EV QUEST

A quick review of the Melbourne Motor Show and upcoming EV Related Events.Find out more about Riz at Carloop.

Kia ora and welcome to the EV Quest Podcast, your source for electric vehicle news from Australia, New Zealand, and around the globe.In this episode, recorded on April 5, 2025, host Adrian Maidment in Tauranga, New Zealand, talks  with Riz Akhtar, reporting live from the Melbourne Motor Show at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.Links:NZ EV Sales data: https://evdb.nz/most-popular-evs-nz

G'day and welcome to the “EV Quest Podcast”. Bringing you EV news from Australia, New Zealand, and from the rest of the world . Adrian Maidment in Tauranga, New Zealand.  And in  Melbourne, Australia -  Riz Akhtar from Carloop.This episode:March EV sales in NZ. Tips for buying a new EV. Upcoming eventsWe are also on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EVQuest

In this episode of EV Quest's News Shorts, Adrian Maidment (Tauranga, NZ) and Riz Akhtar (Melbourne, AUS) bring you the latest in EV news from down under and around the world.

G'day and welcome to the EV Quest Podcast, your go-to source for the latest EV news from Australia, New Zealand, and beyond!In this episode, Adrian Maidment (Tauranga, NZ) and Riz Akhtar (Melbourne, AU) break down the biggest EV stories of the week, including:

G'day and welcome to the EV Quest Podcast,  your go-to source for the latest electric vehicle news from Australia, New Zealand, and around the world.I'm Adrian Maidment, coming to you from Tauranga, New Zealand. And joining me, as always, is the man with the EV insights to keep you ahead of the curve—Riz Akhtar, Founder of Carloop, straight from Melbourne, Australia.

Join hosts Adrian Maidment (Tauranga, NZ) and Riz Akhtar (Melbourne, AUS) as they dive into the latest EV news from Australasia and around the globe.  This episode: Riz checks out the new BYD Sealion 7, plus there's another new BYD model on the way.

Join hosts Adrian Maidment (Tauranga, NZ) and Riz Akhtar (Melbourne, AUS) as they dive into the latest EV news from Australasia and around the globe. This episode covers the arrival of the Geely EX5 in Australia and NZ, What's Riz been driving? and a major European carmaker opting for BYD batteries.Tune in for expert insights, EV comparisons, and the latest EV news vehicles!

This is the Haval H6 Hybrid Ultra, a midsize SUV that offers great value for money. But does it have enough to lure buyers away from top-selling competitors like the Toyota RAV4, the Nissan X-Trail e-Power, or a budget-focused midsize MG SUV? That's what I'll be discussing in this video. I'll be reviewing its design, interior features, infotainment system, back-seat comfort, and driving performance across different road conditions.

This episode Adrian is picking up the Omoda E5 from Omoda | Jaecoo Tauranga for a test drive. He doesn't have long with the EV, so is keen to check out as much as I can on how it performs. Warranty wise, the Omoda comes with a 7-year unlimited kilometre warranty and road assistance package. Omoda E5 EV comes with an additional 8-year battery warranty.Tauranga Motor Company YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@UCZR_lyMFxPiUcRsb8RhLERg 

G'day and welcome to the “EV Quest Podcast”. Bringing you EV news from Australia, New Zealand, and from the rest of the world .This episode includes - EV Sales Crash in Australia!  New Atto 2 released. Our latest EV Reviews. What's Riz been driving? Upcoming events.Find out more about Carloop at - https://carloop.com.au/EV Quest car reviews - https://www.youtube.com/@EVQuestNZ EV Sales Stuff: https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/360571450/january-new-car-sales-reveal-struggling-marketEVDB NZ sales data: https://evdb.nz/most-popular-evs-nz

The new Kia EV5 features a boxy design, a large battery, and five variants to choose from. But does it offer enough to tempt you in the competitive midsize SUV segment?In this podcast, Adrian test drives the Kia EV5 ‘Earth AWD' to find out.Thanks to Kia Rotorua for the loan of the EV5.https://www.kia.co.nz/index.php/find-a-dealer/dealer/rotorua-kia

Welcome to EV Quest's ‘News Shorts' podcast. Bringing you the latest EV news from Australia, New Zealand, and around the world.EV Quest's ‘News Shorts' features Adrian Maidment in Tauranga, New Zealand, and Riz Akhtar from Carloop in Melbourne, Australia.In this episode:✅ Kia EV5✅ Omoda E5✅ What's an EIV?✅  News from Australia

