Articles by Tim Gibson

The global geopolitical climate is seeing significant pressures placed on Australia’s fuel infrastructure. Prices are rising and fuel availability is becoming more scarce, while EV sales numbers continue to climb.Does this make it the perfect time to take the plunge into the EV market?  Petrol pricesThe average price for Unleaded E10 petrol in Australia has risen beyond two dollars, with many prices hitting the $2.30s and beyond.Increasing demand and decreasing supply for fuel means it's not just more expensive to buy, but now it's harder to source as many stations run out of fuel ahead of schedule.There is speculation the Federal Government may pause the fuel excise in Australia, potentially providing temporary relief, but doing so is an internal solution to an external problem. There remains uncertainty as to how long oil supplies will continue to be impacted by the war in the Middle East, meaning the availability and price of fuel will continue to be volatile. EVs are getting cheaper The first New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) period has seen some brands hike the prices of its internal combustion models to account for the fines soon to be incurred. Further, the price of electric vehicles has also dropped significantly, making it more affordable than ever to step into the market. The cheapest EV on the market is the BYD Atto 1, which starts from $23,990, before on-road costs. BYD’s bigger hatch offering, the Dolphin also starts from under $30K. GWM’s Ora hatch currently has a $2000 cash-back offer, meaning it starts from $33,990 (drive-away) until March 31. If you are looking for an SUV, Chery’s Jaecoo J5 starts from $35,990 (before on-roads). Other brands are also dramatically reducing the prices of some EVs, such as Hyundai with its Kona compact SUV, which has seen at least $13K shaved off the price. The previous year’s Hyundai Ioniq 5 SUV received a sizable discount, while the Volkswagen ID. Buzz van has also experienced a $15k price cut.  Top 5 cheapest new EVs on sale in AustraliaEV driving range is increasingRange anxiety remains one of the biggest obstacles in the uptake of EVs. EV driving range has increased significantly, with battery technology improving constantly. Chinese manufacturers are leading the way, with many brands now boasting upcoming or future EVs with more than 1000km of range. This year in China Chery will launch its Exeed Liefeng shooting brake model, which has a range of 1500km. Driving range for Australian market EVs is getting better, with many offering a range of 400km or more. EV charging is faster and more availableThe EV charging landscape has changed in Australia over the past few years, with more than 1000 charging locations across Australia. Charging operators and infrastructure will continue to increase over the coming years as the government moves towards its plan to have five million EVs on the road by 2035. Major brands are also in talks to introduce more chargers in the network, such as Chinese carmaker BYD, which is looking to establish its charging presence in China. Late last year, the New South Wales government announced a program to deliver 159 new chargers in 48 locations. 

A plug-in hybrid ute from Toyota might be in the works as the brand looks to expand its electrified ute line-up.According to a report by CarBuzz, Toyota has recently filed two patents of a plug-in hybrid ute in the United States.They were first filed in Japan in 2022, and the report suggests the PHEV idea is still on the cards for future development.One of the key details exposed by the patents is that the battery pack will be stored under the tub, which is the same as on the Ford Ranger plug-in hybrid. This differs from the set-up on the BYD Shark 6, which has the batteries integrated into the chassis.The patents show batteries underneath the rear seats as well as under the tray for bigger ute models. Beyond these patents, there are no further details on which models would receive a PHEV set-up or when it might come to fruition.Toyota has already been taking big steps to electrify its range, including its ute models in Australia.Toyota will bring in a fully electric version of its HiLux this year, which will be a first from the Japanese brand. It has faced criticism for the electric HiLux’s driving range of 240km (WLTP) and its lower towing capacity compared to diesel-only rivals. Toyota claims this model will be targeted at fleets and mining companies rather than private buyers.A hybrid-only V6 Tundra full-size pick-up is also available Down Under.A PHEV HiLux might give Toyota the best of both worlds, and the capacity lean into the success of other brands that have introduced the powertrain.The BYD Shark 6 is the most notable example of this, having achieved a bumper year of sales since its Australia launch.It could ensure Toyota's ute has strong towing and load carrying capacity, while adding electrification.A potential route for Toyota could be a plug-in hybrid diesel engine for its HiLux ute, similar to what Chinese brand Chery is launching in Australia this year. It might also solve the increasingly prevalent issue of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), which will soon impact the diesel HiLux. 

BMW has released details of its sharply-priced revamped iX3 electric compact SUV, with serious boosts to driving range and power output. The new-generation mid-size SUV starts from $109,900, before on-road costs, which is $5000 cheaper than the previous base model iX3 when it was released. BMW slashed the price of its previous- gen iX3 by more than $10,000 in 2023, with this latest version representing a return to the $100K+ bracket for the SUV. The car's price still sits below previous expectations of a $120K price tag, making the iX3 competitive compared to its segment rivals.It comes in as more affordable than a comparative all-wheel drive Audi Q6 e-tron, which starts from more than $120,000, before on-roads. It is also cheaper than the electric Genesis GV70, all-wheel drive Porsche Macan and dual-motor Polestar 3, with all three cars priced in the $130K+ bracket.There have been substantial improvements to the new-generation iX3 across the board. Its bigger 108kWh battery has a driving range of more than 800km (WLTP), nearly doubling that of the outgoing model and its 800-volt platform facilitates DC charging from 10-80 per cent in 21 minutes. The new SUV's dual electric motor set-up provides 345kW and 645Nm, enabling a 0-100km/h sprint of 4.9 seconds, utilising its all-wheel drive system.This means the iX3 has taken a significant step up on the set-up in the outgoing rear-wheel drive only iX3, which had a driving range of 460km and outputs of 210kW/400Nm.The car gets plenty of gear as standard, such as BMW’s wrap-around dashboard display and a head-up display. Seats are trimmed in a synthetic leather, with the front ones electrically operated and heated, and there is a premium Harman Kardon sound system. The new iX3 will launch in the middle of 2026, with more variants expected to follow soon after. 2026 BMW iX3 pricing Australia2026 BMW iX3 electric motor and efficiency2026 BMW iX3 standard features20-inch wheelsHead-up displayPanoramic digital dashboard displayPanoramic sunroofElectrically adjustable seats with memory functionHeated front seatsHeated steering wheelSynthetic leather seatsElectrically operated tailgateAutomatic air conditioningAmbient lightingPremium Harmon Kardon sound system2026 BMW iX3 safetyThe new BMW iX3 has not been crash tested yet. Standard safety features include: Adaptive cruise controlPark assistLane keep assistSteering assist2026 BMW iX3 warrantyAll new electric BMW cars are covered by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and an eight-year/160,000-kilometre battery warranty. 

Mercedes-Benz has raised concerns over the European Union’s revised vehicle emissions targets, citing fears over market instability and demand fluctuations, according to reports.Chief Executive Officer Ola Kallenius recently spoke at a conference, where he said the EU’s new plan could cause the same issues as the previous proposal.Kallenius’ comments come after reports the EU is proposing to scrap its 100 per cent mandatory CO2 reduction by 2035, in favour of a 90 per cent target.Under the December 2025 proposal, carmakers would need to ensure 90 per cent of all new vehicles sold are zero-emission.Kallenius said that while the reduction to a 90 per cent target looks like a relaxing of regulations, other hidden legislative demands will ensure similar pressure remains on carmakers.For example, the EU will place expectations around low-carbon steel and synthetic fuels, making up for the 10 per cent shortfall.“Ninety per cent must not turn into a hidden 100 per cent,” he said.The proposal states that seven of the 10 per cent reduction will be accounted for by the use of low-carbon steel, but Kallenius raised concerns about the viability of achieving this.“I know the market for green steel and how unrealistic those expectations are,” he said.He also said the rules could trigger a collapse in demand and distort the market.In addition to Kallenius’ concerns, the CEO of the German giant manufacturer said brands need to be given more time to meet emissions requirements.Manufacturers are still subject to tightening CO2 requirements before 2035, but the EU has been extending the compliance windows for these.For the latest round of compliance, brands will be tested over an average three-year period between 2025 to 2027, as opposed to single-year assessment, as in Australia.Kallenius said this period should be extended to five years.In Australia, brands recently discovered their National Vehicle Emissions Standard (NVES) fate, with Mercedes-Benz in a strong position, having accumulated no liabilities for the 2025 period.As in Europe, emissions standards in Australia will continue to tighten in the coming years.

