The Driven

The Driven

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Australian EV market, charging, policy and industry analysis

Tesla and Polestar Sales Double as EV Sales Continue Surge in April
NewsMay 4, 2026

Tesla and Polestar Sales Double as EV Sales Continue Surge in April

Australian specialist EV makers Tesla and Polestar more than doubled their combined sales in April, moving from 702 units a year earlier to 1,458. Tesla accounted for 1,225 of those vehicles, driven largely by a surge in Model Y demand, while...

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National Capital Leads Australia’s EV Charge with 34 Pct of New Car Sales in April
NewsMay 4, 2026

National Capital Leads Australia’s EV Charge with 34 Pct of New Car Sales in April

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) recorded a record 34% of new car registrations as zero‑emission vehicles (ZEVs) in April, the highest share among Australian jurisdictions. The ACT ZEV fleet reached 15,596 vehicles at the start of May, comprising 15,165 light...

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Omoda Jaecoo Extends Amazing J5 EV $36,990 Driveaway Price to EOFY
NewsMay 3, 2026

Omoda Jaecoo Extends Amazing J5 EV $36,990 Driveaway Price to EOFY

Chinese automaker Chery has extended the Omoda Jaecoo J5 EV’s A$36,990 drive‑away price (≈US$24,400) until the Australian financial year end on 30 June 2026. The midsize electric SUV has already attracted more than 4,000 orders, driven by fuel‑price spikes and its competitive pricing....

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Geely Offers Low Finance Rate and Free Charger with EX5 Extended Range Model
NewsMay 3, 2026

Geely Offers Low Finance Rate and Free Charger with EX5 Extended Range Model

Geely has extended its sales incentives for the Australian EX5 Extended Range electric SUV, offering a 0.88% comparison‑rate finance over 36 months with no deposit. The deal also includes a free 7 kW single‑phase home charger (installation excluded) and is available...

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First Tesla Semi Electric Truck Rolls Off High Volume Production Line
NewsMay 2, 2026

First Tesla Semi Electric Truck Rolls Off High Volume Production Line

Tesla announced that the first Semi electric truck has rolled off its new high‑volume production line at the Nevada Gigafactory. The facility is designed to build up to 50,000 Semis per year, a dramatic scale‑up from pilot runs. The inaugural...

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Suzuki Confirms Pricing of E-Vitara, with Pre-Order Special at $46,990
NewsMay 1, 2026

Suzuki Confirms Pricing of E-Vitara, with Pre-Order Special at $46,990

Suzuki unveiled pricing for its first Australian electric SUV, the e‑Vitara. The entry‑level Motion starts at AUD 46,990 (≈USD 31,000) and the higher‑spec Ultra at AUD 56,990 (≈USD 37,600) for the first 100 pre‑orders, rising to AUD 49,990 and 58,990 thereafter. Both models use lithium‑iron‑phosphate batteries—49 kWh...

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How Road-Toll Exemptions Can Accelerate the Rollout of Electric Trucks
NewsMay 1, 2026

How Road-Toll Exemptions Can Accelerate the Rollout of Electric Trucks

The EU’s revised Eurovignette Directive lets member states exempt zero‑emission trucks from distance‑based road tolls and charge diesel trucks based on CO₂ emissions. ICCT analysis of six markets shows that full toll exemptions would already bring 2026 regional‑truck total‑cost‑of‑ownership to...

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Model Y L Deliveries Begin in Australia, the First Tesla with Vehicle-to-Load
NewsApr 29, 2026

Model Y L Deliveries Begin in Australia, the First Tesla with Vehicle-to-Load

Tesla has started delivering its new six‑seater Model Y L in Australia, marking the first Tesla in the market equipped with Vehicle‑to‑Load (V2L) technology. The L‑variant offers a 681 km (423 mi) range – about 14% more than any other Model Y – and a...

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Australian EV Body Calls for “Universal Levy” On Vehicles Rather than a “Lazy Tax” On Electric Cars
NewsApr 29, 2026

Australian EV Body Calls for “Universal Levy” On Vehicles Rather than a “Lazy Tax” On Electric Cars

The Australian Electric Vehicle Association (AEVA) rejected proposals for an electric‑vehicle‑only road‑user charge, urging instead a universal “mass × distance” levy applied to all road‑going vehicles. AEVA argues that a flat charge would unfairly burden small EVs while heavier vehicles cause greater...

