Plugged in Australia

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Exhaustive fact-packed edition of Plugged in Australia with every verified technical detail on why large EVs like the Kia EV9 (just 18 units in Q1 2026) and Ford F-150 Lightning EV are failing to sell while small/mid-size models boom.

Jaecoo J5 EV order bank now over 3500 units and growing daily with extra production allocated; 

Denza Z9GT high-performance EV confirmed for Q3 2026 Australian arrival with 850 kW tri-motor, Blade Battery 2.0, 1036 km CLTC range and 1500 kW FLASH charging adding up to 500 km in five minutes;

Renault Master E-Tech full-size electric van locked for June 2026 with 87 kWh battery, more than 400 km WLTP, 1164 kg payload and up to 3500 kg GVM; 

Farizon V7E electric van priced from $49,990 drive-away with 329 km WLTP and 1300 kg payload; 

Nissan’s Chinese EV roadmap including N7 sedan, NX8 SUV (up to 630 km CLTC) and Frontier Pro PHEV ute; full 2026 EV preview including Hyundai Ioniq 3 small hatch reveal 20 April 2026, 

Genesis GV60 Advanced RWD at $88,300 before on-roads with 561 km WLTP; 

NSW launches first interactive EVenturemap and 108 new kerbside chargers with dedicated bays plus Bowen’s 15 million litres petrol saved weekly by current EV fleet; electric trucks complete Australia’s first end-to-end zero-emission Sydney-Canberra freight run with 84% energy-cost cut; 

BYD Sealion 7 outsells expectations with 4468 units in 2026 so far and no cheaper variant planned; Polestar well positioned at EV tipping point. 

All stories tied directly to Australian roads, apartment dwellers, regional drivers, fleet economics, buyer savings and infrastructure progress — positive momentum reported with hard truths where required.

YouTube Timestamps – Episode 43

00:00 - Cold Intro
00:35 - Intro
01:32 - Segment 1: Large EVs Lag as Small & Mid-Size Models Surge
04:33 - Segment 2: Jaecoo J5 EV Order Bank Over 3500 Units
06:22 - Segment 3: Toyota bZ4X Update & RAV4 EV Possibility
08:05 - Segment 4: Denza Z9GT High-Performance EV Confirmed
09:59 - Segment 5: Renault Master E-Tech Full-Size Van
11:20 - Segment 6: Farizon V7E Electric Van Pricing
12:53 - Segment 7: Nissan’s Chinese EV Roadmap
14:21 - Segment 8: Hyundai Ioniq 3 Small Hatch Locked In
15:23 - Segment 9: Genesis GV60 Advanced RWD Launch
16:24 - Segment 10: NSW EVenturemap & 15 Million Litres Petrol Saved Weekly
17:38 - Segment 11: First End-to-End Zero-Emission Sydney-Canberra Freight Run
20:23 - Segment 12: BYD Sealion 7 Performance & Polestar Update
21:53 - Outro

Disclaimer:

All specifications, pricing, and information discussed in this episode were correct at the time of recording. The electric vehicle market moves quickly, so we recommend you always check the latest details directly with manufacturers, dealers, or official sources.

This podcast provides general news and information only, based on publicly available sources and Australian Consumer Law guidelines. It is not legal, financial, or professional advice. For advice specific to your situation, please contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or seek independent professional guidance.

Plugged in Australia and its hosts are not responsible for any decisions, misunderstandings, or purchases made based on the content of this show.

Sourcing & Transparency

At Plugged in Australia, all our stories are sourced from publicly available news articles and reports. We do not receive any advance information or briefings from brands or manufacturers.

Any analysis or opinions we share are based solely on this public information.

Our main sources include (though we also use many others, and they vary by episode):

• https://www.carsales.com.au/
• https://www.carexpert.com.au/
• https://thedriven.io/
• https://www.carsguide.com.au
• https://autotalk.com.au
• https://www.carsguide.com.au
• https://evcentral.com.au
• https://www.drive.com.au

Send us Fan Mail

On todays  edition we dive deep into BYD’s record 100,000th vehicle delivery milestone in Australia with full sales breakdowns and model details, Hyundai’s dramatic Ioniq Earth SUV and Venus sedan concepts revealed for China that could shape future global EVs. 

