Stephen and Trevor discuss the current surge in petrol prices and how electric vehicles (EVs) offer a stable alternative, especially with home charging and renewable energy options. They highlight the security EV owners have compared to petrol users amid supply issues and geopolitical tensions. The conversation includes a caller, Raf, who shares his transition from diesel to EVs and considerations about vehicle-to-grid technology and choosing the right EV for work and lifestyle needs. The hosts also touch on concerns about EV charging costs and the evolving EV market in Australia.
With the conflict in the Middle East affecting Petrol prices - is now the best time to own an EV? Let's not gloat, but it's working out pretty well?
We take your calls, get in touch via SMS on 0477 657 657 or WhatsApp, and let us know about your EV or your EV questions.
This week we're talking to a Mini owner thinking of doubling down, and a Deepal owner doing the same.
Plus the Cupra owner in New Zealand that's fallen in love with the brand
"If you've got a car you need a dashcams, it's really quite simple because why wouldn't you want to have a record of what happened on the road around you? ... Also, get the rear, get the one with the R because you get the rear camera as well. You want to go front and back."
A dashcam is a camera you put in your car to record what happens while you drive. It helps prove what really happened if there's a crash or something unusual on the road.
A dashcam is a small video camera mounted on a vehicle's dashboard or windshield to record the view through the front or rear windows. It provides evidence in case of accidents or incidents on the road and can also capture unexpected or interesting events.
"If you're an owner of an EV, we'd love to hear from you. If you're in the market for an EV, we'd love to hear from you. ... I think there's a few EV owners with a little rye smile on their face right now thinking, well, that's not going to affect me."
An electric vehicle is a car that runs on electricity instead of petrol or diesel. It uses batteries to power the motor, which can save money on fuel and is better for the environment.
An electric vehicle (EV) is a car powered entirely or primarily by electricity stored in batteries, rather than by gasoline or diesel fuel. EVs offer benefits such as lower running costs, reduced emissions, and independence from petrol prices.
"We've got solar. A lot of our listeners have solar. That gives you the potential to literally charge your car at home."
Solar means using sunlight to make electricity with special panels. You can use this electricity to charge your electric car at home instead of buying fuel.
Solar refers to the use of solar panels to generate electricity from sunlight. In the context of electric vehicles, solar power can be used to charge EV batteries at home, reducing reliance on grid electricity or fossil fuels.
"If you've got a battery, there's that potential as well. But broadly speaking, whether it's coal, firepower, wind or renewables, whatever it is..."
A battery is like a big box that holds electricity to power an electric car. You can also have batteries at home to save solar power for charging your car later.
In electric vehicles, a battery stores electrical energy to power the electric motor. Home energy storage batteries can also store solar energy for later use, such as charging an EV when the sun isn't shining.
"But broadly speaking, whether it's coal, firepower, wind or renewables, whatever it is, the ability for government to control and supply electricity is far easier than it is with fuel."
Renewables are types of energy that come from nature and don't run out, like sunlight and wind. They help make electricity to charge electric cars without using fuel.
Renewables refer to energy sources that are naturally replenished, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. These sources can be used to generate electricity for charging electric vehicles, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
"We're not relying on supply coming from the Middle East and other parts of the world where obviously there's big conflict in the Middle East right now and putting pressure on people. The other defence of the government is there's also major flooding in Queensland, which is causing supply problems for trucks to get through and deliver the fuel."
Fuel supply chain means all the steps to get petrol and diesel from the ground to your car. Problems like wars or floods can make fuel hard to get or more expensive.
The fuel supply chain involves extraction, refining, transportation, and distribution of petrol and diesel. Disruptions such as geopolitical conflicts or natural disasters can impact fuel availability and prices.
"Hello, they claim there's a lot of panic buying going on, but people need petrol."
Panic buying is when people rush to buy lots of fuel because they are scared it will run out, which can actually cause the fuel to run out faster.
Panic buying refers to consumers purchasing large amounts of fuel or goods in response to fears of shortages, which can exacerbate supply problems and lead to actual shortages.
"And that's a genuine advantage to owning an EV is that price rise."
An EV is a car that runs on electricity from batteries instead of petrol or diesel. This means it can be cheaper to run and better for the environment.
