EV QUEST

Jaguar has revealed a radical new electric GT, Adrian takes a first drive in the Mazda 6e, and Riz discovers what it's like living with a Honda EV that needs plenty of charging. This week on the EV Quest Podcast, Adrian Maidment and Riz Akhtar discuss the latest electric vehicle news from New Zealand, Australia and around the world. In this episode: Jaguar's Radical New EV Mazda 6e First Drive Con...

GWM is growing quickly in New Zealand. But how did the brand get here, and what's next? In this EV Quest interview, I talk with Cameron Thomas, Country Manager of GWM New Zealand, to find out what's behind the brand's growth and where GWM is heading in the NZ market. We talk about GWM's changing position in New Zealand, the strategy behind its growing range of vehicles and how the brand plans to b...

Welcome to Episode 251 of the EV Quest Podcast with Adrian Maidment and Riz Akhtar from CarLoop. This week we look at Tesla's new cheaper Model 3, what has changed, how much range it gets and whether the lower price makes it an even more attractive EV. We also take a first look at the updated BYD Atto 3 Evo, BYD's first 800-volt vehicle in Australia and New Zealand, and discuss the changes to its...

Taiwan has a new electric SUV, and it could be coming to New Zealand. Meet the Foxtron Cavira. In this EV Quest first look, Celeste heads to Taichung, Taiwan, to check out the new Foxtron Cavira, a five-seat electric SUV from Taiwanese manufacturer Foxtron. The Cavira is available in two versions: the Emerge and the higher-performance Pioneer. The Emerge is rear-wheel drive with a claimed 578km WL...

To mark 250 episodes, Adrian is joined by regular co-host Riz Akhtar from CarLoop.  A quick reflect, then, what's happening right now and what could be coming next. Riz joins us fresh from the Everything Electric event in Sydney, We also dig into the latest wave of EV price cuts, including BYD's major reduction of the Atto 1 price in Australia. Plus: • A look back at the very first EV Quest episod...

Australia's EV market has had a record-breaking month, with battery electric vehicles making up almost one in four new cars sold. But what do the latest sales figures really tell us about where the market is heading? In this episode of the EV Quest Podcast, Adrian Maidment and Carloop founder Riz Akhtar break down the latest EV sales data from Australia and New Zealand. Why is Australia seeing suc...

Is the 2026 Honda Super One fun enough to make up for its limitation? I took Honda's new small EV for a quick drive around town to find out. The Honda Super One is based on a Japanese kei car and is designed mainly for city driving. It has a 29.61 kWh battery and a claimed WLTP range of 206 km. I was surprised by how much room there was in the driver's seat for such a small car. It's also genuinel...

Are EV buyers really on a one-way street? Adrian and Riz explore why more drivers are sticking with EVs, the growing EV price war and the rapid arrival of new Chinese brands. Plus, Adrian shares his first impressions of the Honda Super One, the Mazda 6e arrives in New Zealand, Riz drives the new Zeekr 7GT, and we look at Tesla news, the Omoda E5 recall and what August EV sales could reveal about t...

Dale is a Tauranga homeowner, not an installer. Thirteen months ago he put 16 solar panels and a home battery on his roof, and in this episode he opens up about the instal process and how it’s all looking now. He walks through the whole thing: how he chose an installer, why he replaced his roof before anything went on it, and what the system is actually saving him. It hasn't all been smooth sailin...

A big week for EVs and clean transport, with a safety issue affecting KGM Musso EVs, an unusually honest admission from Leapmotor NZ, a new electric wagon heading our way and Tesla landing its biggest Semi order yet. This week Adrian Maidment and Riz Akhtar discuss: • KGM Musso EV: More than 300 vehicles are reportedly missing two airbags featured in the vehicle's marketing material. • Leapmotor N...

The BYD ATTO 3 EVO has arrived, bringing faster charging, more range, improved performance and a refreshed design. But, can it still compete in an increasingly crowded EV market? Adrian and Riz also look at Mitsubishi's new ASX VR-e, based on the Foxtron Bria. Adrian has driven the Taiwan-market version that the Mitsubishi is based on. Plus: Riz visits New Zealand and gets to drive several current...

In this episode of the EV Quest Podcast, Adrian catches up with Riz Akhtar, founder of Carloop, to break down the latest Australian EV sales figures and what they tell us about the market. We look at why the new Model Y L is proving so popular. Also discussed:  🇦🇺 Australia's latest EV sales figures   ⚡ EVs accounted for 21.7% of vehicle sales , with plug-in hybrids adding around another 10%   🔌...