The NSW Government’s accelerated 2026 EV strategy including $110 million for chargers and training plus new council fleet skills programs, confirmed pricing and full specs for the Kia PV5 Cargo electric van, Hyundai’s electric Staria Load van confirmation for Australian fleets in 2026, the Renault Master E-Tech electric large van arriving June 2026, 

Polestar Australia’s updated 2027 Polestar 2 with locked-in pricing and specs as a Tesla Model 3 and Mazda 6e rival, plus updates on Nissan’s Australian product offensive, 

Volkswagen’s EV reset with the ID.3 Neo featuring actual buttons and switches, JAC’s potential T9 electric ute, Andrew Forrest’s pushback on electric truck scepticism, a new study on daily driving’s impact on EV battery health, the GAC Emzoom review, and a major survey showing Aussies are choosing EVs to save cash amid the fuel crisis. 

All the facts, figures, dimensions, power outputs, ranges, features, quotes and Australian context you need.

Timestamps

0:00 - Cold Intro
0:22 - Intro
1:11 - Segment 1: BYD Delivers 100,000th Vehicle in Australia
4:32 - Segment 2: Radical Hyundai Ioniq Earth and Venus Concepts Revealed
6:55 - Segment 3: Government Action – NSW Accelerates EV Strategy and Council Fleet Skills
9:38 - Segment 4: Kia PV5, Hyundai Electric Staria Load and Renault Master E-Tech – Electric Van Battle Heats Up
12:05 - Segment 5: Polestar 2 2027 Pricing and Specs Confirmed, Plus PHEV Comments
14:37 - Segment 6: Quick Hits – Nissan, Volkswagen, JAC, GAC, Battery Study, Andrew Forrest and More
16:58 - Outro

Disclaimer:

All specifications, pricing, and information discussed in this episode were correct at the time of recording. The electric vehicle market moves quickly, so we recommend you always check the latest details directly with manufacturers, dealers, or official sources.

This podcast provides general news and information only, based on publicly available sources and Australian Consumer Law guidelines. It is not legal, financial, or professional advice. For advice specific to your situation, please contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or seek independent professional guidance.

Plugged in Australia and its hosts are not responsible for any decisions, misunderstandings, or purchases made based on the content of this show.

Sourcing & Transparency

At Plugged in Australia, all our stories are sourced from publicly available news articles and reports. We do not receive any advance information or briefings from brands or manufacturers.

Any analysis or opinions we share are based solely on this public information.

Our main sources include (though we also use many others, and they vary by episode):

• https://www.carsales.com.au/
• https://www.carexpert.com.au/
• https://thedriven.io/
• https://www.carsguide.com.au
• https://autotalk.com.au
• https://www.carsguide.com.au
• https://evcentral.com.au
• https://www.drive.com.au

Send us Fan Mail

We dive deep into how soaring fuel prices and supply shortages are doubling used EV sales and reshaping buying habits across Australia. 

Full breakdown of the NSW Government’s $100 million EV strategy targeting regional chargers, kerbside solutions and fleet incentives. 

Mercedes-Benz locks in the 2026 EQS with a record 925 km WLTP claim and vehicle-to-grid tech. 

MG previews its luxurious extended-range flagship SUV. We detail driveaway pricing and every spec on the GWM Ora 5, Subaru Trailseeker, Mazda CX-6e, Toyota bZ4X Touring, Zeekr 9X PHEV, 7GT wagon, Denza Z9GT flash-charger, refreshed MG4 and more. 

Fleet opportunities with Kia, plus a taste of upcoming arrivals including the Cupra Raval EV hot hatch, Geely EX2 low-cost hatch, JAC T9 electric ute, BYD’s full-size F-150 rival plans and Australia’s biggest electric truck depot taking shape. 

All verified, Australia-focused facts – BEVs, PHEVs and EREVs only.

Timestamps:

0:00 Cold Intro
0:32 Intro
1:30 Polestar Calls Out Australia’s EV Wake-Up Call
02:43 NSW Government $100 Million EV Strategy
04:13  Mercedes-Benz EQS Locked In as Longest-Range EV
06:02 MG Luxurious Extended-Range Flagship SUV Preview
08:03 Used Electric Car Sales More Than Double in March
09:15 Surge in EV Demand Opens Opportunities for Kia Fleets
10:58 GWM Ora 5 Small Electric SUV Pricing & Specs
12:50 Subaru Trailseeker Electric Off-Road Wagon Specs
15:16 Mazda CX-6e Electric SUV Pricing & Specs
17:40 Toyota bZ4X Touring Flagship Variant
19:17 Zeekr 9X PHEV & 7GT Electric Wagon Confirmed
21:35 Denza Z9GT with 5-Minute Flash Charging
23:12 2026 MG4 EV Refresh
24:28 Cupra Raval EV Hot Hatch Preview
26:37 Geely EX2 Low-Cost Electric Hatchback
27:55 JAC T9 Electric Ute Trials
29:18 BYD Developing Full-Size F-150 Rival
30:27 Australia’s Biggest Electric Truck Depot
31:51 Outro

Disclaimer:

All specifications, pricing, and information discussed in this episode were correct at the time of recording. The electric vehicle market moves quickly, so we recommend you always check the latest details directly with manufacturers, dealers, or official sources.

This podcast provides general news and information only, based on publicly available sources and Australian Consumer Law guidelines. It is not legal, financial, or professional advice. For advice specific to your situation, please contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or seek independent professional guidance.

Plugged in Australia and its hosts are not responsible for any decisions, misunderstandings, or purchases made based on the content of this show.

Sourcing & Transparency

At Plugged in Australia, all our stories are sourced from publicly available news articles and reports. We do not receive any advance information or briefings from brands or manufacturers.

Any analysis or opinions we share are based solely on this public information.

Our main sources include (though we also use many others, and they vary by episode):

• https://www.carsales.com.au/
• https://www.carexpert.com.au/
• https://thedriven.io/
• https://www.carsguide.com.au
• https://autotalk.com.au
• https://www.carsguide.com.au
• https://evcentral.com.au
• https://www.drive.com.au

Send us Fan Mail

Australia’s EV market hits a new high with 15,839 battery-electric vehicles sold in March 2026 amid record petrol prices and fuel security worries from global tensions. 

We break down the numbers, the consumer shift, and every spec on new arrivals including Forthing’s Taikon 5 with its 1050km range-extender PHEV, BYD’s sub-$40k Seal 6 PHEV sedan and wagon, Kia’s $55,990 PV5 Cargo electric van, Tesla’s 150th Supercharger milestone, plus updates on Zeekr X pricing and power boosts, Mazda CX-6e provisional specs. 

Toyota’s Hilux EV ute, MG4 refresh, Ford’s affordable EV plans and more. All the verified details, Australian context, and what it means for drivers.

Chapters:

00:00 Cold Intro
00:38 Intro & Apology for Missing Episodes
01:52 Segment 1: Record EV Sales Surge to 14.6% Market Share in March 2026
05:58 Segment 2: Forthing Brand Launches June with Taikon 5 1050km PHEV SUV
08:46 Segment 3: BYD Seal 6 PHEV – Australia’s Cheapest Sedan & Wagon
12:02 Segment 4: Kia PV5 Cargo Electric Van Priced from $55,990
13:46 Segment 5: Tesla Opens 150th Supercharger Site in Pokolbin
15:13 Segment 6: Future Models – Zeekr X Price Drop, Mazda CX-6e Specs, Toyota Hilux EV, MG4 Update & Ford Sub-$45k Ute Plans
18:59 Outro  

Disclaimer:

All specifications, pricing, and information discussed in this episode were correct at the time of recording. The electric vehicle market moves quickly, so we recommend you always check the latest details directly with manufacturers, dealers, or official sources.

This podcast provides general news and information only, based on publicly available sources and Australian Consumer Law guidelines. It is not legal, financial, or professional advice. For advice specific to your situation, please contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or seek independent professional guidance.

Plugged in Australia and its hosts are not responsible for any decisions, misunderstandings, or purchases made based on the content of this show.

Sourcing & Transparency

At Plugged in Australia, all our stories are sourced from publicly available news articles and reports. We do not receive any advance information or briefings from brands or manufacturers.

Any analysis or opinions we share are based solely on this public information.

Our main sources include (though we also use many others, and they vary by episode):

• https://www.carsales.com.au/
• https://www.carexpert.com.au/
• https://thedriven.io/
• https://www.carsguide.com.au
• https://autotalk.com.au
• https://www.carsguide.com.au
• https://evcentral.com.au
• https://www.drive.com.au

Send us Fan Mail

Australia’s EV market is firing on all cylinders with MG confirming the sharpest-ever MG4 Urban drive-away pricing. 