EV stands for Electric Vehicle, a type of car powered entirely or primarily by electricity stored in batteries, instead of using petrol or diesel fuel. EVs offer advantages such as lower running costs and no direct emissions.
"you see people driving a diesel Land Cruiser or Prado and you think that's a great car, great fuel efficiency."
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a big, strong SUV that can drive on rough roads and lasts a long time. Many have diesel engines which use fuel efficiently compared to other big cars.
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a large, durable SUV known for its off-road capability and reliability, often used in tough terrains and for long-distance travel. It typically has a diesel engine option, which is noted for fuel efficiency in its class.
"you see people driving a diesel Land Cruiser or Prado and you think that's a great car, great fuel efficiency."
The Toyota Prado is a medium-sized SUV that can handle rough roads but is also good for daily driving. It usually has a diesel engine that uses less fuel.
The Toyota Prado is a mid-size SUV variant of the Land Cruiser series, popular for its balance of off-road ability and everyday usability. It often comes with diesel engine options known for better fuel economy.
"And I saw a bike yesterday with two Jerry cans. And I'm thinking, bro, I don't think that's for your lawn mower."
Jerry cans are small containers people use to carry extra petrol or diesel when they might not be able to get fuel easily.
Jerry cans are portable fuel containers used to store and transport petrol or diesel. They are often used in emergencies or when fuel availability is uncertain.
"Well, you know what, 95% of EV drivers charge at home. So how's that for convenience?"
Most people with electric cars charge them at home by plugging them into a charger, which is easy and convenient.
Charging at home refers to the practice of plugging in an electric vehicle to a home electrical outlet or dedicated charger to replenish its battery, which is the most common and convenient method for EV owners.
"I want to make sure that we all, as EV owners, keep our eye on those EV charging costs. I'm worried that there's a little bit of a tweak goes on."
Charging an electric car costs money, just like filling up a petrol car. The price depends on where and how fast you charge.
EV charging costs refer to the expenses incurred when charging an electric vehicle at public or private charging stations. These costs can vary based on electricity prices, charging speed, and location.
"Well, they're already talking about price gouging at the bowser, right? So petrol prices. So if that price gouging then transfers over to public charges,"
Price gouging means charging way too much money for something, especially when people really need it, like petrol or electricity.
Price gouging is the practice of raising prices to unfair or excessive levels, especially during times of high demand or shortage. In the context of fuel or electricity, it refers to charging customers excessively during crises or shortages.
"So if that price gouging then transfers over to public charges, then I think there should be an inquiry about that."
Public charges are the prices you pay when you charge your electric car at public charging stations.
Public charges refer to the fees charged at public electric vehicle charging stations. These fees can vary widely depending on the operator, location, and electricity costs.
"The wife. We traded in a sportage diesel, which glad we got off that boat into a de..."
The Kia Sportage is a small SUV made by Kia. It is good for families and can drive on many types of roads. Some versions use diesel fuel.
The Kia Sportage is a compact SUV that offers a comfortable ride, modern features, and efficient engine options, including diesel variants in some markets. The context suggests a transition away from the diesel version, likely due to environmental or regulatory reasons.
"I guess this whole vehicle to grid scenario just adds to the, to the mix in decision making. You know, it's a tough one."
Vehicle to grid means your electric car can send electricity back to the power company when they need it, helping save energy and maybe even making you some money.
Vehicle to grid (V2G) is a technology that allows electric vehicles to communicate with the power grid to sell demand response services by returning electricity to the grid or by throttling their charging rate. This can help balance energy supply and demand and potentially provide income to EV owners.
"Like my car at EV9, there's not many of them on the road, but there's plenty of EV3s and that's a price thing."
The Kia EV9 is a big electric SUV made by Kia. There aren't as many of them on the road because they cost more than smaller electric cars.
The Kia EV9 is an electric SUV from Kia, noted for being less common on the road compared to smaller models like the EV3, likely due to its higher price point.
"The EO7 looks fantastic, but still leans towards that concept vehicle type thing. Lots of moving parts, lots of, lots of motors, you know, I guess, you know, anything can go wrong"
A concept vehicle is like a test car made to show new ideas. It might have cool features but may not work perfectly or be easy to fix.
A concept vehicle is a prototype or design study that showcases new technology or design ideas but is not always fully production-ready. They often have complex features that may not be reliable or practical for everyday use.
