Electric News

The truth of EV home charging costs has just been revealed.Charging is one of the biggest talking points around electric cars, but it promises to be much cheaper than filling up with petrol or diesel.Charging an electric car adopts a different approach to filling up one powered by fuel. The optimal way to charge an EV up is to top up the battery every night during off-peak hours. This is cheaper, helps maintain battery life — as constant fast-charging can degrade the battery over time — and reduces the time shock when needed to totally recharge.This contrasts brimming the fuel tank.Home charging is becoming an important pillar of EV infrastructure in Australia because of the challenges of public charging.Privately topping up the battery of your EV in off peak time can be a much more affordable and practical way of charging.Most people won’t use the majority of their car’s charge each day, so EV owners can charge their cars up by 20-30 per cent overnight and be ready to go the next day.Compare the Market has collated the costs of home charging for EVs at 20kWh (about 25-35 per cent of the average EV battery) per day using different electricity providers (see table below).  Private charging at 20kWh is substantially cheaper than charging via a public charger during peak times. EV charging plans have also increased in popularity to provide more structure and potentially lower costs. The cheapest EV plan can cost owners as little as 90 cents a day to top up if used correctly. That equals $328 a year. Even the most expensive only cost $6.56 a day, or $1707 a year.That equals the cost of three litres of premium unleaded or less a day.There are many different factors contributing to how much an EV costs to charge up.The time and place you choose to charge, as well as how much you want to recharge, all have a dramatic effect on how much you pay. There is not a single bowser for charging, rather many different charging types available that let electricity flow at differing rates. Public chargers often boast the fastest rates of charging, but are also the most expensive. The same 20kWh refill on a public charger would cost upwards of $9 a day, or $3200-plus a year.These chargers can charge at rates from 50kW up to 350kW, but it is also dependent on the car’s platform as to how fast it can charge. The number of cars taking power from a specific charger also impacts the usefulness of public charging.If there are two cars using a 150kW charge point, then the power will be split 75kW each, slowing down charging times. The availability of public chargers is also an issue with increasing numbers of EVs being spread across a scarce number of charges. Charging infrastructure remains a key challenge to the successful uptake of EVs in Australia.These factors also make it challenging to accurately determine the costs of charging in comparison with a fuel-powered vehicle.  *Source: Compare the Market

It may have only been on sale in Australia for eight months but the BYD Atto 2 is already lining up for a mild facelift in parallel with comprehensive mechanical upgrade that will see  the small, pure-electric SUV switch from front- to rear-wheel drive.An overnight report from CarNewsChina has revealed partially-camouflaged pre-production examples spotted in China, with the biggest external clue to the powertrain change being inclusion of a new rear-mounted charge port.According to the report, Chinese domestic market Atto 2s (badged Yuan UP) will now be powered by 100kW and 120kW motors, down from the 130kW currently produced by Australian versions of the popular crossover. But higher outputs for export are likely, as per other BYD models.Chinese government filings show the car’s wheelbase has grown by 150mm (to 2770mm) with a significant increase in overall length (+355mm to 4665mm) and width (+65mm to 1895mm). Height is unchanged at 1675mm.And while the McPherson strut front suspension set-up remains, the rear switches from semi-independent torsion beam to a full multi-link arrangement.Externally, the car’s front bumper loses its coloured lower lip but a significant addition is a Lidar unit in the lower grille, expected to be offered as an option on the new version.BYD’s ‘DiPilot 300’ system is already available on the Dolphin and Seagull (Atto 1 in Australia) in China.But BYD’s game-changing ‘Flash Charge’ technology appears to be missing in action with Chinese versions of the updated Atto 2 to retain a conventional 400V platform, offering a choice of 42kWh and 52kWh first-generation ‘Blade’ LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery packs for claimed ranges of 410 and 505 km (CLTC), respectively.Aussie Atto 2s currently feature the larger LFP battery with a maximum DC charging rate of 82kW for a 10 to 80 per cent charge in 38 minutes. Flash charging enables a recharge at up to 1500kW, taking a compatible battery from zero to 97 per cent capacity in just nine minutes’ although it’s worth noting the most powerful chargers currently in Australia are 400kW. CarsGuide has contacted BYD Australia for comment on the updated Atto 2’s development and potential arrival in the local market.

