The Driven

Tim Eden and Riz Akhtar join Sam Parkinson to discuss the latest EV sales data, Hyundai's latest small EV, and what's next for 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.

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!

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.

Chris Jones, a passionate advocate from the Australian Electric Vehicle Association, dives into the current electric vehicle market and consumer expectations from government policies. He discusses the evolving infrastructure challenges, including the urgent need for improved charging stations as EV adoption grows. Jones highlights the significance of strict emission standards for innovation and how consumer voices can influence manufacturers. Plus, uncover the latest electric vehicle trends and innovations showcased at the Everything Electric conference!

Robert Llewellyn, the charismatic host of Fully Charged, delves into the quirky world of electric vehicles, especially the chirpy Chinese models that beep at unexpected moments. He shares humorous anecdotes about early EVs and the shifting attitudes towards them in Australia. Discussion also touches on the challenges of charging infrastructure and how Tesla's network does things differently. Plus, Llewellyn highlights exciting innovations like vehicle-to-grid technology and compares solar energy use between Australia and Belgium, revealing his surprising ancestry along the way.

Oliver Hill, an expert from Race to 2030, dives into the promising realm of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology. He discusses how electric vehicles could become mobile batteries, enhancing energy efficiency in Australia. Hill sheds light on recent government initiatives and the pressing need for collaboration among stakeholders. The conversation also covers the importance of standards like CCS2 and the challenges of bi-directional charging. Overall, he emphasizes the transformative potential of V2G for both consumers and the energy network.

Tim Eaton, an insightful contributor focused on EV sales, joins Sam Parkinson, who shares his experiences using EVs in apartment living, and Nick Cummins, partner at ElectroGusto, a specialist in converting classic cars to electric. They delve into the surging variety of EV models expected in 2025 and the trends pushing affordability. Nick reveals the fascinating challenges of retrofitting classic cars, while they all address common misconceptions and the innovative future of EV technology, including their use in sustainable energy solutions.

Miles Menegon, an experienced principal from ChargeFox, dives into electric vehicle charging dynamics. He discusses a trial of charging tariffs, revealing intriguing consumer preferences in Port Adelaide. The conversation highlights the distinction between need-driven and want-driven charging behaviors, and it sheds light on pricing perceptions compared to traditional fuels. Menegon also touches on the challenges posed by ICE-ing and community-driven solutions, showcasing how behavior can shape effective charging strategies for the future.

Kent Chang, Head of Asia Pacific for Yutong, discusses the company's ambitions in the Australian electric bus market. He shares insights on the competitive landscape, highlighting Tesla's sales slump and MG's rise. Kent emphasizes the potential of electric buses and the importance of government policies for infrastructure development, especially with the 2032 Olympics on the horizon. He also explores the future of hydrogen fuel, the shift toward innovative designs, and how electric vehicles could enhance grid storage through vehicle-to-grid technology.