Auto Intelligence (AI)
Auto Intelligence is the definitive automotive industry podcast that delivers sharp takes and authoritative insights every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Hosted by Steve and Claire from the Auto Agentic team, this show breaks down the most consequential developments shaping the future of mobility.
Whether you're enjoying your morning coffee or catching up during your commute, Auto Intelligence provides the perfect blend of deep industry expertise and engaging conversation. Each episode features data-driven analysis, expert perspectives, and forward-looking insights on everything from electric vehicles and autonomous driving to dealership operations and consumer trends.
Our hosts bring complementary viewpoints to every topic—Steve with his technical expertise and market analysis, and Claire with her consumer-focused insights and strategic perspective. Together, they make even the most complex automotive topics accessible and engaging.
Auto Intelligence isn't just about reporting industry news—it's about understanding the forces driving transformation, identifying emerging opportunities, and helping listeners stay ahead of the curve in an industry experiencing unprecedented change.
Subscribe now to join thousands of automotive professionals, enthusiasts, and industry leaders who trust Auto Intelligence to keep them informed, inspired, and prepared for what's next in the automotive world.
New episodes drop every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday wherever you get your podcasts.
Auto Intelligence is brought to you by Auto Agentic, a pioneering AI-driven platform transforming automotive retail. Learn more at autoagentic.ai.
Auto Intelligence (AI)
The Battery Revolution: Beyond Lithium-Ion
A Deep Dive into Next-Generation Energy Storage
As electric vehicle adoption accelerates and supply chain vulnerabilities become critical strategic concerns, a fierce technological race has emerged between solid-state, sodium-ion, and advanced manufacturing innovations that will reshape the automotive landscape.
The Lithium-Ion Plateau and China's Strategic Dominance
Current lithium-ion technology is approaching theoretical energy density limits while China maintains control over 60% of global battery production capacity, creating both technological and geopolitical imperatives for innovation.
Solid-State Breakthroughs: From Lab to Road
The most significant developments in 2025 have validated solid-state batteries as commercially viable. Stellantis and Factorial Energy achieved a major milestone in April 2025, successfully validating automotive-sized solid-state battery cells with 375 Wh/kg energy density that can fast charge from 15% to 90% in just 18 minutes while operating in extreme temperatures from -30°C to 45°C.
Mercedes-Benz made history in February 2025 when their engineers, collaborating with Factorial, brought the first car powered by a lithium-metal solid-state battery to public roads. Meanwhile, Toyota's partnership with Idemitsu Kosan continues advancing solid-state commercialization, while QuantumScape completed installation of their revolutionary "Cobra" heat treatment system in December 2024, achieving 844 Wh/L energy density with 12.2-minute fast-charging capabilities.
Sodium-Ion: The Abundant Alternative
Sodium-ion technology offers a compelling alternative focused on supply chain independence and cost reduction. With sodium being approximately 1,000 times more abundant than lithium, these batteries promise 20-30% cost advantages over lithium-based alternatives while eliminating dependence on geopolitically sensitive supply chains.
Manufacturing Revolution and Economic Transformation
Tesla's 2019 acquisition of Maxwell Technologies brought dry electrode processing technology that's now being adopted globally by companies including Panasonic, LG, and CATL. This manufacturing innovation dramatically reduces factory footprint and energy consumption while improving production economics.
Safety Innovations and Fast-Charging Breakthroughs
BYD's Blade Battery has set new safety standards by passing the rigorous nail penetration test using lithium iron phosphate chemistry in a unique form factor. University of Waterloo researchers achieved remarkable fast-charging capabilities, developing architectures that enable 0-80% charging in under 15
About Auto Agentic:
Auto Agentic (www.autoagentic.ai) is pioneering AI-driven solutions transforming automotive retail. Founded in 2024, we deliver intelligent, adaptive solutions designed to help dealerships streamline operations, optimize sales performance, and elevate customer experience. With a focus on ethical AI, seamless integrations, and real-time insights, Auto Agentic empowers dealership teams—never replaces them—unlocking new levels of productivity and profitability.
Our suite of intelligent agents handles everything from lead nurturing and inventory optimization to service appointment management and customer follow-ups. By using AI to replace time-consuming tasks and augmenting decision-making with advanced analytics, Auto Agentic helps dealerships stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
Available on all major podcast platforms. New episodes every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.