Articles by Tim Gibson

This could be a huge problem for EV owners in Australia.  Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) is the next big step to unlocking the full potential of electric cars.  V2G allows an EV battery to send its power back to the grid, allowing owners to make money at peak times. Electric cars sales are already booming in Australia, but this added functionality gives them an even sharper edge over petrol- and diesel-powered alternatives.  However, using V2G in Australia currently risks voiding the manufacturer's warranty of the car. Electric Vehicle Council’s Head of Energy, Infrastructure and Commercial Alina Dini told CarsGuide current warranties generally weren’t designed to account for undertaking V2G.  “Unless it has been stipulated in those terms and conditions that vehicle to grid is allowed, it’s generally not,” Dini said.  V2G can have a significant impact on battery condition, depleting its health more rapidly than standard use.  Most EVs in Australia are not designed to have two-way power transfer, but that are a range of third-party chargers that can facilitate V2G capabilities. Hyundai Australia's Senior Manager Future Mobility and Government Relations Scott Nargar said third-party V2G set-ups don't allow the car to be in control of the energy transfer. This can lead to overheating and other safety issues, with any damage not eligible for repair under warranty. Hyundai Australia states that none of its vehicles support V2G in Australia. "The use of unapproved bidirectional charging equipment introduces safety risks, potential vehicle damage and warranty implications for your vehicle," Hyundai's website said. These set-ups use workarounds to enable V2G that is otherwise prohibited by the car's software. Most brands including BYD, Hyundai, Kia, Tesla and Zeekr warn against the use of unapproved V2G set-ups, with it risking the validity of the warranty. Mitsubishi remains one of few brands to actively support V2G in its Outlander PHEV SUV warranty, but it suggests repeated fast charging will reduce battery capacity. V2G is not as much of a safety issue as it is one of technology moving quicker than the rules, according to Ms Dini.  Many brands are laying the groundwork for a full-scale uptake of V2G. “What we’re finding now is that all of the automotive OEMs that we work with are having a really hard look at their warranties," Ms Dini said. "They’re having conversations with their stakeholders overseas and looking to reshape the commercial arrangements for selling cars." Brands are also collaborating with energy providers and government agencies in trials that will see the technology become mainstream within the next couple of years.  BYD has partnered with Amber Electric and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), while Hyundai, Kia and Zeekr are working with AGL.  Developments are expected to be announced within the next few months.

BYD’s Ti7 hybrid 4WD has been given a serious update in China.  BYD has released a new long-range variant of the Ti7 in China that provides some further enhancements to the new SUV.  The Ti7 is a plug-in hybrid large SUV from BYD’s adventure-focused sub-brand FangChengBao and it could be on the cards for Australia.  BYD sells the more rugged B5 and B8 FangChengBao models under its Denza sub-brand in Australia. The Ti7 doesn't use a ladder frame chassis like the B5 or B8, but uses a car-based monocoque frame instead. The Ti7 recently launched in the United Kingdom — a fellow right-hand drive — badged the BYD Ti7.  The long-range Ti7 is equipped with a 50kWh battery offering up to 315km of pure electric driving range, according to generous CLTC standards.  This is a step up from the 36kWh unit that only offered up to 200km.  The UK version of the Ti7 has a quoted range of 119km as per more reliable WLTP evaluation, so expect the long-range to have a real-world EV range of under 300km.  It is available in two variants, both powered by a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol plug-in hybrid set-up. The single electric motor produces 200kW, while the all-wheel drive dual-motor layout boosts power to 360kW. This differs from the standard Ti7 that has three electric motors, with a total output of 300kW.  The car can also now DC fast charge at up to 158kW, meaning a 30 to 80 per cent fill-up takes less than 14 minutes.  It measures in at 4999mm long, 1995mm wide, 1865mm high, with a wheelbase 2920mm, but overseas examples are likely to be bigger in line with the standard Ti7.  The long-range Ti7 has much of the same interior specification as the standard car, including a 15.6-inch central touchscreen and 26.0-inch head-up display.  BYD Australia told CarsGuide earlier this year the Ti7 is not on its radar, but there is strong speculation it will arrive soon.  The car is already available in right-hand drive in the UK, which is often a strong indicator it will launch Down Under, similar to many other BYD models.  BYD Australia has also trademarked the Ti7 name locally, which is no guarantee it will come here as brands often protect their names so others can't use them. The Ti7 is available with fully-electric or PHEV power in China, but there is potential for both options to launch in Australia. It is unclear whether the Ti7 will fall under BYD or luxury sub-brand Denza when it gets here. The FangChengBao Bao 5 is on sale as the Denza B5 in Australia. China pricing starts from 195,800 (or about $41,500), rising up to 225,800 yuan (or $48,000), but expect it to be above the $50,000 mark when it arrives locally. 

