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 ...
Jul 23, 2023•20 min•Ep. 54
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.
Jul 16, 2023•13 min•Ep. 53
What’s going on in the Australian EV world? That’s what Adrian Maidment 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 . We also chat about the selection of EVs in New Zealand compared to Australia, NZ Fieldays, Cybertruck testing , and what brand is standing out, making waves in OZ....
Jul 10, 2023•24 min•Ep. 52
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.
Jul 06, 2023•6 min•Ep. 51
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 Tauranga for 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!!!!...
Jun 29, 2023•8 min•Ep. 50
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 Sutclif...
Jun 28, 2023•29 min•Ep. 49
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 particular...
Jun 27, 2023•5 min•Ep. 48
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/
Jun 22, 2023•5 min•Ep. 47
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
Jun 20, 2023•2 min•Ep. 46
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.
Jun 13, 2023•21 min•Ep. 45
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
Jun 11, 2023•5 min•Ep. 44
In this episode, Adrian Maidment talks with Ecogas General Manager Alzbeta Bouskova. Ecogas redirects food waste away from landfills and instead uses it to create truly sustainable energy, biogas and biofertiliser. Ecogas is operating New Zealand’s first anaerobic digestion system utilising source separated feedstock to generate biogas and create renewable energy and carbon dioxide and a nutrient rich bio-fertiliser Fertify. They even create energy to power their electric cars!...
May 31, 2023•24 min•Ep. 43
⚡️The MG ZS EV is promoted by MG as New Zealand's best value SUV in New Zealand. So in this MG ZS EV review, I'll be checking out what the car has to offer. There's three models in the 2023 MG ZS EV range, with the entry level Excite priced from $49,990. I'm driving the model up, the Essence. There is also a long range version of the MG. Key features include: 👇 ✅ 3 Driving Modes (Eco, Normal, Sport) ✅ 3 Regenerative Braking Modes(1,2,3) ✅ Satellite Navigation ✅ Leather trimmed steering wheel ✅ ...
May 16, 2023•7 min•Ep. 42
With Volvo’s plan to be fully electric by 2030. I thought I’d better check out what they have on offer now. So in this episode I am testing out Volvo's XC40 Recharge Pure Electric P8 Ultimate.
May 10, 2023•14 min•Ep. 41
The GWM (Great Wall Motors) Ora is now available in New Zealand. In this episode, Adrian Maidment reviews the Ora (Ora Funky Cat in some markets) Standard Range model. There’s also an extended range option, plus a GT version on the way. The car has the looks, but how does it perform? The standard Ora version has a: 48 kWH Lithium Ion Battery A WLTP Range of Up to 310 km Keyless entry A 5-star ANCAP* And is priced from 49,990 plus on-road costs. A big thanks to Farmer Autovillage in Tauranga, for...
May 02, 2023•14 min•Ep. 40
Tom runs Ludicrous Feed, an Australian based YouTube channel that started in 2018 after Tom purchased his Tesla Model S. Tom show the reality of Australian daily life with his family and an electric vehicle. Check out his videos on YouTube here: ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/@LudicrousFeed/featured Contact Tom 👇 Website https://www.ludicrousfeed.com/ Email tom@ludicrousfeed.com Find out more on EV Quest 👇 Web: https://evquest.co.nz/ Instagram: @evquest Email: hievquest@gmail.com...
Apr 10, 2023•15 min•Ep. 38
In this episode, Adrian Maidment talks to Edward Harvey - Founder & CEO at Evnex. Evnex is a New Zealand company that designs, builds, and installs smart EV chargers. Evnex's mission is to reduce the carbon footprint of NZ's growing fleet of electric vehicles. The interview covers:👇 ✅ The benefits of Smart Charging ✅ New charging technologies ✅ Evnex's plans for the future ✅ Do we have enough electricity? ✅ And more! ⚡️ 👉 https://www.evnex.com/...
Apr 04, 2023•18 min•Ep. 37
The Skoda Enyaq is now available to buy in New Zealand. There are three models to choose from, including the Skoda Enyaq Sportline Max, which is being reviewed in this podcast. This electric SUV still retains. the quirky features Skoda is known for, but now is focused on creating a premium quality electric car. Good looks, comfort and space make it well worth checking out. Car supplied by Farmer Autovillage 👉 https://farmerautovillage.co.nz/brand-skoda/ Find out more on EV Quest 👇 Web: https:/...
Mar 20, 2023•7 min•Ep. 36
In this episode, Adrian chats with Taiwan Tesla Model Y owner Jin. Jin shares her thoughts on the car, having previously owned the Tesla Model 3. ✅ We're discussing - technology, size, price, ease of driving, and more! ✅ Whether you're a current Tesla owner or just curious about the future of electric cars, you won't want to miss these Tesla Model Y insights. ⚡️ 特斯拉 Model Y 車主評論 |比3更好？ 本期視頻，我們聊聊台灣特斯拉Model Y車主Jin Jin 分享了她對這輛車的看法，她之前擁有特斯拉 Model 3。 ✅ 我們正在討論 - 技術、尺寸、價格、駕駛便利性等等！ ✅ 無論您目前是 Tesla 車主，還是只...
