Why some blue states are shunning robotaxis, and how sodium ion batteries can overcome weight constraints

Why some blue states are shunning robotaxis, and how sodium ion batteries can overcome weight constraints

Author: Automotive News August 30, 2026 Duration: 20:37
David Bell, co-founder of Emerald Battery Labs, joins Hannah Lutz, assistant managing editor of content at Automotive News, on the “Shift” podcast. Bell talks about how sodium ion batteries rely on a plentiful feedstock available in the U.S., but their weight is an impediment to widespread adoption for vehicles. They are a natural fit, however, for another use case: energy storage. Lutz and Molly Boigon, tech and innovation reporter, also discuss why liberal states outside of California are r...

Shift: A podcast about mobility cuts through the hype surrounding the future of transportation. Hosted by Automotive News tech and innovation lead Pete Bigelow, each episode digs into the practical realities behind the headlines-from electric vehicles and autonomous driving to shifting ownership models and supply chain revolutions. Pete brings the authority of the industry's leading publication while maintaining a balanced, inquisitive tone, equally enthusiastic about potential and clear-eyed about pitfalls. This isn't just speculation; it's grounded analysis for professionals and curious observers who want to understand the actual forces reshaping how we move. The conversations go beyond mere announcements, examining the business strategies, technological hurdles, and societal impacts that will define the next era. As a production of Automotive News, this podcast offers direct access to the reporters and thinkers at the center of this transformation. Tune in for a nuanced exploration where optimism meets healthy skepticism, providing a essential guide to the complex world of modern mobility.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Shift: A podcast about mobility
Podcast Episodes
Gary Shapiro: Tariffs are diverting attention from innovation at CES [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:26
Gary Shaprio, CEO of the Consumer Technology Association, joins Automotive News reporter Molly Boigon on the “Shift” podcast to talk about how companies will be discussing trade policy, tariffs and manufacturing location…
Itay Michaeli: Autonomous vehicles will gain traction at CES [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:00
Itay Michaeli, senior U.S. automobile analyst at TD Cowen, joins Automotive News reporter Molly Boigon on the “Shift” podcast to talk about how industry experts increasingly feel that the arrival of autonomous vehicles i…
RJ Scaringe Part 2: Rivian is betting on autonomy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:32
RJ Scaringe, Rivian’s CEO, joins Automotive News reporter Laurence Iliff on the “Shift” podcast to talk about how the automaker is spending more on R&D for autonomy than in any other area. He also explains why the compan…
RJ Scaringe Part 1: How Rivian is navigating tariff impacts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:47
RJ Scaringe, Rivian’s CEO, joins Automotive News reporter Laurence Iliff on the “Shift” podcast to talk about how Rivian reduced its tariff impacts from thousands of dollars to the “low hundreds of dollars” per vehicle.…