Welcome to EV Quest’s ‘News Shorts’ podcast. Bringing you the latest EV news from Australia, New Zealand, and around the world.

In this episode:
✅ Tesla Model Y update
✅  BYD sale on now
✅ Luxury MG
✅  Chinese EVs update

EV Quest’s ‘News Shorts’ features Adrian Maidment in Tauranga, New Zealand, and Riz Akhtar from Carloop in Melbourne, Australia.

Connect with Riz on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/riz-akhtar/

Welcome to EV Quest’s ‘News Shorts’
Bringing you the latest EV news from Australia, New Zealand, and around the world.

In this episode:

• The new Tesla Model Y release
• A cut-price BYD enters Australia
• Tennis, anyone? In an EV?
• The year of Chinese EVs?

EV Quest’s ‘News Shorts’ features Adrian Maidment in Tauranga, New Zealand, and Riz Akhtar from Carloop in Melbourne, Australia.

Connect with Riz on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/riz-akhtar/

In this EV Quest episode, Adrian Maidment interviews Clayton Morgan, who shares his adventurous family road trip across the USA (from New Zealand) in a rented Tesla Model Y. 

From exploring the desert to navigating high-speed freeways and unexpected charging spots, Clayton dives into the ups and downs of traveling with a Tesla. He also reveals the challenges of adapting to American roads, managing a full EV itinerary, and the quirks of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving in real-world conditions. 

Whether you’re a Tesla enthusiast or curious about EV road trips, this episode has valuable insights for anyone considering an electric adventure!

There's been a lot of recent developments in the Australian EV market.  So, Adrian Maidment thought it was time for another catchup to find out what's going on in Oz. I’m again talking with Riz Akhtar, founder of  Carloop.

Carloop helps businesses transition to EVs, through the use of their  specialised  EV data. Riz also writes for Electric Vehicle news site - The Driven.

This episode was recorded before the release of the BYD Seal launch event  on October 17. Details here 👉 https://electrek.co/2023/10/17/byd-seal-take-on-teslas-model-3-australia-lower-prices/

“Sustainability” is a term getting used more and more, and acted on more and more. So how can you gain more knowledge in this area if you have the desire to enhance your education in sustainability?

Well that’s what my guest today has done. I’m Adrian Maidment, and I’m talking with Meg Jones, from The Shine Collective, who recently completed the  University of Cambridge’s Business Sustainability Management qualification.

Sustainability Links:
https://www.footprintnetwork.org/
https://www.overshootday.org/newsroom/country-overshoot-days/
https://www.sciencefocus.com/future-technology/biomimetic-design-10-examples-of-nature-inspiring-technology

Vehicle leasing is on the agenda today, as Adrian Maidment talks with Dennis Kelly, Director of FleetPartners NZ.

FleetPartners is New Zealand's leading provider of vehicle leasing, fleet management and heavy commercial vehicle leasing.

During the podcast,  we firstly look at leasing overall.  Then, focus in on the leasing of EVs, and the huge impact the growth of EVs is having on the leasing industry, and the motoring industry in general.

Mentioned in interview: 🎙️
FleetPartners: https://www.fleetpartners.co.nz/
FleetPartners Podcast: https://www.fleetpartners.co.nz/resources/podcast

For more on EV Quest: ⚡️
✅ https://evquest.co.nz/
✅ https://www.instagram.com/evquest/
✅ https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-maidment/

This is the new Lexus RZ450e, now available in New Zealand in 2 variations. The RZ 450e Core and the RZ 450e Dynamic.  The SUV I have today is the Dynamic version.

In this video I’ll be checking its exteriors, Interior comfort, all its safety technology, plus freaking out about driving RZ 450e, the most expensive EV I’ve driven!
#electricLexus #rz450e #evquest 

RZ 450e supplied by Lexus of Tauranga 👇https://www.lexus.co.nz/en/dealers/tauranga.html

Charging infrastructure and smart charging, are the topics for this EV Quest Podcast. Adrian Maidment is  talking with Jonny Parker, CEO and Co-founder of Wellington based company Thundergrid.  We also talk about car fleet conversions from ICE vehicles to EVs.

