
EV QUEST
byAdrian Maidment
LeisureAutomotiveTechnology
EV Quest is the electric vehicle podcast for New Zealand, Australia and beyond. Hosted by Adrian Maidment in New Zealand, and joined regularly by Riz Akhtar from Carloop, EV Quest delivers the latest EV news, reviews and industry insights from across New Zealand, Australia and the global EV market. Each week you’ll hear conversations about electric cars, charging infrastructure, EV ownership and the future of sustainable mobility. From interviews with EV industry leaders to reviews of the newest electric vehicles, EV Quest keeps you connected to the fast-changing world of electric transport.
Episodes(40 episodes)
Episode 220
Home EV Charging Options in NZ | Paul O’Connor from EV Power
Adrian Maidment chats with Paul O’Connor from EV Power, who shares insights on the latest innovations in home EV charging, including their new NZ-designed portable charger. We talk affordability, the government’s impact on EV uptake, and how to when you buy from EV Power.$ PROMO CODE: "Freelunch" $EV Power 👉 https://evpower.co.nz/
Published: Nov 12, 2025Duration: 13m 4s
Episode 219
BYD’s Atto 1 and Atto 2 Pricing Shake Up the NZ EV Market!
Kia ora and welcome back to the EV Quest podcast. After a short recharge break, Adrian and Riz (Carloop) return with one of the biggest stories of the year: BYD’s jaw-dropping pricing announcement for the Atto 1 and Atto 2 in New Zealand, and what it could mean for Australian pricing. 🚖Also: News from the Japan desk, EV Shows in Australia, Sales data from October, and its beginning to feel like Christmas. 🎙️
Published: Nov 9, 2025Duration: 13m 51s
Episode 218
A Kiwi tries the Waymo autonomous ride-hailing service in the USA
Kia ora and welcome to the EV Quest podcast, I’m Adrian Maidment. Self Driving is a big topic in New Zealand at the moment with the release of Tesla Full Self Driving (Supervised). But this episode I’m getting some user feedback on another self-driving option, my guest is Aiden Dean, who is just back from the States, and experienced the Waymo experience.
Published: Oct 17, 2025Duration: 8m 59s
Episode 217
MG IM5 Reviewed | Cheaper MG4 on the way
This week on the EV Quest podcast with Adrian Maidment and Riz Akhtar (Carloop):MG IM5 driven by Riz New MG4Nissan's ProPilot Technology Sydney International EV Motor Show Ticket deal!Looking Ahead: Future Test Drives and Models*** Riz's special ticket offer for the Sydney International EV Motor Show ***Buy one ticket, Get one ticket free: https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/sydney-international-ev-motor-show-tickets/artist/3550594?did=bogo2
Published: Sep 28, 2025Duration: 9m 58s
Episode 216
Zeekr 7X Drives Into NZ | BYD Atto 1, Tesla FSD Pricing & Top 5 Mid-Sized EVs
In this episode of the EV Quest Podcast, Adrian Maidment and Riz Akhtar dive into the latest EV news from New Zealand, Australia, and beyond. Riz shares his first-hand experience with the brand-new Zeekr 7X SUV. We also cover:NZ pricing confirmed for the Zeekr 7X lineupThe arrival of BYD’s Atto 1 and why it’s set to be another global best-sellerLeapmotor B10 – a new mid-size EV SUV hitting NZ soonTesla’s new monthly subscription pricing for Full Self-Driving in NZ & AustraliaAustralia’s bold new 2035 emissions reduction targets and what they mean for Oceania’s EV adoptionOur pi...
Published: Sep 21, 2025Duration: 9m 51s
Episode 215
Driving a Tesla with Full Self-Driving (Supervised) | XPeng confirms NZ launch | Top 5 Japanese EVs according to ChatGPT
Kia ora and welcome to EV Quest podcast. In this episode, Adrian and Riz dive into the latest EV developments across Australia, New Zealand, and beyond.XPeng confirms New Zealand launch (updated G6 SUV first)Heavy EVs remain exempt from NZ road user charges until 2027Australia announces new heavy vehicle charging hubRiz tests Tesla’s Full Self Driving – unsupervised modeTop 5 Japanese EVs available in NZ right now - kind of👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, follow, and share EV Quest to help us grow.
