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- Should I Learn to Drive in an EV?
For generations, learning to drive has meant the same thing: mastering the lurch and shudder of a clutch, the drone of an engine, and the vague smell of petrol. But for the next wave of L-platers, a new question is emerging, one that their parents never had to consider: " Should I learn to drive in an electric car?" The answer isn't just about technology; it's about the entire feeling of being behind the wheel for the first time. It’s about confidence, anxiety, and how a car can either be a terrifying, complicated machine or a calm, encouraging partner on your journey to getting a licence. The Sound of Silence: A Less Anxious Beginning Think back to your first driving lesson. The intimidating roar of the engine when you accidentally pushed the accelerator too hard. The stressful guesswork of gears. The fear of stalling at a busy intersection. An electric car erases almost all of this initial sensory overload. From the moment you press the 'On' button, an EV is silent. There's no vibration, no engine noise, just a quiet readiness. This silence is incredibly calming for a nervous learner. It allows you to focus on the things that really matter: your surroundings, your road position, your speed. The power delivery is perfectly smooth and linear. There are no gears to worry about, no clutch to master, and absolutely no chance of stalling. The car simply goes when you press the pedal and stops when you brake. This profound simplicity removes a huge layer of cognitive load, freeing up a learner's anxious mind to concentrate on the actual art of driving. Building a Different Kind of Confidence Learning in an EV builds a different kind of confidence. It’s not the old-school confidence of mastering a complex machine. It's a modern confidence born from feeling in total, intuitive control. Features like regenerative braking, where the car slows down gently the moment you lift your foot off the accelerator, teach a smoother driving style from day one. It encourages you to think ahead, to anticipate the flow of traffic. The experience feels less like wrestling with a machine and more like a partnership. The car works with you, not against you. The giant screens, which can be a distraction for experienced drivers, are often a godsend for learners. The 360-degree camera views make that first terrifying reverse park feel less like guesswork and more like a video game, providing a clear, unambiguous view of your surroundings. It demystifies the car's dimensions and empowers the learner to manoeuvre with precision. A Stepping Stone to the Future Of course, there's the argument that learning on an automatic EV doesn't prepare you for driving an older manual car. That's true. But it's a bit like arguing that learning to type on a computer doesn't prepare you for using a typewriter. The world has moved on. Learning in an EV is not taking a shortcut; it's simply starting your driving journey in the present, not in the past. The feeling an EV gives a new driver is one of empowerment. It makes a scary, complex rite of passage feel simpler, safer, and calmer. It transforms the car from a source of anxiety into an accessible, encouraging tool. And for any parent watching their child pull out onto the road for the first time, that feeling is priceless.
- Are Chinese EVs Any Good? A Connoisseur's Guide to 2025's Market Shapers
The Australian automotive landscape is undergoing its most significant realignment in decades. The instruments of this change are not coming from Germany, Japan, or America, but from China. Brands like BYD, MG, and a host of others are no longer just market entrants; they are market shapers. The prevailing question has shifted from "Who are they?" to a more pressing, practical one: "Are Chinese EVs any good?" The answer requires a clear-eyed, critical assessment, free from both boosterism and xenophobia. This is a connoisseur's guide to the key players, their products, and their prospects in 2025. The Facts: Price, Performance, and Promises Objectively, the value proposition is formidable. For a price point that often undercuts established rivals by tens of thousands, you get headline figures that are hard to ignore. BYD (Build Your Dreams): Their mastery of the Blade Battery is the core of their success. Models like the Seal and Dolphin offer competitive range and impressive standard feature lists. Their focus is on vertical integration—they make the batteries, the motors, the chips. This control is their key advantage. MG (Morris Garages): Leveraging a nostalgic British brand name, SAIC Motor has delivered exceptionally popular models like the MG4. Their strategy is aggressive pricing combined with surprisingly competent engineering and a long local warranty, directly targeting the