

The Driven
The Driven
Join Sam Parkinson and guests discussing exciting news and developments in the world of electric vehicles and transport.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 24, 2025 • 1h 3min
EVs, journalism, and the road ahead
Veteran motoring journalist Byron Mathioudakis joins The Driven Podcast to unpack the week’s EV stories, share insights from decades of car testing, and give his take on where the electric transition is headed.

Sep 4, 2025 • 57min
Elroq lands, Firefly sparks, and EV speed records shattered
Škoda Elroq launches in Australia, how will it stack up? Plus, we discuss Nio’s Firefly and its ambitious battery-swapping tech, break down the latest EV speed records, and other news of the week.

Aug 21, 2025 • 32min
Special Episode: Energy retailers and smart EV charging
Tom Rose from Evnex on the shift to smart EV charging and how electricity retailers need to adapt.

Aug 5, 2025 • 1h 42min
How classic cars can still have an electric future
CEO and co-founder of Jaunt Motors chats classic car conversions. Plus, Giles Parkinson returns to talk MG, Essential Energy's V2G play, and news of the week.

Jul 15, 2025 • 1h 1min
Sarah Aubrey on EVs, curbside charging, and the future of home energy
In this engaging discussion, energy advocate Sarah Aubrey, creator of 'Electrify This', shares her journey of transforming her home from gas to electric. She emphasizes the need for improved EV infrastructure in Australia, comparing it to the rapid adoption in China. Topics include the role of virtual power plants in energy management, the potential of vehicle-to-grid technology, and the importance of curbside charging. Sarah highlights the need for equitable access to EV charging, making a compelling case for a sustainable future.

Jun 26, 2025 • 1h 8min
Plug in or cash out? EVs, V2G and Tesla’s $4.20 gamble
In this discussion, Ed Lynch-Bell, a Principal at Second Mouse, sheds light on current EV trends in Europe and the UK, while Tim Eden dives into the burgeoning robo-taxi market and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology. The pair explore Tesla's unique $4.20 ride-sharing initiative and how car-share EVs could revolutionize energy management. They tackle the impact of V2G on energy independence and urban transportation, revealing potential game-changers for both consumers and the environment.

Jun 6, 2025 • 36min
Tesla rebounds, Hyundai's latest, and China keeps charging
Tim Eden, a contributor who recently tested the Hyundai Insta and Xpeng G6, and Riz Akhtar, founder of Carloop with insights from China's EV market, share fascinating observations. They discuss the explosive growth of EVs in China, highlighting battery swapping technology and a competitive landscape with major players like Xpeng and Tesla. Tim recounts his experience with the new compact Hyundai, while Riz offers a unique perspective on the infrastructure that supports this charging revolution. Their insights paint a vibrant picture of the evolving electric vehicle scene.

May 15, 2025 • 29min
Will the new Model Y save Tesla?
Tesla Australia boss Thom Drew on the release of the new Model Y, and supercharger plans. Plus: Riz, Tim and Sam discuss recent test drives and news of the week.

May 2, 2025 • 32min
Gen Z, EVs and the new Model Y
Tanya Shukla, a content producer and track-day enthusiast, joins Tim Eden, an experienced reviewer, to dive into Gen Z's electric vehicle craze. They unveil the refreshed Tesla Model Y, discussing its unique features and suburban solar charging benefits. The duo tackles the pressing issue of inadequate EV charging infrastructure in suburban Sydney, striking at the heart of accessibility concerns for young drivers. They also explore the competitive landscape of EVs, including emerging contenders like the Kia EV5, while reflecting on the shifting market from hybrids to fully electric. Exciting insights await!

Apr 3, 2025 • 35min
Kia takes on the Chinese EV giants
As Kia launches its new EV3, head of product Roland Rivero discusses the company's grand plan. Plus: The Driven team discuss the latest EV news.