On this extended episode of Plugged In Australia we break down the Jaecoo J5 EV smashing 1,000 orders at its aggressive launch price, fresh ANCAP five-star ratings for the Denza B8 PHEV and Hyundai Elexio EV achieved without new crash tests, and the latest Generational battery study showing real-world longevity far better than most assumed.

AEVA launches an EV-friendly apartment register in Canberra and makes the case for autonomous tech slashing our road toll. Pricing lands for the Denza D9 electric people mover and Cadillac’s Optiq and Vistiq SUVs, Geely’s EX5 gets a useful range boost, BYD teases the Seal 07 with 705 km CLTC range, the new Cupra Born is previewed ahead of its world debut, BMW deepens its CATL battery partnership, Polestar confirms its compact Polestar 7 for Australia, and Polestar calls out ute tax breaks costing taxpayers more than EV incentives.

All facts, all Aussie-focused, straight talk.

Welcome back to Plugged In Australia. Today we dive deep into the small affordable EVs that could shake up our market – Chery’s QQ3 hatch and Leapmotor’s A10 crossover both showing real local promise.

We examine the fresh data linking the federal EV discount directly to the first drop in transport emissions since the pandemic.

A luxury EREV packing a built-in toilet has filed multiple Australian trademarks and could be on its way.

A major independent study proves EV batteries are outlasting expectations by a wide margin. BYD’s Atto 3 is set for a big power and range upgrade with Australian approval already secured. Korean researchers solve a long-standing lithium-metal barrier that could mean 12-minute charging in future models. We look at the EVs that shrug off freezing conditions (important for anyone in Tassie, the Victorian Alps or even a frosty Canberra morning).

A think-piece argues the Instant Asset Write-Off is a smarter lever than FBT for small business EV uptake. IM Motors’ digital chassis tech gets a full breakdown – it’s already in MG showrooms here.

We review the MG HS Super Hybrid’s real-world efficiency numbers, and Chery Australia reaffirms its commitment to pure BEVs even while rolling out PHEVs.

All facts, all Aussie-focused, no filler.

Episode 22 for February 23, 2026 delivers a deep, honest, information-packed look at the latest developments shaping Australia’s EV, PHEV and electrified-ute market.

We cover Chery’s world-first diesel plug-in hybrid dual-cab ute (KP31) heading to Australia in late 2026 with 3500kg towing and 1000kg payload targets aimed squarely at tradies and families, the Drive Car of the Year 2026 category wins where Tesla Model Y takes Best EV Under $60k, Polestar 4 wins Best EV Under $90k and BYD Dolphin claims Best Urban Car Under $30k, a major European study showing PHEVs use three times more fuel than advertised in real-world driving, Donut Lab’s independent VTT test results confirming 0-80% in 4.5 minutes on its production-ready solid-state battery.

Tesla’s Model Y L six-seater gaining Australian approval plus the start of Grok AI assistant rollout here, Hyundai confirming the base Elexio variant at $58,990 plus on-roads and why the brand believes buyers will happily pay more for its new rival to the BYD Sealion 7 and Geely EX5, Geely EX5 with larger battery approved for sale, Lexus planning an electric IS sedan revival for 2027, Lamborghini shelving full-EV supercar plans to focus on long-term hybrids, Ford teasing a radical ~$40k mid-size electric ute for 2027 designed to smash the BYD Shark 6 and Toyota HiLux EV on range and efficiency, and Hyundai unsure about bringing Tucson and Santa Fe PHEVs to Australia due to price premium.

All tied directly to what it means for Australian buyers, running costs, NVES compliance, family practicality and the real pace of the transition.

Episode 21 for February 23, 2026 takes a deep, honest dive into the latest developments shaping Australia’s EV and PHEV market.

We cover the JAC Hunter PHEV completing initial real-world testing at the former Holden Lang Lang proving ground ahead of its mid-2026 launch as a strong rival to the BYD Shark 6, BYD and Denza preparing to bring game-changing 1MW megawatt charging technology to Australia within 12-18 months that can add hundreds of kilometres in minutes.

