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A fast Plugged In Australia: Quick Charge version of episode 49, covering April’s record EV market share, BYD’s rise to second overall in Australia, the federal EV tax break changes, Kia EV3 and EV5 momentum, Volkswagen looking to China, Leapmotor’s B05 Australian tuning story, electric trucks for Sydney and Melbourne, and Geely’s growing Australian EV and PHEV push.

Time Stamps

00:00 Intro
00:43 EV sales hit record share and BYD takes second overall
02:11 Kia EV3 and EV5 build momentum
03:15 EV tax break extended but wound back from 2027
04:23 Volkswagen, Leapmotor and Geely show the global shift
06:0 5 Electric trucks and heavy EV tech
07:08 Outro

Disclaimer:

All specifications, pricing, and information discussed in this episode were correct at the time of recording. The electric vehicle market moves quickly, so we recommend you always check the latest details directly with manufacturers, dealers, or official sources.

This podcast provides general news and information only, based on publicly available sources and Australian Consumer Law guidelines. It is not legal, financial, or professional advice. For advice specific to your situation, please contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or seek independent professional guidance.

Plugged in Australia and its hosts are not responsible for any decisions, misunderstandings, or purchases made based on the content of this show.

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Plugged In Australia episode 49 covers one of the biggest Australian EV market shifts so far in 2026.

Battery-electric vehicles hit another record share of the new-car market in April, plug-in hybrids keep growing, BYD climbs to second overall behind Toyota, Kia’s EV3 and EV5 momentum shows why NVES is changing product planning, and the federal Electric Car Discount has been extended but will be wound back from 2027.

We also look at Volkswagen turning to China-developed EVs and platforms for future global models, Leapmotor’s B05 electric hatch and B05 Ultra hot hatch getting international suspension tuning before an Australian launch, a new fleet of 30 electric trucks heading into Sydney and Melbourne delivery work, Geely’s expanding Australian plans including seven-seat and box-style plug-in hybrid SUVs, its EOFY finance push and 1000 horsepower off-road architecture, plus BMW’s unusual ladder-frame EV patent and Caterpillar’s drop-in battery-electric power unit for heavy machinery.

Timestamps — main episode

00:00 Intro
01:11 April EV sales hit record share and BYD jumps to number two
08:14 Kia EV3 and EV5 momentum shows NVES is working
12:15 EV tax break extended, then wound back from 2027
17:25 Volkswagen looks to China for future global EVs
21:04 Leapmotor B05 and B05 Ultra get international tuning
25:33 Electric trucks head into Sydney and Melbourne delivery work
28:35 Geely’s bigger Australian push: PHEVs, seven-seat SUVs and off-road tech
34:17 Tech corner: BMW ladder-frame EV patent and Caterpillar BEPU
38:50 Outro

Disclaimer:

All specifications, pricing, and information discussed in this episode were correct at the time of recording. The electric vehicle market moves quickly, so we recommend you always check the latest details directly with manufacturers, dealers, or official sources.

This podcast provides general news and information only, based on publicly available sources and Australian Consumer Law guidelines. It is not legal, financial, or professional advice. For advice specific to your situation, please contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or seek independent professional guidance.

Plugged in Australia and its hosts are not responsible for any decisions, misunderstandings, or purchases made based on the content of this show.

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A fast 10-minute version of Plugged In Australia episode 48, covering the Hyundai Ioniq 6 N’s Australian launch, Hyundai’s cheaper electric N plans, Lexus’s upcoming three-row EV, Geely EX2 and Chery Q budget EVs, Geely’s PHEV push, Jetour’s Australian launch plans, surging EV interest, April EV sales growth, the ACT’s 34 per cent zero-emission market share, and Hyundai/Kia/Genesis ICCU warranty news.

Quick Charge YouTube timestamps

00:00 Intro
00:34 Hyundai Ioniq 6 N priced for Australia
02:09 Hyundai plans a cheaper electric N car
03:00 Lexus teases a three-row electric SUV
03:56 Geely EX2 budget EV coming to Australia
04:50 Geely’s PHEV product push
05:32 Chery Q and Jetour prepare for Australia
06:41 EV interest and sales surge
07:45 Hyundai, Kia and Genesis ICCU warranty update
08:35 Outro

Disclaimer:

All specifications, pricing, and information discussed in this episode were correct at the time of recording. The electric vehicle market moves quickly, so we recommend you always check the latest details directly with manufacturers, dealers, or official sources.

This podcast provides general news and information only, based on publicly available sources and Australian Consumer Law guidelines. It is not legal, financial, or professional advice. For advice specific to your situation, please contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or seek independent professional guidance.

Plugged in Australia and its hosts are not responsible for any decisions, misunderstandings, or purchases made based on the content of this show.

In episode 48 of Plugged In Australia, Hyundai launches the Ioniq 6 N locally from $115,000 before on-road costs, bringing 478kW, a 3.2-second sprint and a 487km WLTP range — but also raising hard questions about how many buyers can stretch to a six-figure performance EV. Hyundai’s N division is already talking about cheaper electric performance models, potentially using the upcoming Ioniq 3 as a base.

We also cover Lexus teasing its upcoming three-row electric SUV, likely the TZ, Geely preparing the EX2 budget EV for Australia, Geely’s heavy plug-in hybrid product push, Chery confirming the Q electric hatch for 2027, Jetour’s Australian ambitions, a major spike in EV interest as fuel-price concerns return, Tesla and Polestar sales doubling in April, the ACT hitting 34 per cent zero-emission new-car sales, and Hyundai, Kia and Genesis extending ICCU warranty coverage to 15 years on selected EVs.

YouTube timestamps

00:00 Intro
01:05 Hyundai Ioniq 6 N lands in Australia from $115,000
06:37 Hyundai N is working on a cheaper performance EV
08:47 Lexus teases a three-row electric SUV, likely the TZ
12:19 Geely EX2 shapes up as a serious budget EV contender
16:08 Geely prepares a PHEV-heavy Australian product offensive
19:15 Chery Q confirmed for Australia, Jetour wants to move upmarket
23:06 EV interest jumps, Tesla and Polestar sales double, ACT leads
26:33 Hyundai, Kia and Genesis extend ICCU warranty coverage
28:49 Outro

Disclaimer:

All specifications, pricing, and information discussed in this episode were correct at the time of recording. The electric vehicle market moves quickly, so we recommend you always check the latest details directly with manufacturers, dealers, or official sources.

This podcast provides general news and information only, based on publicly available sources and Australian Consumer Law guidelines. It is not legal, financial, or professional advice. For advice specific to your situation, please contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or seek independent professional guidance.

Plugged in Australia and its hosts are not responsible for any decisions, misunderstandings, or purchases made based on the content of this show.

.Leapmotor says export-market cars will not simply be copied from Chinese-market tuning, with Stellantis engineering input and possible Australia-specific calibration if volumes support it. Jetour confirms a 2027 Australian launch plan with the T1, T2, G700 off-roader and F700 plug-in hybrid ute, including big power and towing claims aimed at buyers considering BYD Shark 6, GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV and Ford Ranger PHEV. Mazda Australia shuts down rumours of a Deepal E07-based electric ute, while GWM axes the Ora hatch and prepares the larger Ora 5 electric SUV from $33,990 drive-away. Polestar and Volvo begin rolling out Google Gemini in cars with Google built-in. Omoda Jaecoo extends the J5 EV’s $36,990 drive-away price to EOFY. Suzuki confirms e Vitara pricing from $46,990 drive-away for the first 100 customers. Volkswagen’s ID.Era 9X previews a huge range-extender flagship SUV, and Hyundai Australia’s EV sales have already passed its full 2025 result on the back of fuel-price pressure and stronger demand for Kona Electric, Elexio, Inster and Ioniq 5.

