The EV Quest Podcast Christmas Edition is here and we are wrapping up 2025 in style.
In this end of year special, Adrian Maidment is joined by Riz Akhtar from Carloop for the awards ceremony
We look back at the key trends that defined 2025 including an explosion of new models, falling prices, the rise of plug in hybrids. We then move into the main event, the highly prestigious EV Quest EV of the Year Awards.
Categories include: ⭐️
A special thanks to everyone who has supported the channel in 2025.
Everyone likes a little luxury, and MG’s parent company SAIC is aiming high with the IM6, their new premium electric SUV for New Zealand.
In this EV Quest review, Adrian Maidment takes the IM6 for a real-world drive to see whether this tech-packed Chinese EV truly delivers.
This review is based on the IM6 Platinum, the mid-spec model with a 100kWh battery and 800V architecture.
farmer mg
Thanks to Farmer MG for the loan of the IM6 - https://farmermg.co.nz/
🔔 Subscribe to EV Quest for NZ-focused EV reviews, news, and honest insights.
In this episode of EV Quest, Adrian sits down with a New Zealand solar broker Rowan Ellis from Equity Solar Brokers to unpack the process of going solar.
We look at how brokers compare quotes, what homeowners should ask before committing, and potential mistakes people could make when purchasing solar and batteries.
Whether you're considering solar for the first time or want to understand if it’s really worth the investment, this episode gives you a clear perspective from someone who is in the industry.
Website: https://www.equitysolar.co.nz
Calculator: https://www.equitysolar.co.nz/calculator
#solar #renewableenergy #solarbroker
Adrian Maidment Riz Akhtar (Carloop) unpack the latest EV developments across New Zealand and Australia. Riz shares insights from his recent trip to China, a major source of new right-hand-drive EVs bound for NZ and Australia. Adrian breaks down New Zealand’s November EV sales data, including the continued dominance of the Tesla Model Y.
If you’re curious about where EVs are heading in 2026, how pricing is shifting, and what new models are worth watching, this episode is packed with insights for EV fans and everyday drivers alike.
EVDB data: https://evdb.nz/ev-stats
In this episode of the EV Quest Podcast, Adrian sits down with Andre Kavanaugh from Harrisons Solar to unpack what Kiwis need to know about home solar power. ⚡️
We break down:
If you're considering solar or wondering how solar can reduce your power bill and charge your EV at home, this episode gives you clear, practical answers from a real expert.
Contact Andre: https://www.harrisonssolar.co.nz/owner/solar-coromandel-bay-of-plenty
#EVQuest #SolarNZ #NewZealandSolar
Kia ora and welcome to the EV Quest podcast – I’m Adrian Maidment. This episode is all about electrifying everything with guest Mike Casey, CEO of Rewiring Aotearoa, and a fully electric cherry orchardist from Central Otago.
This episode explores how New Zealand can save billions by electrifying everyday machines, from hot water cylinders and cooktops to cars and farm equipment. Mike shares the six smart decisions every Kiwi should make over the next 15 years.
Website: https://www.rewiring.nz/
Events: https://www.rewiring.nz/tour
On Tuesday, 11 November, Dongfeng launched in New Zealand at an event in Auckland. In this interview, Adrian Maidment talks with Arek Zywot, the General Manager of Dongfeng New Zealand.
They discuss the Dongfeng brand, the company’s plans for the New Zealand car market, and the new models announced.
Now available to buy is the Dongfeng BOX model, priced from $29,990 + ORC.
Dongfeng website: https://dongfeng.co.nz/
To buy: https://www.armstrongs.co.nz/our-brands/dongfeng/
Adrian Maidment chats with Paul O’Connor from EV Power, who shares insights on the latest innovations in home EV charging, including their new NZ-designed portable charger.
We talk affordability, the government’s impact on EV uptake, and how to when you buy from EV Power.
