So what do you EV owners do if you go away for a few weeks? Do you plug it in and programme the charging at night? Is it safe to do so? Or do you just let the battery drain for a few weeks? And again is it fine to do that or not?
First time EV and NL.
We will be relying on public charging as we don't have off street parking.
We don't drive much during the week and so occasional long trips (Sydney to Canberra etc)
Last car had about 35k in 4 years so we probably average 10k or less a year sometimes less, sometimes more.
Thoughts on the budgets? Not sure what to allocate as we haven't had an EV before.
Vehicle is VW ID4
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Hi All,
Just wondering if anyone has encountered the following. We are looking at a replacement for our Mazda 3 for my Partner, and needs to be able to do the occasional long distance Melb to Sydney drive and general running about town.
We drove the following:
1. Zeekr 7X RWD
The Zeekr did feel Tech heavy, but i felt i would get used to it, my partner was overwhelmed. ADAS was ok and i feel you could get used it, plus easy to turn off. Its also software defined so OTA updates as bugs and improvements are made, bugs discovered.
2. Kia EV3
A bit plain, intrusive ADAS, but would be a reasonable like for like replacement for the Mazda.
3. Kia EV5
A bit bland, Handling was Meh, intrusive ADAS, but would be a good replacement for a Kluger.
4. Subaru Trailseeker
WOW! It felt like putting on my old favourite pair of runners. It just wrapped around us, and drove amazing, plus the ADAS systems were not intrusive. It just worked.
All very different vehicles for different uses i guess.
However, after looking into the Trailseeker, i discovered its based on the e-TNGA platform which is being phased out, and no connectivity or OTA updates. Am i right to be concerned about buying something that may depreciate enormously, and at $73k i feel it is well overpriced. 2 years ago, it would have been a great choice
Am i overthinking the Trailseeker?
I honestly think that had we not driven the Trailseeker we would have put a deposit on a 7X.
Wondering if anyone has bought a Cadillac Vistiq in Australia yet?
If so are you happy with it?
Ive recently had a sparky install my charger for me however i am struggling to find the right info on the charger to configure it. Its the Artemis Smart charger that Geely provide in SA via Revcharge. Charger model: AC0070EN02525
I can connect to the charger via its wifi but struggling with the username and password to login to it. Any of the config guides i have found online (such as this one: https://jetcharge.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/4066-Artemis-7-11KW-AC-Charger-User-Manual-v6.pdf )
I have reached out to Revcharge as well as the manufacturer Starcharge but thought i would see if anyone here could help! Cheers :)
I just pre-ordered a new EX60 from a local dealer.
As much as I'd like P10 and leather, it needs be under the LCT threshold to make it a viable option.
I'm a forever Volvo guy. From the '88 Powder Blue 244 GL I bought from an european green grocer called Birant in 2005 when I was a university student, to the V60 T5 I've been driving for the last 10 years hauling kids, dogs, and furniture all over Melbourne.
Now, the EX60 isn't quite a 'true wagon', but it's very close. Rides higher than a real wagon, but has a lower and longer appearance than the typical 'puffy' SUVs — I hate them.
A 2nd hand BMW 3 Series 330i (petrol) wagon was on the cards for a moment. I like wagons THAT MUCH. But with the gov incentive for EVs and the EX60 pricing just a scratch under the LCT threshold, it's actually significantly cheaper to own the brand new EX60 over a 2nd hand BMW 330i over the long term.
Deposit paid on pre-order.
Dealer estimates the first 120 to arrive in AU are expected in September. I'm expecting delays. So long as it's before March 30, I'm good.
So, who else is pre-ordering? And what's your reason for choosing the Volvo EX60?
Note: some of these other models have an EV equivalent that could have helped bolster their sales. These include the Ford Ranger PHEV, Toyota Hilux BEV, Toyota RAV4 Prime/GR Sport (PHEV), and Hyundai Kona Electric (BEV [this generation of Kona was actually built as a BEV first and then later adapted for ICE/HEV]). Also, the GWM Havel Jolson is a HEV despite being a Chinese brand vehicle. GWM is one of China’s Big 3 Private Brands but is known more for their ICE and Hybrid Vehicles more than their BEVs currently (and historically). They were slower to embrace EVs than other brands in China. Please swipe right if you want to see the Top 10 selling brands as well.
BYD delivered 18,881 vehicles in June, its best month ever, taking first half 2026 sales to 52,335. Tesla sold 8,670 EVs, almost entirely Model Y, which likely finished as Australia's best selling car of any type for the second month running.
Three BYD models placed in Australia's overall top 10: Sealion 7 (second nationally, 4,730 units), Shark 6 (fifth, 3,398 units) and Atto 2 (eighth, 2,482 units in its first VFACTS month). BYD held 13.5% national market share, just behind Toyota at 13.7%.
The ACT is now Australia's most advanced EV market by a wide margin, with EVs hitting 43% of new car sales in June. Early estimates put the national EV share as high as 30%, up from a record 20% in May.
Both BYD and Tesla pointed to rising fuel prices as the key driver. Full VFACTS figures are expected next week.
BYD and Tesla just posted their strongest month ever, helping drive Australia to a new peak in EV market share. The shift to electric is no longer a future milestone - it is unfolding right now, faster than many expected.