Thundergrid’s  purpose is to ease the load on the grid, and eliminate barriers to electric vehicle adoption. 

Thundergrid - https://www.thundergrid.net/

This episode, Adrian Maidment is talking  hydrogen transport with Mark Irving. Mark is the Business Development Manager,  at Heavy Vehicle and Machinery Solutions, a New Zealand company leading the way in converting existing diesel vehicles to hydrogen.

We're discussing the major industry players in New Zealand, new hydrogen projects and how the hydrogen industry  is developing in NZ.

Mentioned:
Hydrogen NZ: https://www.nzhydrogen.org/

As the number of electric vehicles grows in New Zealand, the number of people with their vehicles at the charger can potentially grow, which could lead to issues.  In this episode of the EV QUEST Podcast, I’m talking with Stephanie Smits O'Callaghan, the co-founder of Hikotron about EV Etiquette. The do's and don'ts at the charging station.

EV Hikotron is a Hamilton based company, focused on providing smart Electric Vehicle charging solutions that are Designed and Built in New Zealand.

Hi. I’m Adrian from EV Quest. And today I‘m  ticking of something new on my EV journey. It’s my first  drive an electric BMW drive - BMW iX1 xDrive30. 

I’m expecting luxury, quality and performance.

It's priced from $96,990 + ORC. WLPT range 440km.
The BMW iX1 xDrive30 is rated at 230kW and 494Nm.
0-100km/h  in 5.6 seconds.

CAR SUPPLIED BY COOMBES JOHNSTON BMW TAURANGA
https://www.coombesjohnstonbmwtauranga.co.nz/

Chris Glazewski from UBCO explains to Adrian Maidment, the key features you need to know about the UBCO 2 x2 Electric Bike. They're on a hill at Adventure Playground, located in Rotorua, New Zealand.

#ubco #electricbike #evquest
MENTIONED
UBCO: https://ubco.co.nz/
Adventure Playground: https://adventureplayground.co.nz/

Adrian Maidment is at Adventure Playground Rotorua, testing out the UBCO 2 x 2 ELECTRIC BIKE. First up it's a lesson on  how to ride the electric bike, then Adrian is on his way up a hill with crew from Adventure Playground and UBCO.

MENTIONED
UBCO: https://ubco.co.nz/
Adventure Playground: https://adventureplayground.co.nz/

Welcome to  EV Quest's News Shorts, October 27.

• We look at the growth in new EVs coming to Australia. Are these  brands and models also coming to NZ?
• A new release from Zeekr.
• Tesla model news.

Link
Riz from Carloop - https://carloop.com.au/

For EV Quest videos - https://www.youtube.com/@EVQuest

New to New Zealand, the MG4 is currently available in 4 options. With the big highlight being the price, The base model Excite 51 is priced from 46, 990. So that's sub 40 with the Clean Car rebate!

In this podcast I’ll be checking out interior, looks, performance, some negatives, Drive train, and all the reasons why this car should be a winner for MG.

For this review, I‘m driving the Essence 64, which is 2 models up from the base model. It has a  64kwh battery, a WLTP range of 435kms, And priced from 54,990 before the clean car rebate.

A big thanks to FARMER MG  in Tauranga for supplying me the MG4 to review.

There’s a lot of information out there on Electric vehicles, but it’s not always easy to make sense of it all. Today I’m talking with someone who has made New Zealand EV data accessible and easy to follow. James Foster owns the Website evdb.nz, where you can compare makes, models, current and future models. Registration data and market patterns.

The BYD brand has now been in New Zealand for a year., with the Atto 3 being hugely successful for the brand.

With this is mind, I wanted to talk to catch up again with Atto 3 owner Matthew Parkin  to talk about owning the SUV.

#byd #atto3 #ev 

✅ We'll be talking about the car's positives, and any negatives over the last 6 months.
✅ Alternatives to the Atto 3.
✅ General EV Advice.

Find out more on EV Quest 👇
Web: https://evquest.co.nz/
Instagram: @evquest
Apple Podcast: 
https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/ev-quest/id1614097185

Link to first interview 👇
https://youtu.be/cCi-8LMg6JA

Electric bikes are growing in popularity. There's a heap of pros and I guess the occasional potential drawback of owning an E-bike. So today I'm talking with Dan Wallace, owner of Electrify Tauranga about E-bikes. 

