Plugged in Australia

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Nissan confirms its 320kW/800Nm Frontier Pro plug-in hybrid dual-cab ute – direct rival to the BYD Shark 6 PHEV with 33kWh battery, 135km CLTC electric range, 3500kg towing and 700mm wading depth – for Australian announcement next month and 2027 deliveries alongside the 2026 Navara with Premcar Australian-tuned suspension. 

Skoda Enyaq RS 2026 dual-motor SUV and Coupe priced from $75,490 before on-roads with 250kW/545Nm, 84kWh battery, 523-534km WLTP range and 185kW DC charging.

Dreame Nebula NEXT 01 hypercar and SUV concept with quad motors delivering 1399kW and 23,000Nm, 1.8-second 0-100km/h and in-house solid-state batteries over 450Wh/kg heading to Australia and New Zealand as first RHD markets in early 2027.

MG4 Urban BEV launches April with 43kWh (110kW, 323km WLTP) or 54kWh (118kW, 415km) options, 150kW DC charging and full ADAS suite undercutting the BYD Dolphin. 

Chery Tiggo 9 PHEV gains cheaper front-wheel-drive base grade option under review with 1.5-litre turbo petrol plus dual motors; 2026 MG4X electric SUV freshened with new front light bar and illuminated badge on 4500mm body and 125-150kW motors 

BYD weighs Australian launch of smaller Baby Shark PHEV ute based on Sealion 6 platform; Australians report over 60% fuel savings with 93% home charging capability in latest EV Ownership Survey.

Chinese brands dominate February sales as value trumps origin concerns; NVIDIA DRIVE Hyperion adopted by BYD, Geely and Nissan for Level 4 autonomy in models already on Australian roads. 

All verified specs, power figures, ranges, pricing tiers, 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

Zeekr's luxury electric people mover gets a 680kW power bomb with 900V architecture for faster charging while the brand sells strongly in Australia.

Hyundai Australia insists the new Elexio isn't just a Kia EV5 twin with local tuning and 546km WLTP range undercutting the Model Y.

Farizon V7e electric van launches with 1300kg payload and 376km WLTP range for Aussie tradies. 

The 2027 BYD Atto 3 gains 240kW rear-drive power, 800V architecture and bigger dimensions to take on the EV5 and Geely EX5. 

Queensland opens new EV training facilities at Acacia Ridge and Townsville with $3 million funding to skill up 400 students a year. 

Audi rules out its Chinese EREVs for Australia for now but watches market demand, Nissan delays the new Leaf SUV indefinitely as buyers flock to e-Power hybrids. 

Mazda scores approval for its second EV the 6e sedan with 190kW, 560km range and sub-$50k pricing arriving June 2026, and Tesla plans its largest Australian Supercharger site with over 25 bays in Mackay Queensland. 

All the verified specs, power figures, ranges, pricing, quotes, Australian compliance details, rival comparisons and facts from every source – full BEV 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

This episode of Plugged in Australia dives into the latest on electric vehicles shaping the market, from BMW's Neue Klasse iX3 and Volkswagen's refreshed ID.3 Neo to Mazda's potential hybrid and EV push in the CX-30. 

We also cover Hyundai's Ioniq 6 stock clearance ahead of updates, a rundown of affordable EVs hitting Australian roads in 2026, and new postcode data revealing outer suburbs as key hotspots for EV discounts. Sticking to facts with a nod to real-world impacts for Aussie drivers.

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 electric vehicle market is accelerating as petrol prices push towards three dollars a litre in regional areas and global oil supply fears from the Iran crisis drive one in four drivers to consider switching. 

This fact-driven episode delivers every verified specification, pricing tier, range figure, power output, dimension, feature list, executive quote, warranty detail, ANCAP rating, and rival comparison on the five affordable EVs matching popular ICE models, solid-state battery advances from BYD, Chery and Mercedes-Benz targeting 1000km-plus ranges by 2027-2030

The new GAC Aion UT compact hatch with drive-away deals from $30,990 challenging BYD Dolphin and Corolla pricing, the leaked 2026 Rivian R2 4WD details with potential right-hand-drive Australian entry, the stretched Tesla Model Y L six-seater now on sale from $74,900 before on-roads boasting 681km WLTP range and V2L capability. 

Ford CEO Jim Farley's hard truths on why battery-electric utes still need major breakthroughs, Hyundai's plans to source more models including EVs from China for the local market, Honda's cancellation of three key EV programs with up to $22.2 billion in losses. 

The federal Community Batteries program facing auditor-noted delays and cost blowouts, and BYD's reported motorsport ambitions eyeing Formula 1 or endurance racing. 

All stories tied directly to Australian buyers, infrastructure realities, warranties, and market positioning – no hype, just the full specs and context you need.

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

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV updated with larger battery, 221 kW power and local suspension tune from $58,990 plus on-roads. 

Hyundai Xcient Fuel Cell trucks in WA fleets; MG S9 7-seat PHEV and MG4 X with world-first semi-solid-state battery; Chery names world-first diesel PHEV ute via public competition; Jetour PHEV off-roaders confirmed; Polestar 3 now 800-volt with 350 kW charging; battery recycling to hit $6.9 billion a year by 2050; federal charging network overhaul after only 45 of 117 stations built; Power Network activates first pole-mounted chargers with EMSP competition; first Tesla Model Y L six-seaters arrive with 681 km range. 

