EV Quest is a podcast about Electric Vehicles. Adrian Maidment from EV Quest is on a "quest" to find an EV to replace his current petrol car.
Hi. I’m Adrian from EV Quest. And today I‘m ticking of something new on my EV journey. It’s my first drive an electric BMW drive - BMW iX1 xDrive30.
I’m expecting luxury, quality and performance.
It's priced from $96,990 + ORC. WLPT range 440km.
The BMW iX1 xDrive30 is rated at 230kW and 494Nm.
0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds.
CAR SUPPLIED BY COOMBES JOHNSTON BMW TAURANGA
https://www.coombesjohnstonbmwtauranga.co.nz/
New to New Zealand, the MG4 is currently available in 4 options. With the big highlight being the price, The base model Excite 51 is priced from 46, 990. So that's sub 40 with the Clean Car rebate!
In this podcast I’ll be checking out interior, looks, performance, some negatives, Drive train, and all the reasons why this car should be a winner for MG.
For this review, I‘m driving the Essence 64, which is 2 models up from the base model. It has a 64kwh battery, a WLTP range of 435kms, And priced from 54,990 before the clean car rebate.
A big thanks to FARMER MG in Tauranga for supplying me the MG4 to review.
There’s a lot of information out there on Electric vehicles, but it’s not always easy to make sense of it all. Today I’m talking with someone who has made New Zealand EV data accessible and easy to follow. James Foster owns the Website evdb.nz, where you can compare makes, models, current and future models. Registration data and market patterns.
The BYD brand has now been in New Zealand for a year., with the Atto 3 being hugely successful for the brand.
With this is mind, I wanted to talk to catch up again with Atto 3 owner Matthew Parkin to talk about owning the SUV.
✅ We'll be talking about the car's positives, and any negatives over the last 6 months.
✅ Alternatives to the Atto 3.
✅ General EV Advice.
Find out more on EV Quest 👇
Web: https://evquest.co.nz/
Instagram: @evquest
Apple Podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/ev-quest/id1614097185
Link to first interview 👇
https://youtu.be/cCi-8LMg6JA
Electric bikes are growing in popularity. There's a heap of pros and I guess the occasional potential drawback of owning an E-bike. So today I'm talking with Dan Wallace, owner of Electrify Tauranga about E-bikes.
We'll be covering the different kinds of e-bikes, how to choose an e-bike, technology, safety, warranty, differences in motors and brands, and the future of e-bikes
Find out more about EV Quest at: evquest.co.nz
There’s a continuing stream of questions online, asking if the Ford Mustang Mach-E is a Mustang? Well, according to the brochure, Yes! So, then, how good a Mustang is it? Adrian finds out in this review.
There’s 3 models of the Mustang available in New Zealand; This is the base model with Rear Wheel Drive. There’s also an AWD model and an AWD GT. Adrian is testing out the RWD version of the Mach-E. A
t the time of recording, it was priced at $79,990 plus ORC. Eligible for the Clean Car Rebate.
EV Expert Andy Kennedy provides expert advice. 🔌
Mustang Mach-E supplied by Ultimate Ford Tauranga https://www.ultimateford.co.nz/
Kia EV6 Review - https://youtu.be/GTJRPojR3ZE
Tesla Model Y review (In Chinese, English Subtitles) - https://youtu.be/IV2PWjd4pLc
Find out more on EV Quest 👇
Web: https://evquest.co.nz/
Instagram: @evquest
✍️ Subscribe to EV Quest:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLanpCxojG8G9000A_IZ5jQ
Vehicle companies need to adapt and change as the demand for, and technology required to make EVs advances.
To discuss some of these changes, I’m talking with Dylan Boddis, Sales Consultant at Coombes Johnston BMW Tauranga, New Zealand. We’re talking about BMW electric cars, the range of BMW cars in general, and what to ask a car dealer when considering buying a car.
