Watts Under the Bonnet – The Electric Vehicle Podcast

It’s the final episode of Season 2! And producer Kelsey has gone all out, treating Rusty & Nads to a buffet of sizzling headlines: rumours swirling around Tesla's shaky brand health, Cadillac dropping an $11k pair of sneakers (yes, really!), and the latest cost-of-living hack—ditching the pro mechanic for a TikTok fix. That’s right - MyCar's latest mobility index is out, and the DIY car repair trend is booming! Managing Director Adam Pay drops by to surprise the crew and break down what’s driving folks to take the wrench into their own hands. Senior Editor Feann Torr also stops by to give us what’s new on the EV market, including the revival of the Smart car brand. Later, meet mother and son duo Ali and Will Bourke, who have taken EV innovation to the next level – using their MG4 to power a jumping castle.

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We asked our audience and the broader carsales community the question ‘What bone do you have to pick with EVs?’ and wow, you all had plenty to say! From questions about whether 'electric Jesus' (Elon) is leading a cult and if there should be a road-user charge, to charging headaches and environmental concerns - our mailbag was overflowing! So, we brought in the big guns to tackle these topics: Tim Washington, CEO of JET Charge, brings years of industry insight to the table and explains why you might not want a charger on every street and why Gen Z just doesn’t care if an EV sounds cool or not. Also on the roster, motoring journalist Toby Hagon, who amongst other achievements has driven a Porsche Taycan across the desert, breaks down why sustainability is a hot topic in the automotive space, busts myths about EV fires, and much more.

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Ever regretted buying a car? Rusty and Nads may just have the cure: EV subscriptions! They dive into the latest trends and whether they think this move is a smart one.  Then, Senior Editor Feann Torr steps in with the latest EV market highlights. First up, the all-new MINI Countryman, poised to make waves with its sleek design and impressive tech. Not to be outdone, the Rolls Royce Spectre rolls onto the scene with a debut that's nothing short of spectacular. But the real showstopper? The Zeekr 009, a 6-seater minivan that's not just luxurious—it's ultra-luxurious, boasting a cool 800km range that makes it the king of long-haul comfort. And if you're wondering whether going electric is worth it, EV aficionado Jay wraps things up by sharing his experiences with a second-hand Kona.

Explore the latest on EV releases at the links below:

• Leaked Tesla Model Y Update
• 2024 Renault Megane Price Reduction 
• Hyundai IONIQ 9

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We know EV owners are some of the most environmentally conscious drivers out there. So, in this episode Rusty and Nadine take a microscope to whether an EV's end-of-life is just as green as its on-road life. Talking with Emma McIndoe, Managing Director at AA Recycling and Melbourne icon Pick-A-Part, we uncover how EVs are transforming the auto-recycling industry and what you need to know if you’re thinking about recycling your ICE vehicle to make way for an EV. Producer Kelsey makes a surprise appearance with insights on how—and if—you can recycle your EV. Oscar Vall, Commercial & Business Development Manager at Infinitev, explains the circular economy they're building through remanufacturing, repairing, and recycling services aimed at ensuring the future of EV recycling is green.

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Are EV drivers too lazy to share public chargers? In this episodes news roundup, Rusty and Nadine dive into the hot topic of EV etiquette after a controversial photo sparked debate. Plus, what’s going on with the EU and US import tariffs on Chinese EVs, and why you should check your Uber account if you've recently taken a trip in an Uber Electric. Later, Senior Editor Feann Torr returns with the latest car market updates. He reviews the sleek MG Cyberster, the innovative Polestar 4, and an epic DeLorean EV conversion that’s straight out of the future. Then, our Meet an EV-er segment introduces Greg Hubbard, an IONIQ driver whose first EV was unexpectedly written off. Greg, who moonlights as a volunteer firefighter, shares some fascinating insight into battery safety in light of the accident that had him in hospital and on the hunt for a second second-hand IONIQ. 

Read, watch & listen to this month’s EV reviews & News at the links below:

MG Cyberster

Polestar 4

DeLorean DMC-12

BYD Atto 3 

2024 Hyundai Inster 

Nyobolt 

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Did you know Australia's New Vehicle Efficiency Standards could have been even tougher? Thankfully, auto-industry advocates like Matt Hobbs stepped in. In an exclusive chat with Rusty and Nadine, MTAA CEO Matt Hobbs breaks down what these standards mean for drivers, manufacturers, and dealers. He also explains the credit system, the frustration over vehicle type categorisation, and potential industry casualties. Plus, Lamborghini's Chief Technical Officer, Rouven Mohr, joins the conversation, sparking Rusty and Nadine's curiosity about whether these regulations make sense for high-emission, low-import vehicles like sports cars. Prepare to be surprised!