BMW’s plans for emotional electric M cars with simulated gearshifts and sampled engine sounds while still letting customers choose between EV and combustion M models, Mercedes-Benz’s massive 30-new-model onslaught including multiple EVs and PHEVs heading our way, the global auto industry writing off around $70 billion on EV strategy resets, GWM’s free servicing offer to new PHEV buyers.

China’s new mandate for physical buttons in all cars and the direct safety and usability benefits for Australian buyers of Chinese-built EVs, BYD Australia’s local boss explaining why advanced battery technology is the real key to winning more Aussie buyers, the new wave of affordable sedans and hatches reviving the small-car segment with strong EV and PHEV options, and the powerful lessons from Norway – the first country to effectively phase out new petrol and diesel sales – where EVs now make up 96 per cent of the market without wrecking the economy.

In this special bonus episode of Plugged in Australia, we take a deep, news-style dive into the rapid rise of electric heavy vehicles transforming road transport.

Perfect for listeners new to the space or trucking pros, we cover the basics of what heavy vehicles actually are, why electrification is a game-changer, the latest 2025-2026 deployments and record-breaking trials, Volvo’s local manufacturing push, Mercedes eActros fleets, and Aussie innovator Janus Electric’s battery-swap conversions. Packed with real-world performance data, executive quotes, emissions wins, infrastructure realities, and the path to net-zero freight – all from developments since July 2025 only.

Tune in for education, inspiration, and the heavy-duty future on our roads. #PluggedInAustralia #ElectricTrucks

Episode 20 for February 19, 2026 takes a deep, honest look at the real state of Australia’s EV and low-emission vehicle market right now.

We break down the very first official NVES results showing exactly which 19 brands missed their CO₂ targets (including Mazda, Subaru, Nissan and Hyundai).

Polestar’s biggest-ever product offensive with a practical new 4 wagon plus new Polestar 2, 5 and 7, Denza’s aggressive 2026 plans for up to five new models and 20–25 dealers while already holding 1,000 orders, Zeekr 7X deliveries slowed by shipping and battery issues, Volkswagen’s new Tiguan and Tayron plug-in hybrid pricing for Q2, Volgren’s growing electric bus production in South Australia, the current federal and state EV rebates and incentives that buyers and fleets can still use, and a clear.

No-spin explanation of why green hydrogen as an alternative EV technology is effectively dead and buried in Australia – and why that actually accelerates the battery-electric path we are all on.

Episode 19 for February 18, 2026 delivers the deepest dive yet into Australia’s EV market momentum.

We break down Nio’s record-breaking battery-swap scale and what it means for the 2026 Firefly launch here, Mazda’s aggressively priced 6e sedan going head-to-head with Model 3 and Seal on range, price and features, Leapmotor’s B10 five-star safety win plus confirmed cheaper variants and the smaller B03X in evaluation, the first right-hand-drive BMW iX3 Neue Klasse preview landing for local familiarisation.

Toyota’s multi-powertrain next-gen Yaris including full EV, the Gumtree survey showing hybrids now considered by over 50% of buyers, Tesla’s CarPlay rollout delayed by iOS 26 adoption, why fleets delaying for “better batteries” risk higher long-term costs per AFMA insights, car makers quietly lobbying to keep the NVES dumping loophole open, Skoda’s new in-car gaming, video and native Spotify upgrades for its EVs, BYD’s execution speed giving it an edge in a crowded market, the Holden-era mindset that dismissed Chinese cars and how EVs flipped it.

Horizon Minerals’ $175m raise to repurpose the Black Swan nickel plant in WA’s critical-minerals heartland, and the latest Endgame Analytics implications for decarbonising transport.

All tied directly to what it means for Australian drivers, fleets and the 2025–2030 NVES targets.

Daily Episode 18 dives deep into the latest Australian and Australia-relevant EV developments. We cover the potential arrival of BYD’s rugged Fangchengbao Ti7 under the Denza brand, the significant 2026 MG4 interior overhaul and its implications for local buyers, Kia’s clear stance against price-war tactics with Chinese brands plus a spotted EV5 facelift, the latest OTA enhancements for the Geely EX5, the real-world mining trial of the JAC T9 electric ute in the Pilbara, and the critical progress in filling Australia’s heavy-vehicle EV charging infrastructure gap.