Subaru locking in the Uncharted as its smallest electric SUV yet.

Renault’s Scenic E-Tech delivering its full Australian first-drive verdict, and high-end performance arriving via the Porsche Cayenne Turbo Electric. 

We break down every spec, dimension, power figure, range, pricing tier and Australian detail on the newest battery-electric, plug-in hybrid and extended-range models, plus major charging hub progress in Melbourne, Tesla’s innovative Supercharger rollout, fleet-focused commercial vans from Ford, and the hard data on why EV loans are doubling as fuel prices bite. No hype, just the facts that matter for Australian drivers.

YouTube Chapter Timestamps

00:00 - Cold Intro & Episode 39 Teaser

00:40 - Intro Welcome
 01:27 - Segment 1: MG4 Urban Pricing & Availability Update
 03:19 - Segment 2: Subaru Uncharted Electric SUV Confirmed for Mid-2026
 05:47 - Segment 3: Renault Scenic E-Tech Australian First Drive 
 08:18 - Segment 4: Skoda Kodiaq Plug-in Hybrid Lands in Australia
 10:15 - Segment 5: GWM Ora 5 Small SUV with Electric & Hybrid Options
 12:43 - Segment 6: GAC & JAC Electrified Dual-Cab Utes Detailed for Australia

14:34 - Segment 7: Market Response to Rising Fuel Prices & EV Loans Doubling 

16:50 - Segment 8: Porsche Cayenne Turbo Electric First Drive.

18:25 - Segment 9: Melbourne Airport BP Pulse Charging Hub + Tesla Foldable Superchargers

19:41 - Segment 10: Quick Hits – Cupra Born VZ, Ford Transit City, Cupra Tavascan, Mazda 6e/CX-6e & Nio Firefly
21:12 - Outro & Closing

Disclaimer:

All specifications, pricing, and information discussed in this episode were correct at the time of recording. The electric vehicle market moves quickly, so we recommend you always check the latest details directly with manufacturers, dealers, or official sources.

This podcast provides general news and information only, based on publicly available sources and Australian Consumer Law guidelines. It is not legal, financial, or professional advice. For advice specific to your situation, please contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or seek independent professional guidance.

Plugged in Australia and its hosts are not responsible for any decisions, misunderstandings, or purchases made based on the content of this show.

Sourcing & Transparency

At Plugged in Australia, all our stories are sourced from publicly available news articles and reports. We do not receive any advance information or briefings from brands or manufacturers.

Any analysis or opinions we share are based solely on this public information.

Our main sources include (though we also use many others, and they vary by episode):

• https://www.carsales.com.au/
• https://www.carexpert.com.au/
• https://thedriven.io/
• https://www.carsguide.com.au
• https://autotalk.com.au
• https://www.carsguide.com.au
• https://evcentral.com.au
• https://www.drive.com.au

Send us Fan Mail

Epsiode 38, In this episode of Plugged In Australia we break down the Albanese government’s active modelling of a national distance-based EV road user charge ahead of the May budget. 

Run through every price tier, battery size, WLTP range, power output, charging speed, dimension, boot volume, warranty and practical compromise of the ten cheapest full battery-electric vehicles on sale right now.

Examine Mazda’s openness to a Chinese-made Deepal E07-style electric ute with full Australian-market implications. 

Review the first undisguised spy shots and confirmed Neue Klasse specs of the upcoming electric BMW M3, preview the EV-packed 2026 Melbourne Motor Show with test-drive and activation details, detail the safety recall and receivership fallout for Ausevs-converted Ford F-150 Lightnings. 

Unpack MG’s SolidCore semi-solid-state battery breakthrough plus Hybrid+ upgrades with direct Australian relevance.

Reveal the exact NEDC efficiency and 1005 km range figures for the JAC Hunter PHEV ute including local Lang Lang tuning, and examine Victoria’s $9.5 million freight decarbonisation grants and heavy-vehicle trial. 

All the verified specifications, dimensions, power figures, ranges, pricing tiers, feature lists, quotes, Australian tuning details, rival comparisons and cross-checked facts – positive on the transition but no sugar-coating the hard truths or ownership realities.

