105 - What Tesla Does Best and the AION V Review
About this episode
Trevor and Stephen dive into the strengths of Tesla, particularly its Supercharger Network, which they argue is unmatched in Australia. They share personal experiences from a recent road trip, highlighting the convenience and efficiency of charging at Tesla stations compared to others. The episode also features a discussion with a listener about their journey through various electric vehicles, including the BMW i3 and Hyundai Kona, and the challenges of finding charging infrastructure in certain areas. The blend of personal anecdotes and listener interactions makes for an engaging exploration of electric vehicle ownership.
dashcam
"If you've got any car, you should have a dashcam. It doesn't matter how old or new the car is, it's protecting your peace of mind to record what happens around you when you're on the road."
A dashcam is a small camera that you put in your car to record everything that happens while you drive. It's useful for safety and can help if there's an accident.
A dashcam is a camera mounted on a vehicle's dashboard that records video while driving. It can provide evidence in case of accidents or disputes and offers peace of mind for drivers.
UNIDAN
"Stephen highly recommends the R model from UNIDAN. Stephen, we'll talk about the AON 5 which we both driven a little bit."
UNIDAN makes dashcams, which are cameras that record what happens while you're driving. They help keep you safe by documenting any incidents on the road.
UNIDAN is a company that specializes in automotive accessories, including dashcams. Their products are designed to enhance safety and security for drivers by recording video footage of the road and surroundings.
Tesla Supercharger Network
"...the thing that I wanted to reflect upon, and we've talked about it before, but it kind of comes up whenever I do a road trip because it reminds me, is the Tesla Supercharger Network. And you know, I posted on social media, it was a bit brash, I said, Elon's a goose."
The Tesla Supercharger Network is a series of charging stations where Tesla cars can recharge their batteries quickly. This makes it easier for Tesla drivers to travel long distances without worrying about running out of power.
The Tesla Supercharger Network is a system of fast-charging stations designed specifically for Tesla electric vehicles. It allows Tesla owners to quickly recharge their cars during long trips, significantly reducing downtime compared to standard charging options.
Dodge Charger
"...off for about an hour down to Young and there's a charger at Young. It's been upgraded, it's very good, bu..."
The Dodge Charger is a big car that looks sporty and can go really fast. It's popular because it has a strong engine and a cool design, making it fun to drive.
The Dodge Charger is a full-size sedan known for its powerful performance and muscular design. It has a rich history in American automotive culture, often associated with high-speed pursuits and police use, making it a popular choice among car enthusiasts.
Chrysler Country Town
"...back street. It's great, but it is, it's a small country town. If you're there on a Sunday afternoon, you migh..."
The Chrysler Town & Country is a big family car that can hold a lot of people and their stuff. It's designed to be comfortable and practical for families on the go.
The Chrysler Town & Country is a minivan that was popular for its spacious interior and family-friendly features. It was known for its comfort and versatility, making it a great choice for families needing ample passenger and cargo space.
Mercedes
"...you couldn't as a Aeon driver, a Kia or a Mercedes driver, you couldn't stop there."
Mercedes is a luxury car brand from Germany that makes high-end cars known for their quality and performance. They offer a range of vehicles from sedans to sports cars.
Mercedes-Benz is a German luxury automotive brand known for its high-quality vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and sports cars. The brand is recognized for its engineering, performance, and luxury features.
Kia
"...you couldn't as a Aeon driver, a Kia or a Mercedes driver, you couldn't stop there."
Kia is a car brand from South Korea that makes different types of cars, including electric ones. They are known for being affordable and reliable.
Kia is a South Korean automotive manufacturer known for producing a range of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and electric vehicles. The brand has gained popularity for its value, warranty, and design.
Tesla Superchargers
"So we drive there and there are 20 stalls, 20 Tesla Superchargers. There are five, six cars parked there, three of them, Tesla's, three of them, non-Teslas and then us."
Tesla Superchargers are special charging stations for Tesla cars that let you charge the battery quickly. They're placed along highways to help you travel longer distances without running out of power.
Tesla Superchargers are high-speed charging stations designed specifically for Tesla electric vehicles, allowing for rapid recharging of the car's battery. They are strategically located to facilitate long-distance travel for Tesla owners.
charging network
"There is no one else in Australia building charging networks like Tesla. It's been created an attachment rate too with people to see all the Tesla charges."
A charging network is a group of places where electric cars can recharge their batteries. It's important for people who drive electric cars to have access to these charging stations.
A charging network refers to a system of charging stations that allow electric vehicles to recharge their batteries, essential for the widespread adoption of electric cars.
kilowatts
"...We've got 150 kilowatts out of the box. And you said how long? 16 minutes."
Kilowatts is a way to measure power. For electric cars, it tells you how much energy the car can use or how fast it can charge.
Kilowatts (kW) is a unit of power that measures the rate at which energy is used or generated. In the context of electric vehicles, it often refers to the power output of charging stations or the power consumption of the vehicle's electric motor.
