All The Switches
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In this compelling episode of Wheel Bearings, hosts Sam Abuel-Samage, Nicole Wakeland, and Roberto Baldwin open with humorous tales of travel chaos—Sam’s flight diversion to Grand Junction and a harrowing crosswind landing—using these experiences to underscore the importance of embracing life’s unpredictability. The conversation transitions into a detailed vehicle review, where Nicole praises the 2026 Chevy Equinox EV for its 315-mile range, comfort, and value, despite lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, thanks to robust Google Assistant integration. Sam shares his delight with the 2025 Mazda Miata 35th Anniversary Edition, celebrating its timeless driving dynamics and unique finish. The hosts explore broader industry trends, including Mercedes-Benz’s powerful plug-in hybrids, Ford’s leadership instability following Doug Field’s departure, and Nissan’s quirky e-Power Rogue and Juke EV. The episode deepens with critical insights into safety and manufacturing, spotlighting the NTSB’s urgent recommendations on hands-free automation—such as mandatory emergency braking and driver monitoring—after fatal Mach-E crashes, and the backlash against Stellantis’ failed plan to assemble Leap Motor EVs in Brampton from knockdown kits, which would have created only 200–300 jobs versus the 3,000 from true manufacturing. Exclusive interviews with Jennifer Morrison of Mazda and Rob Whitley of Lucid reveal Mazda’s proactive safety strategy, earning eight IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus awards, and Lucid’s strategic push with the Gravity SUV—launched with a World Car Award, offering 3.4-second 0-60 acceleration, 400 kW fast charging, and a starting price under $50,000. The final segment highlights Lucid’s growing market potential, emphasizing real-world benefits like $10,000 in fuel savings over five years, 200-mile charge in 11 minutes, and the convenience of charging via standard 120V outlets, making EV ownership accessible without expensive home infrastructure. The Gravity’s spacious, elegant design and practicality—fitting a refrigerator when seats are folded—position it as a holistic alternative to luxury ICE vehicles like the Mercedes GLS and BMW X7.
EV range anxiety is largely outdated—most drivers travel under 300 miles weekly and can charge at home, making daily EV use highly practical.
Lucid’s Gravity SUV is a game-changer in the luxury EV market, offering top-tier efficiency, 400 kW fast charging (200 miles in 11 minutes), and up to $10,000 in fuel savings over five years.
Mazda’s proactive safety strategy—driven by real-world crash data and early adoption of blind spot monitoring and traffic sign recognition—has earned eight IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus awards.
Stellantis’ failed Brampton EV plan highlights the risks of low-impact, knockdown-kit manufacturing; true local production is essential for meaningful job creation and industrial credibility.
NTSB safety recommendations for hands-free automation—such as mandatory emergency braking and driver monitoring—are repeatedly ignored by NHTSA, underscoring a critical gap in regulatory action.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Travel Nightmares & the Art of Living in the Moment
“You might die on any given day, you know, out walking your dog or going to the grocery store. So I mean it's just another – we're all going to die eventually. So basically welcome to Wheelbearings where we remind you all the horrible ways you could die in your day-to-day. No one lives forever. Welcome to Wheelbearings Podcast. That just means that you've got to live every day for – As if it's the last because you never know.”
Chevy Equinox EV: Value, Range, and the CarPlay Dilemma
Nicole reviews the 2026 Chevy Equinox EV, praising its 315-mile range, comfortable ride, and well-designed interior—especially the iridescent blue accents. She addresses the lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but argues that Google Assistant integration and route syncing via Google Maps make it a non-issue. She concludes that it’s a solid, affordable EV with no major drawbacks.
Honda Pilot Elite & Mazda Miata 35th Anniversary: Family & Fun
Nicole shares her experience with the 2026 Honda Pilot Elite, highlighting its spacious interior, smooth ride, and excellent 360-degree camera system—ideal for families. Sam then discusses the 2025 Mazda Miata 35th Anniversary Edition, celebrating its Artisan Red Metallic finish, nimble handling, and timeless driving feel, though he notes it’s not suitable for taller drivers.
Mercedes-Benz, Ford, and the Future of Electrification
“When you look at the way Hyundai operates where everyone's like, this is the plan. This is what we're going to do. And then they focus and stick to that plan. And then you look at Ford. We're like, eh. Ford is me in my college years. Like, I should do this homework. I should do this thing. I should do this. You know what? The only caveat I put to it is, you know, the industry is so messed up right now trying to decide what to make and the whole push for EVs and not a push for EVs.”
Honda's E-NY1: A Cursed EV Exit
“It's the bad Honda. It had all the traits that we disliked about the original BZ4X, like taking 45 minutes to charge from 10% to 80% on a DC charger.”
“When you look at the way Hyundai operates where everyone's like, this is the plan. This is what we're going to do. And then they focus and stick to that plan. And then you look at Ford. We're like, eh. Ford is me in my college years. Like, I should do this homework. I should do this thing. I should do this. You know what? The only caveat I put to it is, you know, the industry is so messed up right now trying to decide what to make and the whole push for EVs and not a push for EVs.”
“You might die on any given day, you know, out walking your dog or going to the grocery store. So I mean it's just another – we're all going to die eventually. So basically welcome to Wheelbearings where we remind you all the horrible ways you could die in your day-to-day. No one lives forever. Welcome to Wheelbearings Podcast. That just means that you've got to live every day for – As if it's the last because you never know.”
“It's the bad Honda. It had all the traits that we disliked about the original BZ4X, like taking 45 minutes to charge from 10% to 80% on a DC charger.”
Hosts
Guests
Nicole Wakeland
person
Ford
brand
Sam Abuel-Samage
person
Roberto Baldwin
person
Leucid
brand
Chevy Equinox EV
other
Mazda
organization
Honda Pilot
other
Lucid Motors
organization
Mazda Miata
other
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