EV Quest Short Spark is a quick look at some of the EV news from the last week. This week we focus on brand partnerships. Some big players have teamed up, with several new partnership deals announced.
YouTube viewing recommendation:
Tesla Solar Roof Review: Was it Worth It?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJeSWbR6W04
Shift Hub ran in Tauranga’s City Centre for the month of July. The Shift Hub showcased alternative transportation options, to reduce transport emissions, congestion, and the reliance on private motor vehicles across the region. Transportation options included: e-bikes, e-motorbikes, public transport (bus), car share, and e-scooters. Adrian Maidment turned up, on the last day of the event, and spoke to Helley from Shift Hub, to find out about it had gone.
Find out more: https://www.priorityone.co.nz/shifthub/
As the number of electric vehicles grows in New Zealand, the need for greater charging availability is also increasing. In this episode of EV QUEST Podcast, Adrian Maidment is talking with Stephanie Smits O'Callaghan, the co-founder of Hikotron.
They talk about Destination Charging, Hikotron’s expansion, owning an EV, the Shift Hub, plus a “top tip" when owning an EV.
Hikotron is a Hamilton based company, focused on providing smart Electric Vehicle charging solutions that are designed and built in New Zealand.
Mentioned in Podcast
Hikotro: https://www.hikotron.com/
Shift Hub: https://www.priorityone.co.nz/shifthub/
Glenn McCready has owned his Kia EV6 Air for 4 months. Glenn shares his thoughts on what hew likes about the car and the little announces he finds. Previously he owned a hybrid, but he wanted to go "Full Electric".
Glenn is an electrical engineer who runs his business off the grid, utilising solar and battery power, so he's experienced with using electric energy.
What’s going on in the Australian EV world? That’s what Adrian Maidmdent is discussing with Riz Akhtar.
Riz the founder of carloop, which specialises in Australian EV data, insight reports and trends. Riz is also a writer for Australian publication - The Driven.
At Fieldays 2023, Professor Sally Brooker from Otago University gives an update on using hydrogen as a vehicle power source. Adrian Maidment first spoke to Professor Sally Brooker at theb 2022 Fieldays.
Professor Sally Brooker is co-leading a German-NZ Green Hydrogen alliance with Dr Paul Jerabek, of the Institute of Hydrogen Technology, Helmholtz Zentrum Hereon.
Today I have a test drive, to test drive, Cupra’s First Electric Vehicle, the Cupra Born, a Bespoke pure-electric vehicle, now available to order in New Zealand.
There’s a demonstrator travelling around NZ, so I’m booked in at Farmer CUPRA, in Taurangafor my test drive.
The plan was to cover as much as I could about the car, including - performance, interior features, and looks...but then I got stuck in traffic!!!!
EV FireSafe is a private company that received seed funding from the Australian Department of Defence to research electric vehicle high voltage battery fires & emergency response, particularly where the EV is connected to energised charging.
Their research is referenced by the Australasian Fire Agencies Council, National Fire Chief's Council (UK), National Fire Protection Association (US) & various EV manufacturers.
Today I’m talking with the Project Manager of EV FireSafe - Emma Sutcliffe. Emma leads EV FireSafe's strategic direction. Her experience as an electric vehicle charging infrastructure professional & volunteer firefighter inspired the project.
Find out more on EV FireSafe 👉 evfiresafe.com
Find out more on EV Quest 👇
Web: https://evquest.co.nz/
Instagram: @evquest
eClean uses both Scientific research and Mātauranga Māori to deliver technology to a Global market. Adrian Maidment spoke to Ngārie Scartozzi at Fieldays, to learn more about eClean.
At Fieldays, eClean won "FIELDAYS INNOVATION AWARD 2023"... "It’s impressive to see their blend of contemporary science and Mātauranga Māori in an authentic manner. By incorporating the Kawa and Tikanga of traditional Māori science, they have demonstrated a holistic approach to their work.
