Watts Under the Bonnet - The Electric Vehicle Podcast

If the batteries of tomorrow aren’t as lithium-dependent as they are today, can Australia still become the ‘critical minerals superpower’ it hopes to be as countries across the global electrification race take off? That’s the question Rusty and Nadine are on a mission to answer. To help them on their quest, they enlist the help of Dr. Veronika Wright, or as she’s better known - Electrified Veronika. With a flair for electrical engineering and physics, Veronika dissects lithium-ion mechanics while challenging the viability of solid-state batteries, hailed as the next frontier in energy storage. Peter Newman, Professor of Sustainability at Curtin University and for the past 5 years the Lead Author for Transport in the IPCC (the UN’s climate change body), joins later in the show to discuss the national and global implications for a lithium-ion economy. He sheds light on Australia's mining industry manoeuvres, propelling the nation beyond its 'exporter' label and toward 'innovator' status. With value-added strategies upstream in the lithium supply chain, Newman envisions local economic revitalisation and Australia's ascent as the beacon of green exporters in critical minerals. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If sliding Tesla sales weren’t putting a bee under the bonnet of Tesla boss Elon Musk this month, then media organisation Reuters certainly did, publishing an article on the alleged axing of the Tesla 2 that Musk has since called a lie; and Nadine and Rusty don’t know what to think! Also in the news, why Tesla and Polestar dropped out of VFACTS reporting, and if EVs really deserve the notorious title of being 'characterless'. Our usual 'Meet an EV-er' segment has been switched up to introduce you to an E-innovator - Sriram Pakkam, manager for Formula One and EV demonstrator vehicles at Ford Performance. He tells us how the e-Transit sibling – the superVan 4.2 - made its way into the demonstrator lineup, and gives some interesting insight into the relationship between motorsports, aerodynamics, and the performance of EVs. As always, Senior Editor Feann Torr is back to give us the latest EV releases hitting showrooms soon, including the Renault Megane E-Tech, the fancy-pants Maserati Grecale Folgore, and the BYD Seal U. Read more about the latest EV releases here: Renault Megane E-Tech Maserati Grecale Folgore BYD Seal U. Alfa Romeo Milano KIA EV3 Ford Mustang Mach-E See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The trucking and logistics sector is perhaps the biggest piece of the decarbonisation puzzle, but can battery-electric deliver? Moves are being made by industry and government to make it happen but the answer is more complex than a yes or no. For Road Freight Engineer Rod Hannifey with 6 million kilometres under his belt, he tells Rusty and Nads exactly why that is… and he doesn’t hold back. One company tackling the trucking problem head-on is Volvo. Matthew Wood joins us to talk about where electric fits in their strategy, and where it doesn’t with surprising insight including why battery swapping has been ruled out, innovations in battery recycling, and why their diversified approach to investing in a green future includes alternate sources of green energy ICE too. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Get your popcorn ready, as a heated debate has predictably erupted over the proposed fuel efficiency standards. But that’s not all Rusty and Nads have lined up for news; move over supercars, it’s time to make room for superVANS on Mount Panorama, because one electric van has just broken the fastest lap record . And that’s not the only van making waves in this episode. Hear from Bernie Wiley, Sustainability Director at Who Gives A Crap, about their transition to the LDV e-delivery vans they’ve aptly named ‘Mr. Wipee’, much to Rusty’s delight. Plus, listen to Senior Editor Feann Torr talk about the latest happenings in the EV market, including the wild 500kW Dodge Charger Daytona unveiling, and the launch of the long-awaited bZ4X from Toyota and the Subaru Solterra, which might just have what it takes to become Australia’s most popular mid-size SUV. Read more about the latest EV releases below Toyota bZ4X Subaru Solterra Hyundai IONIQ5N Abarth 500e Jeep Avenger Leapmotor C10 Volkswagen ID.3 GTX hot hatch Dodge Charger Daytona See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our energy landscape is changing every day, from endless new chargers to batteries in trucks, those on the electric frontline are working hard to meet Net Zero by 2050. But are renewable sources still keeping up with demand, and as EV demand grows, will it in the future? In this episode, the team check in with Australia’s progress towards clean energy and explores why the race towards renewable won’t be in a straight line. Energy industry veteran Tony Wood, Director of the Energy Program at Grattan Institute, unpacks the current makeup of our grid, what needs to improve, what the future may look like (solar, wind, nuclear) and how we get there.We catch up with Tim Washington from Jet Charge, one of the change-makers influencing how our electric infrastructure develops. Plus Andrew Rogers from Charge HQ tells us how his company is bringing all of this together and giving you the (solar) power to play a part from your garage. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are Australia’s proposed ‘New Vehicle Efficiency Standards’ a double-edged sword? Nadine thinks so. The standards are perhaps the most important development in Australia’s journey to increasing EV uptake, and in this episode, Rusty and Nadine tell you what they think about the fine print. Also in news, find out why ‘Mr. Bean’ and ‘EV Saboteur’ are being used in the same sentence, and the gangs thoughts on the latest Superbowl EV commercials. Plus, Senior Editor Feann Torr is back with the latest happenings on the EV market, including the vehicles earmarked for AUS that we can thank the NVES for. We also meet Marcus Davidson, Station Officer at the Cessnock fire station, who tells us why his MG4 rivals even a Falcon Cobra! Read more about the latest EV releases below Renault Migane E-Tech LDV Deliver 7 Ford Ranger Hybrid KIA PV5 Electric Ute VinFast announces right hand drive models Rivian R2 electric SUV Abarth 600e Hot Hatch Porsche hints that the 911 will go fully electric See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s no secret that the biggest hurdle to EV ownership right now isn’t the range or charging time, but just how expensive they are. What if we told you that with some accounting magic, that unobtainable Tesla or Polestar might actually be within reach? In this episode, Rusty and Nadine give you the rundown on novated leasing, a nifty little workaround that allows you to pay off a car lease with your pre-tax salary. To help unpack how it all works, the team are joined by Liam Day, an expert in novated leasing from Maxxia. Plus they chat with Ross Booth from Redbook who takes a look at the true cost of EV ownership and whether novated leasing can make that more manageable. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EV sales in Australia surged by an impressive 161% in 2023, launching an inquiry into the transition but is it too little too late? According to Rusty, it might be, but Nads has her glass half full. Chatting news with producer Kelsey, the pair discuss whether BYD will end Tesla's reign, Stellantis’ investment in sodium-ion batteries, and we even get into a little karaoke thanks to one family's mission to tow a caravan across Australia in an EV. Senior Editor Feann Torr is back to give us the latest happenings on the EV market, including the launch of the second-gen Hyundai Kona SUV that’s surprisingly cheaper than its predecessor, and the most anticipated EV launch yet – the Toyota bZ4X. Plus, meet Jai Nankivell, a loyal Nissan Leaf driver who owns it not for its price or performance, but for its tech and bi-directional charging capabilities that he’s been able to monetise through some savvy EV strategies. Read more about the latest EV releases below: Hyundai Kona Electric N Line Toyota bZ4X VinFast WILD electric pick-up concept Mazda Iconic SP BYD Electric Pick-Up See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whether you own an EV or not, everyone from EV enthusiasts to the EV-curious are congregating in communities to geek out about the latest tech and releases, bust some EV myths, and even fight off the odd troll or two. In this episode, Nads and Rusty are on a mission to find out what YOU’RE talking about in these ‘secret societies’, and the power in numbers when it comes to the EV community. Sarah Aubrey, admin for the ‘Electric Vehicles for Australia’ Facebook page tells us about the surprising number of eyes on the page – 200,000 no less – and the most controversial and awe-inspiring conversations members are having. We also meet Ryan Cowan, who you might better know from YouTube and TikTok as ‘Ryan’s Model Y’. He tells us about the community he’s forged online, and what drives his content from staining white seats with beetroot, to driving through a forest on auto-pilot. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2024 is the year of the EV according to Senior Editor Feann Torr, and he’s back to give us the low-down on what notable releases you can expect on the market. Affordability is on the agenda for Volvo with the EX30, Jeep is staging a comeback with the Avenger, and Volkswagen will finally join the party with the launch of the ID4; although it won’t hit Aussie shores until a bit later. Producer Kelsey has struck literal gold in the news department, and our Meet and EV-er is Pat Lanyon, the transport and logistics manager at Aussie charity Fareshare who managed to talk his way into getting a Ford E-Transit on loan. Find out if they think the EV switch is worth it for Aussie businesses! Learn more about the latest EV releases at the links below: Hyundai IONIQ 5N Toyota BZ4X NIO Firefly See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Regardless of whether you drive an EV or ICE vehicle, regular servicing is a must. But, as more batteries make their way onto the service roster, how is the automotive industry adapting to meet the specific needs of EVs? Will hand tools be replaced by a computer-science degree? Can your local garage handle both a battery check and an engine tune-up? Adam Pay, the director of mycar and a dedicated EV driver, gives Rusty and Nadine the inside scoop on how they're enhancing the skills of their workforce and expanding their EV-ready service centres – and the good news is, no computer science degree is required! Nadine delves into the intricacies of spontaneous battery fires. Plus, Chris Isaac, TAFE NSW teacher and lover of all things automotive, tells us about the next generation of mechanics walking through his doors, what they’re looking for under the bonnet of your EV, and how they’re safeguarding the future of the automotive workforce. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is ‘cross-bow proof’ at the top of your new vehicle checklist? While Rusty and Nadine prioritise smell over arrows, this weeks news segment has them questioning the true meaning of durability, and whether the sleek interior of a Cybertruck is truly worth it. And if you were expecting to see progress on the Fuel Efficiency Standard by year-end, producer Kelsey has an update you will want to hear. carsales Senior Editor Feann Torr is back to walk us through the latest releases on the EV showroom floor, including the cheapest EV to hit the Aussie market yet, and an $80,000 400km-range Subaru Solterra that has some people scratching their heads. Plus, our meet an EV-er Sami proves that electric SUVs aren’t the only family car you should consider! Learn more about the latest EV releases at the links below: BYD Dolphin Kia EV9 MG4 ‘XPower’ Audi Q4 e-tron Subaru Solterra Check out the EV Ready Building webinar here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Public charging stations have given many EV drivers a headache, but will accessibility to battery juice be a concern for EVs of tomorrow? And what advantages does destination charging offer? In this episode, Rusty and Nadine are joined by Josh Hoevenaars, Business Manager at bp pulse, who crunches the numbers on the expected demand public infrastructure will face in the near future, and what they’re doing to alleviate that pressure; detailing ambitious plans to install 100,000 charging stations by 2050. Plus, Jason Temby, Head of Product Delivery & Energy at Vicinity Centres unveils the Shopping Centre giant’s growing network of chargers designed to cater for the convenience charger who like Nadine, enjoys a spot of shopping whilst they charge up. Want more EV news and advice? Head to the carsales Electric Hub here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us for the first Watt Report, where you'll get your fix of EV news, discover the latest models on the market, and hear from our Meet an EV-er Cassie, a young EV driver who recently took the plunge. Nadine, Rusty, and surprise guest Producer Kelsey break down the most exciting developments in EV news, including the unsung heroes who took on the Victorian Government's road-user charge and won! Plus, Senior Editor at carsales, Fean Torr, takes the spotlight, providing updates on the newest EVs hitting—or soon to hit—the market, including the much-anticipated Hilux Electric Ute, the Kia EV5, and the Tesla Cybertruck that's already finding itself in hot water. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fully embracing an electric vehicle may feel like a daunting decision, but given your lifestyle, a hybrid or plug-in hybrid might be the perfect fit or stepping-stone. So, how do you make the right choice? In Season 2 of Watts Under the Bonnet, we're broadening our focus to encompass all aspects of the EV world, including Hybrids and Plug-in Hybrids. To kick things off, Rusty and Nadine break-down the need-to-knows about BEVs, PHEVs and Hybrids with carsales journalist Bruce Newton. Nadine also answers the big battery question on everyone’s lips in Listener Mail. And a game of ‘Pitch My Ride’ has Rusty and Nadine in stitches, featuring Laurissa Mirabella from Polestar and Tim Clarke from Mitsubishi who each get 60 seconds to persuade us why their BEV or PHEV is the top choice. Watts Under the Bonnet will be releasing episodes every two weeks! Don't forget to join us for the latest EV News, meet an EV-er, and catch the newest market update in our upcoming Watt Report. Subscribe to stay in the loop! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s our first birthday so to celebrate, Rusty and Nadine re-visit some of our most thought-provoking topics and memorable guests. Returning to the show is Mark Tipping, our outback-exploring Tesla driver from episode 1 and Co-Founder of EDEA energy. He gives us the definitive answer on range anxiety and shares exciting developments made by his company… and it could be what puts Aussie battery innovations on the world stage. Our meet an EV-er Gary – long-time listener and KIA EV6 driver – gives us the inside scoop on getting a charger installed in an apartment complex, and Rusty and Nadine catch-up with Chris King, CEO of Splend, Australia’s largest provider of ride-share vehicles. They’ve just received a $20m funding injection to electrify their fleets. And if you’re still wondering, ‘what is the government doing?!’ we have the answers. Well, MP Dr Michelle Ananda-Rajah has the answers. She stops by to tell us about the newly formed Parliamentary Friends of Electric Vehicles group and why a national fuel efficiency standard could be the key to more EVs on the road. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With over 4 million commercial vehicles on the road, the Australian business sector could just be the key to accelerating the country's EV adoption. But what do Aussie businesses think about EVs? To find out, Rusty and Nadine chat with Sarah Moran, Co-Founder of Girl Geek Academy. She spills the beans on her small business' electric journey, giving us a look into the real costs of electrifying your operations. We also meet Rod Chapman, production editor for carsales commercial, industry, and leisure sector, who gives us the low down on EV innovations at the Brisbane Truck Show and Volvo’s Truck Sustainability Summit, painting a promising future for the electrification of the transport and logistics sector. Our meet an EV-er, Chloe Fast, also stops by to tell us whether the 6-month wait for her Volvo XC40 Recharge was worth it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the second-hand EV market to the availability of rare-earth minerals that make up our battery chemistries, join Rusty and Nadine as they take a deep dive into the aspects of the EV economy that could have a huge impact on its growth. Ross Booth, Global General Manager of Redbook, breaks down the current and future landscape of the used car market and answers the million-dollar question about the shelf-life of your batteries. And if you've ever wondered how well a Tesla Model 3 would perform on a racetrack, well, meet our EV enthusiast Simon who has the answer! Plus, Vivek Dhar, Director of Mining and Energy Economist at Commonwealth Bank, has Rusty and Nadine reaching for their lab coats as he dissects the battery chemistries of the future and provides insights into which markets will dominate the supply chain in the global energy transition. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s the topic almost synonymous with electric vehicles themselves – the environment – but are EVs really as beneficial as we think? To help simplify the science, Nadine and Rusty sit down with Dr Karl Kruzeniski, to debunk some of the most common myths about how green our EVs seem. Our meet an EV-er joins us from the driver’s seat of his BYD Atto 3 and we meet Wiebe Wakker, the Dutchman who drove from the Netherlands to Sydney in 2019 to promote sustainability, although it didn’t exactly start that way. Dubbed the ‘Forrest Gump’ of electric mobility, Wiebe tells us about the triumphs and challenges of the trip, one that involved leveraging a tailwind to extend his range into Coober Pedy… tune in to find out if he made it! Find Wiebe on Instagram @plugmeintravel or head to his website here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As more electric vehicles hit the road, more power is needed to charge them, leading hosts Rusty and Nadine to ask, can the grid keep up with this increase in demand? CEO of Transgrid Brett Redman thinks so. From innovations in power supply, to their own newly revealed fleet of EVs, Brett shares insights into what the future of electricity in Australia could look like and what they’re doing to adapt. We also meet Tim Clarke, eMobility Manager and Product Strategy at Mitsubishi Motors who tells us about the first bi-directional EV charging infrastructure in Australia and what that means for consumers. Our meet an EV-er Garrick Rollason also knows a thing or two about the grid as the Chief Financial Officer at CitiPower, Powercor and United Energy; he reveals the important lessons he learnt as a new BMW i4 owner. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.