# YouTube Timestamps — Quick Charge

00:00 Intro

00:41 Leapmotor export tuning and B05 Australia

01:41 Jetour T1, T2, G700 and F700 coming to Australia

02:47 Mazda shuts down Deepal E07 electric ute rumour

03:23 GWM Ora 5 replaces Ora hatch

04:07 Jaecoo J5 EV EOFY deal and Suzuki e Vitara pricing

05:46 Google Gemini, Volvo & Polestar

06:18 Volkswagen ID.Era 9X

07:01: Hyundai EV sales surge

07:38 Outro

Disclaimer:

All specifications, pricing, and information discussed in this episode were correct at the time of recording. The electric vehicle market moves quickly, so we recommend you always check the latest details directly with manufacturers, dealers, or official sources.

This podcast provides general news and information only, based on publicly available sources and Australian Consumer Law guidelines. It is not legal, financial, or professional advice. For advice specific to your situation, please contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or seek independent professional guidance.

Plugged in Australia and its hosts are not responsible for any decisions, misunderstandings, or purchases made based on the content of this show.

Plugged In Australia episode 47 covers electric and plug-in hybrid news for Australian buyers.

Leapmotor says export-market cars will not simply be copied from Chinese-market tuning, with Stellantis engineering input and possible Australia-specific calibration if volumes support it.

Jetour confirms a 2027 Australian launch plan with the T1, T2, G700 off-roader and F700 plug-in hybrid ute, including big power and towing claims aimed at buyers considering BYD Shark 6, GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV and Ford Ranger PHEV.

Mazda Australia shuts down rumours of a Deepal E07-based electric ute, while GWM axes the Ora hatch and prepares the larger Ora 5 electric SUV from $33,990 drive-away.

Polestar and Volvo begin rolling out Google Gemini in cars with Google built-in.

Omoda Jaecoo extends the J5 EV’s $36,990 drive-away price to EOFY.

Suzuki confirms e Vitara pricing from $46,990 drive-away for the first 100 customers.

Volkswagen’s ID.Era 9X previews a huge range-extender flagship SUV, and Hyundai Australia’s EV sales have already passed its full 2025 result on the back of fuel-price pressure and stronger demand for Kona Electric, Elexio, Inster and Ioniq 5.

# YouTube Timestamps — Full Episode

00:00 Intro

01:10 Leapmotor says export-market cars will get Stellantis tuning input

05:54 Jetour confirms T1, T2, G700 and F700 plans for Australia

11:41 Mazda shuts down Deepal E07-based electric ute rumours

16:05 GWM Ora hatch axed, Ora 5 SUV takes over from $33,990 drive-away

21:00 Google Gemini comes to Polestar and Volvo cars with Google built-in

24:39 Jaecoo J5 EV keeps $36,990 drive-away price through EOFY

28:00 Suzuki e Vitara pricing confirmed from $46,990 drive-away

32:47 Volkswagen ID.Era 9X previews giant range-extender SUV thinking

36:33E Hyundai EV sales surge as fuel prices push buyers toward electric

40:31 Outro

Disclaimer:

All specifications, pricing, and information discussed in this episode were correct at the time of recording. The electric vehicle market moves quickly, so we recommend you always check the latest details directly with manufacturers, dealers, or official sources.

This podcast provides general news and information only, based on publicly available sources and Australian Consumer Law guidelines. It is not legal, financial, or professional advice. For advice specific to your situation, please contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or seek independent professional guidance.

Plugged in Australia and its hosts are not responsible for any decisions, misunderstandings, or purchases made based on the content of this show.

Welcome to Plugged In Australia: Quick Charge, the shorter highlights version of episode 46.

In this Quick Charge episode, we cover Tesla’s new Model Y L beginning Australian deliveries with six seats, long claimed range and vehicle-to-load, Leapmotor’s plan to take on BYD, MG, GWM and Chery in Australia, and Chery’s growing sub-brand push with Lepas, iCaur and Freelander.