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Xpeng Launches Its Biggest EV and Showcases AI Tech at Beijing Auto Show
NewsApr 28, 2026

Xpeng Launches Its Biggest EV and Showcases AI Tech at Beijing Auto Show

Xpeng introduced the GX, a six‑seat electric SUV that is the company’s largest model to date, at the Auto China 2026 show in Beijing. The vehicle showcases Xpeng’s newest AI chip and the VLA 2.0 autonomous‑driving system, promising capabilities comparable to Tesla’s...

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Tesla Offers Free Supercharging for a Year on Its Electric Sedan
NewsApr 27, 2026

Tesla Offers Free Supercharging for a Year on Its Electric Sedan

Tesla announced a new promotion that grants up to one year of free Supercharging to buyers of the Model 3 Premium or Performance in the United States. The offer follows recent incentives such as a $2,000 (≈$1,300 USD) trade‑in bonus and extended...

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BYD Next Generation Atto 3 Unveiled with 5 Minute Flash Charging
NewsApr 26, 2026

BYD Next Generation Atto 3 Unveiled with 5 Minute Flash Charging

BYD unveiled the Yuan Plus SUV, known as the Atto 3 in Australia, featuring a groundbreaking 5‑minute flash‑charging capability. The model offers a single‑motor 200 kW version with a 57.5 kWh LFP Blade battery and a dual‑motor 240 kW version with a 68.5 kWh pack, delivering...

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BYD’s Next Electric Sports Car Spotted Ahead of Imminent Launch
NewsApr 24, 2026

BYD’s Next Electric Sports Car Spotted Ahead of Imminent Launch

BYD’s premium Denza brand has moved its Z electric sports car from prototype to production, as a teal convertible was photographed being unloaded from a tow truck. The production version retains the sleek two‑door silhouette but drops the large carbon‑fibre...

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Hybrids, Petrol Cars and BYD EVs Caught Short on Range and Fuel Efficiency Claims
NewsApr 23, 2026

Hybrids, Petrol Cars and BYD EVs Caught Short on Range and Fuel Efficiency Claims

The Australian Automobile Association tested 17 vehicles on a 93‑km circuit and found most fell short of official fuel‑efficiency or electric‑range claims. Seven models exceeded advertised fuel use by more than 10%, with the GWM Jolion Hybrid using 27% more...

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Musk Delays Release of Roadster, Optimus and Unsupervised FSD, as Tesla Margins Jump
NewsApr 23, 2026

Musk Delays Release of Roadster, Optimus and Unsupervised FSD, as Tesla Margins Jump

Tesla announced further postponements for the next‑generation Roadster and unsupervised full‑self‑driving (FSD), pushing the Roadster debut to at least a month away and targeting Q4 for FSD rollout. The company posted Q1 revenue of $22.39 billion, below expectations, but margin expansion...

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Polestar Hopes Four New EV Models Will Help Reverse Multi-Billion Dollar Loss in 2025
NewsApr 22, 2026

Polestar Hopes Four New EV Models Will Help Reverse Multi-Billion Dollar Loss in 2025

Polestar reported a record 60,000+ vehicle sales and $3.058 billion revenue in 2025, yet its net loss widened to $2.357 billion after $1.05 billion in impairment charges. The Swedish EV maker, owned by Geely, raised $700 million in equity and extended a $726 million shareholder...

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European EV Sales Jump 51 Pct in March as Fuel Prices Surge Due to Gulf War
NewsApr 22, 2026

European EV Sales Jump 51 Pct in March as Fuel Prices Surge Due to Gulf War

European electric‑vehicle registrations surged 51% in March 2026, reaching 224,000 units and representing 22% of all new car sales across 15 key markets. The jump lifted first‑quarter EV registrations to 500,000, a 33.5% year‑on‑year increase. The growth coincides with sharply higher...

