PODCAST: Is The Subaru Trailseeker The Electric Outback We Wanted?

As someone who grew up in a Subaru family, I have a real soft spot for lifted wagons. In part, that’s why I was so charmed by the Toyota bZ Woodland that I tested a couple of weeks ago. I was even more delighted this week when I learned that my colleague Mack was a big fan of the Subaru Trailseeker, which is essentially the same EV, but cheaper.

On this week’s Plugged-In Podcast (watch/listen here), Mack breaks down his first impressions of the Trailseeker—essentially an electrified Outback—and explains why it’s actually a bigger deal for the EV space than you probably think. 

We also bring you up to speed on Donut Lab. What do the third-party tests it’s released lately actually say about its solid-state battery? We tell you what you need to know—and what questions we’re still asking.

Then we speak with Jiten Behl, partner at venture capital firm Eclipse, about what he’s got his eye on in the mobility world. Jiten was an early employee at Rivian, served as its chief growth officer, and now invests in startups across the industrial and transportation space. He has a really interesting perspective on the auto world and the tectonic shifts happening within it right now.

We chat about whether it’s possible for more EV startups to make it in 2026 and beyond, why he thinks some incumbent automakers are doomed, what comes next in the autonomous vehicle wars, and more. 

We hope you enjoy this week’s episode. Any comments, ideas, or suggestions for guest we should have on next? Drop me a line: Tim.Levin@InsideEVs.com