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Winter might have brought a chill, but the news is white hot according to Rusty. Bringing the heat this month is solar-energy export tarrifs, the notorious ‘EV Graveyard’ photo trending on socials, and the prospect of a driverless future that has Nads raising an eyebrow. Plus, friend of the podcast Sarah Aubrey is back but this time as our ‘Meet An EV-er’. In just six months, Sarah’s witty and honest EV reviews, tackling crucial questions like “But where does the wine fit?,” have captivated an audience of over 64,000 and counting, telling Rusty and Nadine about what she now seeks in an EV after testing both luxury and budget models. As always, Senior Editor Feann Torr is back to provide us with the latest updates from the EV market, including the arrival of the facelifted Tesla Model 3 Performance, the Audi SQ8 e-tron, and the Xpeng G6, which is set to hit our shores sooner than expected.

Read, watch & listen to this months EV reviews & News at the links below:

• Nissan hones its autonomous driving tech
• 2025 Ferrari EV to be “a true Ferrari”
• Tesla Model 3 Performance
• Audi SQ8 e-tron
• Xpeng G6
• MINI electric three-door hatchback
• Mercedes-Benz G 580e
• Hyundai INSTER
• Hyundai Pick-Up

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With new hydrogen FCEV’s coming to market soon, the question of whether hydrogen vehicles will revolutionise electric mobility is top of mind for many EV drivers who have already chosen the battery electric route. Rusty and Nadine explore both sides of the coin, discovering that there isn't a simple answer. To test the Hydrogen vs. Battery argument, they speak with David Dorall, CEO of electric aviation company Dovetail, which is pushing both technologies to new heights. Dorall discusses his company’s technology, the current capabilities of batteries in an aviation setting, and how hydrogen fuel cells may come into play. Adjunct Professor Gail Broadbent from UTS then delves deeper into hydrogen fuel cells and the economics of hydrogen production. While it seems hydrogen is best suited to heavy vehicles and mass transport in the short term, Rusty and Nadine remain curious. They take a virtual drive in the Toyota Mirai to experience firsthand how a FCEV looks, feels, and drives.

To watch the carsales review on the Toyota Mirai, head to the carsales youtube channel here. 

To read more about the Mirai’s 1360km run, click here.

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Tesla can’t seem to escape the headlines, with supercharger woes taking the spotlight this month. But it’s not all bad news for the charging sector, according to Rusty and Nads, with Ford releasing a package that could entice those still on the fence. They discuss that and more in the news with producer Kelsey. Plus, Senior Editor Feann Torr is back to give us the latest on the EV market, including the Volvo EX30 which is selling like 'proverbial hotcakes' down under, the sleek and sporty BMW iX2, and the Porsche Macan EV. Later, we meet Alex Davis, Co-Founder ofLeaseLab, and this episode's Meet an EV-er! He gives us the low-down on why he chose to go electric and the inside scoop on novated leasing.

Read more about the latest EV releases below:

Volvo EX30

BMW iX2

Mitsubishi eK X EV

Porsche Macan EV

BYD SEALION 6

KIA EV5

Peugeot e-2008 EV

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If the batteries of tomorrow aren’t as lithium-dependent as they are today, can Australia still become the ‘critical minerals superpower’ it hopes to be as countries across the global electrification race take off? That’s the question Rusty and Nadine are on a mission to answer. To help them on their quest, they enlist the help of Dr. Veronika Wright, or as she’s better known - Electrified Veronika. With a flair for electrical engineering and physics, Veronika dissects lithium-ion mechanics while challenging the viability of solid-state batteries, hailed as the next frontier in energy storage. Peter Newman, Professor of Sustainability at Curtin University and for the past 5 years the Lead Author for Transport in the IPCC (the UN’s climate change body), joins later in the show to discuss the national and global implications for a lithium-ion economy. He sheds light on Australia's mining industry manoeuvres, propelling the nation beyond its 'exporter' label and toward 'innovator' status. With value-added strategies upstream in the lithium supply chain, Newman envisions local economic revitalisation and Australia's ascent as the beacon of green exporters in critical minerals.