Polestar has been banned from selling cars in the USA after the 2027 model year due to the country’s new ‘Connected Vehicle Rule’.The new rules in the US crack down on cars with technology sourced from China, including over-the-air connectivity features, with US regulators citing concerns around the amount of sensitive data being collected on its citizens.It is part of a wider protectionist regulatory push in the US to effectively ban Chinese vehicles to protect its large domestic auto industry.Polestar fell afoul of the new rules despite the Polestar 3 being built inside the US and the Polestar 4 being built in South Korea.Volvo, Polestar's sister brand under the same Geely ownership, was granted a specific exemption to the new rules.Policies like the Connected Vehicle Rule can effectively ban individual models or entire brands from sale in the country, but high tariffs are also wreaking havoc on the financials of both the Hyundai Motor Group and the biggest Japanese brands, including Toyota, Nissan and Honda, which all have partial manufacturing footprints in the US and now need to scramble to localise more parts or models.Polestar issued a statement confirming the US made up only a small portion (six per cent) of its current sales footprint, and that it would re-focus on the European market where it says nearly 80 per cent of its sales volumes are centred.The brand also re-committed to Latin America and Canada as important markets in the future.The company said it would sell the remainder of its Polestar 3 and Polestar 4 stock in the US and then wind up its sales operation, continuing to support existing owners through its service network.Polestar noted it is still committed to its future product line-up, which includes the Europe-built Polestar 7 small SUV (expected to share its underpinnings with the Volvo EX30 and Zeekr X) as its next key volume seller.It will also continue to roll-out the Polestar 5 grand tourer and launch a next-generation Polestar 2 in 2027.The future of the Polestar 3 mid-sized performance SUV, which is currently built in the US, is up in the air. The version of the car sold in Australia is still built in China.Polestar’s share price has taken a battering thanks to a range of recent events, which has seen the company’s once global aspirations shrink down to a strategic focus on just a few markets.The brand has closed all of its retail stores in China, where much of its range is built, after selling only a handful of vehicles in 2025. Instead it has shifted to a by-order-only online approach.Despite these developments, the brand reported its highest ever Q1 sales result earlier this year, off the back of stronger sales in Australia, Germany, Sweden, South Korea and the UK.

Chery has officially launched its Q small, pure-electric hatch in Thailand with pricing starting at the equivalent of around $20,400 and an introductory offer of roughly $19,500.Called QQ3 and priced from ¥68,920 (~$14,000) in the Chinese domestic market, the value-focused small EV will be offered across three tiers in Thailand - the entry-grade Qlick referenced above, mid-level Qool (~$21,700) and top-spec Quint (~$22,500).All but confirmed for local sale, the rear-motor, rear-wheel drive city car has regularly been spotted testing in Australia with CarsGuide invited to a preview drive in China only last month.And if Australian pricing is even close to the Thai Q line-up it will throw a ferocious cat amongst the EV pigeons, undercutting the current electric car price leader, BYD’s Atto 1 Essential at $23,990, before-on-road costs.In China, two powertrains are available – one with 58kW/90Nm and another producing 90kW/115Nm, the latter offered in Thailand, the first confirmed export market for the latest iteration of the car.Again, there are two LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery options in China, rated at 29.5kWh and 41.3kWh, respectively, but it’s the bigger pack only for Thailand, with range quoted at 400 km (NEDC).It’s safe to assume Australia would follow the Thai market battery and powertrain template.Measuring just under 4.2m long, a fraction more than 1.8m wide and close to 1.6m tall, the Q is shorter (-95mm) but wider (+41mm) than the BYD Dolphin while riding on an identical 2700mm wheelbase.DC fast charging at 85kW translates to a 30-80 per cent fill in 16.5 minutes with 6.6kW AC charging capability onboard. The car is also V2L (vehicle-to-load) capable.Boot capacity is a useful 375 litres with the rear seat upright and an impressive 1450L with it folded. A front boot adds another 70 litres and there’s a 35-litre compartment tucked under the rear seats.The Q is underpinned by Chery’s ‘T12’ battery-electric platform and rides on a strut front multi-link rear suspension set-up with disc brakes all around (ventilated at the front).Equipment highlights on upper grades for the Thai market include auto LED headlights and LED tail-lights, an 8.9-inch instrument display, 15.6-inch multimedia touchscreen, dual-zone climate-control and wireless device charging as well as an electric front boot lid and tailgate.The flagship Q Quint picks up 17-inch alloy rims, ambient lighting, voice recognition, six-speaker audio, auto-parking, a powered driver’s seat and front proximity sensors.Safety includes up to 10 airbags and a suite of 21 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) functions including AEB, adaptive cruise, rear cross-traffic alert and automatic parking assist.Interestingly, Thai introductory pricing for the Q includes an eight-year/200,000 km warranty (seven-year/unlimited km in Australia), a lifetime high-voltage battery warranty (eight-year/unlimited km in Oz), five years’ 24-hour roadside assistance (up to seven years conditional here), a year’s “free insurance”, an AC portable charger and a carpet set.When contacted for comment on the car’s likelihood for Australian sale a Chery spokesperson told CarsGuide, “There’s a lot of interest around the Chery QQ3, but at this stage it is not confirmed for Australia.“However, a number of international models are currently under consideration for the local market,” they said.Stay tuned.