XPeng’s G6 is now available as a range-extender hybrid in China, adding an important powertrain option to the previously electric-only SUV's arsenal.The new hybrid G6, dubbed the Power X, offers an all-electric driving range of 325km (WLTP), with a total driving range exceeding more than 1000km.It is powered by a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, but like all range-extenders, the 110kW of power does not drive the wheels and only charges the battery.The single electric motor driving the wheels produces 218kW.It has the same 800-volt architecture found on the all-electric G6, which can add 314km of driving range in 12 minutes.The mid-size SUV uses a smaller battery than its electric siblings, equipped with a 56kW unit as opposed to 66kWh and 88kWh alternatives, though this is still a very large battery for a plug-in hybrid vehicle.An updated version of the G6 EV will launch in Australia this year, but there is no news yet on whether this will include the range-extender variant.XPeng Australia has been contacted for comment as to whether it will make its way to Aussie shores.Range-extenders, which are exploding in popularity in China, remain a rarity in Australia, but any range-extended G6 would be a direct rival for the Leapmotor C10, starting from $43,888 (before on-road costs).The G6 is currently available in Australia as an all-electric SUV, which comes in standard range and long range variants.The standard range starts from $54,800, before on-road costs, with a driving range of 435km (WLTP), while the long range is $5000 more expensive, with 570km of driving range.It is a rival for the likes of best-selling Tesla Model Y and BYD Sealion 7 in the mid-size electric SUV space.The range-extender model is slightly shorter than the EV, measuring at 4771mm in length, 1920mm wide, 1650mm tall and a 2890mm wheelbase.In China, it starts in price from around 187,000 yuan, which is around $40,000, but expect a significant on that figure (generally 15 - 20 per cent) if it launches Down Under.While there's no news on XPeng's hybrid plans for now, the brand is plotting an expansion on its G6-only range, expecting to add the G9 large SUV and X9 people mover in Australia imminently. The brand was forced to delay this range expansion as updated models of each debuted in China before the originals were made in right-hand drive for export.Expect to learn more about XPeng's plans for 2026 in Australia shortly, with suggestions of a BYD-style factory take-over of its current distributor also in the mix.

Which car brands have the most models on sale in Australia?

Tesla Australia has confirmed the Model Y L will launch Down Under in the coming months.The brand has revealed few other details about the Model Y L in Australia, so we do not know how much it will cost, or exactly when it will arrive.However, based on its approval for sale in regulatory documents in late February, it is likely the three-row SUV will officially go on sale in Australia within the next few months. The Model Y L offers a six-seat layout, targeted to build on the success of the standard Model Y, which has continued its run at the top of the EV sales charts in Australia. The seats are set up in a 2+2+2 configuration.There are limited three-row electric SUVs on sale, with most carrying a hefty price tag and luxury features, such as the incoming Cadillac Vistiq, which will start from more than $100K. The Volvo EX90 is another car in the category, with a starting price north of $120K. The Model Y L will also likely be a more affordable alternative to the Kia EV9, which starts from $97,000, before on-road costs.The six-seat Tesla measures up overall bigger than its five-seat counterpart. It will be powered by the same dual electric motor set-up found on the existing long-range all-wheel drive variant, producing a combined 378kW.We also know it will have 19-inch wheels as standard, but all other technical details are still not known at this stage. In China, the car has an 18-speaker sound system and a 16.0-inch central touchscreen, as well as an 8.0-inch rear touchscreen. Over there, the car starts from 339,000 Yuan (around $70,000). Cars imported from China usually carry a price hike once they land in Australia.This likely means the Model Y L will also have a price jump over the current Model Y long-range all-wheel drive variant, which has a starting price of $68,900, before on-road costs. 