"...xt on the list then? Well, again, going from the Ranger, I like definitely taken off any, any super hybri..."
The Ford Ranger is a medium-sized truck made by Ford. It's used for carrying things and driving on different types of roads. Some versions have special engines that use less fuel.
The Ford Ranger is a midsize pickup truck known for its versatility and durability, popular for both work and recreational use. It often features various powertrain options, including traditional gasoline engines and hybrid variants, making it a practical choice for those needing a capable utility vehicle. The mention of removing a 'super hybrid' suggests discussion about its powertrain options or fuel efficiency.
"I feel, well, look, I feel like with the Y, they, they put the indicator back on the stalk. They did. So I feel like that's already in, there's an indication there that they realized they went too far."
The Tesla Model Y is a small electric SUV made by Tesla. It has cool tech features and drives only on electricity, not gas.
The Tesla Model Y is an all-electric compact SUV produced by Tesla. It features a minimalist interior design and advanced technology including over-the-air updates and Autopilot capabilities.
"What about Trevor's favorite feature, the full self-driving? Yeah, nice. I do love that."
Full self-driving means the car can drive itself using special computer systems, so the driver doesn't have to do everything.
Full self-driving refers to advanced driver assistance technology that enables a vehicle to navigate and control itself with minimal or no human input. Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) is a package that includes features like automatic lane changes, traffic-aware cruise control, and navigation on autopilot.
"Okay. What about the GLE, the EX5? Similar to your D-part, really?"
The Mercedes-Benz GLE is a luxury SUV made by Mercedes. It is a big, comfortable car with many features and can have different types of engines.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE is a midsize luxury SUV offering a blend of performance, comfort, and advanced technology. It is often compared to other premium SUVs and may come with various powertrains, including mild hybrids and plug-in hybrids. The mention of 'EX5' suggests a comparison to a similar electric or hybrid model.
"That's why the BYD still sticks in my head because I know they're big supporters of vehicle to grid."
BYD is a company that makes electric cars and batteries. They work on technology that lets electric cars give power back to the electricity grid.
BYD is a major Chinese automotive company known for its electric vehicles and battery technology. They are notable supporters of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, which allows electric vehicles to feed energy back to the grid.
"Now, not to make this about your battery and your bi-directional charger and what I want to do at my house, but talk me through the app and stuff. Like, does it give you a lot of control over where the energy comes from, where you direct the energy?"
A bi-directional charger is a special charger that can both fill up your electric car's battery and send electricity from the car back to your house or the power grid.
A bi-directional charger allows electric vehicles not only to charge their batteries but also to send electricity back to the grid or a home, enabling vehicle-to-grid (V2G) or vehicle-to-home (V2H) energy use.
"so we ended up going with the Cooper. And yeah, it basically, but no issues whatsoever"
The Mini Cooper is a small car that is fun to drive and easy to park because it is small and quick.
The Mini Cooper is a small, sporty hatchback known for its iconic design and nimble handling, often chosen for its fun driving experience and compact size.
"I was always of the view that I was going to be a plug-in hybrid owner at some point,"
A plug-in hybrid is a car that uses both petrol and electricity. You can charge its battery by plugging it in, and it can drive some distance using only electricity.
A plug-in hybrid vehicle combines a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric motor and rechargeable battery. It can be charged from an external power source and can run on electric power alone for limited distances.
""So I got absolutely jipped being an early adopter. What's it like value-wise in New Zealand?""
An early adopter is a person who gets new things, like cars or gadgets, before most people do. They try new stuff first.
An early adopter is someone who buys or uses a new product or technology soon after it becomes available, often before it is widely accepted or affordable.
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This is Tubeloaks Talking Electric Cars with Stephen Fennick and Trevor Long, thanks to NRMA Insurance and Uniden.
And you are listening to Tubeloaks Talking Electric Cars, NRMA Insurance, one of Australia's largest insurers of electric vehicles,
helping Australians protect what matters most for over 100 years and Uniden Smart Dashcams.
If you've got a car you need a dashcams, it's really quite simple because why wouldn't you want to have a record of what happened on the road around you?
In the case of something bad happening to you, it's proof and it's back up to your word and in the case of something silly happening in front of you,
it's dope for dashcam owners.
Also, get the rear, get the one with the R because you get the rear camera as well.
You want to go front and back.
We'd love to hear from you, 04777657657.