Timestamps
00:00 – Cold Intro
01:01 – Intro
01:47 – Segment 1: EV Road-User Charges Are Back — Here’s What’s Actually On The Table In 2026
06:30– Segment 2: Australia’s Ten Cheapest EVs — Real Prices, Real Specs, and Where the Compromises Hide
15:32 – Segment 3: Mazda Might Not Build Its Own EV Ute — But A China-Sourced Platform Is Now A Real Conversation
18:17 – Segment 4: Electric BMW M3 Spied Undisguised — What’s Confirmed, What’s Rumor, and Why It Matters For Australia
20:33 – Segment 5: Melbourne Motor Show 2026 — The EV Signal In The Noise
22:47 – Segment 6: Ausevs Ford F-150 Lightning Conversion Recalled for Charging Fault — Ownership Reality Check
24:28 – Segment 7: MG Unveils SolidCore Semi-Solid-State Battery and Next-Gen Hybrid+ Tech
26:33 – Segment 8: JAC Hunter PHEV Ute Fuel Efficiency and Range Figures Revealed with Australian Tuning
28:12 – Segment 9: Victoria Announces Support Programs for Low and Zero-Emission Freight Vehicles
29:41 – Outro

Disclaimer:

All specifications, pricing, and information discussed in this episode were correct at the time of recording. The electric vehicle market moves quickly, so we recommend you always check the latest details directly with manufacturers, dealers, or official sources.

This podcast provides general news and information only, based on publicly available sources and Australian Consumer Law guidelines. It is not legal, financial, or professional advice. For advice specific to your situation, please contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or seek independent professional guidance.

Plugged in Australia and its hosts are not responsible for any decisions, misunderstandings, or purchases made based on the content of this show.

Sourcing & Transparency

At Plugged in Australia, all our stories are sourced from publicly available news articles and reports. We do not receive any advance information or briefings from brands or manufacturers.

Any analysis or opinions we share are based solely on this public information.

Our main sources include (though we also use many others, and they vary by episode):

• https://www.carsales.com.au/
• https://www.carexpert.com.au/
• https://thedriven.io/
• https://www.carsguide.com.au
• https://autotalk.com.au
• https://www.carsguide.com.au
• https://evcentral.com.au
• https://www.drive.com.au

Send us Fan Mail

📌Xpeng Administrators are Daniel Juratowitch and Barry Wight of Cor Cordis

Xpeng’s exclusive Australian distributor TrueEV has been placed into external administration with 197 vehicles frozen across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Fremantle while the company serves Federal Court proceedings against Xpeng entities in China and Australia; full details on the March 3 2026 filing, lender action on stock loans, next hearing dates and what Australian Consumer Law means for existing owners when an importer goes under. 

Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology confirmed on track for Australian deliveries in 2026 as a 2027 model with 800-volt architecture, single- or dual-motor options up to 500 kW and 500-800 km WLTP range. 

MG U9 dual-cab EV ute advances toward Australia with full specs and pricing revealed. KGM Torres EVX electric SUV review with 80.6 kWh BYD LFP battery, 152 kW front-drive and 462 km WLTP. 

Leapmotor B10 receives major OTA update adding one-pedal driving, native Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. BYD Australia pushes for dedicated performance division. New survey reveals massive EV fuel savings as prices climb. Subaru electric SUV revealed globally. Network funds EV charger and battery for remote First Nations community. 

Tesla Model Y lead times blow out amid surging demand. 

Jaecoo J5 EV hits 2000 orders and extends drive-away offer. Global EV fleet to shield world from oil shocks. 

Leapmotor C10 Sports Special Edition with 440 kW. Daimler Truck first MCS-enabled eActros 600 deliveries imminent. Donut Lab solid-state battery passes five extreme tests. BMW i3 Neue Klasse bigger deal than iX3. Europe FTA fails to kill luxury car tax but boosts 120,000 EVs. 

Every verified specification, dimension, power figure, torque output, range claim, battery detail, pricing tier, feature list, executive quote, Australian compliance note, rival comparison and cross-checked fact from all sources – full BEV, PHEV and EREV focus only.

Disclaimer:

All specifications, pricing, and information discussed in this episode were correct at the time of recording. The electric vehicle market moves quickly, so we recommend you always check the latest details directly with manufacturers, dealers, or official sources.

