Australia’s cheapest new car is now electric, with BYD slashing the price of its Atto 1 to just $19,990 driveaway. What does this mean for EV affordability and the wider Australian car market?

We wrap up a big weekend at Everything Electric Sydney, sharing our highlights from the show, before looking at an Australian-first grid connection from Ampol and Ausgrid that could dramatically reduce the cost of rolling out EV fast chargers.

And finally, we discuss the ABC’s Four Corners investigation into the cybersecurity and national-security risks associated with Chinese EVs. The program raised some important questions, but was its focus too narrow? 

We explore why cybersecurity and data privacy are issues for all modern connected cars, regardless of where they’re made or what powers them.

Australia’s cheapest new car is now electric, with BYD slashing the price of its Atto 1 to just $19,990 driveaway. What does this mean for EV affordability and the wider Australian car market? We wrap up a big weekend at Everything Electric Sydney, sharing our highlights from the show, before looking at an Australian-first grid connection from Ampol and Ausgrid that could dramatically reduce the cost of rolling out EV fast chargers. And finally, we discuss the ABC’s Four Corners investigation into the cybersecurity and national-security risks associated with Chinese EVs. The program raised some important questions, but was its focus too narrow? We explore why cybersecurity and data privacy are issues for all modern connected cars, regardless of where they’re made or what powers them.

Australia’s cheapest new car is electric, as Four Corners takes aim at Chinese EVs

Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology promises to turn electric cars into batteries on wheels, helping households slash electricity bills, power their homes and even earn money by selling energy back to the grid. 

But how close are we to making this a reality for everyday Australian EV owners?

Recorded live at Everything Electric Sydney, The Driven Podcast brings together experts from Hyundai, Origin Energy, Amber Electric and Net Zero Engineering Solutions to explore the opportunities and challenges of bidirectional charging.

We discuss the difference between V2H and V2G, what's holding back widespread adoption, the challenges of interoperability and grid standards, and what car manufacturers need to do to support the technology without compromising battery warranties.

Panelists:
- Portia Rooney, Founder and Director, Net Zero Engineering Solutions
- Scott Nargar, Senior Manager of Future Mobility and Government Relations, Hyundai Motor Company Australia
- Daryl Wong, Head of Charging Product and Performance, Origin Energy
- Tim Barson, Strategic Partnerships Manager, Amber Electric

Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology promises to turn electric cars into batteries on wheels, helping households slash electricity bills, power their homes and even earn money by selling energy back to the grid. But how close are we to making this a reality for everyday Australian EV owners? Recorded live at Everything Electric Sydney, The Driven Podcast brings together experts from Hyundai, Origin Energy, Amber Electric and Net Zero Engineering Solutions to explore the opportunities and challenges of bidirectional charging. We discuss the difference between V2H and V2G, what's holding back widespread adoption, the challenges of interoperability and grid standards, and what car manufacturers need to do to support the technology without compromising battery warranties. Panelists: - Portia Rooney, Founder and Director, Net Zero Engineering Solutions - Scott Nargar, Senior Manager of Future Mobility and Government Relations, Hyundai Motor Company Australia - Daryl Wong, Head of Charging Product and Performance, Origin Energy - Tim Barson, Strategic Partnerships Manager, Amber Electric

V2G: Is Australia finally ready? | Live from Everything Electric Sydney

Electric cars have hit a new milestone in Australia, accounting for 24.9 per cent of new vehicle sales in August and outselling petrol-only and diesel vehicles individually. 

Plus, what we've been driving recently, the Polestar 4 gets a rear window, Queensland walks away from its electric bus mandate, and Hyundai develops faster-charging battery technology - only to debut it in an extended-range hybrid.

Electric cars have hit a new milestone in Australia, accounting for 24.9 per cent of new vehicle sales in August and outselling petrol-only and diesel vehicles individually. Plus, what we've been driving recently, the Polestar 4 gets a rear window, Queensland walks away from its electric bus mandate, and Hyundai develops faster-charging battery technology - only to debut it in an extended-range hybrid.

EVs outsell petrol and diesel cars in Australia

The Driven's Sam Parkinson, Tanya Shukla, and Tim Eden discuss Gen Z's take on electric vehicles, what the refreshed Model Y has to offer, and the news of the week.

Gen Z, EVs and the new Model Y

As Kia launches its new EV3, head of product Roland Rivero discusses the  company's grand plan. Plus: The Driven team discuss the latest EV news.

As Kia launches its new EV3, head of product Roland Rivero discusses the company's grand plan. Plus: The Driven team discuss the latest EV news.

Kia takes on the Chinese EV giants

AEVA’s Chris Jones on the state of the EV market, and what consumers want from government policy. Plus: The Driven team gets together to discuss what caught their eye at Everything Electric.

Will everything go electric?

Fully Charged's Robert Llewellyn on Chinese EVs that make a lot of beeping noises, Elon Musk, and what to expect at Everything Electric.

The car even beeped at me when I laughed

Oliver Hill, from Race to 2030, on the new roadmap for turning electric cars into mobile batteries, and who is doing what on V2G.

Where are we at with V2G?

We review the past year, look to the interesting arrivals in 2025, contemplate the Tesla conundrum, and talk to EV conversion specialist Nick Cummins from ElectroGusto.

EV conversions, and the new models for 2025

A trial of EV charging tariffs, including a low priced "solar soak" produced some interests results, and an insight into ICE-ing habits. Miles Menegon from Chargefox explains.

How much will you pay for EV fast-charging?

One of the world’s biggest makers of electric buses has plans for Australia. We talk to Kent Chang of Yutong. Plus: The shift to V2G and Tesla’s sales slump.

Are Australian buses ready to go electric?

Windrose, a newly emerging maker of electric heavy trucks, has just completed a road trip from Melbourne to Sydney and has its eyes on the Australian market. Advisor Jason Roycht explains why it might not just be Chinese EVs on our roads.

The Chinese electric trucks are coming

We take a drive in the new Polestar 3, and talk to the company's Australia boss Scott Maynard about the EV industry and the rollout of the company's new models.

Polestar's big play on electric SUVs

Join Sam Parkinson and Sarah Aubrey for smart, accessible discussion on the latest electric vehicle news, reviews, policy shifts and clean transport developments in Australia and around the world.

Share The Driven Podcast

Sign up to save your podcasts

The Driven Podcast

The Driven Podcast episodes

About The Driven Podcast

More shows like The Driven Podcast

The Science Show

The Economy, Stupid

Politics Now

Energy Insiders - a RenewEconomy Podcast

Solar Insiders - a Renew Economy Podcast

If You're Listening

ABC News Daily

The Morning Edition

Redefining Energy

Everything Electric Podcast

7am

Full Story

Global Roaming with Geraldine Doogue and Hamish Macdonald

The Fin

SwitchedOn Australia