EV QUEST

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.

This week on the EV Quest podcast with Adrian Maidment and Riz Akhtar (Carloop):

MG IM5 driven by Riz 
New MG4
Nissan's ProPilot Technology 
Sydney International EV Motor Show Ticket deal!
Looking Ahead: Future Test Drives and Models

*** Riz's special ticket offer for the Sydney International EV Motor Show ***
Buy one ticket, Get one ticket free: https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/sydney-international-ev-motor-show-tickets/artist/3550594?did=bogo2

In this episode of the EV Quest Podcast, Adrian Maidment and Riz Akhtar dive into the latest EV news from New Zealand, Australia, and beyond. Riz shares his first-hand experience with the  brand-new Zeekr 7X SUV. 

We also cover:

• NZ pricing confirmed for the Zeekr 7X lineup
• The arrival of BYD’s Atto 1 and why it’s set to be another global best-seller
• Leapmotor B10 – a new mid-size EV SUV hitting NZ soon
• Tesla’s new monthly subscription pricing for Full Self-Driving in NZ & Australia
• Australia’s bold new 2035 emissions reduction targets and what they mean for Oceania’s EV adoption
• Our picks for the Top 5 mid-size EV SUVs worth considering right now
• A run-down of the upcoming EV shows and industry events across Australia

Kia ora and welcome to EV Quest podcast.  In this episode, Adrian and Riz dive into the latest EV developments across Australia, New Zealand, and beyond.

• XPeng confirms New Zealand launch (updated G6 SUV first)
• Heavy EVs remain exempt from NZ road user charges until 2027
• Australia announces new heavy vehicle charging hub
• Riz tests Tesla’s Full Self Driving – unsupervised mode
• Top  5 Japanese EVs available in NZ right now - kind of

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