Slate Daily Feed Slate Money - Christmas Adjacent Inciting Incident
Dec 20, 2025
Craig Trudell, Bloomberg's Global Automotive Editor, dives into the unraveling of the global electric vehicle market. He discusses the challenges facing Ford, including shifts in US policy and consumer hesitancy. The conversation shifts to an unexpected merger of Trump Media with a fusion company, examining the motivations behind this surprising alliance. Lastly, the hosts explore the booming business of Hallmark movie tours, dissecting the beloved formula that makes these films wildly popular during the holiday season.
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Policy Whiplash Hobbles U.S. EV Progress
- U.S. EV strategy has zig-zagged with administrations, undermining industry planning and investment.
- Craig Trudell says inconsistent regulation and policy swings hurt automakers' ability to scale EVs.
Rural Skepticism About Full EV Adoption
- Craig Trudell recalls rural Americans' skepticism about buying full EVs, favoring large pickups.
- Felix Salmon shares a friend with a Ford Lightning whose peers love the truck but aren't yet buying EVs broadly.
Extended-Range EVs As A Practical Bridge
- Extended-range EVs (E-REVs) could bridge consumer needs for range and towing in trucks.
- Craig Trudell notes the Volt-style approach may make EV tech more acceptable for American buyers of pickups and SUVs.