I've spent the night with the new 2026 GWM ORA 5 Ultra to find out what it's really like to live with, and whether this new electric SUV should be on your shortlist. In this EV Quest review, I take the GWM ORA 5 Ultra out on city streets, and open roads to look at the driving experience. I'm checking out the  technology, interior space, boot space, charging and overall value for money. I'm driving...

EV sales continue to impress across New Zealand, who is number 1? In this episode of the EV Quest Podcast, Adrian Maidment is joined by Carloop founder Riz Akhtar to unpack the latest EV news from New Zealand, Australia and around the world.   ⚡ IN THIS EPISODE: • July NZ EV sales  • Zeekr 7X climbs to #2 • Nissan Leaf used imports remain remarkably strong • Adrian's first impressions of the new...

The electric vehicle market in Australia and New Zealand is changing faster than ever. In this episode of EV Quest , Adrian Maidment is joined by Carloop founder and EV industry analyst Riz Akhtar to explore the biggest trends reshaping the automotive industry. They discuss BYD's rapid growth, why Chinese manufacturers are dominating the EV market, whether Toyota and other legacy brands can fight...

The GAC AION V has arrived in New Zealand promising plenty of features for the money. With a 510km WLTP range, a built-in fridge/freezer, massage seats and fast charging capability, can it stand out in New Zealand's increasingly crowded midsize electric SUV market? In this review, I take the AION V Lux for a full day of driving to find out how it performs on New Zealand roads and whether it offers...

In this episode of the EV Quest Podcast, Adrian catches up with Rowan from Lightforce Solar at Fieldays 2026 to explore the latest developments in residential solar, battery storage, and EV charging. Rowan takes us through the popular Sigenergy solar and battery system, explains how battery storage is becoming more affordable, discusses New Zealand's unique two-phase power setup, and shares what E...

In this episode of EV Quest , Adrian talks with Auckland-based car reviewer Jerry Pan from Jerry Pan and Cars to uncover what really goes on behind the scenes of YouTube car reviews. Jerry shares his process of sourcing cars, filming, editing, and publishing detailed reviews.  Jerry also discusses some of the recent  standout vehicles he has reviewed. If you have ever wondered what it takes to bui...

Thinking about buying an affordable electric car in New Zealand? In this video, I test drive and compare the BYD Atto 1 and Atto 2 to help you decide which one is right for you. From pricing and range to real-world driving feel, I break down the key differences between these two EVs — including which one I’d personally choose. If you're considering your first EV or upgrading to something more prac...

Thinking about going electric with solar, EVs, or home batteries? In this episode of EV Quest, Adrian Maidment talks with Neerav Bhatt ('Electrifying Everything') — who’s done it all. From sealing his home to running a fully electric, solar-powered lifestyle, Neerav shares what actually works, and what  people often get wrong. If you’re considering: Solar panels Electric vehicles Home batteries Re...

Fuel prices are rising, and so is interest in electric vehicles. In this episode of EV Quest, Adrian Maidment talks with Hayden Johnson, General Manager of EV specialist dealership GVI, to unpack what’s really happening in New Zealand’s EV market. Are EVs actually selling out? Is this surge driven purely by petrol prices, or are we seeing a genuine tipping point in consumer behaviour? They cover:...

In this episode of the EV Quest Podcast, Adrian Maidment is joined by Riz Akhtar from Carloop to break down the latest EV registration data from March.  We explore:  The top-selling EVs in New Zealand right now   New models entering the market, including the electric Toyota Hilux   Current EV deals and trends in Australia  Plus, Riz shares insights from recent test drives and previews upcoming eve...

EV Market: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/ev-boom-accelerates-with-second-week-of-record-sales/premium/KECLWAZJHRBEBOVY2ATN5DVB2I/ EVDB: https://evdb.nz/

In this episode of the EV Quest Podcast, Adrian Maidment and Riz Akhtar (Carloop) dive into the latest EV news from New Zealand, Australia, and beyond. Riz shares his news of the Chinese EV market, including BYD's new fast charging. Plus - new large Tesla. Carloop - https://carloop.com.au/

I’m in Taiwan to take a closer look at the Foxtron Bria, a subcompact electric SUV crossover that could potentially make its way to New Zealand and Australia under a different badge. There’s strong speculation this vehicle could appear in our market as a Mitsubishi EV. If that happens, it could become a serious new competitor in the growing small-to-medium electric SUV segment. A big thanks to the...