EV QUEST - podcast cover

EV QUEST

Adrian Maidmentevquest.co.nz
Welcome to EV Quest — your source for electric vehicle insights, based in New Zealand. Hosted by Adrian Maidment, the podcast features a weekly roundup of the latest EV news from Aotearoa, Australia, and around the world, often joined by Riz Akhtar from Carloop. You'll also hear interviews with key figures from the EV industry and the wider sustainability sector, along with reviews of the latest electric vehicles.
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Episodes

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

Jul 20, 202515 minEp. 206

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 a...

Jul 12, 202513 minEp. 205

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

Jul 06, 202514 minEp. 204

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/...

Jul 03, 202511 minEp. 203

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 Australia Adrian then speaks with Nick from EV Towing...

Jul 02, 202522 minEp. 202

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...

Jul 01, 202518 minEp. 201

Melbourne EV Show Preview

In this week’s EV Quest Podcast, we’re gearing up for the Melbourne EV Show, happening 27–29 June at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. The event will feature EV brands, test drive experiences, talks from industry experts, and hands-on exhibits. Riz from Carloop is a Brand Ambassador and MC for the event, and Adrian will also be attending. Vehicle brands on display include: Polestar, Zeekr, Kia, Mercedes, Mazda, VW, XPeng, Audi, Smart, Leapmotor – plus a host of other exhibitors. 🔗 The event is o...

Jun 22, 202511 minEp. 200

New BYD models on the way | Fieldays wrap-up | Riz on TV

Included in this episode of the EV Quest Podcast- new models from BYD heading to Oz and NZ, highlights from the recent Fieldays event, Deals of the Week, Melbourne EV event and Riz on TV. Channel 7 link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lf8g4p7QR_o Melbourne International EV AutoShow - https://www.futuredriveauto.au/melb/ev25

Jun 14, 202516 minEp. 199

Kia EV3 Light Long Range Test Drive - World Car of the Year

Test driving the 2025 Kia EV3 Long Range Light, recently crowned World (I forgot to say 'World') Car of the Year by World (I forgot to say 'World' twice) Car of The Year. In this quick but detailed test drive, I cover: ✅ Exterior design ✅ Interior space and tech ✅ Driving feel & regen paddles ✅ Range ✅ Pricing ✅ Final thoughts on whether it lives up to the hype Thanks to Ebbett Kia Rotorua for providing the vehicle. https://www.ebbett.co.nz/dealership/ebbett-rotorua...

Jun 12, 202513 minEp. 198

Kia EV3 Test Drive | May Sales Data | Gumboots on for Fieldays

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: 🔹 Test drive in NZ and OZ of Kia EV3 🔹 Fieldays 🔹 Melbourne EV Show Link: Kia Rotorua: https://www.ebbett.co.nz/brand/kia

Jun 08, 20258 minEp. 197

BYD China Visit Recap | Honda’s New EV | Tesla Model 3 ANCAP Rating

Adrian Maidment (Tauranga, NZ) and Riz Akhtar (Melbourne, AU) reunite for another high-voltage episode of the EV Quest podcast! Riz shares exclusive insights from his recent trip to China, diving deep into the scale and scope of BYD's electric ecosystem—from cars to buses, and SkyRail. Plus, they unpack major changes in BYD's distribution in Australia. Also in this episode: ⭐ New Tesla Model 3 earns highest-ever ANCAP safety scores 🇯🇵 First impressions of the Honda e:N1 in New Zealand Don’t mi...

Jun 01, 202514 minEp. 196

BYD Sealion 7 Test Drive | EV Quest Podcast

If you’re considering a new Tesla Model Y, don’t decide just yet. In this EV Quest episode, I take the BYD Sealion 7 Premium for a test drive in Tauranga, New Zealand. In this review, I explore everything from the exterior styling and premium interior to its technology, and whether the Premium RWD model offers enough — or if you need to go all-in on the AWD Performance version. #byd #bydsealion7 #review Features include: ✅ 15.6” rotating touchscreen ✅ Dynaudio 12-speaker sound system ✅ V2L, HUD,...

May 27, 202517 minEp. 195

E-Bikes, Gold Award & Big Ambitions: Velduro’s Kiwi Success Story - Interview with Dan Wallace

"We won a gold award out of 600 entries." Join Adrian Maidment on the EV Quest Podcast as he chats with Dan Wallace, co-founder of Velduro. Fresh off their gold award win at the 33rd China International Bicycle Fair held in Shanghai , Dan shares the story behind Velduro’s cutting-edge designs, the game-changing DJI Avanox motor system, and future plans for Velduro. Plus, Dan shares an "EV QUEST Exclusive" on the rules of speed. Find out more on Velduro: https://www.velduro.com/...

