EV News

If you can’t beat them, join them. Volkswagen has long resisted the urge to add conventional, Toyota-style hybrid power to its cars, but not anymore.The German maker is rapidly expanding its petrol-electric range, diversifying from the petrol, plug-in hybrid and fully-electric options currently available.Now it has revealed European prices for the VW Golf hatchback and T-Roc SUV hybrids, which would rival the popular Toyota Corolla and Corolla Cross.Prices start at €41,400 ($67,000) for the Golf and €44,470 ($72,000) for the T-Roc. Both models are only available in the top-spec R-Line specification, and represent about a €4000 ($6500) premium over the petrol models.Petrol R-Line versions cost about $50,000 before on-road costs in Australia, so a hybrid version could cost about $60,000 on the road in Australia. That would put it about $20,000 more than the cheapest equivalent Toyota hybrids.Volkswagen Australia has previously been unable to confirm if the hybrid Golf and T-Roc will arrive in Australia, but the company said it is always evaluating opportunities for our market.The hybrid Golf and T-Roc combine a tried-and-tested 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, two electric motors and a 1.6kWh battery.VW claims this set-up produces 125kW/309Nm, a jump of 15kW/59kW over the petrol Golf’s 110kW/250Nm max outputs.It also uses about 4.6-litres per 100km of fuel, which is slightly more than Toyota's claim.Hybrid options are becoming increasingly important to brands in Australia as purely petrol powered vehicles are starting to fall foul of Australia’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES).The NVES levels fines against carmakers for every gram of CO2 a sold vehicle emits over a certain threshold. This threshold gets lower every year until 2030.The fines can be offset by sales of EVs and plug-in hybrids.Purely petrol cars will soon become prohibitively expensive, with hybrids also attracting moderate fines in the coming years.The NVES is also putting Australia at the front of the queue for international brands to get low emissions or electric vehicles.Volkswagen Australia for years struggled to get its electric cars sold in Europe and other parts of the world, as our market wasn’t considered an emissions critical one that needed these vehicles. This is no longer the case.All this works in favour of Volkswagen bringing its latest hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles here.

A new performance electric car is coming soon.The Geely Galaxy TT has opened for pre-sale in China, and will be the latest four-door electric sports coupe to hit showrooms.Coupe-style sports cars out of China are surging in popularity as cheaper alternatives to the Porsche Taycan and Audi e-Tron GT off the back of the smash-hit success of the Xiaomi SU7.The Geely Galaxy TT has a front-mounted 180kW motor and a rear-mounted 245kW motor that combine for a total of 425kW.It has a one-button boost mechanism that offers an increased power output for up to 20 seconds. The Galaxy TT can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds, and has a top speed of 210km/h. It is equipped with a 75kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery that has a 650km driving range, according to more generous CLTC standards. The car rides on an 800-volt platform, meaning it can DC fast charge from 10 to 80 per cent in less than 12 minutes. It measures up at 4999mm long, 1919mm wide, 1479mm high, with a wheelbase of  2920mm, so it is a little bigger than a Toyota Camry. The exterior is similar to many of its rivals, showing off a sleek body shape and frameless windows. It comes with 19-inch wheels as standard. The TT’s interior features a 15.4-inch central touchscreen and 10.2-inch digital driver display, along with a 25.6-inch panoramic head-up display. It also includes is also a 50W wireless phone charger and 23-speaker sound system. The Galaxy TT will be a direct competitor to the seriously popular Xiaomi SU7 which sold its first 15,000 units in roughly half an hour earlier this year.The Denza Z9 S electric sedan will provide further competition, with its wagon variant due in Australia before the end of the year. The Galaxy TT is not in Geely’s Australia schedule in the short term, but the brand has demonstrated a methodical approach to introducing models rather than the explosive range expansions of some of its rivals.The TT is priced from 200,000 yuan in China, which is roughly A$42,000. Most Chinese cars carry a roughly 20 per cent premium by the time they arrive in Australia in right-hand drive, making a potential local price somewhere just north of $50,000.This would make it slightly more affordable than the Zeekr 7GT and significantly more affordable than the Denza Z9.The Xiaomi SU7 which it is seemingly designed to target is not headed to Australia in the short term, with the Chinese tech company overwhelmed by demand in its home market.