This podcast provides general news and information only, based on publicly available sources and Australian Consumer Law guidelines. It is not legal, financial, or professional advice. For advice specific to your situation, please contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or seek independent professional guidance.

Plugged in Australia and its hosts are not responsible for any decisions, misunderstandings, or purchases made based on the content of this show.

Sourcing & Transparency

At Plugged in Australia, all our stories are sourced from publicly available news articles and reports. We do not receive any advance information or briefings from brands or manufacturers.

Any analysis or opinions we share are based solely on this public information.

Our main sources include (though we also use many others, and they vary by episode):

• https://www.carsales.com.au/
• https://www.carexpert.com.au/
• https://thedriven.io/
• https://www.carsguide.com.au
• https://autotalk.com.au
• https://www.carsguide.com.au
• https://evcentral.com.au
• https://www.drive.com.au

Send us Fan Mail

Sodium-ion cells with 170 Wh/kg density, 11-minute full charge at 4C rates, 200 per cent overcharge tolerance without fire or explosion and 92 per cent capacity retention at minus 20 degrees Celsius emerge as a practical near-term breakthrough potentially reaching Australian models like the Hyundai Elexio via Beijing Hyundai joint venture; 

Mazda CX-6e medium electric SUV confirmed for 2026 with full China-Changan engineering oversight, 4850 mm length, 78 kWh LFP battery, 190 kW rear-drive power and up to 560 km WLTP range; Zeekr 8X PHEV large luxury SUV locked for 2027 Australia arrival featuring 5100 mm length, 3069 mm wheelbase, 55.1 or 70 kWh battery options for 256-328 km CLTC electric range and up to 1416 km combined, 2.0-litre turbo petrol at 205 kW plus electric motors to 660 kW dual or 1030 kW tri-motor outputs with 9-minute 20-80 per cent charging on 900-volt architecture; 

Zeekr 9X flagship three-row PHEV and 7GT performance electric wagon also in 2027 pipeline; 

BMW i4 production phases out after 2026 model year as the Neue Klasse i3 sedan arrives early 2027 with headline 900 km WLTP range;

full ranked list of Australia’s longest electric-range PHEVs including GWM Haval H6 GT at 180 km NEDC. Every verified specification, dimension, power figure, torque output, range claim, battery detail, pricing tier, feature list, executive quote.

Australian compliance and tuning note, rival comparison and cross-checked fact from all sources – full BEV, PHEV and EREV focus only.

Disclaimer:

All specifications, pricing, and information discussed in this episode were correct at the time of recording. The electric vehicle market moves quickly, so we recommend you always check the latest details directly with manufacturers, dealers, or official sources.

This podcast provides general news and information only, based on publicly available sources and Australian Consumer Law guidelines. It is not legal, financial, or professional advice. For advice specific to your situation, please contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or seek independent professional guidance.

Plugged in Australia and its hosts are not responsible for any decisions, misunderstandings, or purchases made based on the content of this show.

Sourcing & Transparency

At Plugged in Australia, all our stories are sourced from publicly available news articles and reports. We do not receive any advance information or briefings from brands or manufacturers.

Any analysis or opinions we share are based solely on this public information.

Our main sources include (though we also use many others, and they vary by episode):

• https://www.carsales.com.au/
• https://www.carexpert.com.au/
• https://thedriven.io/
• https://www.carsguide.com.au
• https://autotalk.com.au
• https://www.carsguide.com.au
• https://evcentral.com.au
• https://www.drive.com.au

Send us Fan Mail

China introduces sweeping new EV safety, efficiency and export regulations banning flush door handles, yoke steering wheels and touchscreen-only critical controls while capping energy use at 15.1 kWh/100 km and requiring two-hour post-crash fire resistance, directly reshaping models from BYD, GWM and MG that now represent one in five new cars sold here; the MG4 Urban budget hatch is confirmed for April arrival as one of Australia’s cheapest EVs with 43 kWh or 54 kWh batteries delivering 323 km or 415 km WLTP range; GWM accelerates solid-state battery investment for future Haval, Tank and Ora models; Byron Shire Council adds five more EVs to its fleet with NSW grant support; Skoda launches Octavia Hybrid and Superb PHEV wagons with full powertrain and pricing details; Renault Australia cites small market size and ADR 34/03 child-seat anchor rules as barriers blocking the Renault 5 E-Tech and other cool European EVs; Janus Electric outlines a five-year pathway to electrify the national heavy freight fleet cutting diesel use by 10 billion litres; Tesla shifts focus to 500 kW V4 Supercharger cabinets for faster nationwide rollout; Rolls-Royce walks back from electric-only by 2030 keeping V12 engines alive due to customer demand; Mazda remains open to a 6e electric wagon if demand materialises; and soaring fuel prices drive a 190 per cent surge in EV searches with Australians eyeing savings exceeding 60 per cent. All verified specs, dimensions, power figures, ranges, pricing tiers, feature lists, quotes, Australian tuning details, rival comparisons and cross-checked facts from every outlet – full BEV, PHEV and EREV focus only.