We'll be covering the different kinds of e-bikes, how to choose an e-bike, technology, safety, warranty, differences in motors and brands, and the future of e-bikes

Find out more about EV Quest at: evquest.co.nz

There’s a continuing stream of questions online, asking if the Ford Mustang Mach-E  is a Mustang? Well, according to the brochure, Yes! So, then, how good a Mustang is it? Adrian finds out in this review.

There’s 3 models of the Mustang available in New Zealand;  This is the base model with Rear Wheel Drive. There’s also an AWD  model and an AWD GT. Adrian is testing out the RWD version of the Mach-E. A

t the time of recording, it was priced at $79,990 plus ORC. Eligible for the Clean Car Rebate.  

EV Expert Andy Kennedy provides expert advice. 🔌

Mustang Mach-E supplied by Ultimate Ford Tauranga   https://www.ultimateford.co.nz/

Kia EV6 Review - https://youtu.be/GTJRPojR3ZE

Tesla Model Y review (In Chinese, English Subtitles) - https://youtu.be/IV2PWjd4pLc

#carreview #mustangmache #fordmustang 

Find out more on EV Quest 👇
Web: https://evquest.co.nz/
Instagram: @evquest

✍️ Subscribe to EV Quest: 
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLanpCxojG8G9000A_IZ5jQ

Vehicle companies need  to adapt and change as the demand for, and technology required to make EVs advances.

To discuss some of these changes, I’m talking with Dylan Boddis, Sales Consultant at Coombes Johnston BMW Tauranga, New Zealand. We’re talking about BMW electric cars, the range of BMW cars in general, and what to ask a car dealer when considering buying a car.

EV Quest Short Spark is a quick look at some of the EV news from the last week. This week we focus on brand partnerships. Some big players have teamed up, with several new partnership deals announced.

YouTube viewing recommendation:  

Tesla Solar Roof Review: Was it Worth It?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJeSWbR6W04

Shift Hub ran in Tauranga’s City Centre for the month of July. The Shift Hub showcased  alternative transportation options, to reduce  transport emissions, congestion, and the reliance on private motor vehicles across the region.  Transportation options included: e-bikes, e-motorbikes, public transport (bus), car share, and e-scooters. Adrian Maidment turned up,  on the last day of the event, and spoke to Helley from Shift Hub, to find out about it had gone.

Find out more: https://www.priorityone.co.nz/shifthub/

As the number of electric vehicles grows in New Zealand, the need for greater charging availability is also increasing. In this episode of EV Quest Podcast, Adrian Maidment is  talking with Stephanie Smits O'Callaghan, the co-founder of Hikotron. 

They talk about Destination Charging, Hikotron’s expansion, owning an EV,  the Shift Hub, plus a  “top tip" when owning an EV.

Hikotron is a Hamilton based company, focused on providing smart Electric Vehicle charging solutions that are designed and built in New Zealand.

Mentioned in Podcast 

Hikotro: https://www.hikotron.com/

Shift Hub: https://www.priorityone.co.nz/shifthub/

 Adrian Maidment speaks with Camilla Cochran, Funds Delivery Manager at the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA).

Camilla discusses New Zealand's ambitious transition to sustainable transport, highlighting EECA's new $28 million Low Emissions Heavy Vehicle Fund, which offers up to 25% off the cost of electric and hybrid trucks. She explains how heavy vehicles, while making up only 5% of New Zealand's vehicle fleet, generate nearly a quarter of road transport emissions.

Also covered - f EV charging infrastructure across the country, including New Zealand's largest charging hub in Tauranga, and innovative projects like electric hydrofoils in the Hauraki Gulf.

Learn about EECA's various funding initiatives, including practical ways for businesses to  transition to electric vehicles.

LINK
EECA  - https://www.eeca.govt.nz/co-funding-and-support/products/low-emissions-heavy-vehicle-fund/?apps

Glenn McCready has owned his Kia EV6 Air for 4 months. Glenn shares his thoughts on what hew likes about the car and the little announces he finds.  Previously he owned a hybrid, but he wanted to go "Full Electric".