The judges were particularly impressed by eClean Envirotech’s ability to apply scientific theory in a practical manner. It’s commendable that they have formed a strong partnership with an engineering firm, which has enabled them to manufacture their products right from the beginning. Their early commercial success is a testament to their hard work and innovative solutions." https://eclean.co.nz/news/fieldays-innovation-award/
Find out more 👉 https://eclean.co.nz/
Finn Biogas is a waste-to-energy engineering company, specialising in biogas projects throughout Australia and South East Asia. They design, build and commission plants that convert organic waste to clean energy.
Adrian Maidment spoke to Jason Hawley, Founder and Managing Director of Finn Biogas, at Fieldays 2023.
https://finnbiogas.com/
Check out this classic Volkswagen Kombi renovation, featuring an electric powertrain conversion. The kombi was on display at Fieldays 2023.
Scott from Volkswagen shares some details on how the Kombi van went from being a bare shell, to a pristine looking EV called KEV.
Check out the complete conversion story below👇
https://www.volkswagen.co.nz/en/brand/ekombi.html
With Fieldays 2023 about to start, I thought I'd look back at some of my interviews from Fieldays 2022.
Fieldays is the Southern Hemisphere’s largest agricultural event, promoting new technology and innovation.
In this podcast, interviews include - Electric trucks and Hydrogen trucks.
Hi, I’m Adrian Maidment, and this the EQ Quest EV News wrap up for the last week or so, covering new car releases, Industry headlines and anything else going on in the world of EVs.
In this episode - New Volvo unboxed, GM and Ford go a bit Tesla, BYD new model in New Zealand, and Fieldays are on the way.
Link to Volvo release: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBsPUpqSPFs
I was just arriving at the Garden Centre to buy some potting mix - spotted a Kia EV6 entering the carpark just before me...Got to chatting with its owner Keith….Then we are off for a drive! A big surprise. Fantastic.
In this episode, we interview Riz Akhtar from Carloop about the Australian EV industry. Riz shares with us what's happening and the plans for the Australian EV industry. We also ask him some questions about electric vehicles, the benefits and challenges of electric vehicles in Australia, and the future of the Australian EV industry.
Carloop provides data to support decision making whether it is for transport policy development and planning, emissions analysis, fleet transition or infrastructure investment.
Mentioned: 👇
Carloop: https://carloop.com.au/
Ludicrous Feed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4CdO...
Here are 5 things I learned after an hour with the full electric MG, the MG ZS EV (2021 model)
Car Sharing is what Adrian Maidment is learning about in this video as he interviews Steven Vincent, owner of GoTo Car Share.
This podcast will cover: ✅ About GoTo Car Share ✅ How to hire ✅ The future of charging
👇 Say G'day here Web: https://evquest.co.nz Instagram: @evquest TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@UCLanpCxojG8G9000A_IZ5jQ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-maidment/
Combining the skills of Volvo and Polestar, should make for a great performance oriented car. To find out what a 2020 Volvo XC60 Polestar is like to own, Adrian Maidment talks to its owner - Andy.
Adrian Maidment gives a quick reflection on what I have learnt about EVs so far on his "EV Journey".
MG HS PHEV owner Tony Wall takes Adrian Maidment for a walk around his MG Hybrid. They cover how it performs in electric and petrol modes. In town and open road performance. Best points and some annoyances.
The Peugeot e208 GT has been around for a while. It's a car Adrian has wanted to get his hands on for a while. So Adrian Maidment, along with Andy Kennedy, take it for a spin to test out what makes this EV tick. We check the performance in town and on the open road, plus the all important small car comfort.
Special thanks to Shorland Peugeot in Tauranga for lending us the car.
Find Us EV Quest: https://evquest.co.nz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EVQUESTnz/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evquest/ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast...
Kia EV6 owner Partha Jupudi chats about what it is like owning this EV. Is it worth the price?
Plus, Partha provides some insights into other EVs he has driven, such as the Ioniq 5.
