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PODCAST · leisure

EV QUEST

by Adrian Maidment

EV Quest is the electric vehicle podcast for New Zealand, Australia and beyond. Hosted by Adrian Maidment in New Zealand, and joined regularly by Riz Akhtar from Carloop, EV Quest delivers the latest EV news, reviews and industry insights from across New Zealand, Australia and the global EV market.Each week you’ll hear conversations about electric cars, charging infrastructure, EV ownership and the future of sustainable mobility.From interviews with EV industry leaders to reviews of the newest electric vehicles, EV Quest keeps you connected to the fast-changing world of electric transport.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Oct 8, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. Jaguar's Radical EV, Mazda 6e First Drive & Constantly Charging a Honda | EV Quest

    Jaguar has revealed a radical new electric GT, Adrian takes a first drive in the Mazda 6e, and Riz discovers what it's like living with a Honda EV that needs plenty of charging. This week on the EV Quest Podcast, Adrian Maidment and Riz Akhtar discuss the latest electric vehicle news from New...

  2. GWM's NZ Growth: How It Happened. What's Next?

    GWM is growing quickly in New Zealand. But how did the brand get here, and what's next? In this EV Quest interview, I talk with Cameron Thomas, Country Manager of GWM New Zealand, to find out what's behind the brand's growth and where GWM is heading in the NZ market. We talk about GWM's changing...

  3. Tesla Model 3 Price Cut + New BYD Atto 3 Evo | EV Quest Podcast #251

    Welcome to Episode 251 of the EV Quest Podcast with Adrian Maidment and Riz Akhtar from CarLoop. This week we look at Tesla's new cheaper Model 3, what has changed, how much range it gets and whether the lower price makes it an even more attractive EV. We also take a first look at the updated BYD...

  4. Taiwan's New EV: Foxtron Cavira | Could It Come to New Zealand?

    Taiwan has a new electric SUV, and it could be coming to New Zealand. Meet the Foxtron Cavira. In this EV Quest first look, Celeste heads to Taichung, Taiwan, to check out the new Foxtron Cavira, a five-seat electric SUV from Taiwanese manufacturer Foxtron. The Cavira is available in two…

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  5. EV Quest Episode 250: Cheaper EVs, More Brands & The Next Phase of Electric Cars

    To mark 250 episodes, Adrian is joined by regular co-host Riz Akhtar from CarLoop. A quick reflect, then, what's happening right now and what could be coming next. Riz joins us fresh from the Everything Electric event in Sydney, We also dig into the latest wave of EV price cuts, including BYD's...

  6. What Do the Latest EV Sales Figures Really Mean? | Mercedes-Benz CLA 350 Electric Driven

    Australia's EV market has had a record-breaking month, with battery electric vehicles making up almost one in four new cars sold. But what do the latest sales figures really tell us about where the market is heading? In this episode of the EV Quest Podcast, Adrian Maidment and Carloop founder Riz...

  7. 2026 Honda Super One Review: Is the Fun Worth the Compromise?

    Is the 2026 Honda Super One fun enough to make up for its limitation? I took Honda's new small EV for a quick drive around town to find out. The Honda Super One is based on a Japanese kei car and is designed mainly for city driving. It has a 29.61 kWh battery and a claimed WLTP range of 206 km. I...

  8. Are EV Buyers Ever Going Back to Petrol? | Zeekr 7GT

    Are EV buyers really on a one-way street? Adrian and Riz explore why more drivers are sticking with EVs, the growing EV price war and the rapid arrival of new Chinese brands. Plus, Adrian shares his first impressions of the Honda Super One, the Mazda 6e arrives in New Zealand, Riz drives the new...

  9. ☀️ Solar + Battery After One Year: Dale’s Real-World Experience

    Dale is a Tauranga homeowner, not an installer. Thirteen months ago he put 16 solar panels and a home battery on his roof, and in this episode he opens up about the instal process and how it’s all looking now. He walks through the whole thing: how he chose an installer, why he replaced his roof...