Welcome to EV Quest's ‘News Shorts' podcast. Bringing you the latest EV news from Australia, New Zealand, and around the world.EV Quest's ‘News Shorts' features Adrian Maidment in Tauranga, New Zealand, and Riz Akhtar from Carloop in Melbourne, Australia.In this episode:✅ Driving the DEEPAL S07✅ Model Y orders in China✅ Commenting on Elon✅  Bye Bye Mazda 6, maybe hello Mazda 6eConnect with Riz on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/riz-akhtar/

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 updateEV 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 releaseA cut-price BYD enters AustraliaTennis, 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/

This week, Adrian Maidment and Riz Akhtar (Carloop) discuss the end-of-year sales data from BYD and Tesla. Who really is number one?Also, Riz is currently driving the new Kia EV5, so he shares his thoughts on this new Kia.

The BYD Shark 6 is an AWD double-cab plug-in hybrid ute. Could this be the ute that changes everything in New Zealand?  It's arrived, and here to challenge longterm class leaders such as the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger and Mitsubishi Triton.In this podcast I'll be checking out the Shark 6's:✅ Exterior✅ Interior✅ Road handling✅ Accessories✅ Overall thoughtsA big thanks to BYD  Tauranga  for the loan of the BYD Shark 6

Welcome to the EV Quest ‘EV of the Year' podcast! Adrian  Maidment and Riz Akhtar from Carloop choose their EVs of the year. Categories include Best Value EV of the Year, Luxury EV of the Year, Hybrid of the Year, ‘Wow' Moment of the Year,  "Oh No" Moment of the Year and the prestigious “What's Riz Been Driving?” EV of the Year!The podcast is available on all leading platforms.

In this episode of EV Quest's podcast, Adrian Maidment discusses the secondhand electric vehicle (EV) market in Australia and New Zealand with guests Hayden Johnston  and Nareev Bhatt. They explore current trends, consumer education, pricing, warranties, and the future of the EV market.Links:GVI: https://www.gvielectric.kiwi/Electrifying Everything:    https://www.youtube.com/@NeeravBhatt

A quick update of EV News by Adrian Maidment and Riz Akhtar (Carloop)AA DRIVEN NZ Car of the Year: https://www.drivencarguide.co.nz/news/the-byd-sealion-6-is-the-best-new-vehicle-of-the-year-aa-driven-nz-car-of-the-year-overall-winner/EV QUEST Sealion 6 review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AqunTOP0Nk

Ev Quest's Adrian Maidment talks with Riz Akhtar from Carloop in Australia about EV news making the news. This episode: Jaguar makes a huge impression with their rebrand.  We look at some EV options for car of the year, and Geely's upcoming electric SUV, the EX5, has now received approval to be sold in Australia.Geely EX5: https://thedriven.io/2024/11/22/geelys-upcoming-ex5-suv-gets-approval-for-sale-in-australia/Check out EV Quest videos here:https://www.youtube.com/@EVQuest

I'm testing out a hybrid for this review, not a full EV. It's a small SUV hybrid, the Haval Jolion Ultra Hybrid. The first thing you'll notice is the price, with the base model starting at $34,990, the Lux Hybrid at $37,990, and the Ultra Hybrid I'm driving today from $40,990 plus on-road costs.Other SUVs to consider in this category include the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid and the Hyundai Kona Hybrid. Note that there's no built-in Sat Nav, so you'll need to use Android Auto or Apple CarPlay for navigation. 

In this episode, we provide the latest news on Chinese EV brands entering Australia and New Zealand. Chinese EV brand specialist Riz Akhtar from Carloop shares his news, experiences, and insights on Chinese brands, including Zeekr, Deepal, Xpeng, BYD, and Geely.Riz also discusses his recent trip to China to explore Geely's operations and his appearance in an Electric Viking video.Links:Carloop: https://carloop.com.au/Electric Viking video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLrBI8_0nYgNissan Ariya: https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/360488355/nissan-backflips-confirms-electric-ariya-launching-nz-after-all

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!

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.LinkRiz from Carloop - https://carloop.com.au/For EV Quest videos - https://www.youtube.com/@EVQuest

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

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?

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.