$ PROMO CODE: "Freelunch" $
EV Power 👉 https://evpower.co.nz/
Kia ora and welcome back to the EV Quest podcast. After a short recharge break, Adrian and Riz (Carloop) return with one of the biggest stories of the year: BYD’s jaw-dropping pricing announcement for the Atto 1 and Atto 2 in New Zealand, and what it could mean for Australian pricing. 🚖
Also: News from the Japan desk, EV Shows in Australia, Sales data from October, and its beginning to feel like Christmas. 🎙️
Kia ora and welcome to the EV Quest podcast, I’m Adrian Maidment.
Self Driving is a big topic in New Zealand at the moment with the release of Tesla Full Self Driving (Supervised). But this episode I’m getting some user feedback on another self-driving option, my guest is Aiden Dean, who is just back from the States, and experienced the Waymo experience.
This week on the EV Quest podcast with Adrian Maidment and Riz Akhtar (Carloop):
MG IM5 driven by Riz
New MG4
Nissan's ProPilot Technology
Sydney International EV Motor Show Ticket deal!
Looking Ahead: Future Test Drives and Models
*** Riz's special ticket offer for the Sydney International EV Motor Show ***
Buy one ticket, Get one ticket free: https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/sydney-international-ev-motor-show-tickets/artist/3550594?did=bogo2
In this episode of the EV Quest Podcast, Adrian Maidment and Riz Akhtar dive into the latest EV news from New Zealand, Australia, and beyond. Riz shares his first-hand experience with the brand-new Zeekr 7X SUV.
We also cover:
Kia ora and welcome to EV Quest podcast. In this episode, Adrian and Riz dive into the latest EV developments across Australia, New Zealand, and beyond.
👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, follow, and share EV Quest to help us grow.
A week day episode of EV Quest - with Adrian and Riz.
In this episode of EV Quest, Adrian Maidment (Tauranga, NZ) and Riz Akhtar (Melbourne, AU) dive into the latest EV news from New Zealand, Australia, and beyond.
We unpack NZ’s EV sales slump, while Australia surges ahead. There's pricing on the Model Y Performance from Berlin and Elon Musk’s jaw-dropping $1 trillion pay package. Plus, we look at BMW’s bold new “Neue Klasse” platform, and Riz’s hands-on impressions of the Audi SQ6 e-tron, Nissan Ariya, and a quirky Chinese multi-truck.
Adrian and Riz discuss the latest developments in electric vehicles, focusing on Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) (Almost). There's the release of the Model Y performance and BYD's Atto 3 charging compatibility. Also, Riz tests out the Audi Q4 e-tron.
#podcast #evquest #evnews
Mentioned:
BYD Atto 3: https://zecar.com/reviews/byd-australia-confirms-charging-harness-fix-for-atto-3-tesla-supercharger-compatibility-issues
In this episode of EV Quest, Adrian Maidment (Tauranga, NZ) and Riz Akhtar (Melbourne, AU) unpack a big week for the EV world, especially in New Zealand.
👉 Don’t forget to follow and like EV Quest for weekly EV news, reviews, and insights!
In this episode of the EV Quest podcast, Adrian and Riz discuss the latest developments in the electric vehicle market, including the impressive pre-orders for the Zeekr 7X, government taxation on EVs, and the new electric tanker for Fonterra. They also touch on Ford's plans for affordable EVs and the competitive landscape of the EV market in Australia and New Zealand.
Buying a family car is a big decision, and not just about price or style. In this episode of EV Quest, Adrian Maidment talks with automotive journalist and content creator Jade Credentino, founder of Baby in a Car and Drive in Oz.
Jade shares:
🚗 The top mistakes families make when choosing a car
👶 The hidden traps in 7-seaters and car seat setups
⚡ EV vs petrol: which works better for family life
💡 How to future-proof your car purchase for growing kids
Whether you’re in Australia, New Zealand, or anywhere else, this conversation will give you practical tips, insider knowledge, and the confidence to choose the perfect vehicle for your family.
LINKS MENTIONED:
Baby and Car: https://www.babyandcar.com.au/
This week on EV Quest, Adrian Maidment in Tauranga and Riz Akhtar from Carloop in Melbourne break down the latest EV news across New Zealand and Australia.
We cover: