The EV Quest Podcast Christmas Edition is here and we are wrapping up 2025 in style. 

In this end of year special, Adrian Maidment is joined by Riz Akhtar from Carloop for the awards ceremony

We look back at the key trends that defined 2025 including an explosion of new models, falling prices, the rise of plug in hybrids. We then move into the main event, the highly prestigious EV Quest EV of the Year Awards.

Categories include: ⭐️

• Biggest Buzz of the Year
• Best Value EV of the Year
• Large Electric SUV of the Year
• Best EV Not Available in NZ or Australia
• Hybrid / PHEV of the Year
• Industry Player of the Year
• What’s Riz Been Driving – EV of the Year (Overall Winner)

A special thanks to everyone who has supported the channel in 2025.

Everyone likes a little luxury,  and MG’s parent company SAIC is aiming high with the IM6, their new premium electric SUV for New Zealand.
In this EV Quest review, Adrian Maidment takes the IM6 for a real-world drive to see whether this tech-packed Chinese EV truly delivers.  
This review is based on the IM6 Platinum, the mid-spec model with a 100kWh battery and 800V architecture.
farmer mg

Thanks to Farmer MG for the loan of the IM6 - https://farmermg.co.nz/

🔔 Subscribe to EV Quest for NZ-focused EV reviews, news, and honest insights.

In this episode of EV Quest, Adrian sits down with a New Zealand solar broker Rowan Ellis from Equity Solar Brokers to unpack the process of going solar. 

We look at how brokers compare quotes, what homeowners should ask before committing, and potential mistakes people could make when purchasing solar and batteries.

Whether you're considering solar for the first time or want to understand if it’s really worth the investment, this episode gives you a clear perspective from someone who is in the industry.

Website: https://www.equitysolar.co.nz

Calculator:  https://www.equitysolar.co.nz/calculator

#solar #renewableenergy #solarbroker

Adrian Maidment Riz Akhtar (Carloop) unpack the latest EV developments across New Zealand and Australia. Riz shares insights from his recent trip to China, a major source of new right-hand-drive EVs bound for NZ and Australia.  Adrian breaks down New Zealand’s November EV sales data, including the continued dominance of the Tesla Model Y.  

If you’re curious about where EVs are heading in 2026, how pricing is shifting, and what new models are worth watching, this episode is packed with insights for EV fans and everyday drivers alike.

EVDB data: https://evdb.nz/ev-stats

In this episode of the EV Quest Podcast, Adrian sits down with Andre Kavanaugh from Harrisons Solar to unpack what Kiwis need to know about home solar power. ⚡️

We break down:

• Why more New Zealanders are choosing solar
• How solar systems actually work
• NZ pricing: small, medium, and large systems
• Payback times and common misconceptions
• EV ownership with solar
• The future: battery tech, vehicle-to-grid, and low-interest green loans

  If you're considering solar or wondering how solar can reduce your power bill and charge your EV at home, this episode gives you clear, practical answers from a real expert. 

Contact Andre: https://www.harrisonssolar.co.nz/owner/solar-coromandel-bay-of-plenty

 #EVQuest #SolarNZ #NewZealandSolar 

Kia ora and welcome to the EV Quest podcast – I’m Adrian Maidment. This episode is all about electrifying everything with guest Mike Casey, CEO of Rewiring Aotearoa, and a fully electric cherry orchardist from Central Otago.
This episode explores how New Zealand can save billions by electrifying everyday machines, from hot water cylinders and cooktops to cars and farm equipment. Mike shares the six smart decisions every Kiwi should make over the next 15 years.

Website: https://www.rewiring.nz/
Events: https://www.rewiring.nz/tour

On Tuesday, 11 November, Dongfeng launched in New Zealand at an event in Auckland. In this interview, Adrian Maidment talks with Arek Zywot, the General Manager of Dongfeng New Zealand.

They discuss the Dongfeng brand, the company’s plans for the New Zealand car market, and the new models announced.

Now available to buy is the Dongfeng BOX model, priced from $29,990 + ORC.

Dongfeng website: https://dongfeng.co.nz/
To buy: https://www.armstrongs.co.nz/our-brands/dongfeng/

Adrian Maidment chats with Paul O’Connor from EV Power, who shares insights on the latest innovations in home EV charging, including their new NZ-designed portable charger. 

We talk affordability, the government’s impact on EV uptake, and how to  when you buy from EV Power.

$ PROMO CODE:  "Freelunch" $
EV Power 👉  https://evpower.co.nz/

Kia ora and welcome back to the EV Quest podcast. After a short recharge break, Adrian and Riz (Carloop) return with one of the biggest stories of the year: BYD’s jaw-dropping pricing announcement for the Atto 1 and Atto 2 in New Zealand, and what it could mean for Australian pricing. 🚖

Also: News from the Japan desk, EV Shows in Australia, Sales data from October, and its beginning to feel like Christmas. 🎙️

Kia ora and welcome to the EV Quest podcast, I’m Adrian Maidment. 
Self Driving is a big topic in New Zealand at the moment with the release of Tesla Full Self Driving (Supervised). But this episode I’m getting some user feedback on another self-driving option, my guest is Aiden Dean, who is just back from the States, and experienced the Waymo experience.