value-conscious buyer. The Challengers (XPeng, Geely EX5, etc.): These brands are pushing into the market with a focus on specific niches—premium technology (XPeng) or quirky design (GWM). They are less established but demonstrate the sheer breadth of the industrial base they emerge from. Are Chinese EVs any good?: Beyond the Spec Sheet. A car is more than its numbers. The critical evaluation lies in the execution. Build Quality: Early concerns are rapidly fading. Panel gaps are tightening, and interior material quality is improving at an astonishing pace. While they may not yet match the vault-like solidity of a premium German marque, they often surpass competitors in their price bracket. The primary question is now one of long-term durability, which only time can answer. BYD Sealion 7 Software & UX: This is the most inconsistent area. Some systems are slick, responsive, and intuitive. Others suffer from clunky translations, confusing menu structures, and frustrating lags. This is the new frontier of automotive quality, and it is where the most significant differentiation can be found. The reliance on a single large touchscreen, while visually clean, can be a step back in usability compared to physical controls. Driving Dynamics: Competence is the keyword. Most models offer a comfortable, predictable, and perfectly adequate driving experience for daily use. They are not, by and large, razor-sharp driver's cars in the vein of a Porsche or BMW M. The focus is on accessible, easy performance, not nuanced feedback. Design & Craft: From Copycat to Creator? The most persistent criticism has been one of derivative design. This is changing. While some models still wear their influences on their sleeve, a distinct design language is emerging from the top players. BYD's "ocean aesthetics" (Dolphin, Seal) is a cohesive and genuinely attractive philosophy. There is a growing confidence to be original. The craft is in the details—the quality of the stitching, the cleverness of the interior packaging, the satisfying click of a switch. It is here that the journey from a good car to a desirable object is made, and the leading Chinese brands are well on their way. Conclusion: Are they good? Yes. They are not just good for the price; they are becoming compelling products in their own right. The discerning buyer must look past the badge and the price tag to critically assess the software and long-term ownership proposition. But to dismiss them would be a grave miscalculation.
- What’s It Really Like Owning an EV in an Apartment? My On-Street Charging Diary
Everyone talks about the dream of waking up to a "full tank" with an electric vehicle. But what happens when your bedroom is on the third floor and your car lives on the street? What’s it really like owning an EV without a private garage or driveway? This isn't a technical guide. This is a diary to owning an EV in an apartment. One week of my life with a fantastic electric car, a city apartment, and a total reliance on the public charging network. It's a story about planning, patience, and the strange new social rituals of street-side charging. Monday: The Optimism The week begins with a full battery and a sense of smug satisfaction. The car is silent, smooth, and I feel like I'm living in the future. The public charger two streets away was free last night—a good omen. The day is a breeze of silent commuting and errands. This is easy, I think. What's all the fuss about? Wednesday: The First Crack The battery is hovering around 30%. The charger two streets away is occupied. So is the next one. And the next. A slow-burn anxiety begins to creep in. It's not range anxiety; it's charger anxiety . My evening plans now have a new, unwelcome guest: the need to find a plug. I end up at a brightly lit servo 15 minutes away, sitting in my car under the hum of the fast charger, feeling strangely isolated. The convenience of "fuelling up" at home feels very far away. Charging at night isn't fun. Friday: The Social Dance I find a free spot at a street-side charger. As I'm plugging in, another EV pulls up, the driver's face a familiar mix of hope and despair. We do the charger dance. "How long will you be?" he asks. We chat about apps, broken chargers, and the one street that seems to have a secret, always-free plug. It's a strange, fleeting sense of community, born from a shared inconvenience. We are the on-street charging pioneers. Sunday: The Verdict Can you own an EV in an apartment in Australia? Yes, absolutely. But don't believe the glossy brochures. It requires a mental shift. You become a strategist, a hunter-gatherer of electrons. You learn the rhythm of your neighbourhood's chargers. It’s not the seamless dream of home charging, but a different kind of adventure. It’s doable, but it’s a commitment. And for now, it's the real story for thousands of us.