One of the world's biggest petrol producers has just figured out a ground-breaking electric car charging solution.Shell produces more than eight million barrels of crude oil a day, but the company is turning the tables with its ‘Triple 10 Challenge’ concept electric car.It is designed to achieve three goals, which are a 10-minute charge time, a driving efficiency of 10kWh per 100km and a lifetime emissions footprint of 10 tonnes.Charging times are one of the main talking points when it comes to an EV future.Brands have been in fierce competition to produce super fast charging cars and infrastructure. Geely sub-brand Zeekr announced back in April it was prepping a system capable of charging from 10-97 per cent in less than nine minutes. Shell’s system focuses on improving the efficiency of how vehicles charge as opposed to pumping more power into the charger.It will use an advanced thermal fluid designed to prevent overheating, which has become the biggest roadblock to fast charging. The transfer of electricity creates friction, and therefore heat, slowing down the charging process. The liquid used by Shell is not electrically conductive meaning it is not susceptible to the high levels of friction faced during charging.Batteries are submerged in this liquid to directly prevent heating up as opposed to conventional cooling mechanisms that only mitigate overheating.BYD and Geely have approached the issue differently by distributing liquid-cooled chargers in China. This new system from Shell could change the charging game by using a less powerful charger and still achieving fast charging times. Many of the ultra fast chargers available boast power of more than 1000kW, but Shell’s system would only need 175kW to achieve similar charging times. Australia will soon receive BYD’s megawatt fast charging in what will be one of the first examples of ultra fast charging Down Under.There is no news on where Shell plans to use this technology, but it could be huge in Australia should it get off the ground, given the country’s challenges with adequate charging infrastructure. Shell’s driving efficiency aim of 10kWh/100km would be a strong performer in the EV world.Improved driving efficiency means EVs can travel longer distances between charges.This could be particularly useful for small cars that do not have the space for big batteries, like Shell's concept car.The similarly-sized BYD Atto 1's 30kWh battery has a driving range of 220km at 15.5kWh/100km, but this would be boosted to 300km at Shell's rate of 10kWh/100km.This would also bring down the size of batteries needed for EVs, reducing the amount of EV waste and strain on expensive recycling initiatives. EVs are often criticised for the environmental costs of acquiring precious metal resources and manufacturing the final product.Shell’s final goal is to have a total emissions value over the life of its concept car being 10 million tonnes. The company said this is roughly 50 per cent of the lifecycle emissions of comparable vehicles produced today.It's improved emissions value is down to a smaller battery, simplified cooling circuit and recycled components.Shell’s project remains in its infancy currently, but the hatchback model showcased demonstrates there is potential for commercialisation. 

Mini utes are the hottest new trend in motoring, and a brand new name has been added to the crush of bite-sized workhorses.Slate Auto is a new electric car company backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, and its first vehicle will be the modular Slate Truck. It was first revealed in April, 2025, but there has been crickets every since ... until now.The Slate Truck is a little single-cab ute that can be converted into an SUV.It is a bare bones proposition with a starting price of US$24,950 ($36,200), which is several thousand more than originally promised.Turning it into an SUV with seating for five, but still two doors, lifts the price to US$29,950 ($43,450).The Slate Truck uses a 63kWh Lithium-Ferro-Phosphate (LFP) battery that delivers a driving range of up to 330km. It can absorb up to 120kW via a DC fast charger or 11kW when connected to a compatible AC charger.Power comes from a single rear electric motor that produces 135kW and 264Nm.It has a handy payload of 700kg, which drops to 570kg for the heavier SUV, with the tray a similar length to a dual-cab ute. It can tow up to 900kg.Its rear-wheel-drive layout means there is a useable cargo area under the bonnet, which trumps any diesel- or petrol-powered ute out there.Slate will begin delivering Trucks at the end of the year in the US. There is no word on if the vehicles will be exported to Australia.Slate is preparing to sell their vehicles direct to customers, with no conventional dealerships. This could make expanding globally easier, especially given Bezos’ expertise in global e-commerce.The Slate Truck isn’t the only small ute in the world, with BYD, Ford and Toyota all building new work ponies.This new breed of small utes isn’t built on a rugged ladder frame that is designed to handle serious off-roading, but are car-based utes in a similar vein to the old Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon utes.Ford’s new electric small ute has been spotted testing in the US and is the first vehicle from its new Skunkworks, which was created to develop the new low-cost electric vehicle platform. It is due to launch in 2027, with Ford aiming for a circa-US$30,000 (A$42,600) price tag.This would join its hybrid Maverick ute, which has been a smash hit in the US.Toyota has been caught testing a new Corolla Cross-based ute in South America, and is again expected to launch in Latin America next year.It is expected to be based on the company’s TNGA-C platform, which would grant it access to the Prius’ plug-in hybrid set-up, as well as the tried-and-tested 2.0-litre self-charging hybrid set-up.BYD has also confirmed the Mako ute, which is expected to burst out of South America.In Brazil, the Mako is a plug-in hybrid producing an expected 175kW, and promising a circa-100km EV-only driving range, along with a choice of two- or all-wheel drive.A European launch also seems likely – though under the name Shark 5 – given patent filings have appeared in the EU. Reports also point to a flagship 1.5-litre PHEV variant producing 200kW of power being developed.

