive Car Show for more automotive news and commentary from Lauren Fix and Karl Brauer. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay up to speed with The Drive! https://thedrivecarshow.com/ Follow us on social media: Join Lauren Fix and Karl Brauer for the ride—follow us on X and FB @thedrivecarshow Syndicated Radio show on both AM, FM and Podcast platforms. Follow Lauren Fix on: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CarCoachReports YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@car-smarts Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carcoachreports X: https://www.x.com/laurenfix FB: https://www.facebook.com/Car.Coach.Reports Website: https://carcoachreports.com/ Follow Karl Brauer on: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KarlBrauerCars Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karlbrauer X: https://x.com/karlbrauer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KarlonCars Website: https://www.karlbrauer.com/ #TheDrive #LaurenFix #KarlBrauer #carguys #CarPodcast #AutoNews #CarTalk #AutomotiveRadio #CarShow #CarReviews #News #AutoIndustry #CarCulture #AutomotiveNews #EV #ElectricVehicles #GasCars #LenosLaw #Toyota #Honda #CarNews ©Automotive Aspects, Inc., 2026. All Rights Reserved.