Glenn is an electrical engineer who runs his business off the grid, utilising solar and battery power, so he's experienced with using electric energy.

What’s going on in the Australian EV world? That’s what Adrian Maidment is discussing with Riz Akhtar.

Riz the founder of carloop, which specialises in Australian EV data, insight reports and trends. Riz is also a writer for Australian publication - The Driven.

We also chat about the selection of EVs in New Zealand compared to Australia, NZ Fieldays, Cybertruck testing, and what brand is standing out, making waves in OZ.

At Fieldays 2023, Professor Sally Brooker from Otago University gives an update on using hydrogen as a vehicle power source. Adrian Maidment first spoke to Professor Sally Brooker at theb 2022 Fieldays.    

Professor Sally Brooker is co-leading a German-NZ Green Hydrogen alliance with Dr Paul Jerabek, of the Institute of Hydrogen Technology, Helmholtz Zentrum Hereon.

Today I have a test drive, to test drive, Cupra’s First Electric Vehicle, the Cupra Born, a Bespoke pure-electric vehicle, now available to order in New Zealand.   

There’s a demonstrator travelling around NZ, so I’m booked in at Farmer CUPRA, in Tauranga  for my test drive.

The plan was to  cover as much as I could about the car, including - performance, interior features, and looks...but then I got stuck in traffic!!!!

EV FireSafe is a private company that received seed funding from the Australian Department of Defence to research electric vehicle high voltage battery fires & emergency response, particularly where the EV is connected to energised charging.

Their research is referenced by the Australasian Fire Agencies Council, National Fire Chief's Council (UK), National Fire Protection Association (US) & various EV manufacturers. 

Today I’m talking with the Project Manager of EV FireSafe - Emma Sutcliffe. Emma leads EV FireSafe's strategic direction. Her experience as an electric vehicle charging infrastructure professional & volunteer firefighter inspired the project.
Find out more on EV FireSafe 👉 evfiresafe.com

#evfire #evnews #evfiresafe

Find out more on EV Quest 👇
Web: https://evquest.co.nz/
Instagram: @evquest

eClean uses both Scientific research and Mātauranga Māori to deliver technology to a Global market. Adrian Maidment spoke to Ngārie Scartozzi at Fieldays, to learn more about eClean. 

 At Fieldays, eClean won "FIELDAYS INNOVATION AWARD 2023"... "It’s impressive to see their blend of contemporary science and Mātauranga Māori in an authentic manner. By incorporating the Kawa and Tikanga of traditional Māori science, they have demonstrated a holistic approach to their work.

The judges were particularly impressed by eClean Envirotech’s ability to apply scientific theory in a practical manner. It’s commendable that they have formed a strong partnership with an engineering firm, which has enabled them to manufacture their products right from the beginning. Their early commercial success is a testament to their hard work and innovative solutions." https://eclean.co.nz/news/fieldays-innovation-award/

Find out more 👉 https://eclean.co.nz/

Finn Biogas is a waste-to-energy engineering company, specialising in biogas projects throughout Australia and South East Asia. They design, build and commission plants that convert organic waste to clean energy.

Adrian Maidment  spoke to Jason Hawley, Founder and Managing Director of Finn Biogas, at Fieldays 2023.

https://finnbiogas.com/

Check out this classic Volkswagen Kombi renovation, featuring an electric powertrain conversion. The kombi was on display at Fieldays 2023.

Scott from Volkswagen shares some details on how the Kombi van went from being a bare shell, to a pristine looking EV called KEV.

Check out the complete conversion story below👇
https://www.volkswagen.co.nz/en/brand/ekombi.html

With Fieldays 2023 about to start, I thought I'd look back at some of my interviews  from Fieldays 2022.

Fieldays is the Southern Hemisphere’s largest agricultural event, promoting new technology and innovation.

In this podcast, interviews include - Electric trucks and Hydrogen trucks.

Hi, I’m Adrian Maidment, and this the EQ Quest EV News wrap up for the last week or so, covering new car releases, Industry headlines and anything else going on in the world of EVs.