An updated version of the Cupra Born has just been released overseas, with the all-electric hatchback undergoing a serious revamp.The Cupra Born was pulled from sale in Australia last year, with demand for the small EV limited, starting from sub-$60K.It is unclear at this stage whether the Born will make a return to Australia, given its recent exit. Cupra's local division, has been contacted for comment, but late last year, the brand told CarsGuide it was considering a return to sales for the electric hatchback.“Cupra is monitoring the timings and business case for the Born range to return to the market," a Cupra Australia spokesperson said at the time.“We are currently focused on the dual medium SUV strategy of Terramar ICE and PHEV range, and Tavascan BEV range.”If it does come Down Under, the hatch will resume its rivalry against the Polestar 2 and Renault Megane E-Tech. The Polestar 2 starts from a little more than $60,000, while the Megane E-Tech sits in the mid-$50K bracket.The exterior design of the Born has received a facelift to the front and rear bumpers giving it a sharper overall look, with the new version also coming with a choice of 19 or 20-inch wheels.In the cabin, there have been some big changes, including the introduction of physical buttons, while the digital driver display has almost doubled in size up to 10.25-inches. There is a 12.9-inch central touchscreen, along with a touch-sensitive climate control bar as well as a head-up display. The car comes with two electric motor set-ups. The entry-variant has a rear-mounted motor, which produces 139kW. It has a 58kWh battery with 450km of driving range according to the WLTP testing cycle.Meanwhile, the mid-grade long-range version of the Born gets a 79kWh battery and a power bump to 170kW offering a driving range of nearly 600km.Finally, the top-of-the-range Born VZ, which is positioned as an electric hot hatch, has 240kW of power to pull from.DC charging for all variants hits a claimed maximum speed of 180kW and takes no more than 30 minutes to get from 10 - 80 per cent. Both 79kWh battery variants also introduce a one-pedal drive mode. This increases the strength of the regenerative braking process to virtually alleviate the necessity of using the brake pedal at low speeds.Cupra amassed 2830 sales in 2025, up 21 per cent year-on-year, although the brand is no doubt hoping the addition of the Terramar will see its volume jump in 2026.Signs are looking positive for the sporty Spanish marque, with sales in the first two months of the year trending in the right direction.

Internal combustion power is still by far the most popular type of car in Australia, the latest sales data has revealed. 

BYD has revealed its new "Blade" battery capable of charging its electric vehicles in rapid time, according to reports.It is the second generation of the signature Blade battery, which is found on all of BYD’s electrified vehicles.Targeted charge times range from 10-70 per cent in five minutes, with a charge from 10-97 per cent taking just nine minutes.For reference, the BYD Sealion 7 currently on sale in Australia charges from 10-80 per cent in 38 minutes, so BYD’s latest battery offers a marked improvement.The battery has also been given some other boosts, including a five per cent higher energy density.One of the models it will debut on is the Denza Z9 GT, which is an all-electric wagon earmarked for Australia within the next year. It features a 122kWh unit offering a driving range of more than 1000km according to the more lenient CLTC measuring process.The Denza Z9 GT will take a little more than 5 minutes to charge from 10-70 per cent on a charger capable of the required output, while a 10-97 per cent charge will take roughly nine minutes.The brand said its new battery can also operate effectively in extreme temperatures, with 20-97 per cent charges at -20-degrees and -30-degrees both taking 12 minutes.The boosted charging times on these new batteries are in tandem with BYD’s recently-unveiled T-shaped megawatt-level charger. It is capable of adding around 400km of driving range in five minutes or a charging speed of two kilometres every second.It is claimed this new charging system is the first mass-produced liquid-cooled megawatt terminal for passenger vehicles. It has an overall bigger design, with dual-plug charging ability, which is enabled by the use of a buffer battery to operate without megawatt grid support.Even without the use of these super fast chargers, BYD claimed its new Blade battery charges 30-50 per cent faster than conventional EV batteries.BYD is targeting 20,000 of these new ‘Flash’ charging stations by the end of 2026, giving the brand a greater charging infrastructure landscape compared to rivals such as Tesla.Locally the boss of its Denza luxury arm has earmarked the possibility of BYD entering the charging hardware game, specifically to deploy the tech-leading megawatt-level chargers.Stay tuned for more on BYD's ambitious plans in 2026 as it plots a top-three finish for the year. The brand has already leapfrogged GWM in the first two months of the year to become Australia's current favourite Chinese brand.