Watts Under the Bonnet - The Electric Vehicle Podcast

It’s the final episode of Season 2! And producer Kelsey has gone all out, treating Rusty & Nads to a buffet of sizzling headlines: rumours swirling around Tesla's shaky brand health, Cadillac dropping an $11k pair of sneakers (yes, really!), and the latest cost-of-living hack—ditching the pro mechanic for a TikTok fix. That’s right - MyCar's latest mobility index is out, and the DIY car repair trend is booming! Managing Director Adam Pay drops by to surprise the crew and break down what’s driving folks to take the wrench into their own hands. Senior Editor Feann Torr also stops by to give us what’s new on the EV market, including the revival of the Smart car brand. Later, meet mother and son duo Ali and Will Bourke, who have taken EV innovation to the next level – using their MG4 to power a jumping castle.

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We asked our audience and the broader carsales community the question ‘What bone do you have to pick with EVs?’ and wow, you all had plenty to say! From questions about whether 'electric Jesus' (Elon) is leading a cult and if there should be a road-user charge, to charging headaches and environmental concerns - our mailbag was overflowing! So, we brought in the big guns to tackle these topics: Tim Washington, CEO of JET Charge, brings years of industry insight to the table and explains why you might not want a charger on every street and why Gen Z just doesn’t care if an EV sounds cool or not. Also on the roster, motoring journalist Toby Hagon, who amongst other achievements has driven a Porsche Taycan across the desert, breaks down why sustainability is a hot topic in the automotive space, busts myths about EV fires, and much more.

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Ever regretted buying a car? Rusty and Nads may just have the cure: EV subscriptions! They dive into the latest trends and whether they think this move is a smart one.  Then, Senior Editor Feann Torr steps in with the latest EV market highlights. First up, the all-new MINI Countryman, poised to make waves with its sleek design and impressive tech. Not to be outdone, the Rolls Royce Spectre rolls onto the scene with a debut that's nothing short of spectacular. But the real showstopper? The Zeekr 009, a 6-seater minivan that's not just luxurious—it's ultra-luxurious, boasting a cool 800km range that makes it the king of long-haul comfort. And if you're wondering whether going electric is worth it, EV aficionado Jay wraps things up by sharing his experiences with a second-hand Kona.

Explore the latest on EV releases at the links below:

• Leaked Tesla Model Y Update
• 2024 Renault Megane Price Reduction 
• Hyundai IONIQ 9

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We know EV owners are some of the most environmentally conscious drivers out there. So, in this episode Rusty and Nadine take a microscope to whether an EV's end-of-life is just as green as its on-road life. Talking with Emma McIndoe, Managing Director at AA Recycling and Melbourne icon Pick-A-Part, we uncover how EVs are transforming the auto-recycling industry and what you need to know if you’re thinking about recycling your ICE vehicle to make way for an EV. Producer Kelsey makes a surprise appearance with insights on how—and if—you can recycle your EV. Oscar Vall, Commercial & Business Development Manager at Infinitev, explains the circular economy they're building through remanufacturing, repairing, and recycling services aimed at ensuring the future of EV recycling is green.

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Are EV drivers too lazy to share public chargers? In this episodes news roundup, Rusty and Nadine dive into the hot topic of EV etiquette after a controversial photo sparked debate. Plus, what’s going on with the EU and US import tariffs on Chinese EVs, and why you should check your Uber account if you've recently taken a trip in an Uber Electric. Later, Senior Editor Feann Torr returns with the latest car market updates. He reviews the sleek MG Cyberster, the innovative Polestar 4, and an epic DeLorean EV conversion that’s straight out of the future. Then, our Meet an EV-er segment introduces Greg Hubbard, an IONIQ driver whose first EV was unexpectedly written off. Greg, who moonlights as a volunteer firefighter, shares some fascinating insight into battery safety in light of the accident that had him in hospital and on the hunt for a second second-hand IONIQ. 

Read, watch & listen to this month’s EV reviews & News at the links below:

MG Cyberster

Polestar 4

DeLorean DMC-12

BYD Atto 3 

2024 Hyundai Inster 

Nyobolt 

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Did you know Australia's New Vehicle Efficiency Standards could have been even tougher? Thankfully, auto-industry advocates like Matt Hobbs stepped in. In an exclusive chat with Rusty and Nadine, MTAA CEO Matt Hobbs breaks down what these standards mean for drivers, manufacturers, and dealers. He also explains the credit system, the frustration over vehicle type categorisation, and potential industry casualties. Plus, Lamborghini's Chief Technical Officer, Rouven Mohr, joins the conversation, sparking Rusty and Nadine's curiosity about whether these regulations make sense for high-emission, low-import vehicles like sports cars. Prepare to be surprised!