May 25, 202523 minEp. 194

First Drive of Luxgen N7 in Taiwan

In this episode, I hit the roads of Taichung, Taiwan (with help from Kerry from Luxgen) for a test drive of the Luxgen N7, a feature-packed electric SUV. It's my first drive of a car on the right hand side of the road! The Luxgen N7 is by Foxtron—a joint venture between Luxgen’s parent company Yulon and Foxconn, the tech giant behind the iPhone. n7 Features Reviewed include: 12.3" digital instrument panel & 15.6" touchscreen Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto 360° camera, lane keeping...

May 20, 20255 minEp. 192

Tesla FSD in Oz, Riz impressed by new EV, Global EV Sales

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: 🔹 Tesla Model Y variations. Which is best? 🔹 Global EV sales 🔹 Z Energy sells Flick to Meridian 🔹 Tesla’s self-driving tech in Melbourne 🔹 New affordable EV impresses Riz. Mentioned: Hook Turn: https://thedriven.io/2025/05/17/tesla-self-driving-fsd-software-used-in...

May 18, 202512 minEp. 191

Riz reports live from the Melbourne Motor Show, Latest Australian EV Sales Figures| EV Quest Podcast

Kia ora and welcome to the EV Quest Podcast, your source for electric vehicle news from Australia, New Zealand, and around the globe. In this episode, recorded on April 5, 2025, host Adrian Maidment in Tauranga, New Zealand, talks with Riz Akhtar, reporting live from the Melbourne Motor Show at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Links: NZ EV Sales data: https://evdb.nz/most-popular-evs-nz

Apr 05, 202510 minEp. 188

Tips on buying an EV, NZ Sales for March | EV Quest Podcast 🚗

G’day and welcome to the “EV Quest Podcast”. Bringing you EV news from Australia, New Zealand, and from the rest of the world . Adrian Maidment in Tauranga, New Zealand. And in Melbourne, Australia - Riz Akhtar from Carloop. This episode: March EV sales in NZ. Tips for buying a new EV. Upcoming events We are also on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EVQuest

Apr 02, 202510 minEp. 187

Volvo's new premium 7-seat SUV. Cadillac Lyriq seen! Cybertruck not seen! | EV Quest Podcast 🚗

In this episode of EV Quest’s News Shorts , Adrian Maidment (Tauranga, NZ) and Riz Akhtar (Melbourne, AUS) bring you the latest in EV news from down under and around the world. 🔌 Here’s what we cover: A look at the all-electric Lyriq now on display at Westfield Newmarket. The Cybertruck - no there. Volvo EX90 first drive Nissan’s new Leaf A preview of the Melbourne Motor Show . Bite-sized EV news, fresh and fast. Hit play!...

Mar 30, 202513 minEp. 186

Tesla Model Y Prices Cut | BYD Shark 6 Review | Big Charging BYD

🎙️ EV Quest Podcast – News Shorts (22 March 2025) G’day and welcome to another fast-charged episode of the EV Quest Podcast , your go-to source for EV news from Australia, New Zealand, and around the world. In this episode, hosts Adrian Maidment (Tauranga, NZ) and Riz Akhtar (Melbourne, AUS) - unpack the latest headlines, including: ⚡ Tesla slashes Model Y prices – what it means for buyers? ⚡ Cybertruck recall ⚡ MG teases a new MG4 variant ⚡ Riz shares what he’s been driving – including a close...

Mar 22, 202518 minEp. 185

Geely EX5 Shakes Up EV Prices, Cybertruck coming to Australia? Tesla's ups and downs.

G’day and welcome to the EV Quest Podcast , your go-to source for the latest EV news from Australia, New Zealand, and beyond! In this episode, Adrian Maidment (Tauranga, NZ) and Riz Akhtar (Melbourne, AU) break down the biggest EV stories of the week, including: 🔹 Everything Electric Sydney 🔹 Geely EX5 Launch & low price 🔹 Tesla’s Market Challenges 🔹 Cadillac’s NZ Expansion 🔹 What’s Riz Been Driving? –Not an EV! Don’t forget to subscribe for more EV news, insights, and expert analysis! ...