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If sliding Tesla sales weren’t putting a bee under the bonnet of Tesla boss Elon Musk this month, then media organisation Reuters certainly did, publishing an article on the alleged axing of the Tesla 2 that Musk has since called a lie; and Nadine and Rusty don’t know what to think! Also in the news, why Tesla and Polestar dropped out of VFACTS reporting, and if EVs really deserve the notorious title of being 'characterless'.

Our usual 'Meet an EV-er' segment has been switched up to introduce you to an E-innovator - Sriram Pakkam, manager for Formula One and EV demonstrator vehicles at Ford Performance. He tells us how the e-Transit sibling – the superVan 4.2 - made its way into the demonstrator lineup, and gives some interesting insight into the relationship between motorsports, aerodynamics, and the performance of EVs. As always, Senior Editor Feann Torr is back to give us the latest EV releases hitting showrooms soon, including the Renault Megane E-Tech, the fancy-pants Maserati Grecale Folgore, and the BYD Seal U.

Read more about the latest EV releases here:

Renault Megane E-Tech

Maserati Grecale Folgore

BYD Seal U. 

Alfa Romeo Milano

KIA EV3

Ford Mustang Mach-E

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The trucking and logistics sector is perhaps the biggest piece of the decarbonisation puzzle, but can battery-electric deliver? Moves are being made by industry and government to make it happen but the answer is more complex than a yes or no. For Road Freight Engineer Rod Hannifey with 6 million kilometres under his belt, he tells Rusty and Nads exactly why that is… and he doesn’t hold back.

One company tackling the trucking problem head-on is Volvo. Matthew Wood joins us to talk about where electric fits in their strategy, and where it doesn’t with surprising insight including why battery swapping has been ruled out, innovations in battery recycling, and why their diversified approach to investing in a green future includes alternate sources of green energy ICE too.

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Get your popcorn ready, as a heated debate has predictably erupted over the proposed fuel efficiency standards. But that’s not all Rusty and Nads have lined up for news; move over supercars, it’s time to make room for superVANS on Mount Panorama, because one electric van has just broken the fastest lap record . And that’s not the only van making waves in this episode. Hear from Bernie Wiley, Sustainability Director at Who Gives A Crap, about their transition to the LDV e-delivery vans they’ve aptly named ‘Mr. Wipee’, much to Rusty’s delight. Plus, listen to Senior Editor Feann Torr talk about the latest happenings in the EV market, including the wild 500kW Dodge Charger Daytona unveiling, and the launch of the long-awaited bZ4X from Toyota and the Subaru Solterra, which might just have what it takes to become Australia’s most popular mid-size SUV.

Read more about the latest EV releases below

Toyota bZ4X

Subaru Solterra

Hyundai IONIQ5N

Abarth 500e

Jeep Avenger

Leapmotor C10

Volkswagen ID.3 GTX hot hatch

Dodge Charger Daytona 

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Our energy landscape is changing every day, from endless new chargers to batteries in trucks, those on the electric frontline are working hard to meet Net Zero by 2050. But are renewable sources still keeping up with demand, and as EV demand grows, will it in the future? In this episode, the team check in with Australia’s progress towards clean energy and explores why the race towards renewable won’t be in a straight line. Energy industry veteran Tony Wood, Director of the Energy Program at Grattan Institute, unpacks the current makeup of our grid, what needs to improve, what the future may look like (solar, wind, nuclear) and how we get there.We catch up with Tim Washington from Jet Charge, one of the change-makers influencing how our electric infrastructure develops. Plus Andrew Rogers from Charge HQ tells us how his company is bringing all of this together and giving you the (solar) power to play a part from your garage.

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Are Australia’s proposed ‘New Vehicle Efficiency Standards’ a double-edged sword? Nadine thinks so. The standards are perhaps the most important development in Australia’s journey to increasing EV uptake, and in this episode, Rusty and Nadine tell you what they think about the fine print. Also in news, find out why ‘Mr. Bean’ and ‘EV Saboteur’ are being used in the same sentence, and the gangs thoughts on the latest Superbowl EV commercials. Plus, Senior Editor Feann Torr is back with the latest happenings on the EV market, including the vehicles earmarked for AUS that we can thank the NVES for. We also meet Marcus Davidson, Station Officer at the Cessnock fire station, who tells us why his MG4 rivals even a Falcon Cobra!