Joining Adrian Maidment for this review is Toi Ohomai Automotive tutor Andy Kennedy.
They're reviewing a used 2017 Toyota Corolla HYBRID (Scion/Auris). Is it worth the money? How does it perform? Can an adult comfortably fit in the back seat!
(Audio from latests YouTube video) Ioniq 5 owner Robert has had his EV for 4 months now. On a road trip from Hamilton to The Bombay Hills to use a Hypercharger, Robert gives his thoughts on how his car is performing.
Follow Us: Website: https://evquest.co.nz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EVQUESTnz/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evquest/ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/ev-quest/id1614097185
Glenn McCready is an electrical engineer who runs his business off the grid, utilising solar and battery power. He owns an EV and Hybrid, both charged from work. Plus, he also can feed back power from his EV. "into the system".
If you're not ready to go "full EV" and are worried about "Range Anxiety", then the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid could be the vehicle for you.
RAV4 owner Any Kennedy talks about the positives and minuses of his vehicle. Range, Interior, engine and space are all covered.
Mike Sheaff is the Sales Manager of car dealership 'GVI', based in Tauranga, New Zealand.
In this interview he'll provide advice on buying a second hand electric car, with a focus on buying a Nissan Leaf. Included is a drive of a Nissan Leaf, and how to check the State of Health (SOH), of a Nissan Leaf.
LINKS MENTIONED GVI: https://www.gvi.kiwi/ Waka Kotahi: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/vehicles/clean-car-programme/clean-car-discount
In this episode, we're talking hydrogen power, specifically the hydrogen power of the Hyundai Nexo owned by Phil Mauger. Phil made the news at the end of 2021 when he bought his NEXO. He lives in the South Island, and there was no publicly accessible refuelling station for him to use.
So in this episode, we catch up with Phil and see how his Nexo is going.
Mentioned in episode:
Gary Cockram Hyundai: https://www.hyundai.co.nz/dealers/chr...
Global Bus Ventures: https://www.globalbusventures.co.nz/
Hiringa: https://www.hiringa.co.nz/
Transwaste: https://transwastecanterbury.co.nz/
AFCryo: https://af-cryo.com/
This used BMW i3, is a 2015 Japanese import, owned by Cam Cummings. It’s a full electric model, without the optional range extender (REx). Adrian Maidment talks to Cam about how his i3 runs, reliability and practicality.
We're talking all things Home Charging in this episode of EV Quest. To help explain home charging requirements, Adrian is talking to Paul O'Connor from OEM Audio.
Link:
OEM Audio: https://oemaudio.co.nz/
I finally get to drive a Tesla! It's the Tesla 3 Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive model. I get shown around the electric car, and explained its features by the Model 3 owner. Then it's drive time.
Links: https://www.tesla.com/en_nz/model3
In this episode we are talking "Tesla", with Tesla owner Sean Higgs. Sean reviews his own Tesla, plus gives plenty of helpful tips and advice about buying a used Tesla.
FOLLOW EV Quest: Instagram ► @evquest
MENTIONED IN INTERVIEW Volt Vehicles: https://www.voltvehicles.co.nz/ Drive EV: https://www.driveev.co.nz/
Adrian interviews IONIQ 5 owner Robert Nicholls. Robert talks about why the IONIQ 5 is a big step up from his previous EVs, and why he thinks the Hyundai IONIQ 5 is such a great vehicle.
FOLLOW EV Quest:
Instagram ► @evquest
MENTIONED IN INTERVIEW:
IONIQ 5 EV - https://www.hyundai.co.nz/suv/ioniq-5...
Hyundai Hamilton - https://www.hyundai.co.nz/dealers/ham...
Plug Share - https://www.plugshare.com/
ChargeNet - https://charge.net.nz/
Wallbox - https://wallbox.com/en_nz
SHOW LESS
In my quest to buy an Electric Car, I talk with Nissan Leaf owner Jotham Alex. Jotham provides great pros and cons on Leaf ownership.