- Driving the Polestar 4: Why Removing the Rear Window Makes You See Everything More Clearly
For over a century, cars have been designed with a fundamental assumption: the driver needs to see out of the back. It’s a rule so ingrained we don’t even think about it. Then, the Polestar 4 arrived and politely, confidently, erased the rear window. The immediate reaction is a jolt. Is it safe? Is it strange? But spend an hour inside this car, and you realise Polestar hasn’t just removed a piece of glass. They’ve removed a distraction. They’ve re-written a rule to offer something far more valuable in its place: a pure, unadulterated focus on the road ahead. This isn’t just a Polestar 4 review ; it’s a dispatch from a startlingly clear future. The Embrace of the Cocoon Stepping into the Polestar 4 interior is a unique sensory experience. Without a window in the rear, the cabin transforms into a private, serene cocoon. The world behind you disappears, replaced by the soft, ambient light and the clean, minimalist lines of the cabin. Your focus is immediately drawn forward, through the expansive windscreen. The effect is profound. It’s calming. The usual visual clutter of the C-pillars, headrests, and the car behind you is gone. In its place is a sense of tranquil isolation, allowing you to feel fully present and in command. It’s not claustrophobic; it’s clarifying. A New Kind of Vision The rear-view mirror is no longer a mirror. It's a high-definition screen, broadcasting a crisp, wide-angle, and unobstructed view of what's behind. At first, your brain takes a second to adjust. Then, something clicks. You realise this digital view is superior. Rain doesn't obscure it. The dark of night doesn't diminish it. Tall passengers in the back don't block it. This is a core part of the Polestar 4 experience —learning to trust a better version of reality. Merging onto a highway becomes an act of calm confidence. You glance at the screen and see everything, perfectly rendered. It’s a subtle but powerful shift, making you feel less like you’re driving a car and more like you’re piloting a sophisticated piece of technology designed for clarity. A Car That Asks, "What If?" Driving the Polestar 4 is a conversation with a very bold idea. It makes you question other automotive assumptions we take for a given. It proves that radical design choices, when executed with intelligence and purpose, can lead to a richer, more focused driving experience. This is a car for the person who isn’t afraid to embrace a new perspective, who understands that sometimes, to see the way forward more clearly, you have to stop looking behind you. It’s a statement piece, but the statement isn’t about wealth or status. It’s about a belief in a smarter, more elegant future.
- The Kia EV3 Is Your Uncomplicated Friend: The EV for People Who Are Tired of Trying Too Hard
Let’s be honest. The world of electric vehicles can feel like a club with a secret handshake. It’s a dizzying landscape of kilowatt-hours, charging curves, and range anxiety. It’s exciting, yes, but also a little exhausting. What if you just want a great car that happens to be electric? What if you’re tired of trying so hard? Enter the Kia EV3. It arrives not with a thunderclap of futuristic pronouncements, but with the calm, reassuring presence of a friend who knows exactly what you need without you having to ask. It’s a vehicle built on a foundation of empathy. It seems to understand that your daily life is already complicated enough. Your car shouldn’t be. This isn't a typical Kia EV3 review; it's an exploration of the profound relief found in sophisticated simplicity. A Sanctuary from the Noise The first thing you notice about the Kia EV3 interior isn't a giant, flashy screen or a bizarrely shaped steering wheel. It's the quiet. It's the sense of order. Kia’s designers have intentionally created a space that serves as a buffer against the world. The materials, many of them recycled, aren't just sustainable talking points; they are chosen for their texture and warmth, creating a tactile sense of calm. The dashboard is a clean, horizontal sweep, drawing your eyes to the road and clearing your mind. The clever sliding console table isn't just a gimmick; it's a thoughtful nod to the reality of daily life—a place for your coffee, your notebook, or a moment of peace while you wait for the school bell to ring. The KIA EV3 Drive is a Dialogue, Not a Lecture Some cars lecture you with beeps, warnings, and overly complex drive modes. The EV3, by contrast, engages in a quiet dialogue. The power delivery is smooth and linear, pulling you forward with a gentle, reassuring surge. The steering is light but precise, making city navigation feel less like a chore and more like a fluid dance. It’s a compact electric SUV that feels perfectly sized for Australian urban life—nimble enough for tight parking spots, yet solid and secure on the motorway. It does everything with an understated competence that builds trust, allowing you to simply relax and enjoy the journey. It doesn’t demand you adapt to it; it adapts to you. The Unspoken Promise of an Easier Day Ultimately, the EV3’s greatest triumph is the feeling it leaves you with. It’s the unspoken promise that at least one part of your day will be easy. It’s the confidence that you have enough range for the week's errands, the simplicity of its charging, and the quiet satisfaction of driving a car that is both beautiful and profoundly practical. It’s the EV for people who have moved past the initial hype and are now looking for a long-term partner. The Kia EV3 doesn't need to shout to be heard. Its quiet confidence is more than enough.
- The VW ID. Buzz Isn’t a Car, It’s a Time Machine Fuelled by Good Vibes
Some cars are measured in horsepower or kilowatt-hours. The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is measured in smiles per mile. From the moment you see it, with its happy, two-tone face and familiar silhouette, you’re not just looking at a modern electric vehicle. You’re looking at a memory, a feeling, a promise of freedom pulled directly from the past and quietly, cleverly plugged into the future. This isn’t a typical VW ID. Buzz review. It’s a field guide to its feeling. Our VW ID. Buzz Review of the Vibe The vibe is pure, distilled happiness. It's the feeling of the last day of school, the first warm day of spring, the opening chords of a favorite road trip song. The ID. Buzz doesn't just transport you; it transforms the mood of everyone in and around it. D riving it is a public service. Pedestrians wave. Other drivers give you a thumbs-up. It radiates an uncomplicated, infectious optimism that’s been missing from our roads for far too long. Exploring the ID. Buzz interior feels less like sitting in a cockpit and more like relaxing in a conversation pit, thanks to the massive windows and high ceiling that create a bright, airy lounge on wheels. The People: Who is the Electric Kombi For? This is for the person who chooses experiences over possessions, even when the possession is the key to the experience. It’s for the family who understands that the most important part of a holiday isn’t the destination, but the stories you collect on the way. It’s for the creative soul who needs a mobile studio, a rolling sanctuary that’s as inspiring as it is practical. The electric Kombi Australia will fall in love with isn’t for the person trying to get from A to B the fastest. It’s for the person who knows the best parts of life happen in the spaces between A and B. The "Moment": The True Volkswagen ID. Buzz Experience Here it is. It’s a Saturday morning, the sun is out, and the air is crisp. You slide open the huge side door of the VW ID. Buzz—a solid, satisfying whoosh —and the day’s potential floods in. The cavernous space, empty and waiting. Do you load it with surfboards and towels? Picnic baskets and blankets? Camping gear for a spontaneous night under the stars? The "moment" isn’t about turning the key or pushing a button. It’s the quiet pause as you stand there, door open, contemplating all the adventures that could begin right now. It’s the silent hum of the electric motor, a gentle reminder that this icon of the past is ready to carry you into a cleaner, brighter tomorrow. You’re not just packing a car. You’re loading up a memory-maker. And in that moment, you feel it: this isn't just a vehicle; it's a license to chase the good times. Drive Change. Drive Electric
- What’s the Best Electric Vehicle Brand for Reliability and Aftersales Support?
Nobody wants to spend big on an electric car and then get ghosted when something goes wrong. With a flood of new EV brands in Australia, buyers are searching for one thing: Which brand actually has your back when it comes to reliability and aftersales support? MG and BYD: The New Standard Bearers. Right now, MG and BYD are leading the charge for reliability and aftersales confidence in the affordable EV market. Here’s why: MG has become a household name again, and not just for nostalgia. The MG4 and ZS EV are everywhere, and owners are reporting mostly trouble-free motoring. The ZS EV scored a solid 93.5% reliability rating—better than some big-name rivals. When issues do pop up, MG generally sorts them fast and covers repairs under warranty. The catch? Service quality can vary depending on the dealership, and wait times for parts can still frustrate. But MG’s broad dealer network and strong warranty (7 years/unlimited km) make it a safe, sensible choice for everyday drivers. It's a contender for best electric vehicle brand reliability in Australia BYD Sealion6 BYD is the upstart shaking up the market. It’s not just about sharp pricing or the latest tech. BYD’s new, simplified warranty is a game-changer: 6 years/150,000km for the whole car and 8 years/160,000km for the battery, retroactively applied to all vehicles sold since August 2022. That’s a clear signal BYD wants your trust for the long haul. The latest BYDs are built tough, with Blade batteries that last and 5-star safety ratings to match. Their aftersales support is expanding fast, and owners are praising the smooth drive and low running costs. Yes, early teething issues with software and service have popped up, but BYD is learning fast and making real improvements. What About the Others? GWM (Great Wall Motors) and newcomers like Geely and Chery are pushing hard on price and features, but their service networks are still catching up. GWM’s reliability is improving, but aftersales can be hit or miss depending on where you live. Haval H6GT PHEV Tesla still sets the benchmark for tech and performance, but its aftersales support in Australia has copped criticism for slow response times and limited service centres outside the big cities. Reliability is good, but getting help can be a headache. Premium brands like BMW and Kia are holding steady, but you’ll pay for the privilege—and their EV sales are still dwarfed by the Chinese newcomers. The Bottom Line If you want peace of mind , MG and BYD are your best bets right now. They’re not perfect—no brand is—but both are putting their money where their mouth is with strong warranties and improving service. The rest? They’re catching up, but you’ll want to check their local support before signing anything. Don’t settle for empty promises. Demand real support. If a brand won’t back you with a proper warranty and a responsive service network, walk away. Drive Change. Drive Electric.
