[NEWS] DriveItAway and Free2Move, a Stellantis subsidiary, have teamed up to launch a new flexible subscription model that’s turning dealerships into true mobility centers. This genius setup lets younger buyers and credit-challenged customers test-drive EVs and other cars long-term, making commitment as easy as swiping right. Dealerships are loving it, churning out their own used car inventory and raking in new revenue with zero hassle. The digital platform’s smoother than a Sunday drive, streamlining the whole process. Aimed at 18-34 year-olds who’d rather subscribe than buy, this partnership’s got the auto world buzzing. Tune in to hear how John Possumato, CEO of DriveItAway and Benjamin Maillard, Managing Director of Free2Move North America are rewriting the rules of personal mobility with this groundbreaking new partnership!

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This episode is sponsored by DriveItAway. If you’re a franchise dealer, you can now launch a profitable (and scalable) micro-lease to own program with zero upfront costs, to transform your unsold inventory into monthly revenue, effortlessly. And if you want to support DriveItAway’s mission directly, check out their stock on the OTC markets, "DWAY." Learn more at driveitway.com/dealers

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Connect with Elena:

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/

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Connect with John Possumato on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnpossumato/

Connect with Benjamin Maillard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maillardbenjamin/

Joe Overby, Senior Editor of Auto Remarketing and a man who probably dreams in auctioneer's chant is on the show today to talk about a 20% spike in EV auction sales this April. Seems like Tesla’s strutting its stuff like the prom king of EVs. But will other automakers crash the party? We’re betting on some serious plot twists. Joe also dishes on how dealers can tame the wild beast of EV price volatility (hint: more leasing options, because who doesn’t love a low-commitment fling with a shiny new EV?). Plus, we throw some love at the upcoming Canada’s Used Car Week and Used Car Week in Vegas. NOTE: the song at the end actually *slaps* plus, the headshot in question is in the episode cover art. Fair warning: this one's a gem, you can thank me later.

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Read Joe's full article here: https://www.autoremarketing.com/ar/wholesale/ev-sales-at-auction-beat-prior-record-set-one-month-earlier-by-20/

Register for Canada Used Car Week: https://canada.usedcarweek.biz/

Submit your speaker proposal for Used Car Week in Vegas: https://usedcarweek.biz/call-for-speakers/

Connect with Joe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-overby/

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Connect with Elena:

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/

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It's been a crazy busy week! First, we mourn the Dodge Charger Daytona R/T, canceled for 2026 after a lackluster sales run, proving muscle car fans aren’t ready to ditch their V8s. Then, GM steals the spotlight with its game-changing LMR battery tech, promising longer ranges and safer EVs by the decade’s end. Finally, Toyota’s 2026 bZ Woodland SUV rolls in with rugged charm, 375 horsepower, and off-road swagger, ready to conquer the trails.

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The snippet at the end of this episode is a clip of a Morgan Jay comedy show. And no, he didn't interview me : ) I can't sing my way out of a paper bag.

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Connect with Elena:

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/

Let's talk on X:

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Kendall Cody, Director of Marketing and Communications at WeaveGrid is on the show today to talk about WeaveGrid’s EV Driver Program, where your EV can help you score major savings while charging at home. Kendall spills all the tea on how their platform turns EV drivers and utilities into the ultimate power couple: WeaveGrid's automatic Smart Charging technology helps cut charging costs smoother than a Tesla in Ludicrous Mode, while Fort Knox-level data security keeps your info on lockdown. We’ll also explore WeaveGrid’s collaborations with major automakers as well as some other pro tips for budget-friendly EV charging. If you drive an EV, this is a must listen!

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This episode is sponsored by WeaveGrid. WeaveGrid works with utilities, automakers, EVSEs, and EV owners to enable and accelerate the electrification of transportation. Using machine learning, optimization, and predictive analytics, our software solution solves several EV-grid integration challenges for utilities in a systems-oriented manner; helps integrate renewable energy resources on the grid; and saves utility customers money on their bills. Learn more at https://www.weavegrid.com/

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Connect with Elena:

https://evs4everyone.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/

Let's talk on X:

https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryone

Are you connected with the show on LinkedIn?