A new game-changing hybrid engine is coming.  The D20 Methanol is a range-extender engine made by global automotive engineering firm Horse Powertrain, a joint venture between Renault and Geely.  Horse makes a range of engines, electric motors and transmissions for Renault Group, Geely, Volvo, Proton, Nissan and Mitsubishi.  Its latest engine burns 100 per cent methanol fuel, opposed to ethanol alternatives in current mainstream petrol engines.  The engine is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged unit that produces 105kW (weighing 170kg) to charge the battery. Its sole purpose is to power the battery, with a lightweight electric motor responsible for driving the wheels.  The disk-shaped electric motor lies flat, meaning it is 46 per cent shorter than vertically-mounted alternatives. It is said to have 63 per cent better power density, but Horse has not revealed the engine's total power output yet. Horse claims a 40kWh battery can be recharged using less than 20L of methanol fuel, making it one of the most efficient electrified set-ups on the market.   The set-up generates 1kWh of electricity for every 2.1kWh of methanol burned, and can perform cold starts in temperatures as low as -35-degrees.  The engine also has less emissions output. It complies with the European Union’s Euro 7 standard, which will become the benchmark later this year.  What will the D20 Methanol engine be used in?  It is unclear what this new engine will be used for, with Horse remaining coy on which of its carmaker clients will receive it.  Range-extenders have become increasingly popular in China, especially in large SUVs, and the D20 could be the latest example of this.  Geely might be looking to gain an advantage over other range-extender competition, the Leapmotor D19 and Volkswagen ID. Era 9X. China produces the majority of the world’s production of methanol, and is now heavily investing in renewable ethanol as opposed to coal-based. A low-emissions methanol-fueled car could be ahead of the curve in China for Geely.   There is potential for models featuring this new range-extender set-up to come to Australia in the coming years, but nothing is confirmed at this stage.

A software error has seen thousands of Toyota Camry examples urgently recalled in Australia.  The recall concerns 16,238 Camry units built from the 2024 to 2026 model years, according to a notice from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications Sports and the Arts. “Due to a software error, the combination meter may fail to illuminate visual and audible warnings including dashboard indicators, the speedometer, turn signals, hazard lamps, seatbelt reminders and key in ignition,” the notice read. “Failure of the combination meter to display critical safety information or warning indicators may increase the risk of an accident, causing injury or death to vehicle occupants and/or other road users.” A spokesperson for Toyota Australia said this issue is part of a global recall, with a small number of reported occurrences in Australia.  Toyota Australia will contact owners of affected cars to make an appointment and have the issue rectified free of charge at a dealer.  Owners can contact Toyota's recall assist support line for more information. The hybrid-powered Camry is the best-selling sedan in Australia, but it is now facing fresh competition from Chinese rivals the BYD Seal EV and BYD Seal 6 plug-in hybrid.   The Camry has experienced a sales surge in 2026, up nearly 40 per cent compared to July 2025. 

Lamborghini’s new ballistic hybrid sports car is here.  The Lamborghini Revuelto SV is a track-focused plug-in hybrid two-door coupe, expected to claim a place at the top of the brand’s lineup. The car is a juiced up version of the standard Revuelto that fetches a price tag of $987,000, before on-road costs in Australia. Its upgraded sibling will likely break the $1 million mark, with deliveries beginning in early 2027.   There will be less than 2000 Revuelto SV examples available. SV stands for ‘Super Veloce’ (or super fast), and Lamborghini has significant history with the badge on its iconic Diablo, Murcielago and Aventador sportscars.  SV models have increased power and less weight, with the Revuelto SV Lamborghini’s most powerful SV model yet.  The Revuelto SV uses the same 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12 and three electric motor set-up, but output has been boosted to 783kW and 1425Nm.  This is 50kW more power and around 400Nm more torque than the standard car. The bulk of this power comes from the V12, but the electric motor set-up contributes 190kW.  It can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 2.4 seconds, and 0-200km/h in 6.7 seconds, going on to a top speed of more than 345km/h. The Revuelto SV will directly compete with the Ferrari SF90 Stradale ($846,888) that packs a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 plug-in hybrid set-up, making 574kW and 800Nm.  Lamborghini’s new sports car has two front-mounted electric motors, with the other one fitted above an eight-speed automatic double-clutch gearbox.  The car boasts a 7.3kWh lithium-ion battery, which is nearly twice as big as the unit in the standard Revuelto. There is a new adjustable dampers suspension system that has been race-tuned, designed to improve agility and grip.  There are huge carbon-ceramic brakes capable of a 200-0km/h stop in just 116 metres.  The Revuelto SV delivers 80 per cent more total downforce than the Revuelto, aiding the car's increased track focus.