GWM confirms up to 10 new models including multiple PHEVs and diesel upgrades; and oil shocks plus temporary higher-sulphur fuel allowance accelerate EV/PHEV savings and adoption. 

All specs, pricing and Australian angles, no fluff.

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

February BEV sales surge 95.9% to 11,134 units claiming a record 11.8% share. 

GWM offers free $3,500 AWD on Haval H6 hybrids, GAC Aion UT budget hatch arrives Q2 from $31,990, Zeekr 7X Black Special Edition launches, Ineos smaller electrified SUV project revived, Australian specialists convert diesel buses to electric, Porsche may merge Taycan/Panamera lines, industry launches “Keep the EV Tax Discount” campaign, Chery QQ3 ultra-affordable hatch eyes Australia, Deepal E07 deliveries paused over child-seat compliance, Polestar stands by FCAI exit, Hyundai reaffirms 21-22% fleet commitment. 

NSW Health rolls out 38 new chargers at hospitals for 2030 mandate, and Jaguar platform confirmed to underpin Land Rover Defender Sport off-road EV arriving 2027. 

All specs, pricing and Australian angles, no fluff.

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

BMW drops its first Neue Klasse EV with 805 km WLTP range and pricing that undercuts rivals 

Porsche adds a Cayenne S Electric variant, Lotus confirms a PHEV Eletre X for the UK, Mercedes unveils a luxury eight-seat electric van. 

Tesla Semi factory ramps up, Donut Lab’s solid-state battery survives extreme heat tests, GWM locks in Tank 300 PHEV details while the Ora 5 goes hybrid, and we cover rising fuel costs, the “Keep the EV Tax Discount” campaign, Victoria’s electricity supply inquiry, NVES progress, and Perth’s electric-hybrid bus leap. 

All the specs and Australian angles, no fluff.

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 this episode of Plugged In Australia we cover the new MG4 EV Urban entering the budget segment next month with aggressive pricing and a free home charger promotion. 

Bowen dismissing speculation of clean-energy and EV roll-backs; the first NVES compliance results showing most brands clearing the initial hurdle. 

Nio’s Firefly hatch launching in Thailand ahead of Australia. 

VW Group hitting four million BEVs delivered worldwide; Victoria’s second-largest big battery supporting EV charging reliability; a new record for home battery rebates. 

Tesla planning the world’s biggest 400-stall Supercharger. 

Latest DC fast-charger performance rankings; school idling fumes creating health risks for children; and BYD’s Seal 07 promising 1,500 kW flash charging at under $35k. 

All facts, all Aussie-focused, straight talk.

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 this  episode of Plugged In Australia we cover the Tesla Model Y L six-seat extended SUV now officially confirmed for 2026 arrival with extra length, range and family-focused captain’s chairs. 

China becoming Australia’s top single-month vehicle source for the first time in decades; the mid-2026 Polestar 3 refresh delivering 800-volt architecture, 350 kW charging, more power and lower prices; rising fuel prices driven by Middle East conflict making the EV ownership case even stronger for households and fleets.

Australia Post’s 2030 sustainability framework with bigger electric vehicle and truck targets; BYD’s clear Jan-Feb 2026 sales lead over Tesla locally; a detailed mid-size EV battery and charging comparison including the new Kia EV5 GT-Line real-world review. 

Temporary pause on Deepal E07 Multitruck deliveries for compliance work. 

The 2027 Cupra Born facelift with physical buttons and sharper styling; Leapmotor considering a ute following BYD Shark 6 momentum; the Geely EX2 (China’s 2025 best-seller) heading here late 2026; the EV industry’s Labor tax-break campaign fighting any FBT wind-back; Renault CEO pushing range-extender EVs as the future; Denza’s Z9 GT claiming over 1,000 km CLTC range with 9-minute flash charging; full 2026 Denza D9 pure-EV pricing and specs now in showrooms.

The Volkswagen Golf Mk9 electric hatch teased as an ID.3 successor with proper buttons; a closer look at the luxurious interior of the Volkswagen ID.7 GTX. 

BYD’s new Blade 2.0 battery and Flash Charging network promising 5-minute top-ups; the new BYD Great Tang flagship BEV SUV with nearly 600 miles range and 1.5 MW charging; and Geely’s Galaxy Battleship PHEV boxy Defender-style large SUV targeting LandCruiser territory. All fresh 2026 information, fully fact-checked, 

Aussie-focused, straight facts with practical context for Australian drivers.

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 this extended episode of Plugged In Australia we break down the Jaecoo J5 EV smashing 1,000 orders at its aggressive launch price, fresh ANCAP five-star ratings for the Denza B8 PHEV and Hyundai Elexio EV achieved without new crash tests, and the latest Generational battery study showing real-world longevity far better than most assumed. 

AEVA launches an EV-friendly apartment register in Canberra and makes the case for autonomous tech slashing our road toll. Pricing lands for the Denza D9 electric people mover and Cadillac’s Optiq and Vistiq SUVs, Geely’s EX5 gets a useful range boost, BYD teases the Seal 07 with 705 km CLTC range, the new Cupra Born is previewed ahead of its world debut, BMW deepens its CATL battery partnership, Polestar confirms its compact Polestar 7 for Australia, and Polestar calls out ute tax breaks costing taxpayers more than EV incentives. 

All facts, all Aussie-focused, straight talk.

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