  10. KGM Musso Missing Airbags, Honest EV Confessions & Tesla’s Big Truck Order

    A big week for EVs and clean transport, with a safety issue affecting KGM Musso EVs, an unusually honest admission from Leapmotor NZ, a new electric wagon heading our way and Tesla landing its biggest Semi order yet. This week Adrian Maidment and Riz Akhtar discuss: • KGM Musso EV: More than 300...

  11. BYD ATTO 3 EVO Arrives: Big Upgrade, Bigger Price?

    The BYD ATTO 3 EVO has arrived, bringing faster charging, more range, improved performance and a refreshed design. But, can it still compete in an increasingly crowded EV market? Adrian and Riz also look at Mitsubishi's new ASX VR-e, based on the Foxtron Bria. Adrian has driven the Taiwan-market...

  12. Australia EV Sales: July Winners & Losers | EV Quest Podcast

    In this episode of the EV Quest Podcast, Adrian catches up with Riz Akhtar, founder of Carloop, to break down the latest Australian EV sales figures and what they tell us about the market. We look at why the new Model Y L is proving so popular. Also discussed: 🇦🇺 Australia's latest EV sales...

  13. 2026 GWM ORA 5: Is This NZ's Best-Value EV?

    I've spent the night with the new 2026 GWM ORA 5 Ultra to find out what it's really like to live with, and whether this new electric SUV should be on your shortlist. In this EV Quest review, I take the GWM ORA 5 Ultra out on city streets, and open roads to look at the driving experience. I'm...

  14. July EV Sales Impress, GWM Ora 5 Driven, Ford's Geely Deal

    EV sales continue to impress across New Zealand, who is number 1? In this episode of the EV Quest Podcast, Adrian Maidment is joined by Carloop founder Riz Akhtar to unpack the latest EV news from New Zealand, Australia and around the world. ⚡ IN THIS EPISODE: • July NZ EV sales • Zeekr 7X climbs...

  15. Has China Already Won the EV Race? | The Big Shift in Australia & New Zealand

    The electric vehicle market in Australia and New Zealand is changing faster than ever. In this episode of EV Quest, Adrian Maidment is joined by Carloop founder and EV industry analyst Riz Akhtar to explore the biggest trends reshaping the automotive industry. They discuss BYD's rapid growth, why...

  16. GAC AION V Review: Big Range, Affordable, and with a Fridge!

    The GAC AION V has arrived in New Zealand promising plenty of features for the money. With a 510km WLTP range, a built-in fridge/freezer, massage seats and fast charging capability, can it stand out in New Zealand's increasingly crowded midsize electric SUV market? In this review, I take the AION…

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  17. Solar, Batteries & EVs | Lightforce Solar interview at Fieldays

    In this episode of the EV Quest Podcast, Adrian catches up with Rowan from Lightforce Solar at Fieldays 2026 to explore the latest developments in residential solar, battery storage, and EV charging. Rowan takes us through the popular Sigenergy solar and battery system, explains how battery…

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  18. What It Takes to Be a YouTube Car Reviewer - Jerry Pan Interview

    In this episode of EV Quest, Adrian talks with Auckland-based car reviewer Jerry Pan from Jerry Pan and Cars to uncover what really goes on behind the scenes of YouTube car reviews. Jerry shares his process of sourcing cars, filming, editing, and publishing detailed reviews. Jerry also discusses...

  19. BYD Atto 1 vs Atto 2 – Which One Should You Buy?

    Thinking about buying an affordable electric car in New Zealand? In this video, I test drive and compare the BYD Atto 1 and Atto 2 to help you decide which one is right for you. From pricing and range to real-world driving feel, I break down the key differences between these two EVs — including...

