Episode 21 for February 23, 2026 takes a deep, honest dive into the latest developments shaping Australia’s EV and PHEV market.

We cover the JAC Hunter PHEV completing initial real-world testing at the former Holden Lang Lang proving ground ahead of its mid-2026 launch as a strong rival to the BYD Shark 6, BYD and Denza preparing to bring game-changing 1MW megawatt charging technology to Australia within 12-18 months that can add hundreds of kilometres in minutes.

BMW’s plans for emotional electric M cars with simulated gearshifts and sampled engine sounds while still letting customers choose between EV and combustion M models, Mercedes-Benz’s massive 30-new-model onslaught including multiple EVs and PHEVs heading our way, the global auto industry writing off around $70 billion on EV strategy resets, GWM’s free servicing offer to new PHEV buyers.

China’s new mandate for physical buttons in all cars and the direct safety and usability benefits for Australian buyers of Chinese-built EVs, BYD Australia’s local boss explaining why advanced battery technology is the real key to winning more Aussie buyers, the new wave of affordable sedans and hatches reviving the small-car segment with strong EV and PHEV options, and the powerful lessons from Norway – the first country to effectively phase out new petrol and diesel sales – where EVs now make up 96 per cent of the market without wrecking the economy.

In this special bonus episode of Plugged in Australia, we take a deep, news-style dive into the rapid rise of electric heavy vehicles transforming road transport.

Perfect for listeners new to the space or trucking pros, we cover the basics of what heavy vehicles actually are, why electrification is a game-changer, the latest 2025-2026 deployments and record-breaking trials, Volvo’s local manufacturing push, Mercedes eActros fleets, and Aussie innovator Janus Electric’s battery-swap conversions. Packed with real-world performance data, executive quotes, emissions wins, infrastructure realities, and the path to net-zero freight – all from developments since July 2025 only.

Tune in for education, inspiration, and the heavy-duty future on our roads. #PluggedInAustralia #ElectricTrucks

Episode 20 for February 19, 2026 takes a deep, honest look at the real state of Australia’s EV and low-emission vehicle market right now.

We break down the very first official NVES results showing exactly which 19 brands missed their CO₂ targets (including Mazda, Subaru, Nissan and Hyundai).

Polestar’s biggest-ever product offensive with a practical new 4 wagon plus new Polestar 2, 5 and 7, Denza’s aggressive 2026 plans for up to five new models and 20–25 dealers while already holding 1,000 orders, Zeekr 7X deliveries slowed by shipping and battery issues, Volkswagen’s new Tiguan and Tayron plug-in hybrid pricing for Q2, Volgren’s growing electric bus production in South Australia, the current federal and state EV rebates and incentives that buyers and fleets can still use, and a clear.

No-spin explanation of why green hydrogen as an alternative EV technology is effectively dead and buried in Australia – and why that actually accelerates the battery-electric path we are all on.

Episode 19 for February 18, 2026 delivers the deepest dive yet into Australia’s EV market momentum.

We break down Nio’s record-breaking battery-swap scale and what it means for the 2026 Firefly launch here, Mazda’s aggressively priced 6e sedan going head-to-head with Model 3 and Seal on range, price and features, Leapmotor’s B10 five-star safety win plus confirmed cheaper variants and the smaller B03X in evaluation, the first right-hand-drive BMW iX3 Neue Klasse preview landing for local familiarisation.

Toyota’s multi-powertrain next-gen Yaris including full EV, the Gumtree survey showing hybrids now considered by over 50% of buyers, Tesla’s CarPlay rollout delayed by iOS 26 adoption, why fleets delaying for “better batteries” risk higher long-term costs per AFMA insights, car makers quietly lobbying to keep the NVES dumping loophole open, Skoda’s new in-car gaming, video and native Spotify upgrades for its EVs, BYD’s execution speed giving it an edge in a crowded market, the Holden-era mindset that dismissed Chinese cars and how EVs flipped it.

Horizon Minerals’ $175m raise to repurpose the Black Swan nickel plant in WA’s critical-minerals heartland, and the latest Endgame Analytics implications for decarbonising transport.

All tied directly to what it means for Australian drivers, fleets and the 2025–2030 NVES targets.

Daily Episode 18 dives deep into the latest Australian and Australia-relevant EV developments. We cover the potential arrival of BYD’s rugged Fangchengbao Ti7 under the Denza brand, the significant 2026 MG4 interior overhaul and its implications for local buyers, Kia’s clear stance against price-war tactics with Chinese brands plus a spotted EV5 facelift, the latest OTA enhancements for the Geely EX5, the real-world mining trial of the JAC T9 electric ute in the Pilbara, and the critical progress in filling Australia’s heavy-vehicle EV charging infrastructure gap.

G'day Australia! Episode 17 brings the heat with high-performance family EVs like the blistering Kia EV9 GT, affordable small SUVs from Suzuki, design fixes for the Hyundai Santa Fe, and groundbreaking battery-electric locomotives hauling iron ore in the Pilbara.

We'll tackle ANCAP's safety push on door handles, why truck fleets are opting for smarter smaller batteries, Tesla's FSD subscription shift, and a blockbuster forecast: EV sales potentially jumping six-fold by 2030. As always, EV-positive vibes – celebrating practical, powerful progress tailored to Aussie needs – with straight talk on safety, policy, and real-world challenges.

G'day Australia! Episode 16 dives deep into BYD's dominant momentum in early 2026 – from why plug-in hybrids aren't going anywhere, to their big fleet sales ambitions, groundbreaking solid-state battery plans, and the real story on EV affordability perceptions.

Plus, a cracking heavy-duty win: electric trucks now delivering your favourite beers across Perth with serious emission cuts. As always, we're EV-positive – celebrating practical progress in our unique market – but keeping it real on challenges like income gaps and infrastructure needs. Packed with data, quotes, and Aussie context for tradies, families, fleets, and everyone in between.

G'day Australia! Episode 15 is a massive deep dive into the electric vehicle landscape as we hit early 2026.

We're talking affordable plug-in hybrid utes shaking up the tradie market, massively upgraded family EVs from BYD, heavy-duty electrification at our ports, solar-powered refrigeration tech landing on our shores, and the world's first sodium-ion battery EV that's a potential game-changer – even if it's not coming here yet. We'll cover Queensland's unique charging rules, why some big overseas EVs are skipping Australia, the push for better PHEV incentives, and an honest look at policy critiques from industry experts. This is EV-positive with no sugarcoating: celebrating real progress while calling out the hurdles we need to clear for a smoother transition. Buckle up – this one's packed with facts, context, and Australian relevance.