Episode 56: Subaru’s EV Price Reset, BYD’s People Mover Push, Xpeng X9, Renault Master E-Tech and More Affordable EVs

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 56 of Plugged In Australia for Monday 18 May 2026, we cover Subaru’s new Uncharted electric SUV and major EV price cuts, Volkswagen bringing GTI into the EV era with the ID. Polo GTI, BYD preparing a wave of new plug-in hybrid and electric models including the Ti7, Atto 2 DM-i, M9 people mover and V9 electric van, Xpeng’s X9 electric people mover nearing its Australian launch, Renault pricing the Master E-Tech electric van, Mercedes-Benz confirming electric CLA pricing for Australia, Audi evaluating a compact A2 e-tron, Lexus’s three-row TZ EV looking more relevant for Australia, and the growing debate around EV access for renters and lower-income households.YouTube timestamps — full episode00:00 — Intro01:03 — Subaru Uncharted priced and Subaru cuts EV prices06:52 — Volkswagen ID. Polo GTI enters the EV era10:34 — BYD Ti7 large SUV likely for Australia14:26 — BYD Atto 2 DM-i could become Australia’s cheapest PHEV17:38 — Xpeng X9 electric people mover nears launch21:50 — BYD M9 plug-in hybrid people mover approved25:35 — BYD V9 electric van approved for Australia28:52 — Renault Master E-Tech priced under $80,00031:39 — Mercedes-Benz CLA electric priced for Australia34:57 — Audi A2 e-tron under evaluation37:23 — Lexus TZ three-row EV looks more likely for Australia39:53 — EV access for renters and lower-income Australians42:49 — Legacy brands use China’s EV playbook45:20 — OutroDisclaimer:All specifications, pricing, and information discussed in this episode were correct at the time of recording. The electric vehicle market moves quickly, so we recommend you always check the latest details directly with manufacturers, dealers, or official sources.This podcast provides general news and information only, based on publicly available sources and Australian Consumer Law guidelines. It is not legal, financial, or professional advice. For advice specific to your situation, please contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or seek independent professional guidance.Plugged in Australia and its hosts are not responsible for any decisions, misunderstandings, or purchases made based on the content of this show.Sourcing & TransparencyAt Plugged in Australia, all our stories are sourced from publicly available news articles and reports. We do not receive any advance information or briefings from brands or manufacturers.Any analysis or opinions we share are based solely on this public information.Our main sources include (though we also use many others, and they vary by episode):https://www.carsales.com.au/https://www.carexpert.com.au/https://thedriven.io/https://www.carsguide.com.auhttps://autotalk.com.auhttps://www.carsguide.com.auhttps://evcentral.com.auhttps://www.drive.com.au