  20. Solar, EV, Battery… What Should You Buy FIRST? (Most Get This Wrong)

    Thinking about going electric with solar, EVs, or home batteries? In this episode of EV Quest, Adrian Maidment talks with Neerav Bhatt ('Electrifying Everything') — who’s done it all. From sealing his home to running a fully electric, solar-powered lifestyle, Neerav shares what actually works…

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  21. Used EVs Are Selling Out: What One NZ Dealer Is Seeing Right Now

    Fuel prices are rising, and so is interest in electric vehicles. In this episode of EV Quest, Adrian Maidment talks with Hayden Johnson, General Manager of EV specialist dealership GVI, to unpack what’s really happening in New Zealand’s EV market. Are EVs actually selling out? Is this surge…

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  22. EV Registrations Skyrocket in NZ

    In this episode of the EV Quest Podcast, Adrian Maidment is joined by Riz Akhtar from Carloop to break down the latest EV registration data from March. We explore: The top-selling EVs in New Zealand right now New models entering the market, including the electric Toyota Hilux Current EV deals and...

  23. New EVs from Japan

    EV Market: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/ev-boom-accelerates-with-second-week-of-record-sales/premium/KECLWAZJHRBEBOVY2ATN5DVB2I/ EVDB: https://evdb.nz/

  24. Chinese EV News: What's Heading to NZ & AU Next?

    In this episode of the EV Quest Podcast, Adrian Maidment and Riz Akhtar (Carloop) dive into the latest EV news from New Zealand, Australia, and beyond. Riz shares his news of the Chinese EV market, including BYD's new fast charging. Plus - new large Tesla. Carloop - https://carloop.com.au/

  25. Foxtron Bria EV Review | A new Mitsubishi EV from Taiwan?

    I’m in Taiwan to take a closer look at the Foxtron Bria, a subcompact electric SUV crossover that could potentially make its way to New Zealand and Australia under a different badge. There’s strong speculation this vehicle could appear in our market as a Mitsubishi EV. If that happens, it could...

  26. EZgo Launch, MSI’s New Portable EV Charger

    In this episode of the EV Quest podcast, host Adrian Maidment sits down with Monica Chiu, from MSI, to talk about the EZgo Portable EV Charger launch into the Australian market. Find out more about EZgo: https://au.msi.com/Landing/ezgo The episode covers: Who MSI is and why the company entered…

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  27. EVs at the Tennis, Sales Data, What's coming soon? | EV Quest Podcast

    Adrian Maidment is joined by Riz Akhtar from Carloop, talking EVs. Data link: https://evdb.nz/sales

  28. EV Quest’s 2025 EV of the Year Awards Podcast - Christmas Special

    The EV Quest Podcast Christmas Edition is here and we are wrapping up 2025 in style. In this end of year special, Adrian Maidment is joined by Riz Akhtar from Carloop for the awards ceremony We look back at the key trends that defined 2025 including an explosion of new models, falling prices, the...

  29. MG IM6 Review

    Everyone likes a little luxury, and MG’s parent company SAIC is aiming high with the IM6, their new premium electric SUV for New Zealand. In this EV Quest review, Adrian Maidment takes the IM6 for a real-world drive to see whether this tech-packed Chinese EV truly delivers. This review is based…

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  30. The Smart Way to Go Solar: A Broker’s Insider Advice

    In this episode of EV Quest, Adrian sits down with a New Zealand solar broker Rowan Ellis from Equity Solar Brokers to unpack the process of going solar. We look at how brokers compare quotes, what homeowners should ask before committing, and potential mistakes people could make when purchasing...

  31. EV Sales, New Models & What’s Coming in 2026 | EV Quest Podcast

    Adrian Maidment Riz Akhtar (Carloop) unpack the latest EV developments across New Zealand and Australia. Riz shares insights from his recent trip to China, a major source of new right-hand-drive EVs bound for NZ and Australia. Adrian breaks down New Zealand’s November EV sales data, including the...