XPeng has confirmed the pricing and specifications of its next new vehicle in Australia, the X9 electric people mover, as orders open.There are two versions of the 2027 XPeng X9 available at launch, the FWD Standard Range and AWD Performance. Pricing is $89,900, before on-road costs and $109,900, before on-road costs, respectively.This sees it undercut the luxurious Zeekr 009, but it’s priced similarly to the Denza D9.The entry-level X9 FWD Standard Range is powered by a single, front-mounted electric motor that produces 235kW.It’s fed by a 94.8kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery and offers up to 535km of WLTP-claimed range.The flagship X9 AWD Performance, on the other hand, has a dual-motor all-wheel drive set-up with total system outputs of 370kW and 640Nm. This allows it to travel from 0-100km/h in 5.9 seconds.The dual electric motors are fed by a larger 110kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery which offers up to 580km of WLTP-claimed range.AC charging across the line-up is 11kW, whereas peak DC fast-charging is up to 542kW. This allows for a 10 to 80 per cent charge in 12 minutes.There’s also vehicle-to-load (V2L) capabilities at up to 6kW.As standard there is air suspension with adaptive dampers, as well as a rear-axle steering system.A seven-seat configuration is standard with second-row captain’s chairs that offer 14 ways of electric adjustment, heating, ventilation and massaging, as well as a 17.3-inch touchscreen multimedia system, a 21-inch head-up display, 21.4-inch rear touchscreen, 27-speaker sound system and a fridge/hotbox.On the safety front there are nine airbags, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane centring, a semi-autonomous park assist, as well as a surround-view camera.The X9 is covered by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, whereas the high-voltage battery is covered for eight years or 160,000km.Logbook servicing is required every 12 months or 20,000km, whichever comes first. Pricing will be confirmed at a later date.Beyond the updated G6 electric mid-size SUV and the X9 electric people mover, XPeng also plans to launch the L03 coupe SUV, G9L large SUV and the L05 mid-size SUV in Australia over the next six months.The Chinese carmaker has also confirmed the flagship GX SUV will launch in Australia, however it hasn’t locked in concrete launch timing yet.

Another carmaker has stepped back to pause and consider what its future in Australia looks like.Fiat has announced it has stopped importing passenger vehicles into Australia, as it assess what its future line-up may look like.It wasn’t an extensive model range, with the Italian marque only selling the electric Fiat 500e and its sporty twin, the Abarth 500e.The company will continue to import and sell its range of commercial vehicles.It is understood this isn't the end for Fiat cars in Australia, but a break to work out the models in its line-up that would best suit.“As part of Stellantis Australia's ongoing portfolio and product planning process, the availability of specific models can vary over time as we assess market demand and future product opportunities. We remain focused on ensuring the vehicles we bring to Australia meet customers’ expectations,” said a company spokesperson. “Following Stellantis' recent confirmation of Fiat as one of its core global brands, we are excited by the opportunities the brand presents for the future. “Fiat 500e and Abarth 500e stock in Australia has now largely been sold through and, at this stage, we are not planning additional orders while we evaluate future product opportunities for the local market. “We continue to support our Fiat and Abarth customers and dealer network and look forward to sharing more information about Fiat's and Abarth’s future plans in Australia at the appropriate time.”Fiat has only sold 144 vehicles through the first six months of this year in Australia, which is down 30 per cent compared to the same period last year.Its range of commercial vehicles is faring better, and sold 139 in June alone.Fiat has an expanding range of SUVs overseas, including the Grande Panda and Grizzly. These models are both electrified and better suited to Australian tastes.Peugeot, which is also owned by Stellantis, also closed up shop in Australia earlier this month.The French brand’s local distributor, Inchcape, handed back the keys to its selling rights and there is no immediate taker to pick up where they left off.The writing was on the wall for Peugeot after a string of tough years that culminated in 373 sales through the first five months of this year, which was down 35 per cent compared to the same period last year.This follows a circa-29 per cent drop in 2025, and losing a quarter of sales in 2024.