The ORA 5 SUV is already on sale from $33,990 drive-away (150kW, 58.3kWh LFP, 430km WLTP, 120kW DC). Two more ORA models are coming later in 2026: an ORA 5 Hatch (same battery, sportier lower stance) and a stretched ORA 5 Touring mid-size SUV with an expected 71.1kWh battery.
On the PHEV ute front, the Cannon Hi4-T arrives in September to sit alongside the existing Cannon Alpha Hi4-T, giving GWM what it's calling Australia's broadest electrified ute range. Specs and pricing not yet confirmed but it's expected to go head to head with the BYD Shark 6 and Ford Ranger PHEV.
The Haval H7 (HEV and PHEV) and Haval Jolion Max (PHEV and BEV) round out the electrified additions, both due Q4 2026. GWM is targeting 60,000 Australian sales in 2026 and a top-five brand position by end of 2027.
Hi, looking to buy an EV SUV in the next few months. I am in a Government Housing rental in SA.
What are your experiences just using a granny charger in an exposed driveway. Is it safe using a decent extension lead if the granny won't reach the nearest power point 4m away?
Is extreme weather (heat/rain) an issue - obvs wouldn't use extension in the rain.
Charging cables have been cut and stolen at multiple sites across Australia, knocking chargers offline, frustrating EV drivers and leaving operators with costly repair bills.
Earlier this week, Newcastle City Council in NSW revealed thieves had stolen cables from two of its fast EV charging stations.
XPeng has locked in the Mona L03 fastback SUV for Australia, targeting the Geely EX5 and BYD Atto 3. Expected to start around $45,000 before on-roads, with a 71kWh LFP battery offering up to 520km WLTP range, 183kW, 0-100 in 6.5 sec and average 149kW DC charging. An EREV range-extender variant with 1,000km+ total range is also expected.
It will also feature XPeng's VLA 2.0 self-driving system which comes free from 2027, saving buyers $8,940 over five years compared to Tesla's FSD subscription.
So, bought the multi-tail portable EV charger from Jaycar the other day as an upgrade to my older InChargex unit.
Get it home, plug it in and at the end of the charge session, it gives an error "Relay Breaking Fault". It did this again the following charge session.
Turns out that the communication protocol of the charging unit is not entirely compatible with BYD vehicles. You'd think that Jaycar would know to tell their staff this, as I found out after purchase that it is a well known, documented issue (even on their own website help section).
Will be returning it for a full refund.
Due the nature of my work, I will be changing employers every 6 months and it seems like my employer does not support novated leasing.
Is it still worth to purchase an EV upfront with cash?
Criteria in this order:
Around 60k drive away
Full EV
Fit a large greyhound, passengers and some cargo (like 1 suitcase)
Good driving dynamics (prefer RWD and a good 0 to 100 speed but not required)
Range above 400km wltp
Charging speed whatever
Are there any upcoming EVs to look out for brand new Q1 2027 or any from 2025/6 that will be 60k in 2027?
We are currently test driving a couple but falling into a huge rabbit hole of many new brands, I'm sure a lot have done their research already and could help out.
My short-list order right now:
Zeekr 7X Core
Zeekr 7GT Core (not sure if big enough and no dates or price set yet but my fave based on looks and reviews)
IM6 Premium
Skoda Enyaq Spprtline 85
Model Y RWD
BYD Sealion 7 Premium (not a fan of rear view visibility)
KIA EV3 Earth
Geely EX5 Inspire
Just announced - Inchcape has ended its relationship with Stellantis, and will no longer be the Australian distributor:
“As part of Inchcape's standard approach to portfolio management, we continuously review our partnerships to ensure we have the right portfolio of brands for our business, aligned with our strategic growth objectives,” Inchcape Australasia said in a media statement.
“As a result, Inchcape Australia and Stellantis have mutually agreed to end their distribution partnership for Peugeot in Australia, with the final date to be confirmed following a transition period. Stellantis has confirmed the Peugeot brand will continue in Australia and will provide updates on its local plans in due course.
Inchcape will continue to support the sale of existing stock, warranty and servicing during the transition period, while working closely with Stellantis as it progresses future distribution arrangements in Australia.
Throughout this time, customers will continue to have access to factory-trained technicians, genuine Peugeot parts, and ongoing servicing, including recall campaigns and diagnostic updates.”
Inchcape Australia
From a Peugeot company spokesperson:
“Peugeot has a strong future in Australia, supported by a robust product pipeline and a clear long-term strategy. We intend to maintain continuity of distribution in Australia and will provide updates as arrangements progress.
“We remain committed to our customers and partners throughout this period and are confident in the brand’s long-term prospects in the Australian market,”
For me personally, it’s probably going to be a good thing long term. Inchcape has been a woeful distributor and has driven the brand into the ground. If they played their cards right the brand could have capitalised on the market changes we are seeing now with EVs.
What are your thoughts?
I will sign off with a photo of our E-308, which got us to Melbourne from Newcastle Australia and back with ease and a total of $115 AUD.
Hi we are looking at purchasing the new Ora 5 ultra . It will be our first Ev and see a few people say GWM is not a good manufacturer compared to other Ev makers . Any feedback would be appreciated on the vehicle.
We like to look and tech from what we have seen