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Winter might have brought a chill, but the news is white hot according to Rusty. Bringing the heat this month is solar-energy export tarrifs, the notorious ‘EV Graveyard’ photo trending on socials, and the prospect of a driverless future that has Nads raising an eyebrow. Plus, friend of the podcast Sarah Aubrey is back but this time as our ‘Meet An EV-er’. In just six months, Sarah’s witty and honest EV reviews, tackling crucial questions like “But where does the wine fit?,” have captivated an audience of over 64,000 and counting, telling Rusty and Nadine about what she now seeks in an EV after testing both luxury and budget models. As always, Senior Editor Feann Torr is back to provide us with the latest updates from the EV market, including the arrival of the facelifted Tesla Model 3 Performance, the Audi SQ8 e-tron, and the Xpeng G6, which is set to hit our shores sooner than expected.

Read, watch & listen to this months EV reviews & News at the links below:

• Nissan hones its autonomous driving tech
• 2025 Ferrari EV to be “a true Ferrari”
• Tesla Model 3 Performance
• Audi SQ8 e-tron
• Xpeng G6
• MINI electric three-door hatchback
• Mercedes-Benz G 580e
• Hyundai INSTER
• Hyundai Pick-Up

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With new hydrogen FCEV’s coming to market soon, the question of whether hydrogen vehicles will revolutionise electric mobility is top of mind for many EV drivers who have already chosen the battery electric route. Rusty and Nadine explore both sides of the coin, discovering that there isn't a simple answer. To test the Hydrogen vs. Battery argument, they speak with David Dorall, CEO of electric aviation company Dovetail, which is pushing both technologies to new heights. Dorall discusses his company’s technology, the current capabilities of batteries in an aviation setting, and how hydrogen fuel cells may come into play. Adjunct Professor Gail Broadbent from UTS then delves deeper into hydrogen fuel cells and the economics of hydrogen production. While it seems hydrogen is best suited to heavy vehicles and mass transport in the short term, Rusty and Nadine remain curious. They take a virtual drive in the Toyota Mirai to experience firsthand how a FCEV looks, feels, and drives.

To watch the carsales review on the Toyota Mirai, head to the carsales youtube channel here. 

To read more about the Mirai’s 1360km run, click here.

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Tesla can’t seem to escape the headlines, with supercharger woes taking the spotlight this month. But it’s not all bad news for the charging sector, according to Rusty and Nads, with Ford releasing a package that could entice those still on the fence. They discuss that and more in the news with producer Kelsey. Plus, Senior Editor Feann Torr is back to give us the latest on the EV market, including the Volvo EX30 which is selling like 'proverbial hotcakes' down under, the sleek and sporty BMW iX2, and the Porsche Macan EV. Later, we meet Alex Davis, Co-Founder ofLeaseLab, and this episode's Meet an EV-er! He gives us the low-down on why he chose to go electric and the inside scoop on novated leasing.

Read more about the latest EV releases below:

Volvo EX30

BMW iX2

Mitsubishi eK X EV

Porsche Macan EV

BYD SEALION 6

KIA EV5

Peugeot e-2008 EV

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If the batteries of tomorrow aren’t as lithium-dependent as they are today, can Australia still become the ‘critical minerals superpower’ it hopes to be as countries across the global electrification race take off? That’s the question Rusty and Nadine are on a mission to answer. To help them on their quest, they enlist the help of Dr. Veronika Wright, or as she’s better known - Electrified Veronika. With a flair for electrical engineering and physics, Veronika dissects lithium-ion mechanics while challenging the viability of solid-state batteries, hailed as the next frontier in energy storage. Peter Newman, Professor of Sustainability at Curtin University and for the past 5 years the Lead Author for Transport in the IPCC (the UN’s climate change body), joins later in the show to discuss the national and global implications for a lithium-ion economy. He sheds light on Australia's mining industry manoeuvres, propelling the nation beyond its 'exporter' label and toward 'innovator' status. With value-added strategies upstream in the lithium supply chain, Newman envisions local economic revitalisation and Australia's ascent as the beacon of green exporters in critical minerals.

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