Honda has renewed its partnership with GAC in China, after months of speculation it would pull out of the agreement when its original 30 year contract ended.The GAC/Honda joint-venture in China has struggled for market share, even amongst other foreign partnerships. With the rise of China’s automakers such as BYD, Geely and SAIC, not to mention even smaller players XPeng and Xiaomi soaking up domestic market share, even once-successful joint venture players such as Volkswagen (the longest serving and most successful of all) are faltering.Nikkei Asia reports Honda’s market share in China has fallen 60 per cent last year, with GAC Honda specifically fallen to 340,000 units. While that might seem enormous given the brand’s mere 15,383 unit tally in Australia last year, it makes it a relative minnow in the enormous Chinese market, where annual sales for the biggest brands are frequently measured in the millions.Honda has renewed its agreement with the Chinese giant for a further 10 years, a Honda spokesperson told Nikkei Asia.“We’ve made this decision in order to assess the business environment,” the spokesperson said.An executive from one of the JV’s suppliers told the outlet, "this is Honda sending a message that it won't give up on China".It is notable the Honda/GAC operation currently has less joint-venture models than most rivals, and only one purely electric model in a market, which is demanding more zero-emissions options.GAC Honda currently sells the Honda Breeze (a re-styled CR-V), ageing Avancier coupe SUV, and a sedan Integra (not related to the coupe sold in Australia) all as unique combustion models, while also selling Chinese domestic versions of the Accord, Odyssey, and HR-V (as the Vezel).The only electric car the JV sells is the P7 mid-size SUV in an EV-hungry market, while the Dongfeng joint venture sells its own version, dubbed the S7, and the more affordable e:NS2 crossover. Despite showing several concept models at Chinese motor shows in previous years, new and more desirable models are yet to materialise in the fast-moving market.Even GAC’s joint venture with Toyota was significantly more successful last year, moving around 756,000 units, with popular JV models including the bZ3X, which shares its platform with the GAC Aion V.The bZ3X has since become available in right-hand drive form for Hong Kong. Toyota Australia hasn’t ruled the China-built model out for our market either, given it will need to sell more electric vehicles in the near future to comply with the strict new vehicle emissions standards (NVES), which closes the vice on hybrid models before long.As for Honda using the sought-after ‘China Speed’ manufacturing for more cost-effective export models, it is only just testing the waters resurrecting the Insight nameplate for a version of the China-built e:NS2 from its Dongfeng venture sold in Japan.Meanwhile rivals are forging ahead with Chinese partnerships for export, with Kia and Hyundai already selling the Chinese-built EV5 and Elexio in Australia respectively, and Nissan announcing its intention to make its Dongfeng joint-venture models like the Frontier Pro PHEV ute and NX8 large SUV available globally.

A Chinese brand rivalry is heating up in Australia.Chery Group is one of the largest growing carmakers in Australia but it is now facing competition from within its own ranks. Omoda Jaecoo has burst onto the Australian car scene with its Jaecoo J5 small electric SUV, which claimed the best-selling small SUV title for May 2026. It even outsold the Chery Tiggo 4, which is the best-selling SUV so far this year.The Tiggo 4 starts from $23,990 (drive-away), making it the cheapest in its segment. The J5 EV carries on this budget mantra, starting from $36,990 (drive-away).This makes it much cheaper than many of its legacy rivals like the Hyundai Kona Electric ($54,000, before on-road costs). A petrol J5 has just gone on sale and a hybrid is on the way, bringing Omoda Jaecoo’s important model into direct competition with the Tiggo 4. The petrol variant is priced from $25,990 (drive-away), making it $2000 more than the Tiggo 4, but it is marketed as a more premium version of its closely-related sibling.Omoda Jaecoo by Australian Chief Commercial Officer Roy Munoz emphasised the importance of the J5, describing it at the brand's 'hero' model.Munoz said the Chery Group brands need each other to be successful in Australia, but rivalry still exists between them.“There’ll always be competition,” he told CarsGuide.  “We can’t win them all. They can’t win them all, but together we can win a big share of the market.“So as long as we’re still both up there, that’ll keep everyone happy.”The Chery Group rivalry will heat up further in the coming months with the arrival of Lepas that will debut in Australia with its L6 electric mid-size SUV. Lepas will be joined by Freelander and iCaur from 2027 as the Chery Group sub-brand collection grows. Chery Group subsidiary Jetour has also been confirmed for Australia, but it will operate under its own steam as opposed to forming part of what has already been established Down Under. 