Polestar has updated and cut the price of its popular 4 coupe-SUV.The dynamic looking electric car has been given a refresh with some notable changes under the skin.It remains a two-tier range kicking off with the single rear motor version priced from $78,500, before on-road costs, which is the same as the outgoing version. The dual-motor grade is now $2000 cheaper starting at $86,350.The refreshed line-up is due in Australia from July/August.Polestar claims it has improved the vehicle's on road manners with tweaked suspension that includes revised high-capacity passive dampers, new spring and anti-roll bar settings and polyurethane rebound stops replacing internal rebound coil springs.This, the brand said, results in making the 4 more agile and comfortable in all driving conditions.Polestar has revised its option packs for the 2027 model year version. See table at the bottom for full detailsThe brand also said the 4 now has a reduced carbon footprint compared to previous examples.There are some simple changes inside such as the black seatbelt and rotary control for the Rear Motor version that switches to black with a gold stripe for the Dual Motor and full Gold when paired with the Performance Pack.Technical details remain the same. Rear motor versions use a single motor that makes 200kW and 343Nm. Dual motor examples up the ante with 400kW and 686Nm.At its heart the 4 has a 100kWh battery that can absorb up to 200kW via a DC fast charger, or 11kW when connected to an appropriate AC charger. AC charging can be boosted to 22kW at a price.Driving range is 620km for the Rear Motor and 590km for the Dual Motor.Polestar CEO Michael Lohscheller said, “The upgraded Polestar 4 coupé is better than ever, offering a more refined ride with enhanced driving pleasure and stronger sustainability credentials. Overall, the Polestar 4 coupé delivers an even more compelling package without compromise.”Lohscheller also indicated to CarsGuide earlier this year the cost-of-entry for the more premium 3 would fall.He puts this down to production moving to the US from China, which consolidated manufacturing and reduced costs. 

The Skoda Peaq has just been announced as Europe’s latest electric family SUV rival.The big seven-seat electric SUV is expected to land in Australia in 2027, where it would complement the mid-size Enyaq and compact Elroq electric SUVs in Skoda's expanding EV range in Australia. It would pose a challenge to other electric three-row SUVs, the Hyundai Ioniq 9 ($119,750, before on-road costs) and Kia EV9 ($97,000).There is no news on how much the Skoda Peaq will cost in Australia, but Skoda has confirmed it will have a starting price of below 50,000 euros in Europe (about $80,000). Cars from Europe usually carry a sizeable premium when put on sale in Australia, so expect it to sit above that $80,000 mark.The car will be available with a single rear electric motor, producing 150kW and 350Nm, while a dual motor all-wheel drive wheel layout boosts power up to 220kW and 545Nm. The Peaq will be fitted with either a 63kWh battery offering a driving range of 459km (WLTP), or a 91kWh unit offers 647km or 613km, depending on it being RWD or AWD. The car has both AC and DC charging capabilities, with a 10-80 per cent charge at 160kW, taking 27 minutes for the smaller battery, while the larger battery takes 28 minutes at 199kW. The car has a sleek overall presence, measuring at 4874mm long, which makes it shorter than the EV9 and Ioniq 9. It will also be the first Skoda model to feature flush door handles. On the inside, there is a 13.6-inch vertical central touchscreen using a Google Android software system, along with a digital driver display. There is also a 16-speaker audio system, pumping out 755W. The car has a large panoramic sunroof spanning most of the roof space.The Peaq will launch with a Sportline variant that gives the car a sharper look, along with optional two-tone paint.