In this episode: Mg price cuts, new brands on the way, Sales data, and what has Riz been driving?I'm Adrian Maidment in Tauranga New Zealand, and in Melbourne Australia - Riz Akhtar from Carloop. Mentioned:MG prices: https://mgmotor.co.nz/offers/?make=MG4Leapmotor: https://www.leapmotor.com/au. https://www.leapmotor.com/nzSales Data: https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/350440543/new-car-market-showing-signs-potential-recoveryhttps://evdb.nz/most-popular-evs-nz

G'day and welcome to EV Quest's News Shorts. Bringing you EV news from Australia, New Zealand, and the rest of the world.In this episode: Driving the Smart #1 and #3, EV sales news, Volvo moves 2030 back, EV Rumours, and What's Riz been driving - and can he say?Mentioned:Sales news: https://evdb.nz/ev-statsCarloop: https://carloop.com.au/Polestar 4 test drive: https://youtu.be/F4nDMj-UhCk

In this episode of EV Quest, I take the Polestar 4 for a test drive in rainy Auckland, experiencing the long-range single motor version of this electric SUV coupe.  I also check out the dual-motor version at the Polestar Auckland dealership. ⚡️The Polestar 4 features  a well designed  infotainment system, spacious interior, and advanced features like the digital rearview mirror and heads-up display.Polestar 4 Long Range Dual Motor (AWD) - priced from $129,990Polestar 4 Long Range Single Motor (RWD) - priced from $119,900A big thanks to Polestar Auckland for the loan of the Polestar 4.

This episode we're looking at the Polestar 4, all the new Smart #'s, and Tesla.

In this episode we are looking at the fast changing nature of the car industry with players leaving markets, while new brands are entering countries.  New Zealand has a new cheapest Ev, and what are the chances of success for the new Mazda EV?Stories mentioned:Fiat: https://www.fiat.co.nz/Mazda EZ-6: https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/350379191/could-be-mazdas-next-nz-bound-ev

Step into the world of ultimate luxury with the Rolls-Royce Spectre, the brand's first fully electric vehicle.  The Spectre is dripping in style, offering insane comfort inside. But you should expect a lot with a starting price of $750,000 (NZD).

G'day and welcome to EV Quest's News Shorts, bringing you EV news from Australia, New Zealand, and around the world.In this episode:Deals, Deals, Deals!Air NZ U-turnAustralian EV eventsAdrian checks out the Rolls-Royce Spectre ⚡️With Adrian Maidment and Riz Akhtar from Carloop

Today, we're diving into the 2018 Toyota Prius Hybrid, with an owner review from Sidhu.This hybrid vehicle is both loved and hated by many, but it has many featires that impress. Sidhu, who uses this Prius as a taxi and for personal use, gives us an in-depth owner review.

In today's episode, we're diving into the world of EV charging.Our guest, Mark Lampard from goEV, is a top expert in EV technology. We'll chat about charging in Australia, especially for electric trucks, and hear about Mark's recent EV experiences from his trip to China. We'll also talk about goEV and the cost of insuring a Tesla.Links:goEV: https://go-ev.com.au/

Hi - this is Adrian Maidment. This episode I'm sharing an episode of the new podcast - 'EV Loop'. I'm actually on it, with the podcast hosted by Riz Akhtar, who is the weekend guest on the EV Quest podcast. 

Stephanie Smits O'Callaghan is the co-founder of Hamilton-based EV charging company, Hikotron. She was recently in the UK and attended the Goodwood Festival of Speed and the EV SUMMIT at the Saïd Business School in Oxford.Stephanie shares her thoughts on the two events, plus the state of EV charging in New Zealand compared to the UK. She also talks about what Hikotron has been up to recently and being featured in the M2woman winter 2024 issue.LINKSM2: https://www.m2woman.com/power-moves-stephanie-smits-ocallaghans-impact-on-the-future-of-ev-charging/Lotus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpdPhRrjjfEHikotron: https://www.hikotron.com/

This is EV Quest's News Shorts Weekend Edition, bringing you thelatest EV news from New Zealand, Australia and around the world. I'm Adrian Maidment in Tauranga, New Zealand and in Melbourne, Australia it's Riz Ahktar from Carloop.   This Episode: In this episode:  Kia EV 5 delayed… Longer lasting battery from China, and  another new BYD spotted on the streets of Australia.LINKSBattery: https://insideevs.com/news/726654/catl-long-servicelife-battery-16years-2million-kilometers/#:

Lucid Air…Ford F15 Lightning…Rivian R1T, today I'm speaking to someone who has driven them all. My guest is Chris Quin from  Melbourne Australia.  Chris is an EV owner who is passionate about the EV industry. I'm Adrian Maidment, and this is the EV Quest Podcast. Hello Chris.

