From Transport Evolved.
Congratulations! You made it to 2026. 🎉
And while the past year saw some forward movement toward a cleaner, greener, safer, and more equitable future, it also brought increased anti-EV sentiment, policies designed to make electric vehicle ownership less appealing, and automakers quietly walking back their all-electric promises.
Add in rising costs of living, largely static wages, and less disposable income each month… and suddenly the constant push to “upgrade” your car feels less exciting — and a lot more exhausting.
So instead of hopping back onto the automotive upgrade treadmill, we’re suggesting something different.
Gen Z calls it tech hoarding — keeping the tech you already own, maintaining it, upgrading it smartly, and refusing to be financially jump-scared by every shiny new product launch. And yes, it absolutely applies to cars.
In this episode, we cover:
• What tech hoarding actually means (and what it doesn’t)
• Why buying a new EV in 2026 may not make sense for most people
• How charging, range, and efficiency have really changed over the last decade
• Practical ways to extend the life and usefulness of your current EV
• When upgrading does make sense — and when it really doesn’t
• If your electric car already does what you need it to do… why replace it?
We’ll explain it all.
Find full show notes and script at https://www.transportevolved.com/2026/01/06/its-2026-stop-buying-new-evs-tech-hoard-the-one-you-have/
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*⏱️ Episode Timeline*
00:00 – Introduction
01:52 – Opening Skit
02:27 – So… What *Is* Tech Hoarding?
05:26 – A Conscious Decision, Not a Crisis
06:26 – Why Tech Hoarding Makes Sense for EVs
09:05 – The Reality of Today’s EV Market
11:18 – Real-World EV Examples
11:57 – A Nod to the Outliers
13:31 – Support Transport Evolved on Patreon ❤️
13:59 – Tip #1: Budget for Servicing & Find Someone You Trust
15:32 – Tip #2: Join an Owners’ Group or Forum
15:53 – Tip #3: Bone Up on Common EV Problems
16:24 – Tip #4: Get an OBD-II Dongle
17:19 – Tip #5: Add the Upgrades *You* Actually Want
20:49 – Thanks for Watching & Goodbye!
*👥 Today’s Sponsors*
🌱 Electric Vehicle Association – https://www.myeva.org
⚡ EnergySage – https://www.kqzyfj.com/click-101290941-16952262
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*🎙️ Credits:*
Host: Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield
Camera, Edit, Color: Vi Horton
Art & Animation: Erin Carlie
Producer: Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield
Music: via Artlist.io
© Transport Evolved LLC, 2026
