Kia ora and welcome to the EV Quest podcast, I’m Adrian Maidment.
Self Driving is a big topic in New Zealand at the moment with the release of Tesla Full Self Driving (Supervised). But this episode I’m getting some user feedback on another self-driving option, my guest is Aiden Dean, who is just back from the States, and experienced the Waymo experience.
This week on the EV Quest podcast with Adrian Maidment and Riz Akhtar (Carloop):
MG IM5 driven by Riz
New MG4
Nissan's ProPilot Technology
Sydney International EV Motor Show Ticket deal!
Looking Ahead: Future Test Drives and Models
*** Riz's special ticket offer for the Sydney International EV Motor Show ***
Buy one ticket, Get one ticket free: https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/sydney-international-ev-motor-show-tickets/artist/3550594?did=bogo2
In this episode of the EV Quest Podcast, Adrian Maidment and Riz Akhtar dive into the latest EV news from New Zealand, Australia, and beyond. Riz shares his first-hand experience with the brand-new Zeekr 7X SUV.
We also cover:
Kia ora and welcome to EV Quest podcast. In this episode, Adrian and Riz dive into the latest EV developments across Australia, New Zealand, and beyond.
👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, follow, and share EV Quest to help us grow.
A week day episode of EV Quest - with Adrian and Riz.
In this episode of EV Quest, Adrian Maidment (Tauranga, NZ) and Riz Akhtar (Melbourne, AU) dive into the latest EV news from New Zealand, Australia, and beyond.
We unpack NZ’s EV sales slump, while Australia surges ahead. There's pricing on the Model Y Performance from Berlin and Elon Musk’s jaw-dropping $1 trillion pay package. Plus, we look at BMW’s bold new “Neue Klasse” platform, and Riz’s hands-on impressions of the Audi SQ6 e-tron, Nissan Ariya, and a quirky Chinese multi-truck.
Adrian and Riz discuss the latest developments in electric vehicles, focusing on Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) (Almost). There's the release of the Model Y performance and BYD's Atto 3 charging compatibility. Also, Riz tests out the Audi Q4 e-tron.
#podcast #evquest #evnews
Mentioned:
BYD Atto 3: https://zecar.com/reviews/byd-australia-confirms-charging-harness-fix-for-atto-3-tesla-supercharger-compatibility-issues
In this episode of EV Quest, Adrian Maidment (Tauranga, NZ) and Riz Akhtar (Melbourne, AU) unpack a big week for the EV world, especially in New Zealand.
👉 Don’t forget to follow and like EV Quest for weekly EV news, reviews, and insights!
In this episode of the EV Quest podcast, Adrian and Riz discuss the latest developments in the electric vehicle market, including the impressive pre-orders for the Zeekr 7X, government taxation on EVs, and the new electric tanker for Fonterra. They also touch on Ford's plans for affordable EVs and the competitive landscape of the EV market in Australia and New Zealand.
Buying a family car is a big decision, and not just about price or style. In this episode of EV Quest, Adrian Maidment talks with automotive journalist and content creator Jade Credentino, founder of Baby in a Car and Drive in Oz.
Jade shares:
🚗 The top mistakes families make when choosing a car
👶 The hidden traps in 7-seaters and car seat setups
⚡ EV vs petrol: which works better for family life
💡 How to future-proof your car purchase for growing kids
Whether you’re in Australia, New Zealand, or anywhere else, this conversation will give you practical tips, insider knowledge, and the confidence to choose the perfect vehicle for your family.
LINKS MENTIONED:
Baby and Car: https://www.babyandcar.com.au/
This week on EV Quest, Adrian Maidment in Tauranga and Riz Akhtar from Carloop in Melbourne break down the latest EV news across New Zealand and Australia.
We cover:
In this episode of EV Quest, Adrian Maidment checks in with Riz Akhtar (Carloop) fresh from his recent trip to China. Riz shares insights from visiting charging giant Sinexcel and spotting next-gen EVs from Nio and Xpeng.
Adrian covers the rise of New Zealand’s electric two-wheeler industry with updates from Velduro, FTN Motion, and the rescued UBCO brand.
The duo also dive into MG’s new luxury line "IM," Xpeng’s big push into Australia, Tesla’s upcoming affordable Model Y, and the new Cupra Tavascan.
Kia ora and welcome to the EV Quest Podcast - brining you EV news from from Aotearoa, Australia, and around the world. With your hosts - Adrian Maidment in Tauranga and Riz Akhtar from Carloop in Melbourne. 🎙️
This episode includes: 👉
In this episode of the EV Quest podcast, Adrian Maidment and Riz Akhtar (from Carloop in Melbourne) go for a big-picture discussion on the current state and future of electric vehicles in Australia.
They dive into two key questions:
The discussion includes - charging infrastructure, fleet adoption and workplace charging, to new model availability, affordability, and government incentives.
In other news: new MGS5 in NZ, the Hyundai IONIQ 6N, and Model Y offers in New Zealand and Australia.