In this episode - New Volvo unboxed, GM and Ford go a bit Tesla, BYD new model in New Zealand, and Fieldays are on the way.

Link to Volvo release: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBsPUpqSPFs

We explore the official pricing and specs of the BYD Shark 6, a plug-in hybrid ute that’s making waves in New Zealand and soon in Australia. We also discuss the  sporty MG Cyberster. BYD's Sealion 7 is on the way. And what new EVs in Australia are coming to New Zealand?

Also - Adrian is on Cadillac Lyriq watch.  And what's new with Tesla charging?

In this episode, Adrian Maidment talks with Ecogas General Manager Alzbeta Bouskova.

Ecogas  redirects food waste away from landfills and instead uses it to create truly sustainable energy, biogas and biofertiliser. Ecogas is operating New Zealand’s first anaerobic digestion system utilising source separated feedstock to generate biogas and create renewable energy and carbon dioxide and a nutrient rich bio-fertiliser Fertify.

They even  create energy to power their electric cars!

⚡️The MG ZS EV is promoted by MG as New Zealand's best value SUV in New Zealand. So in this MG ZS EV review,  I'll be checking out what the car has to offer. 

There's three models in the 2023 MG ZS EV range, with the entry level Excite priced from $49,990. I'm driving the model up, the Essence. There is also a long range version of the MG.

Key features include: 👇
✅ 3 Driving Modes (Eco, Normal, Sport)
✅ 3 Regenerative Braking Modes(1,2,3)
✅ Satellite Navigation
✅ Leather trimmed steering wheel 
✅ Push Button Start
✅ 360 View Camera
✅ Fabric Seats
✅ 10.1" Multi-function colour touch screen Apple CarPlay & Android AUTO
✅ MG Pilot Driver Safety Technology
✅ Vehicle To Load Functionality (V2L)
✅ Range of up to 320km (WLTP)

Upgrading from the MG Excite to the MG Essence gives you extra features including:  👉 a  panoramic glass, sunroof, front seat heating,  rain sensing wipers, blind spot detection, roof rails, wireless phone charger, and synthetic leather seats in the front.

A big thanks to Farmer Auto Village MG,  located in Tauranga, New Zealand for supplying me this car. ⚡️
https://mgmotor.co.nz/models/mg-zsev/

With Volvo’s plan to be fully electric by 2030.  I  thought I’d better check out what they have on offer now. So in this episode I am testing out  Volvo's XC40 Recharge Pure Electric P8 Ultimate.

The GWM  (Great Wall Motors) Ora is now available in New Zealand. In this episode, Adrian Maidment  reviews the Ora (Ora Funky Cat in some markets) Standard Range model. There’s also an extended range option, plus a GT version on the way.

The car has the looks, but how does it perform?

The standard Ora version has a:

• 48 kWH Lithium Ion Battery
• A WLTP Range of Up to 310 km
• Keyless entry
• A 5-star ANCAP*
• And is priced from 49,990 plus on-road costs.

A big thanks to Farmer Autovillage  in Tauranga, for supplying Adrian the Ora to test drive - https://farmerautovillage.co.nz/brand-gwm-ora/

Tom runs Ludicrous Feed, an Australian based YouTube channel that started in 2018 after Tom purchased his Tesla Model S. Tom show the reality of Australian daily life with his family and an electric vehicle.  Check out his videos on YouTube here: 
➡️   https://www.youtube.com/@LudicrousFeed/featured

Contact Tom 👇
Website https://www.ludicrousfeed.com/
Email tom@ludicrousfeed.com

Find out more on EV Quest 👇
Web: https://evquest.co.nz/
Instagram: @evquest
Email: hievquest@gmail.com

In this episode, Adrian Maidment talks to Edward Harvey - Founder & CEO at Evnex.

Evnex is a New Zealand company that designs, builds, and installs smart EV chargers. Evnex's mission  is to reduce the carbon footprint of NZ's growing fleet of electric vehicles.

The interview covers:👇
✅ The  benefits of Smart Charging
✅ New charging technologies 
✅ Evnex's plans for the future
✅ Do we have enough electricity?
✅ And more! ⚡️

👉  https://www.evnex.com/

The Skoda Enyaq is now available to buy in New Zealand. There are three models to choose from, including the Skoda Enyaq Sportline Max, which is being reviewed in this podcast.