Mar 15, 2023•8 min•Ep. 35
Gogoro is an electric scooter company based in Taiwan, which uses swappable battery technology. In this video, we take a deep dive into the Gogoro electric scooter with a Gogoro fan. Features, performance, and battery swapping are covered. If you're considering purchasing a Gogoro electric scooter or are simply curious about its features and performance, this video is a must-watch. Find out more on EV Quest 👇 Web: https://evquest.co.nz/ Instagram: @evquest 👉 https://www.gogoro.com/...
Mar 13, 2023•8 min•Ep. 34
If you're a first-time EV buyer, you might be feeling overwhelmed by all the potential buying decisions to make. To help make learning about EVs easier, Paul O’Connor from OEM Audio in Christchurch is here to help. #EV101 #EVTips #EVadvice OEM Audio 👉 https://oemaudio.co.nz/ Find out more on EV Quest 👇 Web: https://evquest.co.nz/ Instagram: @evquest
Mar 01, 2023•20 min•Ep. 33
Warren Willmot is the Brand Manager for BYD Auto New Zealand. In this podcast, Adrian Maidment will be discussing with Warren: ✅ What his job involves ✅ How BYD has become so popular so quickly ✅ BYD's future plans in New Zealand. #byd #atto3 #EV Mentioned in interview 👉 https://bydauto.co.nz/ For videos from EV Quest 👇 https://www.youtube.com/@EVQuest...
Feb 16, 2023•18 min•Ep. 32
This episode I’m talking again with Richard Briggs from EECA (Energy, Efficiency & Conservation Authority)in New Zealand. Richard is the GM for Warmer Kiwi Homes, Public Sector & Transport. EECA's goal is "moving Aotearoa towards a sustainable energy system that supports the wellbeing of current and future generations". This episode we’ll be looking at: ✅ Recent EV developments in NZ and the world ✅ The future of Hydrogen in the transport industry ✅ Calculating how much it actually costs...
Feb 14, 2023•34 min•Ep. 31
It feels like the BYD brand has come from nowhere, to now be a major player in the EV car buying market. Specifically, the BYD Atto 3 has become hugely popular, with a heap of positive reviews. With this is mind, I wanted to talk to some Atto 3 owners, to find out what their experiences of the car have been since purchasing one. 👉 In this video I’m talking to Atto 3 owners Neil Johns and Matthew Parkin. ✅ We'll be talking about their reasons to buy, positives, and any negatives. ✅ Neil and Matt...
Jan 17, 2023•36 min•Ep. 30
The all-electric Opel MOKKA-E recently entered the New Zealand market. In this review Adrian checks takes it for a spin to find out how it performs over various driving conditions. Plus - a review of looks and features of this German brand (now part of Stellantis). A big thanks to Opel in Tauranga for lending Adrian the car.👇 https://tmccars.co.nz/opel/
Jan 05, 2023•12 min•Ep. 29
Planning for the future energy needs of a country is a challenging role. In this episode of EQ Quest, we're looking at steps being taken in New Zealand by EECA (Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority). Their goal is "moving Aotearoa towards a sustainable energy system that supports the wellbeing of current and future generations". My guest is Richard Briggs, the Group Manager, Warmer Kiwi Homes, Public Sector and Transport at EECA. Richard provides fascinating insights on potential futur...
Jan 02, 2023•37 min•Ep. 28
At 2022 Fieldays, Adrian Maidment interviewed Thomas from Mainfright about their two electric truck options, the Fuso eCanter and battery-swapping E700. Mainfreight is operating an e-truck between Auckland and Hamilton, with the battery swap taking place at each end of the run.
Dec 19, 2022•3 min•Ep. 27
Adrian Maidment checks out the BYD Atto 3, which recently won the AA Driven BEV of the Year award in New Zealand. Looks, Interior, Driving...and so many camera options! Tips on driver set up for the Atto 3 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@KiwiDr3ams More about EV Quest 👇 Web: https://evquest.co.nz/ Instagram: @evquest...
Dec 09, 2022•12 min•Ep. 26
Fonterra's electric milk tanker was on display at Fieldays 2022 in New Zealand. Adrian Maidment interviewed Fabian Lloyd from Fonterra on this first of its kind tanker.
Dec 07, 2022•4 min•Ep. 25
Hyundai's Mighty Electric truck was at the 2022 Fieldays in New Zealand. Adrian Maidment was lucky enough to interview Grant Doull, National Manager - Hydrogen & ECO Commercial Vehicles at Hyundai about it. #electrictruck #hyundai #EVQuest To find out more on the truck 👇 https://www.hyundai.co.nz/trucks/mighty-electric 👇 Say G'day here to EV Quest Web: https://evquest.co.nz Instagram: @evquest
Dec 05, 2022•4 min•Ep. 24