It's official. XPeng has taken over exclusive distribution of its cars in Australia. Former distributor True EV has been forced to permanently shut the doors to its glamorous Sydney showroom in Mascot.True EV also confirmed XPeng Australia is now the sole distributor of XPeng cars in Australia, as part of a statement on its website.True EV blamed a lack of vehicle supply for the showroom’s demise. True EV said it has continued to fulfil customer parts orders and is committed to assisting customers where possible through this transition. XPeng Australia will now bear responsibility for servicing and customer support, according to True EV.True EV said XPeng will also take charge of all cashback offers and promotional offers.The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported earlier this month customers who purchased XPeng cars from True EV in 2026 hadn't received $5000 cashback offers promised.XPeng has not officially confirmed it will honour these cashback agreements in lieu of True EV, but it will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. A spokesperson for XPeng Australia said it would work to resolve issues for affected customers. XPeng told True EV it was removing its exclusive rights to distributing vehicles in January 2026.True EV began Federal Court legal proceedings against XPeng soon after, alleging the car maker had breached its distributor agreement. XPeng claims True EV ordered and paid for less than a third of the obligatory orders targets, and has not proceeded with an order in more than 12 months. True EVs distribution arm went into external administration in Australia in March, with financiers Helios appointing receivers to extract nearly 200 cars. The company's interlocutory injunction application to prevent XPeng starting its own operation in Australia was denied earlier this year. The trial will begin in October. XPeng Australia recently unveiled an updated version of its G6 electric mid-size SUV that will hit new factory-backed showrooms imminently.XPeng is plotting to bring more models to Australia.An X9 people mover will join the G6, with a GX luxury SUV also on the horizon.XPeng's Mona L03 and L05 SUVs were spotted undergoing testing Down Under recently.A long-wheelbase G9 large SUV has also been spied in Australia as it gears up for a global launch.

Australia’s newest car brand is edging towards an official launch. Lifestyle-focused Chery sub-brand Lepas will hit showrooms with its L6 electric mid-size SUV in November. The brand confirmed the car has now completed an extensive local testing and adaptation program.Engineers have put the L6 through thousands of kilometres of driving, including hot- and cold-weather testing.They also focused on fine-tuning the advanced driver assistance systems and software integration to identify Australian road markings, signage and traffic environments.The L6 will land Down Under on a delayed schedule, having been previously slated for a mid-year launch. Lepas has not revealed pricing for its first model, but expect it to be available from a competitive price-point.It is likely to sit above the very popular Jaecoo J5 electric small SUV that starts from $36,990, drive-away. The mid-size SUV segment is the most popular part of the Australian market, so the L6 will face fierce competition from its rivals. It will take on everything from budget offerings like the BYD Atto 3 and Geely EX5 to more premium-pitched alternatives such as the Zeekr 7X, depending on the variant. The L6 is powered by a single electric motor, producing 160kW and 275Nm.It has a 67kWh battery, with a total driving range of 450km, according to WLTP standards. Lepas will feature a different design to other Chery Group cars, and will appeal to a different buyer, according to the brand. The L6’s interior shows off a more rounded look, with curved and flowing elements as well as two-tone trim materials. It is expected to get the same 13.2-inch central touchscreen and 8.8-inch digital driver display as on the Jaecoo J5. There will be a plug-in hybrid version of the L6 coming to Aussie shores next year. Lepas is also planning to introduce an L4 small electric SUV and L8 large plug-in hybrid SUV in 2027.