We also look at Volkswagen’s ID.Polo EV reset, Cadillac’s Australian and New Zealand EV dealer expansion, GWM’s view that smaller EVs still make the most sense, and the growing wave of plug-in hybrids and range-extenders heading to Australia.

This is the fast version of the full episode — ideal if you want the main EV news without the full deep dive

00:00 Welcome to Quick Charge
00:43 Tesla Model Y L lands in Australia
02:33 Leapmotor targets BYD, MG, GWM and Chery
05:08 Chery expands with Lepas, iCaur and Freelander
07:17 Volkswagen ID.Polo EV reset
08:36 Cadillac expands its EV network
09:33 GWM’s small-EV strategy
10:13 Australia’s PHEV and EREV wave
11:05 Quick Charge wrap-up

Disclaimer:

All specifications, pricing, and information discussed in this episode were correct at the time of recording. The electric vehicle market moves quickly, so we recommend you always check the latest details directly with manufacturers, dealers, or official sources.

This podcast provides general news and information only, based on publicly available sources and Australian Consumer Law guidelines. It is not legal, financial, or professional advice. For advice specific to your situation, please contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or seek independent professional guidance.

Plugged in Australia and its hosts are not responsible for any decisions, misunderstandings, or purchases made based on the content of this show.

In this episode of Plugged In Australia, Tesla’s six-seat Model Y L begins Australian deliveries with 681 kilometres of claimed WLTP range, more family space and the first factory vehicle-to-load system on an Australian Tesla.

Leapmotor lays out a serious Australian growth plan with one global brand, the B05 electric hatch due this year, a B05 Ultra performance version expected to follow, a D19 flagship SUV under export study, conventional keys finally coming, and a ute still possible but blocked by the lack of a ladder-frame platform.

Geely previews its next-generation Galaxy concept, a 745 kilowatt new-energy off-road platform and high-efficiency hybrid tech.

Cadillac prepares to expand its EV dealer network across Australia and New Zealand as Lyriq prices fall and Optiq and Vistiq arrive.

GWM explains why it still sees smaller EVs as the smarter play while promising more conventional electric models. Chery’s Lepas, iCaur and Freelander brands sharpen their Australian plans with the iCaur V27 and V25 electric and range-extender off-road SUVs locked in.

Volkswagen’s ID.Polo points to a more affordable, more normal EV reset with physical buttons and familiar nameplates. We also unpack Australia’s incoming plug-in hybrid and EREV wave.

AEVA’s call for a universal vehicle levy instead of an EV-only road tax, and the Zeekr 8X plug-in hybrid SUV with 1030 kilowatts and supercar-level acceleration.

YouTube Timestamps

00:00 – Intro
01:04 – Tesla Model Y L deliveries begin in Australia with V2L
08:16 – Leapmotor’s one-brand strategy, B05 Ultra, D19 SUV, keys and ute problem
19:04 – Geely previews Galaxy concept, 745kW off-road platform and high-efficiency hybrid tech
25:06 – Cadillac to expand EV dealer network across Australia and New Zealand
29:35 – GWM says EVs still make more sense small, but conventional models are coming
34:27 – Chery’s Lepas, iCaur and Freelander push sharpens for Australia
42:08 – Volkswagen ID.Polo: affordable EV reset, physical buttons and familiar names
46:53 – Australia’s incoming PHEV and EREV wave to 2027
52:06 – AEVA calls for universal vehicle levy instead of EV-only road tax
55:42 – Zeekr 8X PHEV review: 1030kW, 1400Nm and Australia-bound
59:57 – Outro

Disclaimer:

All specifications, pricing, and information discussed in this episode were correct at the time of recording. The electric vehicle market moves quickly, so we recommend you always check the latest details directly with manufacturers, dealers, or official sources.

This podcast provides general news and information only, based on publicly available sources and Australian Consumer Law guidelines. It is not legal, financial, or professional advice. For advice specific to your situation, please contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or seek independent professional guidance.

Plugged in Australia and its hosts are not responsible for any decisions, misunderstandings, or purchases made based on the content of this show.