Read more about the latest EV releases below

Renault Migane E-Tech

LDV Deliver 7  

Ford Ranger Hybrid

KIA PV5 Electric Ute

VinFast announces right hand drive models

Rivian R2 electric SUV

Abarth 600e Hot Hatch

Porsche hints that the 911 will go fully electric

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It’s no secret that the biggest hurdle to EV ownership right now isn’t the range or charging time, but just how expensive they are. What if we told you that with some accounting magic, that unobtainable Tesla or Polestar might actually be within reach?

In this episode, Rusty and Nadine give you the rundown on novated leasing, a nifty little workaround that allows you to pay off a car lease with your pre-tax salary. To help unpack how it all works, the team are joined by Liam Day, an expert in novated leasing from Maxxia.

Plus they chat with Ross Booth from Redbook who takes a look at the true cost of EV ownership and whether novated leasing can make that more manageable.

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EV sales in Australia surged by an impressive 161% in 2023, launching an inquiry into the transition but is it too little too late? According to Rusty, it might be, but Nads has her glass half full. Chatting news with producer Kelsey, the pair discuss whether BYD will end Tesla's reign, Stellantis’ investment in sodium-ion batteries, and we even get into a little karaoke thanks to one family's mission to tow a caravan across Australia in an EV.

Senior Editor Feann Torr is back to give us the latest happenings on the EV market, including the launch of the second-gen Hyundai Kona SUV that’s surprisingly cheaper than its predecessor, and the most anticipated EV launch yet – the Toyota bZ4X. Plus, meet Jai Nankivell, a loyal Nissan Leaf driver who owns it not for its price or performance, but for its tech and bi-directional charging capabilities that he’s been able to monetise through some savvy EV strategies.

Read more about the latest EV releases below:

Hyundai Kona Electric N Line

Toyota bZ4X

VinFast WILD electric pick-up concept

Mazda Iconic SP

BYD Electric Pick-Up

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Whether you own an EV or not, everyone from EV enthusiasts to the EV-curious are congregating in communities to geek out about the latest tech and releases, bust some EV myths, and even fight off the odd troll or two. In this episode, Nads and Rusty are on a mission to find out what YOU’RE talking about in these ‘secret societies’, and the power in numbers when it comes to the EV community. Sarah Aubrey, admin for the ‘Electric Vehicles for Australia’ Facebook page tells us about the surprising number of eyes on the page – 200,000 no less – and the most controversial and awe-inspiring conversations members are having. We also meet Ryan Cowan, who you might better know from YouTube and TikTok as ‘Ryan’s Model Y’. He tells us about the community he’s forged online, and what drives his content from staining white seats with beetroot, to driving through a forest on auto-pilot.

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2024 is the year of the EV according to Senior Editor Feann Torr, and he’s back to give us the low-down on what notable releases you can expect on the market. Affordability is on the agenda for Volvo with the EX30, Jeep is staging a comeback with the Avenger, and Volkswagen will finally join the party with the launch of the ID4; although it won’t hit Aussie shores until a bit later. Producer Kelsey has struck literal gold in the news department, and our Meet and EV-er is Pat Lanyon, the transport and logistics manager at Aussie charity Fareshare who managed to talk his way into getting a Ford E-Transit on loan. Find out if they think the EV switch is worth it for Aussie businesses! 

Learn more about the latest EV releases at the links below:

Hyundai IONIQ 5N

Toyota BZ4X

NIO Firefly 

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Regardless of whether you drive an EV or ICE vehicle, regular servicing is a must. But, as more batteries make their way onto the service roster, how is the automotive industry adapting to meet the specific needs of EVs? Will hand tools be replaced by a computer-science degree? Can your local garage handle both a battery check and an engine tune-up? Adam Pay, the director of mycar and a dedicated EV driver, gives Rusty and Nadine the inside scoop on how they're enhancing the skills of their workforce and expanding their EV-ready service centres – and the good news is, no computer science degree is required! Nadine delves into the intricacies of spontaneous battery fires. Plus, Chris Isaac, TAFE NSW teacher and lover of all things automotive, tells us about the next generation of mechanics walking through his doors, what they’re looking for under the bonnet of your EV, and how they’re safeguarding the future of the automotive workforce.

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