Published: Sep 14, 2025Duration: 13m 42s
Episode 214
Deepal EO7 & Nissan ARIYA reviewed | Falsely claimed Clean Car rebate | EV Quest Podcast
A week day episode of EV Quest - with Adrian and Riz.
Published: Sep 11, 2025Duration: 9m 57s
Episode 213
NZ EV Sales Slump, Aussie Market Up | BMW’s Neue Klasse | Musk’s $1T Pay Deal!!!
In this episode of EV Quest, Adrian Maidment (Tauranga, NZ) and Riz Akhtar (Melbourne, AU) dive into the latest EV news from New Zealand, Australia, and beyond. We unpack NZ’s EV sales slump, while Australia surges ahead. There's pricing on the Model Y Performance from Berlin and Elon Musk’s jaw-dropping $1 trillion pay package. Plus, we look at BMW’s bold new “Neue Klasse” platform, and Riz’s hands-on impressions of the Audi SQ6 e-tron, Nissan Ariya, and a quirky Chinese multi-truck.
Published: Sep 8, 2025Duration: 16m 18s
Episode 212
Tesla's Full Self-Driving is almost here, Tesla Model Y Performance, Atto 3 fix | EV Quest Podcast
Adrian and Riz discuss the latest developments in electric vehicles, focusing on Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) (Almost). There's the release of the Model Y performance and BYD's Atto 3 charging compatibility. Also, Riz tests out the Audi Q4 e-tron.#podcast #evquest #evnewsMentioned:BYD Atto 3: https://zecar.com/reviews/byd-australia-confirms-charging-harness-fix-for-atto-3-tesla-supercharger-compatibility-issues
Published: Aug 31, 2025Duration: 8m 18s
Episode 211
Volvo and all the other Geely brands under one roof | The new fully EV Ute | Tesla’s Stalk Comeback
In this episode of EV Quest, Adrian Maidment (Tauranga, NZ) and Riz Akhtar (Melbourne, AU) unpack a big week for the EV world, especially in New Zealand.🚗 Geely’s Supergroup in NZ – Polestar, Volvo, Lotus, Zeekr and more unite under the new “Nord East” brand🛻 Geely Radar RD6 Pro – a fully electric ute lands in NZ, taking on the BYD Shark and GWM Cannon Alpha 🔄 Tesla Stalk Comeback – The turn-signal stalk returns to the Model 3 in China (and could hit NZ/AU soon).🚙 Tesla Model YL – a new family-friendly variant causing waves in China, with global potential.🌐 Premium MG brand (IM6 SUV) – launching...
Published: Aug 24, 2025Duration: 11m 48s
Episode 210
Zeekr 7X pre-orders impress | Ford goes affordable | RUC - coming soon!
In this episode of the EV Quest podcast, Adrian and Riz discuss the latest developments in the electric vehicle market, including the impressive pre-orders for the Zeekr 7X, government taxation on EVs, and the new electric tanker for Fonterra. They also touch on Ford's plans for affordable EVs and the competitive landscape of the EV market in Australia and New Zealand.
Published: Aug 17, 2025Duration: 13m 35s
Episode 209
From Car Seats to EVs: Family Car Buying Made Simple
Buying a family car is a big decision, and not just about price or style. In this episode of EV Quest, Adrian Maidment talks with automotive journalist and content creator Jade Credentino, founder of Baby in a Car and Drive in Oz.Jade shares: 🚗 The top mistakes families make when choosing a car 👶 The hidden traps in 7-seaters and car seat setups ⚡ EV vs petrol: which works better for family life 💡 How to future-proof your car purchase for growing kidsWhether you’re in Australia, New Zealand, or anywhere else, this conversation will give you prac...
Published: Aug 13, 2025Duration: 18m 10s
Episode 208
Zeekr 7X Launch, Tesla FSD in Auckland, Latest sales data - the Ups and Downs
This week on EV Quest, Adrian Maidment in Tauranga and Riz Akhtar from Carloop in Melbourne break down the latest EV news across New Zealand and Australia. We cover:BYD Sealion 7 outselling Tesla Model Y in AustraliaNew Zealand EV sales drop from 12.4% to 7.2% market shareZeekr 7X launch with surprisingly low pricingGovernment plans for nationwide road user chargesTesla Full Self-Driving tests on Auckland’s busy streets
Published: Aug 9, 2025Duration: 14m 57s
Episode 207
Checking out China’s EV Chargers, MG’s Luxury Leap, and NZ’s Electric Two-Wheelers
In this episode of EV Quest, Adrian Maidment checks in with Riz Akhtar (Carloop) fresh from his recent trip to China. Riz shares insights from visiting charging giant Sinexcel and spotting next-gen EVs from Nio and Xpeng. Adrian covers the rise of New Zealand’s electric two-wheeler industry with updates from Velduro, FTN Motion, and the rescued UBCO brand. The duo also dive into MG’s new luxury line "IM," Xpeng’s big push into Australia, Tesla’s upcoming affordable Model Y, and the new Cupra Tavascan.