This is EV Quest's News Shorts Weekend Edition, bringing you thelatest EV news from New Zealand, Australia and around the world. I'm Adrian Maidment in Tauranga, New Zealand and in Melbourne, Australia it's Riz Ahktar from Carloop.   This Episode: Less clean Emission Standards in NZ. New EV models. New Tesla? Kia passes Hyundai.Links:Emissions in NZ: https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/350336656/clean-car-emission-penalties-utes-slashed-confirms-nationalKia passes Hyundai: https://electrek.co/2024/07/11/kia-overtakes-hyundai-us-ev-sales-q2-ev9-sparks-growth/Aussie Charger numbers: https://thedriven.io/2024/07/12/major-milestone-australia-now-has-more-than-1000-fast-charging-sites/

Baybus OnDemand is your new electric rideshare service in Tauranga South. Adrian Maidment finds out about it and goes for a ride (as a passenger) in the new electric mini van.Adrian interviews Melissa Winters, Senior Network Planner, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, about the service.Find out more:  https://www.baybus.co.nz/ondemand

This is EV Quest's EV NEWS Shorts - Weekend Edition, highlighting recent Electric Vehicle news headlines from New Zealand, Australia, and around the rest of the world. Adrian Maidment in New Zealand, discusses EV news with  Riz Akhtar from CarLoop, reporting in from Australia.

Welcome to EV Quest's News Shorts, bringing you the latest EV news from New Zealand, Australia, and around the worldIncluded this episode: Hyundai Inster unveiled, VW and Rivian get together,  BYD Sealion 6 driven.Links:Carloop: https://carloop.com.au/Inster: https://www.drivencarguide.co.nz/news/inster-revealed-as-hyundais-smallest-and-cheapest-ev/VW & Rivian: https://thedriven.io/2024/06/26/volkswagen-makes-big-play-in-electric-cars-in-a7-5-billion-deal-with-rivian/

This episode, Riz Akhtar is just back from China. He talks about the Aussie media trip he was on to check our Zeekr.One of the activities Riz mentions is spending a day at Ningbo International Speedway track getting behind the wheel of Zeekr's performance EV line up. Zeekr is  part of the Geely group (which includes Volvo). Also covered: ordering an XPENG G6 in Australia, new EV trucks coming to NZ and possible new EVs heading to Oz and NZ.Australia Media to Zeekr China Tour: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/zeekr-international_zeekr-australia-activity-7209858190295928833-NvYy/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktopEtruck:   https://etrucks.co.nz/introducing-the-windrose-e1400-long-range-electric-semi-tractor/XPENG: https://xpeng.com.au/g6Carloop:  https://carloop.com.au/?playlist=e05d4f1&video=1b8a5ec

Welcome to EV Quest's News Shorts, bringing you the latest EV news from New Zealand, Australia, and around the globe. In this episode: BYD targets Korea, Berkshire Hathaway sells more BYD, First EV Ferrari.LINKSBYD: https://electrek.co/2024/06/18/byd-hyundai-25000-seal-ev/Berkshire Hathaway: https://breakingthenews.net/Article/Berkshire-further-cuts-stake-in-BYD/62228821Ferrari: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/06/19/ferraris-first-electric-car-to-cost-over-500000.html#:~:text=Ferrari's%20first%20electric%20car%20will,by%20up%20to%20a%20third.Tesla: https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/three-more-tesla-products-on-the-way-as-elon-musk-says-tesla-demand-is-only-limited-by-theKia EV5: https://zecar.com/reviews/kia-ev5-launch-in-australia-delayed

Welcome to EV QUESTS News Shorts, highlighting recent EV news headlines from New Zealand, Australia, and around the world.In this episode, we cover Fisker's bankruptcy, Tesla's lawsuit, and the release of the new Mini EV.Don't forget to subscribe to the EV Quest podcast on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode. If you liked what you heard, please leave us a rating and a review – it really helps us reach more EV enthusiasts like you.For more in-depth reviews and the latest EV news, follow us on YouTube at EV Quest, and join our community on social media. You can find us on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn for daily updates and exclusive content.Fisker: https://www.theguardian.com/business/article/2024/jun/18/electric-carmaker-fisker-files-for-us-bankruptcy-protectionTesla: https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/tesla-sues-ev-battery-supplier-matthews-over-alleged-disclosure-of-trade-secrets-11718681892721.htmlMini: https://thedriven.io/2024/06/17/mini-unveils-australian-pricing-for-electric-aceman-its-first-electric-only-model/German EV Sales: https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/china-increases-ev-market-share-germany-despite-import-slump-2024-06-18/