Chinese carmakers are leading the way went it comes to EVs, but this one brand is flipping the script.Every car in the top 10 best-selling EVs for May 2026 was built in China, including the Jaecoo J5 EV.The J5 EV claimed the title for the best-selling small SUV in May 2026. Omoda Jaecoo’s Australian Chief Commercial Officer Roy Munoz said the brand is not classed as a specialist electric carmaker, despite this result.The J5 EV was one of Chery Group’s first fully-electric models put on sale Down Under, with much of its range adopting petrol or hybrid set-ups. It was the group’s most successful model in May, but Munoz said it is doing so while tackling more EV-specific competition.“Being that Omoda Jaecoo, and I guess Chery as a wider group, is not just an EV brand. We are a traditional car company,” Munoz on CarsGuide.  “It also proves that we are a technology company where an EV is within our capability as well. “To be able to achieve that, not being known as an EV brand is a true testament to the capabilities of Omoda Jaecoo and Chery as a group.”A petrol variant of the J5 recently launched in Australia, with Omoda Jaecoo still eager to cater for an internal combustion engine consumer base. This approach contrasts many of Chery’s key rivals, such as BYD, that does not offer any petrol-only models in Australia. It demonstrates Omoda Jaecoo trying to cover all bases. A plug-less version of the J5 is also due in showrooms before the end of the year. It comes as many legacy brands also phase out petrol-only options for key models. One of the J5’s rivals the Kia Seltos will launch for its new generation with a hybrid offering, ditching its popular pure petrol variant. It will become more difficult for brands to have pure internal combustion engines in their lineups with Australian emissions regulations becoming more stringent in the coming years. Munoz said Omoda Jaecoo is aware of the potential impacts of New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) fines on a strong sales return for the petrol J5. He said the brand would balance to ensure it meets its NVES obligations, with J5 EV acting as a shield to provide credits at this stage. 

Renault has introduced an updated version of its pure-electric Megane E-Tech SUV with the aim of delivering “more character, dynamism and technology”.Launched globally in 2022, the Megane EV didn’t hit the local market until early 2024, so while it may feel early for an upgrade of the first-generation model, this is in fact a mid-life facelift.While the 160kW/300Nm synchronous motor is unchanged (as is the car’s 7.6sec 0-100km/h time) the updated Megane is 20 mm taller, in part to accommodate a bigger 67kWh LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery (up from 60kWh), with a WLTP range of up to 500km (up from 454km).DC fast-charging speed has also increased to 165kW (+35kW) with a 15-80 per cent charge claimed to now take 24 minutes, down from 30min.The previous base 7.4kW AC charge capacity (as specified in Australia) has been boosted to 11kW, with a 22kW bidirectional charger (enabling vehicle-to-load discharge) optional in Europe.Springs and dampers have been retuned in light of the larger battery and the steering has been recalibrated to “deliver a more direct response and greater precision at the wheel, for a more natural feel”.Cosmetic changes include a redesigned front end with only the headlights untouched. A more prominent body-coloured bumper section sits between new light graphics in the form of eight diamond-shaped elements in a chequerboard pattern (replacing previous side intakes). The gloss black grille also incorporates a diamond pattern and repositioned brand logo while at the rear the tail-lights remain full-width but have been given a 3D treatment with no covering lens.Inside, on the entry Techno trim, the dash is trimmed in a textured TEP (Thermo-Expandable Polyolefin) material with trim elements on the doors and dash in wood or a grey patterned finish.The top-spec Esprit Alpine picks up new Spectral Grey door panel trim and LED adaptive mood lighting.In terms of tech, the updated Megane E-Tech now features the openR link system with Google built-in.A dual-screen layout combines a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 12-inch multimedia screen in a single seamless display.The system includes Google Assistant for voice control of the main in-car functions and Google Maps for navigation.Renault has also claimed early-adopter status in introducing a wireless charger meeting the Qi2 standard (Magsafe on iPhone) for new-gen smartphones, using a magnetic ring to deliver maximum charging power without overheating.Introducing the updated Scenic, Chief Growth Officer & CEO Renault Brand Fabrice Cambolive said, ”As more and more customers turn to electric vehicles our priority is to make this transition simple and attractive. The new Megane E-Tech electric is fully in line with this dynamic.“The introduction of a new LFP battery plays a key role in this evolution, improving range and charging performance,” he said.CarsGuide contacted Renault Australia for comment on the updated Scenic E-Tech's potential for local launch and a spokesperson told us, "The Renault Megane E-Tech facelift is due in Australian showrooms in the first half of 2027. Prices and specifications will be announced closer to showroom arrivals."