The 5 Best EVs We Drove In 2025 + Ford Kills The F-150 Lightning | InsideEVs Podcast Ep54

From InsideEVs.

This week, we recognize the very best EVs of 2025. The InsideEVs Breakthrough Awards just dropped, and we discuss the pros and cons of each Editors’ Choice pick: the Cadillac Optiq, Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Lucid Gravity and Nissan Leaf.

Plus we debate Ford’s epic EV strategy shift. Was cancelling the F-150 Lightning a good idea? And Patrick recaps his drive in the Mercedes-Benz CLA, one of the hottest EVs launching soon.

Read all out Breakthrough Awards stories here:

Cadillac Optiq: https://insideevs.com/features/781838/cadillac-optiq-luxury-value-breakthrough-finalist/

Tesla Model Y: https://insideevs.com/features/782023/tesla-model-y-2025-breaktrhough/

Lucid Gravity: https://insideevs.com/features/782036/lucid-gravity-breakthrough-awards-2026/

Hyundai Ioniq 5: https://insideevs.com/features/781195/hyundai-ioniq-5-breakthrough-awards/

Nissan Leaf: https://insideevs.com/features/781873/nissan-leaf-breakthrough-ev-of-the-year/

00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdotes
05:40 Ford’s Major Shift in EV Strategy
18:19 Mercedes-Benz CLA: A New Contender
22:05 Breakthrough Awards Overview
27:34 The Allure of Atmos Sound in Cars
29:31 Cadillac’s Electric Evolution: The Optic Experience
32:11 Tesla Model Y: The Benchmark of Electric Vehicles
41:28 Hyundai IONIQ 5: A Strong Contender
49:14 Lucid Gravity: A Mixed Bag of Impressions
53:12 The Minivan Debate: Embracing Practicality
54:49 Software Issues and Driving Experience
56:09 The Winner Announcement: Nissan Leaf Triumphs
57:44 Nissan Leaf: A Third Generation EV Success
01:01:03 Driving Impressions: Fun and Affordability
01:03:30 Technology and Features: A Mixed Bag
01:06:29 Market Presence and Future Prospects
01:09:34 Plus/Minus

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