Everything Electric Podcast — “Making Sense of 2026: Tr*mp? Tech? China? & The Rise of the Robots!”
The Fully Charged Show
January 26, 2026
Host: Robert Llewellyn
Guest: Dan Caesar (CEO, Fully Charged Show)

Episode Overview

In this episode, Robert Llewellyn and Dan Caesar reconnect after a few months apart to dissect the shifting landscape of global politics, technology, and sustainability in 2026. They tackle the disruptive impact of the current US administration (avoiding the former president’s name for algorithmic reasons), the changing role of China amid global chaos, the evolution of electric vehicles, renewables, energy storage tech, and the rapid emergence of robots and AI. Their trademark banter, wit, and candid insights offer a rich, nuanced reflection on the intersection of world affairs and the evolving world of clean energy and transport.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Disruptive US Political Landscape

Timestamps: 04:05–10:54

• The return of Trump has caused significant unease globally, with a shift away from the rules-based order to a more chaotic environment.
  • Dan Caesar: “He is a great disruptor. Not of the positive variety.” (05:28)
  • Discussion about Trump’s disinformation, market manipulation, and rollback on EV tech/incentives.
• The direct impact on EV sales — particularly in North America, where policy reversals have even affected Canada’s momentum.
  • Dan Caesar: “EV sales were down 40% in Canada … they just let their rebates and their support for EVs lapse in a bigger environment in North America where America was sort of rolling back.” (11:18)
• American digital hegemony and platform censorship became especially noticeable, with US-based algorithms suppressing certain content about their own politics.
  • Dan Caesar: “I noticed that if you mention his name... it actually suppresses content on YouTube and on other algorithmic platforms.” (04:52)
  • Dan Caesar: “All those platforms are American … actually everything we’re seeing is served through an American lens, an American filter. And I think it’s highly ironic...” (17:13)
• The global reaction: Many countries are now more actively asserting independence from US influence.

2. China’s Growing Stability and Role in Clean Tech

Timestamps: 06:34–15:50

• Trump (referred to obliquely) makes a false claim about China’s wind turbines, but in fact China leads the world in renewables, batteries, and EV technology.
  • Robert Llewellyn: “China’s got by far and away most [wind turbines] of anywhere else on the planet.” (06:37)
• UK and Canadian tilt towards Chinese-made EVs: Imports and diplomatic moves thawing cold relations.
  • The UK's PM and Mark Carney both preparing for closer economic ties with China.
• Robert Llewellyn describes feeling safer and more welcomed in China than in the US.
  • “Not for one moment did I have any fear or anxiety. It was the most peaceful, orderly, safe environment... I felt less under threat [in Shanghai] than anywhere.” (13:58)
• Recognition that China is now seen by many as “benign” compared to the unpredictable disorder dominating Western news.

3. Electric Vehicle Market Realities in 2026

Timestamps: 11:18–16:48

• Market confusion and regression in North America due to policy setbacks, favoring hybrids over pure EVs.
  • UK has about 160 EV models vs. far fewer in the US (15:31)
• Chinese, Korean, and European EV manufacturers making huge strides — US is missing out.
  • Dan Caesar: “Americans could see [Chinese brands at the Las Vegas CES], and they were very, very busy.” (16:22)
• Robert Llewellyn laments that US YouTube comments are almost always: “I wish we could have these.”

4. Social Media, Information Silos & Tech Nationalism

Timestamps: 17:01–20:15

• Platforms like YouTube, Twitter/X, Instagram, LinkedIn: All American, and critical voices face algorithmic suppression.
• Brief mention of new Europe-based social networks as alternatives to the US-dominated digital space.
  • Dan Caesar: “I think that’s what it is. Europe really needs to get in the game with this sort of stuff.” (19:36)

5. Technology Deep-Dive: From Hydrogen Skepticism to Home Batteries

Timestamps: 21:01–31:08

• Hydrogen Transport: Both hosts reiterate their long-held skepticism; the market for hydrogen vehicles hasn’t materialized.
  • Dan Caesar: “They can’t sell them. The ones they can sell, they’re trying to give away.” (21:03)
• EV Market Evolution: Still growing, despite public perceptions of a slowdown.
  • Misinformation has suppressed EV uptake — without it, demand would be even higher.
• Public Transport Reality Check: UK train travel’s costliness vs. London’s progress in electric buses (now 2,000 strong), making a real improvement in air quality.
  • Robert Llewellyn: “The Air quality in London ... is a big difference.”
• E-bikes and Micro Mobility: Massive boom in sunny climates (like Sydney); growth limited in wetter countries.

6. Marine, Aviation & Heavy Transport Electrification

Timestamps: 26:05–31:38

• Large aircraft won’t go electric soon, but small, short-hop vertical takeoff drones will.
  • Robert Llewellyn: “The energy needed is mind boggling … it’s gigawatts.” (26:32)
  • Chinese innovation in two-seater autonomous drones and “plane-like” VTOLs, potentially for cargo and medical transport.
• Electric ferries (e.g., Inkat ferry in Tasmania) showcase real-world progress in marine electrification — 100% electric, serving hundreds of cars and thousands of people.

Notable Quote:
Robert Llewellyn: “That is amazing. And that will be totally powered by wind ... So it'll be wind and solar charged ... That's the fuel that's going into it.” (29:46)

7. Grid Impact, Batteries & Home Energy Revolution

Timestamps: 31:38–36:02

• Australia’s government-backed household battery scheme is a game changer — 200,000 homes with batteries, many as large as 60kWh.
  • Home owners earn thousands per year selling stored energy back to the grid.
  • Australia now has more grid-connected battery capacity from homes than from the iconic Snowy River hydro project.
• UK catching up with renewed solar/battery/EV grants; massive push for home energy efficiency and insulation.

