New EV charging protocol rollout, Infiniti makes a hard call, Ford sets EV record

Hey everyone. New CDG podcast just dropped today, and my guest is a very unconventional dealer…

Find out how John Temerian, co-founder of CURATED, became the go-to car concierge for the rich and powerful looking to build world-class car collections.

Stream it now on YouTube, Apple, and Spotify.

— CDG

Four automakers are responsible for 84.6% of Q3 recalls (according to NHTSA data):

The culprits?

Tesla (*OTA updates only*): 1.8 million vehicles affected
Chrysler: 1.6 million
BMW: 1.5 million
GM: 520,000

Basically — more tech-advanced vehicles (and regulatory oversight) = higher chance of recalls.

(Data source: BizzyCar)

1. Universal EV charging framework set to roll out in 2025

A new universal Plug & Charge protocol aims to simplify EV public charging, potentially addressing a key hurdle for electric vehicle adoption.

Zooming in: Developed through a partnership among automakers, charging operators, and the Biden Administration, the protocol enables secure, automated communication between EVs and chargers.

• Set to roll out in 2025, it builds on the ISO 15118 standard, adding features like a Certified Trust List for enhanced authentication.

• With $1.5 million in funding so far, the project also addresses grid concerns through vehicle-to-grid (V2G) communication, enabling EVs to send power back to the grid.

Looking ahead: While the streamlined charging process could attract more buyers, challenges like EV pricing, public charger availability, and consumer education remain significant barriers … (Go deeper: 4 min. read)

2. Some Infiniti dealers to co-locate with Nissan stores amidst sales fall

Infiniti is allowing some U.S. dealers to co-locate with Nissan stores in a bid to counter declining sales and market share.

Driving the news: The move aims to reduce costs by sharing resources, though each brand must maintain separate showrooms and teams.

Looking back: Infiniti’s U.S. market share has plummeted, dropping from 6% in 2019 to 2.8% in 2024, with dealers now averaging just 24 sales per month.

• Infiniti’s sales have fallen 44% over the past decade, and parent company Nissan is also struggling with profit drops, production cuts, and layoffs.

• Co-located stores aren’t anything new for the brand. Infiniti has seen success with a similar strategy in Canada … (Go deeper: 3 min. read)

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3. Ford sets new EV sales record in November

Ford reported a 14% year-over-year sales increase in November, with 166,373 vehicles sold, including a record 10,821 all-electric units.

Zooming in: Electrified vehicle sales, including hybrids, rose 40%, while internal combustion engine sales increased 13%.

• Pickups remain Ford's strength, with F-Series sales jumping 27%, though F-150 Lightning EV sales fell 17% amid stiff competition from Tesla, Chevrolet, and GMC.

Looking ahead: To boost EV sales, Ford is offering aggressive incentives, such as 0% financing, up to $10,500 off leases, and free home charger installation.

Meanwhile, rivals like Kia, Hyundai, and Honda are gaining ground with new EV models and strong sales performances … (Go deeper: 3 min. read)

• If Trump relaxes regulations, GM may offer fewer hybrids, EVs, CFO says

• Nissan EV drivers will be able to use Tesla’s Supercharger network next week

• China automakers pivot to hybrids for Europe to counter EV tariffs

• Stellantis CFO: Automaker could shift production to US to cope with tariffs

• EV interest to near ‘tipping point’ as charging network grows, officials say

Thanks for reading everyone.

— CDG