EV QUEST

Hosted by Adrian Maidment

Leisure Automotive

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Episodes

240

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

EV Quest is the electric vehicle podcast for New Zealand, Australia and beyond. Hosted by Adrian Maidment in New Zealand, and joined regularly by Riz Akhtar from Carloop, EV Quest delivers the latest EV news, reviews and industry insights from across New Zealand, Australia and the global EV market. Each week you’ll hear conversations about electric cars, charging infrastructure, EV ownership and the future of sustainable mobility. From interviews with EV industry leaders to reviews of the newest electric vehicles, EV Quest keeps you connected to the fast-changing world of electric transport.

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60 recent

August 16, 2026Episode 24415 min

BYD ATTO 3 EVO Arrives: Big Upgrade, Bigger Price?

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 and upcoming Zeekr models on snow and ice in the South Island.Riz's week driving the Kia PV5 electric van.Tesla introduces vehicle-to-load capability on new Model Y models in the US.Listen to the latest EV Quest Podcast for the latest electric vehicle news and developments from New Zealand, Australia and around the world.Foxtron Bria video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEC9LHgKPaUEV Quest site: https://evquest.co.nz/

August 9, 2026Episode 24315 min

Australia EV Sales: July Winners & Losers | EV Quest Podcast

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% 🔌 Around 35% of Australian vehicle sales were fully electric or plug-in 🚗 Australia's top-selling EV models The new Geely EX2 and the increasingly competitive $25,000–$35,000 segment Adrian's experience with the GWM Ora 5 New BYD models coming to Australia Zeekr's upcoming models for Australia and New Zealand Growing demand for EV charging infrastructure 🔗 LINKS & MORECarloop: Australian EV data, insights & analysis - https://carloop.com.au/ EV Quest on YouTube: Subscribe for EV reviews & news - https://www.youtube.com/@EVQuest

August 8, 2026Episode 24216 min

2026 GWM ORA 5: Is This NZ's Best-Value EV?

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 the ORA 5 Ultra, priced from $39,990 RRP plus on-road costs.The ORA 5 uses a 58.3kWh LFP battery and is front-wheel drive. It has 120kW DC charging and Vehicle-to-Load capability.So, is the GWM ORA 5 worth considering?Thanks to Farmer GWM Tauranga for the load of the Ora 5. 🔋https://farmerautovillage.co.nz/deal/all-new-ora-5-suv-coming-soon/#GWM #ORA5 #GWMORA5 #EV #ElectricVehicle #EVReview #NZEV #ElectricCarNZ #GWMNZ #EVQuest

August 2, 2026Episode 24117 min

July EV Sales Impress, GWM Ora 5 Driven, Ford's Geely Deal

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 GWM ORA 5• Riz drives the MINI Aceman JCW• Ford and Geely join forces to build vehicles in Europe• BYD takes on Japan's kei-car market• Honda Super One arrives in New Zealand• NZ's proposed move towards electronic Road User ChargesCarloop: https://carloop.com.au/NZ EV sales data: https://evdb.nz/Subscribe to EV Quest for independent EV reviews, industry interviews, news and discussion from New Zealand and around the world.#EVQuest #ElectricVehicles #EVNews #TeslaModelY #GWMORA5 #EVSales #Tesla #Zeekr #HondaSuperOne #BYD #Carloop #NewZealandEV #AustraliaEV #ElectricCars

July 26, 2026Episode 24013 min

Has China Already Won the EV Race? | The Big Shift in Australia & New Zealand

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 back, and what falling prices mean for buyers.They also cover: Fiat pausing EV sales in Australia and New Zealand Tesla Cybercab spotted testing in New Zealand New EV launches from Xpeng, Geely, BMW and Mercedes-Benz The future of charging infrastructureLinks mentioned in this episode Carloop: https://carloop.com.au ABC article: How China Won the Car Wars with Cheap EVs Loaded with Technology https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-07-24/china-dominates-ev-market/106951586 AFR article: Too Late: Toyota Scrambles to Repel BYD's Local Surge https://www.afr.com/companies/transport/too-late-toyota-scrambles-to-repel-byd-s-local-surge-20260714-p60fab

June 30, 2026Episode 23915 min

GAC AION V Review: Big Range, Affordable, and with a Fridge!

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 enough to tempt buyers away from rivals.GAC is a relatively new brand in NZ, however, it is well a established company in China - with local partnerships with Honda and Toyota. Dealer network in NZ at time of recording is 8 dealerships.What do you think of the GAC AION V? Would you choose it over a BYD or MG? Let me know in the comments below.#EV #ElectricVehicle #GACAIONV #EVReview #NewZealandEV

June 12, 2026Episode 23810 min

Solar, Batteries & EVs | Lightforce Solar interview at Fieldays

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 EV owners need to know about future vehicle-to-home (V2H) charging.We also cover:How much a typical solar and battery system costs in New Zealand Whether you should install batteries now or add them later The best power company buy-back rates available today Using cheap overnight EV electricity plans to charge home batteries Green loan options from New Zealand banks Key tips when choosing a solar installer Common roofing considerations for solar installations If you're considering solar, battery storage, or want to reduce your power bills while charging your EV, this episode is packed with practical advice.🌞 Learn more about Lightforce Solar: lightforce.co.nz#EVQuest #SolarNZ #ElectricVehicles #BatteryStorage #RenewableEnergy #LightforceSolar #Fieldays2026

May 6, 2026Episode 23717 min

What It Takes to Be a YouTube Car Reviewer - Jerry Pan Interview

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 build a car review channel, this episode is packed with insights.Jerry Pan and Cars - https://www.youtube.com/@JerryPanandCars

April 18, 2026Episode 23613 min

BYD Atto 1 vs Atto 2 – Which One Should You Buy?

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 practical, this is a must-watch.👉 Try the EV Finder Tool (Beta): EVFIT.NZ Find the right EV for your lifestyle👇 Already own an Atto 1 or Atto 2? Share your experience in the comments — it helps others make the right choice.

April 15, 2026Episode 23531 min

Solar, EV, Battery… What Should You Buy FIRST? (Most Get This Wrong)

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 panelsElectric vehiclesHome batteriesReducing power bills🔌 Follow NeeravSearch: Electrifying Everything on YouTubeWebsite: https://www.bhatt.id.au/blog/about-neerav-bhatt/📲 EV FIT - New Zealand's free EV matching toolhttps://evfit.nz/

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