Tesla Model Y
"The Model Y, new Model Y looks like a frog. We've established that here, right?"
The Tesla Model Y is a type of electric car that looks like a small SUV. It's popular because it can drive long distances without needing to stop for gas.
The Tesla Model Y is an all-electric compact SUV that offers a spacious interior and advanced technology features. It's known for its impressive range and performance, making it a popular choice among electric vehicle buyers.
Bmw I3
"...you said you owned a BMW i3."
The BMW i3 is a small electric car made by BMW. It was designed to be eco-friendly and has a distinctive look, making it different from traditional cars.
The BMW i3 is an electric vehicle that was produced by BMW from 2013 to 2021. It features a unique design and is known for its sustainable materials and efficient electric powertrain.
EV
"...and it was legit an early EV. How early did you buy it?"
EV means electric vehicle. It's a type of car that runs on electricity instead of gas, making it better for the environment.
EV stands for electric vehicle, which is a car that is powered entirely by electricity instead of gasoline or diesel. EVs are known for being more environmentally friendly and often have lower operating costs compared to traditional vehicles.
electric car
"I thought it might be nice to be able to drive past the petrol station with an electric car."
An electric car runs on electricity instead of gasoline. This means it doesn't need to stop at gas stations, making it a cleaner option for the environment.
An electric car is a vehicle that is powered entirely or partially by electricity, using electric motors instead of internal combustion engines. They are often seen as a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional gasoline-powered cars.
solar panels
"And at the time I was living in a home which had solar panels."
Solar panels are special panels that capture sunlight and turn it into electricity. This electricity can be used to power your home or charge an electric car.
Solar panels are devices that convert sunlight into electricity. They are often used in homes to generate renewable energy, which can be used to power electric cars and other appliances.
range extender
"...it was only about 100k range. I had a range extend a little petrol motor on it which gave you an extra few k if you needed it when you got stuck."
A range extender is a small engine that helps charge the battery of an electric car, so you can drive further without running out of power. It's like having a backup power source when the battery gets low.
A range extender is a small auxiliary engine that generates electricity to recharge the batteries of an electric vehicle, allowing for longer travel distances beyond the vehicle's electric range. This technology is often used in plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).
Hyundai Kona
"and then bought a Kona Highlander back in 2022."
The Hyundai Kona is a small SUV that is known for being fun to drive and having a modern design. The Highlander is likely a more feature-rich version of this model.
The Hyundai Kona is a subcompact SUV that combines practicality with a stylish design. The Highlander trim typically refers to a more equipped version, offering enhanced features and comfort.
Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
"...so I went back into a nice vehicle again and now back into a hybrid. I've got a Santa Fe hybrid. That's a nice car."
The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is a type of SUV that uses both gas and electricity to run. This helps it save fuel and be better for the environment.
The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is a midsize SUV that combines a traditional gasoline engine with an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. It offers a spacious interior and a range of modern features.
traditional hybrid
"...That's not a plug-in hybrid though. That's a traditional style hybrid, isn't it?"
A traditional hybrid car uses both gas and electricity to drive, but you don't have to plug it in to charge it. It gets energy from the gas engine and also from braking.
A traditional hybrid vehicle uses both a gasoline engine and an electric motor, but it does not need to be plugged in to charge. The electric motor assists the gasoline engine to improve fuel efficiency.
ludicrous mode
"But if you're in a Tesla and you put it in ludicrous mode and you give it a squirt to show you, mate, you're definitely using more battery"
Ludicrous mode is a special feature in Tesla cars that makes them accelerate really fast. It's like a turbo boost for electric cars, allowing them to go from 0 to 60 mph in just a few seconds.
Ludicrous mode is a performance setting in Tesla vehicles that allows for maximum acceleration by increasing power output, enabling rapid speed increases. This mode significantly enhances the car's performance, making it one of the fastest production cars available.
regenerative braking
"you get the regenerative braking happening. So, that's going to deliver more power to the battery."
Regenerative braking helps cars save energy when they slow down. Instead of wasting that energy, it sends some of it back to the battery, making the car more efficient.
Regenerative braking is a technology used in electric and hybrid vehicles that captures energy typically lost during braking and converts it back into usable power, which is then stored in the battery. This process helps improve the vehicle's efficiency and extends the driving range by using energy that would otherwise be wasted.
self-protection mode
"...after three or four goes, it'll say, no, mate, You're going to take it easy now. It's like a self-protection mode. I remember interviewing Mark Webber at the launch"
Self-protection mode is a safety feature in some electric cars that slows down the car's performance if it's being pushed too hard. This helps prevent damage to the car's battery and other parts.
Self-protection mode in electric vehicles like Tesla is a feature that limits performance to prevent overheating or damage to the battery and motors. This ensures the vehicle remains safe and operational after intense use, such as on a racetrack.
Porsche Taycan
"...viewing Mark Webber at the launch of the Porsche Taycan in, like, 2018, and he said one of the things Po..."