This electric SUV still retains. the quirky features Skoda is known for, but now is focused on creating a premium quality electric car. Good looks, comfort and  space make it well worth checking out.

Car supplied by Farmer Autovillage 👉 https://farmerautovillage.co.nz/brand-skoda/

Find out more on EV Quest 👇
Web: https://evquest.co.nz/
Instagram: @evquest

In this episode, Adrian chats with Taiwan Tesla Model Y owner Jin.
Jin shares her thoughts on the car, having previously owned the Tesla Model 3.

 ✅ We're  discussing - technology, size, price, ease of driving,  and more! ✅

Whether you're a current Tesla owner or just curious about the future of electric cars, you won't want to miss these  Tesla Model Y insights. ⚡️

特斯拉 Model Y 車主評論 |比3更好？

本期視頻，我們聊聊台灣特斯拉Model Y車主Jin
Jin 分享了她對這輛車的看法，她之前擁有特斯拉 Model 3。

 ✅ 我們正在討論 - 技術、尺寸、價格、駕駛便利性等等！ ✅

無論您目前是 Tesla 車主，還是只是對電動汽車的未來感到好奇，您都不會想錯過這些 Tesla Model Y 見解。 ⚡️

了解有關 EV Quest 的更多信息 👇
Web: https://evquest.co.nz/
Instagram: @evquest

Gogoro is an electric scooter company based in Taiwan, which uses swappable battery technology.
In this video, we take a deep dive into the Gogoro electric scooter with a Gogoro fan. Features, performance,  and battery swapping are covered.   

If you're considering purchasing a Gogoro electric scooter or are simply curious about its features and performance, this video is a must-watch.

Find out more on EV Quest 👇
Web: https://evquest.co.nz/
Instagram: @evquest

👉 https://www.gogoro.com/

If you're a first-time EV buyer, you might be feeling overwhelmed by all the potential buying decisions to make. To help make learning about EVs easier,  Paul O’Connor from OEM Audio in Christchurch is here to help.
#EV101 #EVTips #EVadvice

OEM Audio 👉 https://oemaudio.co.nz/

Find out more on EV Quest 👇
Web: https://evquest.co.nz/
Instagram: @evquest

Adrian and Riz discuss the launch of the new Tesla robotaxi, the 'Cybercab'. Also featured at the launch, Tesla’s humanoid Optimus robot and Robovan.

Warren Willmot is the Brand Manager for  BYD Auto New Zealand.  In this podcast, Adrian Maidment will  be discussing with Warren:
✅ What his job involves
✅ How BYD has become so popular so quickly
✅ BYD's future plans in New Zealand.

#byd #atto3 #EV

Mentioned in interview
👉 https://bydauto.co.nz/

For videos from EV Quest 👇
https://www.youtube.com/@EVQuest

This episode I’m talking again with Richard Briggs from EECA (Energy, Efficiency & Conservation Authority)in New Zealand.  Richard is the GM for Warmer Kiwi Homes, Public Sector & Transport. EECA's goal is "moving Aotearoa towards a sustainable energy system that supports the wellbeing of current and future generations".

This episode we’ll be looking at: 
 ✅  Recent EV developments in NZ and the world 
 ✅ The future of Hydrogen in the transport industry
 ✅  Calculating how much it actually costs to own and run an EV.

👉 https://www.eeca.govt.nz/

For EV Quest videos 👇
https://www.youtube.com/@EVQuest

It feels like the BYD brand has come from nowhere, to now be a major player in the EV car buying market. Specifically, the BYD Atto 3 has become hugely popular, with a heap of positive reviews. With this is mind, I wanted to talk to some Atto 3 owners, to find out what their experiences of the car have been since purchasing one. 👉 In this video I’m talking to Atto 3 owners Neil Johns and Matthew Parkin. ✅ We'll be talking about their reasons to buy, positives, and any negatives. ✅ Neil and Matthew also share value information to help, if you're looking to buy an EV for the first time. ✅ Charging advice