  32. Is Solar Worth It in NZ? Real Costs, Payback & EV Savings Andre Kavanagh

    In this episode of the EV Quest Podcast, Adrian sits down with Andre Kavanaugh from Harrisons Solar to unpack what Kiwis need to know about home solar power. ⚡️ We break down: Why more New Zealanders are choosing solar How solar systems actually work NZ pricing: small, medium, and large systems...

  33. How NZ Can Slash Energy Bills – Mike Casey of Rewiring Aotearoa

    Kia ora and welcome to the EV Quest podcast – I’m Adrian Maidment. This episode is all about electrifying everything with guest Mike Casey, CEO of Rewiring Aotearoa, and a fully electric cherry orchardist from Central Otago. This episode explores how New Zealand can save billions by electrifying...

  34. Dongfeng launches in NZ - Interview with General Manager Arek Zywot | EV Quest podcast

    On Tuesday, 11 November, Dongfeng launched in New Zealand at an event in Auckland. In this interview, Adrian Maidment talks with Arek Zywot, the General Manager of Dongfeng New Zealand. They discuss the Dongfeng brand, the company’s plans for the New Zealand car market, and the new models...

  35. Home EV Charging Options in NZ | Paul O’Connor from EV Power

    Adrian Maidment chats with Paul O’Connor from EV Power, who shares insights on the latest innovations in home EV charging, including their new NZ-designed portable charger. We talk affordability, the government’s impact on EV uptake, and how to when you buy from EV Power. $ PROMO CODE…

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  36. BYD’s Atto 1 and Atto 2 Pricing Shake Up the NZ EV Market!

    Kia ora and welcome back to the EV Quest podcast. After a short recharge break, Adrian and Riz (Carloop) return with one of the biggest stories of the year: BYD’s jaw-dropping pricing announcement for the Atto 1 and Atto 2 in New Zealand, and what it could mean for Australian pricing. 🚖 Also…

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  37. A Kiwi tries the Waymo autonomous ride-hailing service in the USA

    Kia ora and welcome to the EV Quest podcast, I’m Adrian Maidment. Self Driving is a big topic in New Zealand at the moment with the release of Tesla Full Self Driving (Supervised). But this episode I’m getting some user feedback on another self-driving option, my guest is Aiden Dean, who is just...

  38. MG IM5 Reviewed | Cheaper MG4 on the way

    This week on the EV Quest podcast with Adrian Maidment and Riz Akhtar (Carloop): MG IM5 driven by Riz New MG4 Nissan's ProPilot Technology Sydney International EV Motor Show Ticket deal! Looking Ahead: Future Test Drives and Models *** Riz's special ticket offer for the Sydney International EV...

  39. Zeekr 7X Drives Into NZ | BYD Atto 1, Tesla FSD Pricing & Top 5 Mid-Sized EVs

    In this episode of the EV Quest Podcast, Adrian Maidment and Riz Akhtar dive into the latest EV news from New Zealand, Australia, and beyond. Riz shares his first-hand experience with the brand-new Zeekr 7X SUV. We also cover: NZ pricing confirmed for the Zeekr 7X lineup The arrival of BYD’s Atto…

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  40. Driving a Tesla with Full Self-Driving (Supervised) | XPeng confirms NZ launch | Top 5 Japanese EVs according to ChatGPT

    Kia ora and welcome to EV Quest podcast. In this episode, Adrian and Riz dive into the latest EV developments across Australia, New Zealand, and beyond. XPeng confirms New Zealand launch (updated G6 SUV first) Heavy EVs remain exempt from NZ road user charges until 2027 Australia announces new...

  41. NZ EV Sales Slump, Aussie Market Up | BMW’s Neue Klasse | Musk’s $1T Pay Deal!!!

    In this episode of EV Quest, Adrian Maidment (Tauranga, NZ) and Riz Akhtar (Melbourne, AU) dive into the latest EV news from New Zealand, Australia, and beyond. We unpack NZ’s EV sales slump, while Australia surges ahead. There's pricing on the Model Y Performance from Berlin and Elon Musk’s...

