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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.

Sourcing & Transparency

At Plugged in Australia, all our stories are sourced from publicly available news articles and reports. We do not receive any advance information or briefings from brands or manufacturers.

Any analysis or opinions we share are based solely on this public information.

Our main sources include (though we also use many others, and they vary by episode):

• https://www.carsales.com.au/
• https://www.carexpert.com.au/
• https://thedriven.io/
• https://www.carsguide.com.au
• https://autotalk.com.au
• https://www.carsguide.com.au
• https://evcentral.com.au
• https://www.drive.com.au