Published: Aug 2, 2025Duration: 13m 6s
Episode 206
Smart #3 Review, BYD's Growth in Australia, European Solar, Warranties | EV Quest Podcast
Kia ora and welcome to the EV Quest Podcast - brining you EV news from from Aotearoa, Australia, and around the world. With your hosts - Adrian Maidment in Tauranga and Riz Akhtar from Carloop in Melbourne. 🎙️This episode includes: 👉 Solar Power Growth in Europe BYD's Growth in Australia Kia EV4 Launch Details Review of Smart #3 Battery Health and Warranties
Published: Jul 20, 2025Duration: 15m 2s
Episode 205
EV Growth in Australia: Barriers, Breakthroughs & the Road Ahead
In this episode of the EV Quest podcast, Adrian Maidment and Riz Akhtar (from Carloop in Melbourne) go for a big-picture discussion on the current state and future of electric vehicles in Australia.They dive into two key questions:What are the top 3 barriers to EV growth in Australia over the next 1–2 years?What are the top 3 factors that could accelerate EV adoption in the same timeframe?The discussion includes - charging infrastructure, fleet adoption and workplace charging, to new model availability, affordability, and government incentives.In other news: new MGS5 in NZ, the...
Published: Jul 12, 2025Duration: 13m 22s
Episode 204
EV Sales Surge in June
Kia ora and welcome to the EV Quest Podcast - brining you EV news from from Aotearoa, Australia, and around the world.With your hosts - Adrian Maidment in Tauranga and Riz Akhtar from Carloop in Melbourne. This episode includes: 🔹 EV Sales surge in NZ and OZ 🔹 Melbourne EV Show
Published: Jul 6, 2025Duration: 13m 45s
Episode 203
What’s Next for Charging? Mark Lampard at the Melbourne EV Show
In this EV Quest podcast interview, Adrian Maidment talks with Mark Lampard at the Melbourne EV Show.Mark shares insights on the current state and future of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, highlighting his recent experiences in China and Europe. Mark also shares his knowledge on the evolving technology and infrastructure needed to support the transition to electric vehicles, as well as exciting developments on the horizon for his company, go EV. 👉 Find out more: https://go-ev.com.au/
Published: Jul 3, 2025Duration: 11m 3s
Episode 202
Zeekr, Farizon, EV Towing & Paywise Insights – Interviews from the Melbourne EV Show
Here's my second podcast from the Melbourne EV Show. In this episode, I'm having a chat at the stands of: EV Towing Australia, Zeekr, Farizon & Paywise. A big thanks to everyone who talked to me (I'm Adrian Maidmdent 🎙️.First up for this EV Quest Podcast, I catch up with Riz Akhtar at the show to chat about what stood out. A big thanks to Future Drive AutoShows for organising the Melbourne EV Show. 🔗 futuredriveauto.au(3:43) EV Towing AustraliaAdrian then speaks with Nick from EV Towing Australia. They discuss...
Published: Jul 2, 2025Duration: 21m 43s
Episode 201
Inside the Melbourne EV Show: Solar Cars, Tesla Owners Club & EV Myths Busted
There was a lot to see and do at the Melbourne EV Show, and plenty of people to talk to! Here are three interviews Adrian recorded at the event. A big thanks to Martin, Mark, and Paul for taking the time to chat. Find out more about Aurora (Solar Car Technology), the Tesla Owners Club of Australia, and the Australian Electric Vehicle Association. A big thanks to Future Drive AutoShows for organising the Melbourne EV Show. - https://www.futuredriveauto.au/(00:10) Learn about solar car technology, particularly focusing on the...
Published: Jul 1, 2025Duration: 17m 59s