  42. Tesla's Full Self-Driving is almost here, Tesla Model Y Performance, Atto 3 fix | EV Quest Podcast

    Adrian and Riz discuss the latest developments in electric vehicles, focusing on Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) (Almost). There's the release of the Model Y performance and BYD's Atto 3 charging compatibility. Also, Riz tests out the Audi Q4 e-tron. #podcast #evquest #evnews Mentioned: BYD Atto…

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  43. Volvo and all the other Geely brands under one roof | The new fully EV Ute | Tesla’s Stalk Comeback

    In this episode of EV Quest, Adrian Maidment (Tauranga, NZ) and Riz Akhtar (Melbourne, AU) unpack a big week for the EV world, especially in New Zealand. 🚗 Geely’s Supergroup in NZ – Polestar, Volvo, Lotus, Zeekr and more unite under the new “Nord East” brand 🛻 Geely Radar RD6 Pro – a fully...

  44. Zeekr 7X pre-orders impress | Ford goes affordable | RUC - coming soon!

    In this episode of the EV Quest podcast, Adrian and Riz discuss the latest developments in the electric vehicle market, including the impressive pre-orders for the Zeekr 7X, government taxation on EVs, and the new electric tanker for Fonterra. They also touch on Ford's plans for affordable EVs…

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  45. From Car Seats to EVs: Family Car Buying Made Simple

    Buying a family car is a big decision, and not just about price or style. In this episode of EV Quest, Adrian Maidment talks with automotive journalist and content creator Jade Credentino, founder of Baby in a Car and Drive in Oz. Jade shares: 🚗 The top mistakes families make when choosing a car...

  46. Zeekr 7X Launch, Tesla FSD in Auckland, Latest sales data - the Ups and Downs

    This week on EV Quest, Adrian Maidment in Tauranga and Riz Akhtar from Carloop in Melbourne break down the latest EV news across New Zealand and Australia. We cover: BYD Sealion 7 outselling Tesla Model Y in Australia New Zealand EV sales drop from 12.4% to 7.2% market share Zeekr 7X launch with...

  47. Checking out China’s EV Chargers, MG’s Luxury Leap, and NZ’s Electric Two-Wheelers

    In this episode of EV Quest, Adrian Maidment checks in with Riz Akhtar (Carloop) fresh from his recent trip to China. Riz shares insights from visiting charging giant Sinexcel and spotting next-gen EVs from Nio and Xpeng. Adrian covers the rise of New Zealand’s electric two-wheeler industry with...

  48. 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…

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  49. 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...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

EV Quest is the electric vehicle podcast for New Zealand, Australia and beyond. Hosted by Adrian Maidment in New Zealand, and joined regularly by Riz Akhtar from Carloop, EV Quest delivers the latest EV news, reviews and industry insights from across New Zealand, Australia and the global EV market.Each week you’ll hear conversations about electric cars, charging infrastructure, EV ownership and the future of sustainable mobility.From interviews with EV industry leaders to reviews of the newest electric vehicles, EV Quest keeps you connected to the fast-changing world of electric transport.

HOSTED BY

Adrian Maidment

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does EV QUEST have?

EV QUEST currently has 250 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is EV QUEST about?

EV Quest is the electric vehicle podcast for New Zealand, Australia and beyond. Hosted by Adrian Maidment in New Zealand, and joined regularly by Riz Akhtar from Carloop, EV Quest delivers the latest EV news, reviews and industry insights from across New Zealand, Australia and the global EV...

How often does EV QUEST release new episodes?

EV QUEST publishes regularly with 250 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.

Where can I listen to EV QUEST?

You can listen to EV QUEST on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts EV QUEST?

EV QUEST is created and hosted by Adrian Maidment.
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