EV QUEST

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

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

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 Charges
Carloop: 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

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 infrastructure
Links 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

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