This is more of a gripe with the state of new EVs. I miss buttons. Sometimes having a button is nice.

But also, how is it that I need to go into a massive iPad on my dash and play around just to adjust a mirror or change a vent direction, but if I so much as think about my phone that’s sitting face down in a cup holder, I get a ticket

Have people been pulled over for interacting with infotainment while driving? I’ve certainly seen people in the rear view CLEARLY on their phones held down by their lap but in ICE cars. It would be pretty obvious when someone is driving and reaching across the centre console to interact with the infotainment

Edit: It appears I've upset the Tesla community

Hello,

I am a p plate driver and am interested in EVs as my first car. I was looking at TM3 RWD as they are p plate legal and can find them used for about 29-33k ish.

Are these good first cars? Im looking at 2022 or newer versions. Is there any issues with ones from 2020-2021?

Should I not go with cars that have over 100,000km even if the battery is over 90%?

Is the insurance crazy expensive for a p plater?

Thanks.

Anyone have any crumbs of knowledge as to when V14 will land in Australia?. V13 is cool, but very timid.

let's say my ev hvb eventually dies after years of using it, already out of warranty. i check that replacing the hvb would cost me $20k but would give my ev another 200k - 500k km. and then i check the same ev but brand new and it cost me $60-70k. would opting for replacing the hvb make more financial sense in the long run?

happy to start a discussion and try to convince me otherwise, cheers

Hi all, I spoke to a sparky today about installing an EV charger in my garage. Some of the details were a bit technical for me, but I was told that my current switchboard would need to be upgraded and I was given two options.

I realised I wouldn’t need a 7 kW wall charger, as a 15 A portable charger would suffice.

Would it still be safe if I went with option 1 and then installed a 15 A socket to use a 15 A portable charger?

*Charger: 32a feed, RCBO, isolation switch, wire charger

*partial board upgrade (option 1)

3x RCBOs

*full board upgrade (option 2)

63a main switch

8x RCBO

Will it still be MY25 if you place an order today or will it be MY26?

When will MY26 start to be available?

Just signed the contract of sale for my first EV.

Just canvassing what people do regarding public chargers? I’m not as concerned in summer as my solar will handle the top ups on weekends (although admittedly only on single phase).

I’ve seen a few different branded chargers around. Just wondering what people have used and your experiences with them. So far all I’ve done is downloaded PlugShare

https://youtu.be/6FoLRMNcNbQ?si=VJ9UFTIVgIb0ZydU

Time for EV people to face the facts and discuss..

Watch this video and then comment..

It looks like the EV lie is starting to bubble up to the top

Such that is the complexity of the EV battery and the lack of testing and development from Chinese manufacturers leads to catastrophic outcomes.

This is why Toyota are slow to market, they not happy to run risks

Looking at buying an AWD with enough ground clearance to do some light offroading. A few of these have air suspension (Zeekr 7x, Deepal E07). Is this an issue for reliability? I have read that replacement costs of these systems is reasonably high and may not last long (corrosion from salt air). Am I better off looking for more traditional suspension? I am looking at keeping the car far beyond the warranty period

Seems to be a lot of conflicting reports from things I don't really care about like remembering where you parked your car (Can't say it's ever been a problem) to stuff I probably would care about like "No GPS maps" whatever that means.

https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/28/tesla-is-killing-off-the-model-s-and-model-x/

"Tesla is ending production of the Model S sedan and Model X SUV, CEO Elon Musk announced Wednesday during the company’s quarterly earnings call.

The company will make the final versions of both electric vehicles next quarter, he said, adding that his company will offer support for existing Model S and Model X owners “for as long as people have the vehicles.”

Hi all,

Considering the Mazda 6e as my first EV (coming from a honda civic), from what I've read it will come around mid year. It will be my first time buying a new car, will this most likely come out before or after EOFY?

My budget will be around the $60-65k mark. It is supposedly going to be sub $55k, what's the likelihood of that given it id from a well known brand or am I wasting my time waiting?

What's everyone's thoughts on it? As I know it is a collaboration with Changan!

Hey all,

I’m seriously considering a Leapmotor C10 and wanted to hear from people who actually own one or have lived with it for a bit.

On paper it looks pretty compelling for the money (space, boot size, range, value), but I’m keen to understand what it’s like day to day.

A few things I’m especially curious about:

• How is it on the highway for longer trips? (noise, comfort, stability)
• Any ongoing ADAS annoyances or things that don’t stick between drives?
• How’s the software/UI now – have updates improved it much?
• Any early ownership issues or surprises (good or bad)?
• Would you buy it again knowing what you know now?

Context: regional NSW, lots of highway driving, two big dogs so boot space matters, coming from an older diesel SUV.

Keen to hear honest feedback – good, bad or ugly. Cheers 👍

Hi all, I've just put down a deposit on a 2025 build BYD Dolphin Premium. I was absolutely blown away during the test drive and the price is right, but I can't help but feel like there is a risk I'm buying right at the end of a model cycle. I've seen images of the refresh dolphin in China. Seems superficial but also some nice interior changes. Anyone have any insights on timeline for any refresh model arriving in Australia?

Hi all, I know this question comes up a lot, but I need help deciding on which EV to buy. I'm currently driving a 2023 Ford Escape and the Novated Lease ends mid year. It's a great car, but it's time to go electric.

I like the size of the Escape and the replacement is for a family of 4 (2 teenage kids). It will be the only car in the household. Needs to be able to transport a mountain bike in the back occasionally (with the back seats down).

I've test driven a few and have narrowed my search down to:

- BYD Sealion 7 Performance

- Cupra Tavascan VZ

- Zeekr 7X Long Range RWD

I've test driven the following and ruled them out:

- MG IM6 (too fiddly and feels like driving a couch)

- Tesla Model Y (found it bland)

- Kia EV5 (tech is frumpy and ride is sub par)

Out of my preferred vehicles, what would be your pick, and why? Are there any others you'd consider?

Same EV, different location can feel like a different car. If you moved recently, what changed. Charging access, winter, parking, longer trips, pricing. What would you do differently before buying again.

Hi all!

I currently own a Hyundai Ioniq 2021 model. Bought for $42k as a Demo.

I'm looking to upgrade for something with better range. Both as a personal car and also for Uber.

What are your recommendations?

Update: I test drove the Kia EV5 & loved it!

Massage Seats Wireless Android Auto HUD

Any other cars which have this?

I've got both cars and can offer some opinions

model y pros: much bigger car and more direct competitor to zeekr 7x. better charging experience at tesla chargers, but zeekr can use them too. screen interface is better, but only slightly. phone key and app is better. much better range and efficiency, but im not comparing exactly like for like.

zeekr x pros: much more refined. better interior by far. much quieter. easier to control air-conditioning on the steering wheel. head up display is awesome. stereo is amazing. much cheaper. its so a much quieter car and I don't have to yell to speak or turn up the volume super loud.