BYD is preparing to kick petrol-powered cars to the curb with its latest EV boasting nearly 1000km of driving range. The Denza Z9 S is an electric sedan from BYD's luxury sub-brand that has just been fully revealed in China.Its rear-wheel drive single motor variant produces 370kW and offers up to 920km of driving range from its 102kWh battery. This is only according to generous CLTC standards, and not the more reliable WLTP, so don’t expect it to reach that figure in the real world, but it will still offer one of the longest driving ranges on the market. The range-topping tri-motor all-wheel set-up boosts power to a whopping 890kW, but driving range is reduced to 780km.This car looks to be the sibling of the Z9 GT that is one of BYD’s most anticipated new models landing Down Under this year.The Z9 S will launch in China later this year, but there is no official news on whether it will make it to Australia like the Z9 GT.The car is marginally smaller in every dimension than its wagon sibling.It will take on the hugely popular Xiaomi SU7 in China, while locally it is closest in intent to the Porsche Taycan or Audi e-tron GT.BYD is also prepping another new electric wagon, under its Fang Cheng Bao (Formula Leopard) sub-brand, the S GT, that will launch in the third quarter of this in China.It shapes up as a more family-friendly version of the Denza Z9 GT.The car will be offered with a single motor RWD variant, producing 300kW or a dual motor AWD set-up, that adds a front-mounted motor producing 190kW.It too has a substantial 850km range from a slightly smaller 92kWh battery.The S GT can tow up to 500kg, giving it some further lifestyle potential for buyers.Fangchengbao is the off-road sub-brand of BYD, but it will likely fall under the Denza name if it hits global markets, meaning it is not out of the question for Australia. Chinese brands have been increasingly targeting sedan and wagon markets globally as they seek profits outside of their domestic market.BYD has already started to see success on this front in Australia, with its Seal electric sedan and Seal 6 plug-in hybrid wagon. There are more examples on their way Down Under from China, including the Geely Emgrand PHEV sedan arriving next year. 

The hatchback is making a comeback courtesy of China, with one newcomer brand reporting pre-orders of its warmed-over electric hatch far outstripping those of the SUVs in its lineup.That brand is Leapmotor, which is poised to launch the B05 in Australia before the end of the year, with the warm electric hatch likely (though not yet confirmed) to be followed by a more bonkers Ultra version that will take all-electric aim at models like the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Hyundai i30 N.Leapmotor sells two other SUVs in Australia, the C10 and B10, both offered with full electric and REEV petrol-electric powertrains. But demand for the electric-only B05 is so far outstripping both."The B05 has delivered our strongest customer response to date across the brand – reinforcing the growing appeal of the Leapmotor," a company spokesperson told CarsGuide.The company won't be drawn on exact order numbers, but the B10 SUV is the brand's strongest performing vehicle so far this year, delivering 511 units, so it would be safe to assume that, if demand keeps up following the B05's actual launch, the hatchback will achieve bigger numbers.The B05 starts from $35,990 drive-away, and is fairly unique in terms of Chinese launches in Australia, in that Aus-delivered cars have had their chassis and suspension tuned by Alfa Romeo in Italy – Stellantis co-owns Leapmotor – which promises a more cohesive, sportier ride."We have, after some assessments done in November, lowered the hook point of the suspension arms on the rear, and lowered the centre of gravity, and the car has totally changed behaviour. So if you drive a BO5 in Europe versus BO5 for China, it’s totally different," the brand has previously told CarsGuide.It will be joined by other newcomer hatchbacks in Australia, like the Geely EX2, BYD Dolphin, Aion UT and the GWM Ora, as Chinese brands flood into a market segment abandoned by some mainstream players.