EV QUEST

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...

In this episode of the EV Quest podcast, host Adrian Maidment sits down with Monica Chiu, from MSI, to talk about the EZgo Portable EV Charger launch into the Australian market. Find out more about EZgo: https://au.msi.com/Landing/ezgo The episode covers: Who MSI is and why the company entered the EV charging space What the EZgo Portable Charger is and how it works How it differs from fixed home c...

 Adrian Maidment is joined by Riz Akhtar from Carloop, talking EVs. Data link: https://evdb.nz/sales

The EV Quest Podcast Christmas Edition is here and we are wrapping up 2025 in style.  In this end of year special, Adrian Maidment is joined by Riz Akhtar from Carloop for the awards ceremony We look back at the key trends that defined 2025 including an explosion of new models, falling prices, the rise of plug in hybrids. We then move into the main event, the highly prestigious EV Quest EV of the...

Everyone likes a little luxury,  and MG’s parent company SAIC is aiming high with the IM6, their new premium electric SUV for New Zealand. In this EV Quest review, Adrian Maidment takes the IM6 for a real-world drive to see whether this tech-packed Chinese EV truly delivers.   This review is based on the IM6 Platinum, the mid-spec model with a 100kWh battery and 800V architecture. farmer mg Thanks...

In this episode of EV Quest, Adrian sits down with a New Zealand solar broker Rowan Ellis from Equity Solar Brokers to unpack the process of going solar.  We look at how brokers compare quotes, what homeowners should ask before committing, and potential mistakes people could make when purchasing solar and batteries. Whether you're considering solar for the first time or want to understand if it’s...

Adrian Maidment Riz Akhtar (Carloop) unpack the latest EV developments across New Zealand and Australia. Riz shares insights from his recent trip to China, a major source of new right-hand-drive EVs bound for NZ and Australia.  Adrian breaks down New Zealand’s November EV sales data, including the continued dominance of the Tesla Model Y.   If you’re curious about where EVs are heading in 2026, ho...

In this episode of the EV Quest Podcast, Adrian sits down with Andre Kavanaugh from Harrisons Solar to unpack what Kiwis need to know about home solar power. ⚡️ We break down: Why more New Zealanders are choosing solar How solar systems actually work NZ pricing: small, medium, and large systems Payback times and common misconceptions EV ownership with solar The future: battery tech, vehicle-to-gr...

Kia ora and welcome to the EV Quest podcast – I’m Adrian Maidment. This episode is all about electrifying everything with guest Mike Casey, CEO of Rewiring Aotearoa, and a fully electric cherry orchardist from Central Otago. This episode explores how New Zealand can save billions by electrifying everyday machines, from hot water cylinders and cooktops to cars and farm equipment. Mike shares the si...

On Tuesday, 11 November, Dongfeng launched in New Zealand at an event in Auckland. In this interview, Adrian Maidment talks with Arek Zywot, the General Manager of Dongfeng New Zealand. They discuss the Dongfeng brand, the company’s plans for the New Zealand car market, and the new models announced. Now available to buy is the Dongfeng BOX model, priced from $29,990 + ORC. Dongfeng website: https:...

Adrian Maidment chats with Paul O’Connor from EV Power, who shares insights on the latest innovations in home EV charging, including their new NZ-designed portable charger.  We talk affordability, the government’s impact on EV uptake, and how to  when you buy from EV Power. $ PROMO CODE:  "Freelunch" $ EV Power 👉  https://evpower.co.nz/

Kia ora and welcome back to the EV Quest podcast. After a short recharge break, Adrian and Riz (Carloop) return with one of the biggest stories of the year: BYD’s jaw-dropping pricing announcement for the Atto 1 and Atto 2 in New Zealand, and what it could mean for Australian pricing. 🚖 Also: News from the Japan desk, EV Shows in Australia, Sales data from October, and its beginning to feel like...

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-internationa...

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: NZ pricing confirmed for the Zeekr 7X lineup The arrival of BYD’s Atto 1 and why it’s set to be another global best-seller Leapmotor B10 – a new mid-size EV SUV hitting NZ...

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. XPeng confirms New Zealand launch (updated G6 SUV first) Heavy EVs remain exempt from NZ road user charges until 2027 Australia announces new heavy vehicle charging hub Riz tests Tesla’s Full Self Driving – unsupervised mode Top  5 Japanese EVs a...