- V2L Explained: Is Using Your EV as a Giant Battery a Gimmick or a Game-Changer?
The conversation around electric vehicles is evolving. For years, the focus has been on range and charging speed—how fast can we get energy into the car? Now, a new technology is flipping that question on its head: how can we get energy out of it? This is the world of Vehicle-to-Load, or V2L, and it’s one of the most significant advancements in the EV space. But beyond the impressive demonstrations, is it a genuinely useful feature or just a clever marketing gimmick? Let's cut through the jargon. This is our deep dive into what V2L is, how it works, and whether it should be a non-negotiable feature on your next electric car. What is V2L ? A Simple Explanation At its core, Vehicle-to-Load explained is simple: it’s the ability to use your large EV battery as a giant, portable power bank. Using a special adapter that plugs into your car's charging port, V2L provides a standard 240-volt outlet, just like the ones in your house. This allows you to run almost any regular household appliance directly from your car's battery. The potential applications are immense. For campers, it means powering a portable fridge, lights, and even a coffee machine at a remote campsite without the need for a noisy generator. For tradies, it's a mobile power source on a worksite, capable of running power to ols all day. And for everyone, it’s a powerful emergency backup. During a blackout, a car equipped with V2L could run your home's essential appliances—the refrigerator, lights, and internet router—for days on end. Which Cars Have It, and Is It the Future? Currently, this technology is being pioneered in Australia by brands like Hyundai, Kia, and BYD. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 have become well-known for this feature, and it’s a standard inclusion on the popular BYD Atto 3. It's a significant technical advantage that sets these brands apart from some competitors, including, for now, Tesla. So, is it a gimmick? Absolutely not. While you may not use it every day, V2L is a feature that provides immense utility and peace of mind. It fundamentally changes the proposition of a car from being just a mode of transport to being a versatile energy storage asset. As our homes and power grids become smarter, the ability for your car to act as a backup power source (Vehicle-to-Home or V2H) or even sell power back to the grid (Vehicle-to-Grid or V2G) will become increasingly important. For now, V2L is the first, tangible step into that future. It’s a genuinely useful piece of technology that adds significant value to the ownership experience. If you’re looking to future-proof your purchase, demanding V2L capability on your next EV is a very smart way to Drive Change - Drive Electric.
- No Home Charger? Here’s the Blunt Truth About Owning an EV in Australia
The dream of owning an electric car is often pictured with a neat wall box charger in a suburban garage, the car silently topping up overnight. But what if that’s not your reality? What if you live in an apartment, rent your home, or simply don’t have off-street parking? This is one of the biggest anxieties for would-be EV owners, and the brochures filled with smiling, garage-owning families don’t have the answers. So, let's get practical. Can you happily own an EV in Australia without a dedicated home charger? The short answer is yes, but it’s a lifestyle choice that requires a completely different mindset to both petrol car ownership and traditional EV ownership. Here’s the blunt truth about what it’s really like. Your New Part-Time Job: The Charging Strategy When you can’t charge at home, public chargers become your lifeline. This means your relationship with your car’s battery needs to be more proactive. Instead of starting every day with a "full tank," you'll need to integrate charging into your weekly routine. This could mean: The "Shopping" Charge: Making a habit of plugging in at the local shopping centre while you do your weekly groceries. Many centres offer free AC charging. The "Destination" Charge: Planning your weekends around destinations that have reliable DC fast chargers nearby. The "Workplace" Charge: If your office offers EV charging, this is a game-changer. It effectively becomes your new home charger. Before you even consider this lifestyle, you need to become a detective. Use an app like PlugShare to meticulously scout the public chargers in your area. Are they frequently occupied? Are they reliable? The success of EV living in an apartment depends almost entirely on the quality of the public infrastructure within a 5km radius of your home. The Realities of Cost and Time Relying on public chargers, especially DC fast chargers, will almost always be more expensive than charging at home on an off-peak electricity rate. You are paying for convenience. But the biggest cost isn’t money; it’s time. A weekly 45-minute stop at a fast charger needs to be factored into your schedule. For some, that’s a perfect opportunity to catch up on emails or listen to a podcast. For others, it’s a frustrating chore. Ultimately, EV living in an apartment is a trade-off. You trade the convenience of home charging for the benefits of electric driving. For many urban dwellers who have reliable chargers at their workplace or local shopping centre, it's a perfectly manageable and rewarding experience. Owning an EV in Australia still requires a little planning, patience, and a realistic understanding of what you’re signing up for. The best way to Drive Change - Drive Electric is to do it with your eyes wide open.