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New Tesla Model Y Variant with More Range Specs Spotted in Approval Documentation
NewsApr 22, 2026

New Tesla Model Y Variant with More Range Specs Spotted in Approval Documentation

Tesla’s Model Y Long‑Range variant, equipped with an 8L battery that delivered up to 821 km (CLTC) in China, has appeared in European type‑approval paperwork, signaling a potential launch in Europe and later Australia. The model could achieve roughly 700 km on the...

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Construction Begins on New NSW Electric Bus Manufacturing Facility
NewsApr 21, 2026

Construction Begins on New NSW Electric Bus Manufacturing Facility

Construction has begun on Foton's 6,000‑square‑metre electric bus plant in Nowra, NSW. The facility will support the Transport for NSW Zero Emissions Bus program by delivering 128 electric buses and a line of battery‑electric trucks. It will scale the workforce...

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“It Should Not Be Rushed:” Bowen Says Road User Charge Will only Happen “when It Is Ready”
NewsApr 21, 2026

“It Should Not Be Rushed:” Bowen Says Road User Charge Will only Happen “when It Is Ready”

Australian climate minister Chris Bowen cautioned that a road‑user charge for electric vehicles will only be introduced when the policy framework is ready, rejecting calls for an immediate tax. Motoring groups have floated a 3 c per kilometre levy, roughly $400...

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Australia’s First Electric Hydrofoil Boats to Be Rolled Out on Tasmania’s Derwent River
NewsApr 20, 2026

Australia’s First Electric Hydrofoil Boats to Be Rolled Out on Tasmania’s Derwent River

Australia will launch its first electric hydrofoil boat network on Tasmania’s Derwent River through a partnership between New Zealand’s Vessev and local venture Fly Derwent. The initial vessel, a 10‑seat Vessev VS‑9, can cruise at 25 knots, reach 30 knots, travel up to...

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Hyundai Says EVs Now 20 Pct of Australian Orders as Electric Interest Surges
NewsApr 17, 2026

Hyundai Says EVs Now 20 Pct of Australian Orders as Electric Interest Surges

Hyundai Australia reports that electric vehicles now account for 20 % of its order volume, up from under 3 % before the recent fuel‑supply crisis. March saw a four‑fold jump in EV orders, reaching 1,037 units, driven primarily by the Kona and...

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Bowen Says Australia’s Small but Growing Fleet of EVs Is Saving 15 Million Litres of Petrol a Week
NewsApr 16, 2026

Bowen Says Australia’s Small but Growing Fleet of EVs Is Saving 15 Million Litres of Petrol a Week

Australian Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen highlighted that the nation’s modest electric‑vehicle fleet is already saving about 15 million litres of petrol each week. The saving stems from an estimated 410,000 EVs—less than 2 percent of the 22 million‑vehicle fleet—yet EVs accounted for...

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Australians Want Electric Cars to Save Cash, Not the Planet, Survey Finds
NewsApr 16, 2026

Australians Want Electric Cars to Save Cash, Not the Planet, Survey Finds

A Pureprofile survey of over 2,000 Australians shows rising interest in electric and plug‑in hybrid vehicles as fuel prices climb. Sixty‑eight percent say they would consider an EV, with 32 percent of near‑term car buyers favoring electric models over petrol....

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“Yes We Can:” Andrew Forrest Mocks Murdoch Tabloid Stories Dismissing Electric Trucks
NewsApr 16, 2026

“Yes We Can:” Andrew Forrest Mocks Murdoch Tabloid Stories Dismissing Electric Trucks

Billionaire mining magnate Andrew Forrest publicly challenged the Daily Telegraph’s claim that electric semi‑trailers are a distant “green dream.” He posted the tabloid’s front page alongside a photo of Fortescue’s upcoming Liebherr T‑264 battery‑electric haul truck, asserting that multiple trailers...

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BYD Announces Extra 30,000 EVs and Hybrids for Australia to Support Essential Workers
NewsApr 16, 2026

BYD Announces Extra 30,000 EVs and Hybrids for Australia to Support Essential Workers

Chinese automaker BYD announced an additional 30,000 new‑energy vehicles—both battery‑electric and plug‑in hybrids—to be delivered to Australia by June. The rollout is aimed at essential workers such as healthcare staff, teachers and emergency responders amid rising fuel prices and supply...

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Toyota to Add New “Flagship” Option for Its only EV in Australia
NewsApr 15, 2026

Toyota to Add New “Flagship” Option for Its only EV in Australia

Toyota Australia is launching a new bZ4X Touring flagship grade, priced at $69,990 AUD (about $46,200 USD) and arriving in showrooms in May. The Touring model adds 151 L of cargo space, a higher ride height and 20‑inch black alloy wheels, while delivering...

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Mercedes-Benz Lays Claim to Longest Range EV with Upgraded EQS and Vehicle to Grid
NewsApr 14, 2026

Mercedes-Benz Lays Claim to Longest Range EV with Upgraded EQS and Vehicle to Grid

Mercedes‑Benz unveiled an upgraded EQS that now claims a WLTP‑tested range of 925 km, the longest for any production EV. The boost comes from a larger 122 kWh battery pack using silicon‑oxide‑graphite anodes, delivering 19.5–16.2 kWh per 100 km. The model supports...

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EV Charging Network Sees 54 per Cent Leap in Customer Numbers as Electric Interest Surges
NewsApr 14, 2026

EV Charging Network Sees 54 per Cent Leap in Customer Numbers as Electric Interest Surges

Jolt, one of Australia’s largest public EV charging networks, reported a 54.4% month‑on‑month rise in new driver registrations for March, coinciding with a record share of EV sales nationwide. A Jolt survey found that 70% of EV owners are motivated...

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“Cheaper to Run:” NSW Targets Charging Gap and Electric Trucks in New EV Strategy
NewsApr 14, 2026

“Cheaper to Run:” NSW Targets Charging Gap and Electric Trucks in New EV Strategy

The New South Wales government unveiled a $100 million electric‑vehicle strategy aimed at closing charging gaps and accelerating EV uptake amid rising fuel prices. The plan funds fast‑charging stations in regional and remote areas and adds kerbside chargers for apartment residents...

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MG Unveils Multiple New EV Models for 2026, Including an Electric Ute
NewsApr 12, 2026

MG Unveils Multiple New EV Models for 2026, Including an Electric Ute

MG Motor Australia unveiled a suite of new electric models at the Melbourne Motor Show, targeting a 2026 rollout. The entry‑level MG4 Urban EV is priced at AU$31,990 (≈US$21,100) with deliveries starting this month, while the higher‑spec MG4 X‑Power now...

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Subaru Reveals Pricing and Specs for Trailseeker, Its Second EV in Australia
NewsApr 10, 2026

Subaru Reveals Pricing and Specs for Trailseeker, Its Second EV in Australia

Subaru unveiled the Trailseeker, its second electric vehicle for Australia, priced at AU$67,990 (~US$44,900) for the AWD entry model and AU$73,990 (~US$48,800) for the Touring trim. The SUV packs a 280 kW dual‑motor system that accelerates from 0‑100 km/h in about 4.4 seconds,...

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GWM Ora 5 Priced From $33,990 Driveaway as New Electric SUV Joins Lineup
NewsApr 10, 2026

GWM Ora 5 Priced From $33,990 Driveaway as New Electric SUV Joins Lineup

Great Wall Motors (GWM) unveiled Australian pricing for its new Ora 5 electric SUV, slated for showroom arrival in June. The base model starts at AU$33,990 (≈US$22,000) drive‑away, while the higher‑spec Ultra begins at AU$36,990 (≈US$24,000), keeping the entire lineup under...

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Geely Makes Pre-Order Offer for Its New, Low Cost EX2 Electric Hatchback
NewsApr 9, 2026

Geely Makes Pre-Order Offer for Its New, Low Cost EX2 Electric Hatchback

Geely announced a limited‑time pre‑order offer for its new EX2 electric hatchback in Australia, running from 10‑12 April. Buyers who order online or at dealerships and receive the vehicle by 30 September will get a complimentary charger and premium paint. The EX2,...