Mar 15, 202514 minEp. 184

BYD Shark 6 Shines, ID.4 & ID.5 Pricing, Tesla Model Y or…| EV Quest Podcast 🚗

G’day and welcome to the EV Quest Podcast, your go-to source for the latest electric vehicle news from Australia, New Zealand, and around the world. I’m Adrian Maidment, coming to you from Tauranga, New Zealand. And joining me, as always, is the man with the EV insights to keep you ahead of the curve—Riz Akhtar, Founder of Carloop, straight from Melbourne, Australia. 🚗 Coming Up Today: ✅ BYD’s Shark 6 proves it’s built tough, securing a 5-star safety rating from ANCAP . ✅ The Tesla Model Y Refr...

Mar 01, 202517 minEp. 183

First look at BYD SEALION 7 and another new BYD

Join hosts Adrian Maidment (Tauranga, NZ) and Riz Akhtar (Melbourne, AUS) as they dive into the latest EV news from Australasia and around the globe. This episode: Riz checks out the new BYD Sealion 7, plus there's another new BYD model on the way.

Feb 23, 202511 minEp. 182

Why SUV EVs Should Be Winning – But Aren’t

Join hosts Adrian Maidment (Tauranga, NZ) and Riz Akhtar (Melbourne, AUS) as they dive into the latest EV news from Australasia and around the globe. This episode covers the arrival of the Geely EX5 in Australia and NZ, What's Riz been driving? and a major European carmaker opting for BYD batteries. Tune in for expert insights, EV comparisons, and the latest EV news vehicles! 🌏⚡ #EVQuest Mentioned: 70 Best Electric Vehicle Podcasts https://podcast.feedspot.com/electric_vehicle_podcasts/ EV woes...

Feb 16, 202515 minEp. 181

Havel 6 Ultra Hybrid Test Drive 2025 | Gives the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid A Run For Its Money?

This is the Haval H6 Hybrid Ultra, a midsize SUV that offers great value for money. But does it have enough to lure buyers away from top-selling competitors like the Toyota RAV4, the Nissan X-Trail e-Power, or a budget-focused midsize MG SUV? That’s what I’ll be discussing in this video. I’ll be reviewing its design, interior features, infotainment system, back-seat comfort, and driving performance across different road conditions. 🚗 Finally, I’ll share my overall thoughts on the GWM Haval H6 H...

Feb 13, 202512 minEp. 180

OMODA E5 NZ test drive

This episode Adrian is picking up the Omoda E5 from Omoda | Jaecoo Tauranga for a test drive. He doesn't have long with the EV, so is keen to check out as much as I can on how it performs. Warranty wise, the Omoda comes with a 7-year unlimited kilometre warranty and road assistance package. Omoda E5 EV comes with an additional 8-year battery warranty. Tauranga Motor Company YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCZR_lyMFxPiUcRsb8RhLERg

Feb 11, 202513 minEp. 179

EV Sales Crash in Australia, BYD Atto 2 launched, Tesla Factory for Australia.

G’day and welcome to the “EV Quest Podcast”. Bringing you EV news from Australia, New Zealand, and from the rest of the world . This episode includes - EV Sales Crash in Australia! New Atto 2 released. Our latest EV Reviews. What’s Riz been driving? Upcoming events. Find out more about Carloop at - https://carloop.com.au/ EV Quest car reviews - https://www.youtube.com/@EVQuest NZ EV Sales Stuff: https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/360571450/january-new-car-sales-reveal-struggling-market EVDB NZ sal...

Feb 08, 202513 minEp. 178

Kia EV5 Review - NZ's best midsize electric SUV?

The new Kia EV5 features a boxy design, a large battery, and five variants to choose from. But does it offer enough to tempt you in the competitive midsize SUV segment? In this podcast, Adrian test drives the Kia EV5 ‘Earth AWD’ to find out. Thanks to Kia Rotorua for the loan of the EV5. https://www.kia.co.nz/index.php/find-a-dealer/dealer/rotorua-kia

Feb 07, 202518 minEp. 177

Kia EV5 review. Omoda E5 review. What's an EIV? | EV Quest podcast

Welcome to EV Quest’s ‘News Shorts’ podcast. Bringing you the latest EV news from Australia, New Zealand, and around the world. EV Quest’s ‘News Shorts’ features Adrian Maidment in Tauranga, New Zealand, and Riz Akhtar from Carloop in Melbourne, Australia. In this episode: ✅ Kia EV5 ✅ Omoda E5 ✅ What's an EIV? ✅ News from Australia 🎬 Check out EV Quest EV reviews on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EVQuest Connect with Riz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/riz-akhtar/ Links Mentioned: K...

Feb 01, 202518 minEp. 176
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