Kia ora and welcome to the EV Quest Podcast - brining you EV news from from Aotearoa, Australia, and around the world.
With your hosts - Adrian Maidment in Tauranga and Riz Akhtar from Carloop in Melbourne.
This episode includes:
🔹 EV Sales surge in NZ and OZ
🔹 Melbourne EV Show
In this EV Quest podcast interview, Adrian Maidment talks with Mark Lampard at the Melbourne EV Show.
Mark shares insights on the current state and future of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, highlighting his recent experiences in China and Europe. Mark also shares his knowledge on the evolving technology and infrastructure needed to support the transition to electric vehicles, as well as exciting developments on the horizon for his company, go EV.
👉 Find out more: https://go-ev.com.au/
Here's my second podcast from the Melbourne EV Show. In this episode, I'm having a chat at the stands of: EV Towing Australia, Zeekr, Farizon & Paywise. A big thanks to everyone who talked to me (I'm Adrian Maidmdent 🎙️.
First up for this EV Quest Podcast, I catch up with Riz Akhtar at the show to chat about what stood out.
A big thanks to Future Drive AutoShows for organising the Melbourne EV Show.
🔗 futuredriveauto.au
(3:43) EV Towing Australia
Adrian then speaks with Nick from EV Towing Australia. They discuss the installation process for tow bars on electric vehicles, the importance of preserving factory warranties, and the towing capabilities of various EV models - with a particular focus on the EV5. Nick also explains how aerodynamics play a crucial role in towing efficiency.
🔗 To find out more, visit: www.evts.com.au
(9:45) Zeekr
Next, Adrian chats with Elfleada from Zeekr, a brand that has recently launched in Australia. The conversation explores Zeekr’s current lineup, including the Zeekr 009 - an electric luxury MPV - and the Zeekr X, an urban crossover SUV. They discuss features such as seating configurations, in-car entertainment systems, and battery range.
🔗 Learn more at: zeekrlife.com/en-au
(13:51) Farizon
In another interview, Jon from Farizon shares insights into the newly launched range of fully electric light trucks and vans. Adrian and Jon talk about how these vehicles are designed to support the growing demand for clean and efficient commercial transport options in Australia.
🔗 Discover more at: farizonauto.au
(16:49)Paywise
Finally, Sam from Paywise provides a helpful overview of how novated leasing works, with a focus on the advantages for electric vehicle owners. Paywise supports both public and private organisations across Australia, offering salary packaging solutions to private enterprises, not-for-profits, charities, and the health sector.
🔗 More information can be found at: paywise.com.au
There was a lot to see and do at the Melbourne EV Show, and plenty of people to talk to! Here are three interviews Adrian recorded at the event. A big thanks to Martin, Mark, and Paul for taking the time to chat. Find out more about Aurora (Solar Car Technology), the Tesla Owners Club of Australia, and the Australian Electric Vehicle Association.
A big thanks to Future Drive AutoShows for organising the Melbourne EV Show. - https://www.futuredriveauto.au/
(00:10) Learn about solar car technology, particularly focusing on the Aurora vehicle and its participation in the World Solar Challenge. Adrian talks with Martin from Aurora. Martin highlights the evolution of solar panels, battery technology, and the importance of aerodynamics in solar car design. Marin shares insights into the challenges of driving solar cars, the skills required for development, and the significance of engaging in STEM education. Find out more - https://www.aurorasolarcar.com/
(07:33) Mark from the Tesla Owners Club of Australia discusses the benefits and activities of the Tesla Owners Club of Australia, including exclusive offers, social events, and common questions from potential Tesla owners. He also shares key tips for electric vehicle owners regarding charging practices and safety. Find out more - https://www.teslaowners.org.au/
(12.34) Find out key facts about owning and EV. Adrian talks with Paul from the Australian Electric Vehicle Association. This chat explores the world of electric vehicles (EVs), addressing common misconceptions, the benefits of owning an EV, and the environmental impact of transitioning to electric mobility.. Find out more - https://www.aeva.asn.au/
In this week’s EV Quest Podcast, we’re gearing up for the Melbourne EV Show, happening 27–29 June at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. The event will feature EV brands, test drive experiences, talks from industry experts, and hands-on exhibits.
Riz from Carloop is a Brand Ambassador and MC for the event, and Adrian will also be attending.
Vehicle brands on display include: Polestar, Zeekr, Kia, Mercedes, Mazda, VW, XPeng, Audi, Smart, Leapmotor – plus a host of other exhibitors.
🔗 The event is organised by 'Future Drive Australia'.
Find out more about the Melbourne EV Show:
https://www.futuredriveauto.au/melb/ev25
Also in this episode:
✅ Deals of the Week
🌱 A look at the all-new Nissan Leaf
Included in this episode of the EV Quest Podcast- new models from BYD heading to Oz and NZ, highlights from the recent Fieldays event, Deals of the Week, Melbourne EV event and Riz on TV.
Channel 7 link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lf8g4p7QR_o
Melbourne International EV AutoShow - https://www.futuredriveauto.au/melb/ev25