- The Hidden Costs and Annoyances of EV Ownership in Australia
So, you’re thinking about making the switch to an electric vehicle. You’ve seen the ads, you’ve heard about the fuel savings, and you’re picturing a future of silent, serene driving. And while a lot of that is true, there are a few things that the glossy brochures don't always tell you. As with any major life decision, the devil is in the details, and understanding the real cost of EV ownership goes far beyond the initial sticker price. Let's be honest, no one likes a nasty surprise, especially when it comes to your finances or your daily routine. Before you commit, let's talk about the hidden costs and day-to-day annoyances that current EV owners in Australia know all too well. The Financial Surprises: Beyond the Purchase Price First, let's talk money. The initial outlay for an EV is significant, but there are other potential costs to factor into your budget. Insurance Premiums: This is a big one. Many new EV owners are shocked to find their insurance quotes are significantly higher than for an equivalent petrol car. Insurers often cite the higher cost of repairs and specialist parts as the reason. Our tip? Get an insurance quote before you buy the car, not after. Tyre Wear: EVs are heavy, and they deliver instant torque, which can be tough on tyres. Don't be surprised if you find yourself replacing your expensive, EV-specific tyres more frequently than you're used to. This is a real, recurring cost. Home Charger Installation: While you can technically charge from a standard wall socket, it’s painfully slow. A proper wall box charger is pretty much essential. The unit itself might cost between $1,000 and $2,500, but you also need to factor in the cost of a qualified electrician to install it, which can add hundreds more. The Daily Annoyances: Living with Public Charging For those who can’t charge at home, the public charging network is your lifeline. But it comes with its own set of frustrations that require patience and a bit of planning. The unspoken rules of charging etiquette are something you learn quickly. It’s incredibly frustrating to arrive at a charger with low battery, only to find a fully charged car still plugged in, blocking the spot. The hidden costs of EV ownership in Australia here isn't money, but time and mental energy. You have to be prepared to sometimes wait, to find that a charger is out of order, or to use a different app for every different charging network. It's a part of the lifestyle that is steadily improving, but it's not yet as seamless as a 5-minute stop at a petrol statio n. Making the switch to an EV can be a wonderful, rewarding experience. But going into it with your eyes wide open to the full picture—both the amazing benefits and the practical realities—is the key to a happy relationship with your new car. It’s how you truly Drive Change - Drive Electric.