The Porsche Taycan is a fancy electric car that is really fast and fun to drive. It's made by Porsche, a brand known for making high-quality sports cars, and it shows that electric cars can be exciting too.
The Porsche Taycan is a luxury electric sports sedan that showcases Porsche's commitment to high-performance electric vehicles. It combines cutting-edge technology with the brand's signature driving dynamics, making it a standout in the electric car market.
battery degradation
"and they built it so that it would never degrade. It would, even if you only had 10% battery left..."
Battery degradation is when a battery loses its ability to hold a charge over time. For electric cars like the Taycan, this means they can still perform well even when the battery is low.
Battery degradation refers to the loss of battery capacity over time, which can affect the performance and range of electric vehicles. In the context of the Taycan, it means that the car is designed to maintain performance even as the battery's charge decreases.
Toyota Hilux
"I've got a two-wheel drive Hilux, which is a fantastic car. We took it up right up to the top of Kate York a few years ago."
The Toyota Hilux is a tough pickup truck that people use for work and adventure. It's known for being reliable and can handle rough terrains well.
The Toyota Hilux is a popular pickup truck known for its durability and off-road capability. It's often used in both commercial and recreational settings, making it a versatile choice for many drivers.
ASX
"...she has an ASX..."
The Mitsubishi ASX is a small SUV that’s good for city driving and can handle some rough roads too. It’s a popular choice for families.
The Mitsubishi ASX is a compact crossover SUV that offers a balance of practicality and efficiency. It's designed for urban driving while providing some off-road capability.
Ford F150
"He talked about being fully off-grid, and he talked about the F-150 lightening from Ford, and how he wouldn't mind having one."
The Ford F-150 is a popular truck that many people use for work and play. It's strong and can carry heavy loads, which is why so many people like to buy it.
The Ford F-150 is one of the best-selling pickup trucks in the United States, known for its durability, versatility, and capability. It is often used for both work and recreation, making it a favorite among truck buyers.
GAC Aion 5
"But we're driving something called the GAC. AON 5. Now, this is a tough one because..."
The GAC Aion 5 is an electric SUV made by GAC. It's designed to be eco-friendly and has many modern features.
The GAC Aion 5 is an electric SUV produced by GAC Group, part of their Aion brand focused on electric vehicles. It features modern design and technology aimed at the growing EV market.
GAC
"But we're driving something called the GAC. AON 5."
GAC is another car company from China that makes different types of vehicles. They are working to grow their brand both in China and internationally.
GAC Group is a Chinese automotive manufacturer that produces a range of vehicles, including electric and traditional combustion engine cars. They are known for their collaboration with international brands and expanding their market presence.
AON
"AON is the model. Yep."
The AON is a specific model of car made by GAC, which is a brand from China.
The GAC AON is a model produced by GAC, typically representing their offerings in the compact or mid-size segment.
Geely
"...But I feel like GAC is like a Geely Group. You know, a very big automotive group. And Geely themselves have Geely branded cars."
Geely is a car company from China that makes different types of vehicles. They are well-known and have bought other car brands to grow their business.
Geely is a Chinese automotive manufacturer known for producing a range of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and electric cars. The company has expanded its reach through acquisitions and partnerships, making it one of the largest automotive groups in China.
BMW M8
"And I'm in the M8 tunnel and I'm sort of going... Keep an eye on my speakers."
The BMW M8 is a fast and luxurious sports car made by BMW. It's designed for high performance and has a powerful engine that makes it exciting to drive.
The BMW M8 is a high-performance sports car that combines luxury with powerful performance. It features a twin-turbocharged V8 engine and advanced technology for an exhilarating driving experience.
cruise control
"...you know, there's a little picture on the dashboard of the cars on the road and everything. And if you're in cruise control and you accelerate..."
Cruise control helps you drive at a constant speed without pressing the gas pedal. It's great for long trips because it makes driving easier and more comfortable.
Cruise control is a system that automatically controls the speed of a vehicle, allowing the driver to maintain a steady speed without having to keep their foot on the accelerator. This feature is particularly useful for long drives on highways.
DeLorean
"...as if you're about to be the DeLorean at 88 miles an hour. It's hilarious."
The DeLorean is a unique car that looks different from most cars, with shiny metal and doors that open upwards. It's famous because it was used as a time machine in the 'Back to the Future' movies.
The DeLorean is a car made by the DeLorean Motor Company, famously known for its distinctive stainless steel body and gull-wing doors. It gained iconic status from its role in the 'Back to the Future' movie series, where it was used as a time machine.
Ford F150 Lightning
"and also said, talked about the F-150 Lightning. He also said,"
The Ford F-150 Lightning is an electric truck that works like the regular F-150 but runs on electricity instead of gas. This means it's better for the environment and can still do a lot of the same things, like towing and carrying heavy stuff.
The Ford F-150 Lightning is the electric version of the iconic F-150 pickup truck, combining the traditional capabilities of the F-150 with modern electric vehicle technology. It offers impressive towing capacity and range, making it a significant step towards sustainable transportation in the truck segment.
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
Help improve this episode
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.