8. Nuclear and Other Contested Clean Technologies

Timestamps: 36:02–44:42

• Mixed feelings about nuclear: A track record of safety, but high cost and extreme complexity in new builds (e.g., Hinkley Point C).
  • Robert Llewellyn: “99.5% of them have been incredibly safe. … The one or two that went wrong was a big problem. But ... Millions of people died as a result of burning coal…” (36:19)
• Both discuss skepticism toward “small modular reactors,” carbon capture, hydrogen for lorries, synthetic fuels, and non-pluggable hybrids; believe battery electrics will win.
  • Dan Caesar: “Carbon capture and storage is insane ... just stop putting the milk in the tea in the first place is obviously the answer.” (38:09)
• AI as another strain on the grid, often powered by fossil, not renewables — irony compared to old “EVs will melt the grid” arguments.
  • Robert Llewellyn: “A big data center ... is like a hundred million electric vehicles charging all the time…” (40:07)
  • Both agree that AI is overhyped (“word guessing machines”), and a market correction is inevitable.

9. Latest in EVs: Test-Drives, Models & Impressions

Timestamps: 45:51–49:57

• Polestar 5, 4, 3, 2: High praise for Swedish/Chinese design and performance.
  • Robert Llewellyn: “Polestar 5 is stupendously impressive... If I had no shame and a lot of money, I would…”
  • Preference for smaller, more practical EVs.
• BYD Seal vs Tesla Model 3: BYD Seal “better looking”; Model 3 remains the overall practical benchmark.
  • Dan Caesar: “The Model 3... I still haven’t seen anything that’s quite beaten it.” (48:59)
• Deluge of new models from China, Korea, and Europe; US missing out due to trade barriers and policies.

10. Robots, AI, and the Rise of Automation

Timestamps: 49:57–56:24

• “Dark” car factories in China (no people) are already a reality, with 2030 estimated as the tipping point.
• Discussion of humanoid robots: Technologically advanced slinky walk, but the utility vs. “robot as human” appearance is still debatable.
  • Robert Llewellyn: “Do we need them to be human-like in any way, shape or form?”
  • Dan Caesar: Describes the viral moment the Xpeng chairman snipped the costume off a staged “robot.”
• Potential in elder care, disability, and repetitive tasks. Caution over military and surveillance applications (drones as the precedent).

Notable Quote:
Robert Llewellyn: “I didn’t think, oh, you could put a bomb on that [drone]. But clearly that’s exactly what’s happened bigly… drones have proven themselves to be phenomenally adept weapons, which is quite scary.” (55:07)

11. Future Tech on Everything Electric

Timestamps: 53:50–54:34

• Announcing the launch of a new “Tech in China” podcast covering the bleeding edge of Chinese innovation (robots, VTOL, autonomous driving, etc.).
• More future tech segments at Everything Electric events.

12. Mechanical Energy Storage: Green Gravity

Timestamps: 57:49–61:30

• Coverage of Green Gravity, an Australian startup storing energy by dropping heavy weights down abandoned mine shafts; a simple, scalable solution using existing infrastructure.
  • Robert Llewellyn: “It can generate a constant supply of electricity, 5, 10, 15 megawatts for 24 hours … if you don’t need it, nothing happens. You could store that electricity for a hundred years.”
  • Dan Caesar: “I can’t wait to watch that.”

Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• On American Politics:
  • Dan Caesar: “He is a great disruptor. Not of the positive variety.” (05:28)
  • Robert Llewellyn: “Make America boring and just ignore it.” (07:16)
• On China:
  • Robert Llewellyn: “Not for one moment did I have any fear or anxiety. It was the most peaceful, orderly, safe environment.” (13:58)
• On Electric Buses in London:
  • Robert Llewellyn: “2000 double decker classic red London buses are electric and that's made a big difference to the Air quality.” (23:18)
• On Battery Revolution:
  • Robert Llewellyn: “Australia now has more electricity available to the grid from domestic batteries than from the Snowy river project.” (34:53)
• On Nuclear Economics:
  • Robert Llewellyn: “I think it’s being overtaken [by] cheap batteries. That’s what’s really changed.” (43:40)
• On Robotics:
  • Robert Llewellyn (about humanoid robots): “I wouldn’t dream of having one. Because they’re hard metal things. If you accidentally bash into one ... it won’t fall over ... I don’t know.”
• On Drones as Weapons:
  • Robert Llewellyn: “When we first saw camera drones, ... it just didn’t make me ... think, oh, you could put a bomb on that. But clearly that’s exactly what’s happened bigly.” (55:07)

Upcoming Initiatives and Events

Timestamps: 56:29–62:58

• Upcoming Everything Electric outdoor events at Harrogate, Cheltenham, Twickenham, and a return to Sydney.
• Launch of new podcasts and more future tech content on the channel and at shows.

Closing Thoughts (62:10–end)

• The world of clean tech is moving fast, but also facing new forms of disinformation, trade barriers, and political volatility.
• New energy solutions — from home batteries to green gravity — are reaching critical mass.
• Everything Electric is expanding its scope into robotics, AI, and future technologies, reflecting the rapid convergence of these fields with clean energy.

“As always, if you have been, thank you for watching.” — Robert Llewellyn (63:46)