All the road rules are the same from state-to-state, right?  Well… no The vast majority of our road rules are sourced from the Australian Road Rules, but each state and territory has its own variation on these. There are some pretty big distinctions in what the law is and how the law operates in practice. Here are three examples we’ve found.  A hook turn is a right-hand turn made from the far-left lane as opposed to the middle, or the right lane.  It is used to ensure traffic moves smoothly, especially when there are trams using the same areas.  Melbourne has nearly 50 hook turns in its central business district and surrounding areas, but Victoria is the only place you will find them.  New South Wales also has similar legislation to Victoria, where under section 34 of the Road Rules, a driver facing a hook turn only sign must turn right from the furthest point they can.  While the legislation exists, there are no hook turns on any New South Wales roads, meaning it no longer operates in practice. Turning right across two continuous lines is common practice in New South Wales to enter driveways or another road.  In New South Wales, a driver can drive to the right of a dividing lane to enter or leave a road under section 134 of the Road Rules.  This is not the case in Queensland, Victoria, South Australia Tasmania and the Northern Territory, where a driver on a two-way road must keep to the left of the centre road under section 132.  They can only drive to the right of the centre of the road to overtake another driver or to leave the road when there is no dividing lane or median strip under section 133.  Beware New South Wales drivers, it could set you back as much as $3454 if you’re caught.  Most states and territories prohibit performing a U-turn at traffic lights unless there is specific signage permitting it. This includes New South Wales, Western Australia, South Australia and the ACT, mirroring section 40 of the Australian Road Rules.  Victoria has taken a different approach, where its domestic road rules don’t mention section 40, rather only states disobeying a ‘No U-Turn’ sign is illegal. This can be a potential hazard for Victorian drivers in other states and territories as the lack of signage does not permit a U-turn at traffic lights. In New South Wales, it could set you back up to $2200 for performing a U-turn at a traffic light. 

Tesla’s electric six-seater SUV has had a smashing start to life in Australia, but last month was its best sales return yet.  The Model Y L registered 2429 sales in July, which is more than standard five-seat Model Y (2215), claiming the second-best selling EV for the month. The BYD Sealion 7 was the only EV that sold more units than the Model Y L last month.  This was the first time Tesla has offered a sales split for its Model Y and Model Y L variants, providing an insight how successful its three-row SUV has been.  The Model Y L launched earlier this year as a bigger, three-row six-seater variant of the standard Model Y mid-size SUV. It launched with great anticipation following significant interest and demand in other global markets.   It starts from $74,900, before on-road costs, representing a $6000 increase on the all-wheel drive long-range variant ($68,900), making it the second-most expensive model in the lineup. The Model Y L uses the standard AWD Model Y's dual electric motor set-up, producing 378kW and 493Nm, paired with a 78kWh battery offering 681km (WLTP) of driving range.  Electric car sales are booming in Australia and the Model Y L joined at just the right time to take full advantage. The Tesla Model Y was already the best-selling EV in Australia, but a six-seater variant has opened up an increased buyer appeal.  Its success in Australia is mirrored by its popularity in other markets such as China and South Korea.  The Model Y L is a comparatively cheap electric three-row SUV in Australia, with the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Kia EV9 both around the $100,000 mark. Tesla commented on the success of the Model Y L in June, when the Model Y was the best-selling car in Australia. “The Model Y L has resonated strongly with families, capturing a significant share of Model Y sales and reinforcing its position as a standout choice in the segment,” a spokesperson said. “These results reflect growing customer confidence in Tesla, from loyal owners and to those experiencing electric for the first time.”