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BYD’s Denza Z9GT Confirmed for Australia with 5 Minute Flash Charging Tech
NewsApr 9, 2026

BYD’s Denza Z9GT Confirmed for Australia with 5 Minute Flash Charging Tech

Chinese automaker BYD's premium brand Denza unveiled the Z9GT, boasting over 1,000 km CLTC range and a 5‑minute flash charge from 10% to 70%. The model will launch in Australia in the second half of 2024, with the tri‑motor version arriving...

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EVs Overtake Petrol Cars as Electric Sales Surge 66 Pct in Europe’s Biggest Economy
NewsApr 8, 2026

EVs Overtake Petrol Cars as Electric Sales Surge 66 Pct in Europe’s Biggest Economy

Electric vehicle registrations in Germany surged 66% year‑over‑year to nearly 71,000 in March 2026, pushing EVs to a 24% share of all new car registrations and overtaking petrol models for the first time. The rise follows a new subsidy program...

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Chery Slashes Price of E5 Ultimate, Making It Lowest-Cost Electric SUV with 420 Km Range
NewsApr 8, 2026

Chery Slashes Price of E5 Ultimate, Making It Lowest-Cost Electric SUV with 420 Km Range

Chery Australia announced a price reduction for its top‑spec MY26 E5 Ultimate SUV, now AU$37,990 (about US$25,000) drive‑away, over AU$6,000 cheaper than before. The cut makes the E5 the lowest‑priced electric SUV in Australia with a WLTP range exceeding 420 km,...

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EV Fast Charging Queues Are Back. Could a Kerbside Charger Network Help?
NewsApr 8, 2026

EV Fast Charging Queues Are Back. Could a Kerbside Charger Network Help?

Australian EV sales jumped 40‑50% in March, reigniting concerns over charging capacity, especially for the 60% of Sydney residents living in apartments or townhouses. Public fast‑charging queues have resurfaced, prompting calls for a robust kerbside charging network that offers slower,...

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The Electric Van that Offers “Nostalgia Mode,” Including Diesel Smells and Noise
NewsApr 7, 2026

The Electric Van that Offers “Nostalgia Mode,” Including Diesel Smells and Noise

Farizon has launched a new optional "Nostalgia Mode" for its all‑electric SV large van, aimed at UK tradespeople who miss the sensory experience of diesel trucks. The feature releases a diesel‑like scent, plays engine‑noise through speakers, and adds seat‑shakers while...

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Suzuki Gets Four-Star ANCAP Safety Rating for Its First EV in Australia
NewsApr 7, 2026

Suzuki Gets Four-Star ANCAP Safety Rating for Its First EV in Australia

Suzuki’s first fully electric model, the e‑Vitara, received a four‑star ANCAP safety rating ahead of its Australian launch in June. The rating reflects solid performance in most safety categories but was held back by a mixed Adult Occupant Protection score,...

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Geely Throws in Extra Incentives, Including Free Home Charger, to Help Drive EX5 Sales
NewsApr 4, 2026

Geely Throws in Extra Incentives, Including Free Home Charger, to Help Drive EX5 Sales

Geely Australia is extending incentives for its EX5 Extended Range EV, adding a 1.88% comparison‑rate finance deal over 36 months and a free 7 kW home charger (installation excluded). The model’s price rises by about $660 USD, placing the Complete trim at roughly...

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Kia Slashes Prices on the EV3 and EV5 Electric SUVs
NewsApr 4, 2026

Kia Slashes Prices on the EV3 and EV5 Electric SUVs

Kia announced price cuts for its entry‑level EV3 and the popular EV5 in Australia, lowering the EV3 Air SR to about $31,000 USD (≈ $46,990 AUD) and the EV5 Air SR to roughly $33,000 USD (≈ $49,990 AUD) to clear 2025 model‑year stock. The discount of...

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“Tipping Point:” Tesla Sales Surge, EV Registrations up Sharply as Australian Drivers Go Electric
NewsApr 2, 2026

“Tipping Point:” Tesla Sales Surge, EV Registrations up Sharply as Australian Drivers Go Electric

Tesla’s Australian sales jumped to 3,485 units in March, a 22% year‑over‑year increase and the highest since September, driven by a sharp rise in Model Y demand. The company’s quarterly volume rose 40% to 7,260 vehicles despite supply bottlenecks that have...

By The Driven