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/

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Connect with Kendall Cody on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendall-cody/

No, I don't have a Real ID (and I won't be getting one anytime soon). In other news, Tesla attempted to trademark "Robotaxi" but gets rejected by the U.S. Patent Office, leaving fans on X suggesting names like "Roxi" for the futuristic ride. Then, Ford Motor Company raises prices on its Mexico-made models by up to $2,000, blaming Trump’s tariffs in a move that’s spicier than a Chick-fil-a spicy chicken sandwich. Meanwhile, Foxconn strikes a landmark deal to build EVs for Mitsubishi, forming an interesting partnership that could shake up the industry.

Hey, you wanna babysit Bear next week? Let me know 🤣

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Have an idea for an episode or want to be a FEATURED GUEST on the show? Send me an email at elena@evs4everyone.com

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Connect with Elena:

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https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/

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Melinda Zabritski, Head of Automotive Finance Insights at Experian, is back on the show today to talk about how EV leasing has surged to 58% in Q1 of 2025, with stars like the Tesla Model Y, Model 3, and (surprisingly) the Honda Prologue leading the pack. According to the latest Experian data, leasing saves approximately $226 per month over loans thanks to incentives, but we all know federal tax credits might fade, which will most likely shake up adoption in the U.S. this year. Also, be on the look out for a wave of lease returns from 24-month EV leases, flooding the market with a bunch of pre-loved rides.

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Check out Experian's EV Resource Page for all things electric vehicle data:

https://www.experian.com/automotive/ev-resource-center?cmpid=EVS_for_Everyone

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This episode is sponsored by Experian. Experian is a global data and technology company, powering opportunities for people and businesses around the world. Experian helps to redefine lending practices, uncover and prevent fraud, simplify healthcare, deliver digital marketing solutions, and gain deeper insights into the automotive market, all using their unique combination of data, analytics and software. Learn more at https://www.experian.com/automotive/ev-resource-center?cmpid=EVS_for_Everyone

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Connect with Elena:

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/

Let's talk on X:

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https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/

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Connect with Melinda on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melinda-zabritski-3951834/

Buckle up for today’s wild ride with Michael Dunne, where we dive into the automotive world’s plot twist of the century. Chinese automakers are zooming into markets like Mexico faster than you can say, "Cinco de Mayo" and guess who’s accidentally handing them the keys? GM, outsourcing Chevy production to Chinese partners like it’s a global game of hot potato. We unpacked the high-stakes drama for American carmakers, who are skidding in the global EV race while China’s out here flexing its EV production, battery tech, and market swagger. This episode spills ALL the tea on why legacy automakers are sweating—think sky-high costs, very little battery game, and dealerships that are STILL having trouble selling EVs. Michael also shares his hot take on Slate Auto, the new kid on the block promising wallet-friendly EVs made in the U.S., potentially sparking a domestic EV revolution and battery supply chain glow-up. Plus, listen until the end where we played a game of "Fund It or Dump It" - a totally nonsensical game where Michael acts as a VC and tells me if any of my outrageous EV start-up ideas are any good.

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Michael's article: https://newsletter.dunneinsights.com/p/how-gm-led-a-parade-of-chinese-automakers

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Connect with Elena:

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Let's talk on X:

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Are you connected with the show on LinkedIn?

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/

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Follow Michael Dunne on X: https://x.com/dunne_insights

Subscribe to Michael's newsletter: https://newsletter.dunneinsights.com/

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-dunne-a696901a

Subscribe to the Driving With Dunne Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/driving-with-dunne/id1510140333

These voice memos are starting to feel more and more like The Fast and the Furious: nobody knows the plot, but it’s loud and it keeps coming back. Slate Auto is shaking things up with a sub-$25,000 electric pickup truck, built in a repurposed Indiana printing plant, aiming to be the budget king of EVs. Meanwhile, Waymo and Toyota are flirting with a partnership to bring self-driving tech to robotaxis and maybe even your next Corolla, but the deal’s still playing coy.

And always remember. A crush is for a time of prosperity.

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Meet me at ASOTU CON on May 14th! https://www.asotucon.com/speaker/elena-ciccotelli

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Wanna be a featured guest on the show? Email me elena@evs4everyone.com

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Connect with Elena:

https://evs4everyone.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/

Let's talk on X:

https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryone

Are you connected with the show on LinkedIn?

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/

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