We'd love to hear from you and have a chat about your journey with the electric vehicle world.
If you're an owner of an EV, we'd love to hear from you.
If you're in the market for an EV, we'd love to hear from you.
But most importantly, get in touch to send us a text or a WhatsApp.
Thanks to Vodafone, 04777657657.
Before we get to our first caller who's waiting patiently on the line, on the line RAF,
Steven, I mean, we don't want to kind of crow too much, but it's not a bad time to own an electric vehicle.
Every news bulletin is about petrol prices.
Yes, and running out of supply.
I think there's a few EV owners with a little rye smile on their face right now thinking,
well, that's not going to affect me.
I think without glorifying war and the whole circumstance there,
but I think that if there were people who were maybe on the fence about an EV,
this may tip them over.
This may tip them into the EV.
Think of, well, there's more security around my fuel,
which is electricity than there is around petrol.
I mean, not to go too deeply political,
but even as a layman, you realise that we as a country,
let alone as individuals now, have more control over electricity than we do things like fuel.
So we've got solar.
A lot of our listeners have solar.
That gives you the potential to literally charge your car at home.
If you've got a battery, there's that potential as well.
But broadly speaking, whether it's coal, firepower, wind or renewables, whatever it is,
the ability for government to control and supply electricity is far easier than it is with fuel.
And we're seeing that right now.
We're not relying on supply coming from the Middle East and other parts of the world
where obviously there's big conflict in the Middle East right now
and putting pressure on people.
It doesn't look like that's going to change anytime soon.
Well, depending on who you listen to, it could last weeks, could last months, could last years.
We don't know, but they're already starting to feel the pinch in rural areas.
They're running out of diesel and depending on which politician you're talking to,
they're thinking, well, no, it's because people are going to buy petrol.
Hello, they claim there's a lot of panic buying going on, but people need petrol.
The other defence of the government is there's also major flooding in Queensland,
which is causing supply problems for trucks to get through and deliver the fuel.
So there's a lot of factors.
But the bottom line is I don't think anyone could ignore the fact that
over many decades, fuel prices has always been our story.
Oil price, you know, the barrel.
It's something that's listed in the news sometimes, you know, the price of oil by the barrel.
Not that any of us have ever bought oil by the barrel, but we know intrinsically
that if oil prices by the barrel have gone up, then there's going to be a knock on effect at the bowser.
Absolutely.
And that's a genuine advantage to owning an EV is that price rise.
And I feel for people, especially diesel, because it's gone up so much,
you see people driving a diesel Land Cruiser or Prado
and you think that's a great car, great fuel efficiency.
But if your cost has just gone up 50 cents a litre, then that's a huge percentage increase
in your fuel cost and your daily cost of living.
Yeah. So I think now, you know how the people who were a little bit wary
or a little bit reluctant to go EV, their concern was, oh, where am I going to charge the car?
Well, now, if you're a petrol car owner, where are you going to get your fuel?
If this conflict continues, are you going to be sitting in a queue for an hour to get 20 bucks worth of fuel?
I mean, we live in the city where the supply issue isn't that bad.
And I saw a bike yesterday with two Jerry cans.
And I'm thinking, bro, I don't think that's for your lawn mower.
I think you might be hoarding a little bit.
Maybe, yeah. It's the toilet paper during COVID.
Everyone's thinking, oh, God, the guy with the Jerry cans is an example.
But I think if you take that concern that you had about EVs and thought, oh, where am I going to charge?
Well, you know what, 95% of EV drivers charge at home.
So how's that for convenience?
So I think that this may shift a few people's opinions on EVs and whether it's right for them.
I'll just say one last thing.
I want to make sure that we all, as EV owners, keep our eye on those EV charging costs.
I'm worried that there's a little bit of a tweak goes on.
I do not want to see fluctuation in electricity prices in the same way that we do.
Well, they're already talking about price gouging at the bowser, right?
So petrol prices.
So if that price gouging then transfers over to public charges,
then I think there should be an inquiry about that.
Yeah.
Well, let us know what you see out and about.
Let us know whether you've had those conversations with any of your neighbors or mates
about a little bit of humble bragging at the same time as them being in a little bit of financial pain.
I've had a few people say, oh, mate, you'll be fine.
I said, mate, haven't had petrol for eight years, mate.
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