Disclaimer:

All specifications, pricing, and information discussed in this episode were correct at the time of recording. The electric vehicle market moves quickly, so we recommend you always check the latest details directly with manufacturers, dealers, or official sources.

This podcast provides general news and information only, based on publicly available sources and Australian Consumer Law guidelines. It is not legal, financial, or professional advice. For advice specific to your situation, please contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or seek independent professional guidance.

Plugged in Australia and its hosts are not responsible for any decisions, misunderstandings, or purchases made based on the content of this show.

Sourcing & Transparency

At Plugged in Australia, all our stories are sourced from publicly available news articles and reports. We do not receive any advance information or briefings from brands or manufacturers.

Any analysis or opinions we share are based solely on this public information.

Our main sources include (though we also use many others, and they vary by episode):

• https://www.carsales.com.au/
• https://www.carexpert.com.au/
• https://thedriven.io/
• https://www.carsguide.com.au
• https://autotalk.com.au
• https://www.carsguide.com.au
• https://evcentral.com.au
• https://www.drive.com.au

Send us Fan Mail

An Exhaustive fact-packed edition of Plugged in Australia with every verified technical detail on the 2027 BMW i3 900km WLTP flagship (Australia’s potential longest-range EV), confirmed Touring wagon and chrome-free Neue Klasse illuminated aesthetics. 

Renault’s 800V RGEV platform delivering 750km pure BEV or 1400km EREV with 2-tonne towing.

Audi A2 e-tron sub-$60k MEB entry model, VW ID.Cross 4153mm compact SUV with 430km range options, Sierra Hawthorn’s southern-hemisphere-record 251 Level-1 charger strata project with $300k cost and demand-management software.

Essential Energy’s 300-pole rural streetlight trial plus 1000 more identified, Melbourne Motor Show 2026 expansion to 40,000sqm with 120+ exhibitors, Polestar 5 112kWh Grand Tourer Australian pricing from $171,100 and 678km WLTP, CSIRO quantum battery prototype completing full cycle with faster scaling, Bosscap collapse impacting 100 jobs. 

Chinese marques at 24% market share plus BYD credits analysis, global EV oil savings of 1.7 million barrels per day, Porsche vertical integration for Cayenne Electric, Australian road-user tax modelling, Brookvale electric bus infrastructure, up-to-$30,000 2026 EV price slashes, Leapmotor A05 cheap hatch reveal, and Chery’s 600Wh/kg solid-state batteries for 1500km range in extreme cold. 

All stories tied directly to Australian roads, apartment dwellers, regional drivers, interstate capability, fleet economics and buyer savings — positive progress reported with hard truths where required.

Disclaimer:

All specifications, pricing, and information discussed in this episode were correct at the time of recording. The electric vehicle market moves quickly, so we recommend you always check the latest details directly with manufacturers, dealers, or official sources.

This podcast provides general news and information only, based on publicly available sources and Australian Consumer Law guidelines. It is not legal, financial, or professional advice. For advice specific to your situation, please contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or seek independent professional guidance.

Plugged in Australia and its hosts are not responsible for any decisions, misunderstandings, or purchases made based on the content of this show.

Sourcing & Transparency

At Plugged in Australia, all our stories are sourced from publicly available news articles and reports. We do not receive any advance information or briefings from brands or manufacturers.

Any analysis or opinions we share are based solely on this public information.

Our main sources include (though we also use many others, and they vary by episode):

• https://www.carsales.com.au/
• https://www.carexpert.com.au/
• https://thedriven.io/
• https://www.carsguide.com.au
• https://autotalk.com.au
• https://www.carsguide.com.au
• https://evcentral.com.au
• https://www.drive.com.au