- Are Luxury Brands Like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Cadillac Serious About EVs in Australia? Absolutely—And Here’s the Proof
Let’s put the tired “Are luxury brands serious about EVs?” question to bed. In 2025, the answer is a resounding yes . BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Cadillac aren’t dabbling—they’re doubling down, investing billions, and rolling out new luxury EV brands Australian roads and drivers. If you’re waiting for a sign that premium EVs are real, this is it. BMW: Tech-First, Range-Ready, and Here for the Long Haul BMW isn’t just updating old models with batteries—they’re launching all-new EVs on dedicated platforms. The 2025 BMW iX3 is a game-changer, built on a fresh architecture with Tesla-style cylindrical battery cells and 800V charging for lightning-fast top-ups. Add in a 25% efficiency boost and you’re looking at a genuine leap forward, not just a facelift. The iX3 is only the start—BMW’s new 3 Series-sized i3 sedan lands in 2026, previewed by the radical Neue Klasse X Concept. BMW is betting big, and they’re not shy about it. BMW iX xDrive45 Mercedes-Benz: All-In on Electric, No More Half-Measures Mercedes-Benz is done with hedging. From 2025, every new Benz model will be battery electric only —no more new petrol or diesel launches. The EQS, EQA, EQC, and more are already on sale, and the brand is investing a staggering €40 billion to make sure the transition isn’t just talk. Mercedes-Benz promises a BEV in every segment, aiming for a 100% electric line-up in markets that are ready. Australia might lag on policy, but the cars are coming—fast, luxurious, and with the badge prestige you expect. Mercedes-Benz EQB Cadillac: The Bold Newcomer with a Global Vision Cadillac is back, and this time it’s electric. The Lyriq SUV has just landed, with the smaller Optiq and larger Vistiq arriving in 2026. All are built on GM’s dedicated BEV3 platform, engineered from the ground up for right-hand drive—no cheap conversions, no shortcuts. Cadillac isn’t here to tick a compliance box; they’re here to win over premium SUV buyers with tech, luxury, and proper Aussie spec. The Lyriq starts at $117,000, and GM’s global leadership means Cadillac’s EV push is built to last, not just offset V8 emissions. What Does This Mean for Aussie Buyers? No more waiting for “the real thing”—luxury EVs are here, with more choice and better tech than ever. These brands are investing for the long term, not just chasing headlines. Expect faster charging, longer range, and genuine luxury features—no compromises. Don’t settle for empty promises. If you want a luxury EV, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Cadillac are finally delivering. The only question left: which badge will you choose for your electric future?
- Which Brands Are Offering the Longest Range EVs in Australia? No More Excuses for Range Anxiety
Range anxiety. It’s the phrase that gets thrown around every time someone talks about electric cars in Australia. “Will it get me to the coast and back?” “Can I make it to Mum’s without a sweaty-palmed pit stop?” In 2025, the answer is finally shifting from “maybe” to “absolutely”—if you pick the right brand. Australians are searching for the longest-range EVs because they want freedom, not compromise. So, who’s delivering the distance? Polestar: The New Range Royalty: Polestar has stormed into the top spot. The Polestar 3 Long Range Single Motor claims a massive 706km WLTP range —that’s more than enough for a Sydney-to-Melbourne run with juice to spare. The Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor isn’t far behind at 659km . Even the Polestar 4 clocks up to 620km . If you want Swedish engineering and serious range, Polestar is now the standard-bearer. Polestar 4 Tesla: The Benchmark Still Holds: Tesla isn’t letting go of its reputation for long legs. The Model 3 Long Range AWD offers up to 629km on a single charge, while the Model S pushes out to 652km if you can find one. Tesla’s charging network is still the envy of the industry, making those big numbers actually usable for road trips and regional escapes. Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Porsche: Luxury with Distance If you want to combine comfort and range, the Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 and Porsche Taycan 4S both offer 635km . BMW’s i7 xDrive60 isn’t far behind at 624km . These are high-end, high-comfort cruisers for those who want to go the distance in style. Hyundai and Kia: Mainstream Goes the Distance Don’t overlook the Koreans. The Hyundai Ioniq 6 Dynamiq Extended Range RWD manages 614km , while the new Kia EV3 Air Long Range sneaks just over the 600km mark. These are proof you don’t need a luxury badge for serious range. NIO ET5 NIO: The 1000km Promise NIO is making headlines with its claimed 1000km range —but let’s be real, you won’t see that in Australian showrooms just yet. The hype is real, but the cars are still on the horizon. Watch this space as NIO ramps up its global rollout and brings its Firefly and other models to our shores. The Reality Check Polestar and Tesla are the names you want if you’re chasing the longest range today. Luxury brands deliver both distance and comfort—if you’re willing to pay. Hyundai and Kia are closing the gap for everyday buyers. NIO is the wildcard for the future, but not quite ready for your driveway. Range anxiety? It’s time to let it go. The best long-range EVs in Australia now deliver more than enough for real-world adventures. The only thing left to worry about? Where you’ll stop for coffee—not for a charge.