A new variant for the GWM Ora 5 has appeared in Chinese government filings. Dubbed the Ora 5 GT, it is a plug-in hybrid wagon sibling to the budget electric Ora 5 SUV already on sale in Australia. The car was spotted undergoing testing in China in June, and is GWM's latest addition to its busy Ora lineup. It is bigger than the Ora 5 electric SUV, measuring up at 4758mm long, up to 1844mm wide, 1630mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2720mm. There are no direct rivals for the car in Australia, with the BYD Seal 6 PHEV wagon ($34,990) a size up. The Ora 5 GT will be powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine and electric motor set-up, making 115kW.  The car will be fitted with a lithium-iron-phosphate battery from Chinese giant CATL, but there is no official driving range figure yet. GWM Australia hasn't officially confirmed the arrival of the Ora 5 GT yet, but the local branch is considering it. The car won't launch this year, with it more likely to hit the market in early 2027 if it does come here. The brand axed its Ora hatch EV Down Under earlier this year, effectively replacing it with the Ora 5 SUV. A hatchback variant of the Ora 5 will launch in Australia before the end of this year, with a hybrid SUV variant not too far away either. Hybrids are on the agenda for GWM, with the brand plotting to bring across more Ora variants to Australia.  "In terms of the levels of adoption that we expect to see within this market, within the coming years, we expect (hybrids) to accelerate more quickly," GWM Australia Head of Marketing and Communications Steve Maciver told CarsGuide in late 2025.  "We think we can do a lot more with Ora… with plug-in hybrid, but EV will certainly come behind that as well, for sure."

Toyota is working on a new strategy to cut down wait times for buyers.  The brand introducing a new lithium-ion battery to expand production capacity for its cars, according to AutoNews.  These batteries will cut costs by hundreds of dollars per vehicle and improve overall performance in a shift away from nickel-metal hydride units The Japanese giant is targeting a surge in hybrid car sales over the next two years. It wants to convert battery capacity for 600,000 of its Japanese-built vehicles to the next-generation battery from 2027. There is no official news on the performance specifications for the new battery, but it will be more efficient. It could be a variant of Toyota's 2023 concept that offered more than 800km of driving range. A more efficient battery manufacturing process could accelerate production significantly and shift cars to buyers faster. Wait times on Toyota vehicles have been an ongoing talking point in Australia, especially for popular models the RAV4 SUV and Camry sedan hybrids. The brand appears to still be picking up the pieces from its ravaged supply chains during the COVID-19 lockdowns.   Its much-anticipated new-generation RAV4 was subject to significant delays of almost a year in part due slow production progress. Toyota sales slid substantially in the first half of 2026, with the carmaker desperate to get its hands on new RAV4 to turn it around.  Units have finally started to ship in significant numbers for Toyota, and the RAV4 took its place as the best-selling car in Australia for July.  A more efficient production process would help the brand to maintain its hold of the Australian market. Cheaper batteries could also mean lower price tags for buyers, after Toyota hiked the price of the new RAV4 this year. Toyota is facing increasingly tough competition from Chinese automakers like BYD and Chery that have huge production capacity and are already shifting plenty of units Down Under.  Toyota is now planning to source batteries for up to 200,000 cars from external suppliers, including Chinese behemoth CATL.  The carmaker's battery plans don’t stop there, with another new lithium-ion battery due in 2028 boasting 1000km of range and a 10 per cent cost reduction. 

A car with 1,000,000km on the clock has just gone up for sale in Australia. The 2009 Toyota LandCruiser 200-series with 999,999km on the odometer has been listed for auction. It is one of very few cars to achieve the 1,000,000km mark, and one of even fewer to be listed for a public auction.  West Victorian stock agent Gary Driscoll bought the car from new in April 2010, according to the ABC. It is the range-topping Sahara grade of the LandCruiser.  The LandCruiser has travelled an average of 180km a day from property to property on rural backroads throughout its life. Driscoll said he hoped his LandCruiser would fetch more than $30,000. The auction started today and will run for two weeks, but it has already exceeded the $30,000 mark.  Toyota’s Horsham dealership said the car has been serviced nearly 100 times, but it retains the same factory 4.5-litre twin-turbo V8 diesel engine and automatic transmission.  A starter motor replacement at 973,000km was the most noticeable big ticket service item.  There are 300m left before the car ticks over the 1,000,000km mark, but it is unclear what will happen when the car reaches its seventh digit, with it such a rare feat for a car.  "I'm not sure that Toyota even know because I don't think there's been another 200 series that has done it,” Driscoll told the ABC.  "So whether it goes back to all zeros … Toyota have got the feeling that it might just stay on all the nines, but we won't know until someone gets in it and goes for a drive." Toyota Australia has been contacted for comment to learn more. Driscoll has left the privilege of finding out what will happen to the winner of the auction.