{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"113 - We need an Electric Van!","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/113-we-need-an-electric-van","audioUrl":"https://traffic.megaphone.fm/VVRVT9629734461.mp3?updated=1773857543","description":"Taking your calls about anything to do with Electric Cars - get in touch by text or WhatsApp to 0477 657 657 thanks to Vodafone!\n\nThis week we hear from Victor about his new GWM Ora to sit alongside their BYD Dolphin.\n\nNigel the accountant scores a cracking deal on a Polestar.\n\nWhile Rowan is in search of a commercial EV - a new VAN perhaps?\n\nAll thanks to NRMA Insurance and Uniden Smart Dashcams"},"annotations":[{"startTime":7.4,"endTime":19.9,"type":"company","title":"NRMA Insurance","url":"/glossary/nrma-insurance","quote":"Insurance and UNIDEN. That's right we do it thanks to the great people at NRMA Insurance helping\n[12.2s] Australians protect what matters most for over a hundred years... give them a call when your insurance is up for\n[19.9s] renewal...","canonicalId":"company:nrma-insurance","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"NRMA Insurance is a major Australian insurer. In the context of EVs, they’re positioned as a provider that can help with coverage when your policy renews.","simplifiedExplanation":"NRMA Insurance is an Australian company that sells car insurance. They’re mentioning it because EV owners also need insurance, and they want you to check what they can offer at renewal time."}},{"startTime":24.6,"endTime":33.5,"type":"term","title":"smart dash cam","url":"/glossary/smart-dash-cam","quote":"consider a UNIDEN smart dash cam for your car\n[29.9s] whatever whether it's a petrol car or an electric car you're still going to have a dash cam","canonicalId":"term:smart-dash-cam","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A smart dash cam is a dash camera with added features beyond basic recording (often including app connectivity, parking mode, and/or driver-assist integrations). The hosts frame it as a practical safety and evidence tool for both EV and non-EV drivers.","simplifiedExplanation":"A dash cam is a camera that records while you drive. A “smart” one usually adds extra features like easier setup or extra recording modes."}},{"startTime":24.6,"endTime":43.9,"type":"company","title":"UNIDEN","url":"/glossary/uniden","quote":"think about what happens on the road around you and consider a UNIDEN smart dash cam for your car\n[29.9s] whatever whether it's a petrol car or an electric car you're still going to have a dash cam","canonicalId":"company:uniden","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"UNIDEN is a consumer electronics brand known here for dash cams. The episode ties UNIDEN’s dash cam to EV ownership by emphasizing recording incidents regardless of whether the car is petrol or electric.","simplifiedExplanation":"UNIDEN makes dash cams—small cameras that record what happens on the road. They’re saying it’s useful for EVs too, not just petrol cars."}},{"startTime":101.5,"endTime":115.4,"type":"car","title":"GWM Aura GT","quote":"you've picked up a brand new\n[101.5s] electric car recently what have you got mate you've just picked up a GWM Aura GT nice GT\n[109.5s] that's the little little bug-eyed little little car","canonicalId":"car:gwm-aura-gt","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The GWM Aura GT is a compact electric car from GWM (Great Wall Motor). The speaker describes it as having a distinctive “bug-eyed” look and says their opinion changed after seeing it on the road.","simplifiedExplanation":"The GWM Aura GT is an electric car made by GWM. The caller is talking about how the styling grew on them once they saw it in real life."}},{"startTime":121.1,"endTime":126.96,"type":"car","title":"BYD Dolphin","url":"/cars/byd/dolphin","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/56/BYD_Atto_2_DSC_8763.jpg","quote":"well we got we got the BYD Dolphin last year and that was going to be the the missus car","canonicalId":"car:byd:dolphin","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.92,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The BYD Dolphin is a popular BYD electric hatchback/compact EV. In this segment, it’s mentioned as the speaker’s previous car (“last year”) and as the “missus car,” setting up a comparison to the newer GWM Aura GT.","simplifiedExplanation":"The BYD Dolphin is an electric car from BYD. The speaker says they had one last year, and it was the wife’s car before moving on.","imageAttribution":"Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":158.1,"endTime":168.5,"type":"concept","title":"charging stops","url":"/glossary/charging-stops","quote":"we used all the Tesla charges all the way up and we only stopped for around 45 which is about what we we normally do when we're driving up you know toilets and lunch and everything","canonicalId":"concept:charging-stops","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.88,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Charging stops are the planned breaks during a road trip to recharge the battery. The hosts compare how long they typically stop (around 45 minutes) and how that fits with normal breaks like lunch and restrooms."}},{"startTime":173.9,"endTime":189.5,"type":"concept","title":"demo vehicle","url":"/glossary/demo-vehicle","quote":"the GWM come up as a a demo which which meant we could still get the FBT and all the sort of that sort of financial sort of stuff and we got it really cheap","canonicalId":"concept:demo-vehicle","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A demo vehicle is typically a car used by a dealer for test drives or showroom use. Dealers often discount these because they’re not brand-new, which can make the purchase price significantly lower.","simplifiedExplanation":"A demo car is one the dealership uses for customers to test drive. It’s usually not brand new, so it can be cheaper."}},{"startTime":215.5,"endTime":228.1,"type":"term","title":"cruise control","url":"/glossary/cruise-control","quote":"if you I use cruise control all the time the BYD like it's on it's on the steering wheel you just click it on up or down speed too easy","canonicalId":"term:cruise-control","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Cruise control is an assist feature that maintains a set speed without you holding the accelerator. In EVs, it’s often integrated with steering-wheel or stalk controls, and some versions can also adapt to traffic.","simplifiedExplanation":"Cruise control helps your car keep a steady speed. You set the speed once, and the car handles the rest."}},{"startTime":240.9,"endTime":262.7,"type":"term","title":"physical buttons","url":"/glossary/physical-buttons","quote":"they don't have enough physical physical buttons like yeah it's a separate store so you might grab the wrong one yeah yeah you get you like I'm getting you get better with it I've seen only physical buttons they have is AC on fan fan on off and the hazard","canonicalId":"term:physical-buttons","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Physical buttons are dedicated, tactile controls you can press without looking. The hosts prefer them for frequently used functions because they’re faster and less distracting than relying on touchscreens.","simplifiedExplanation":"Physical buttons are the real, clicky controls you can feel. They’re usually easier to use safely while driving than touchscreen menus."}},{"startTime":262.7,"endTime":270.0,"type":"term","title":"dash screen","url":"/glossary/dash-screen","quote":"the screen is sort of really small it's like a dash screen and the steering wheel covers up almost half of that dash","canonicalId":"term:dash-screen","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A dash screen is the digital display behind or in front of the steering wheel that shows speed, navigation, and driver-assist info. The speaker criticizes the screen size and visibility because the steering wheel blocks part of it.","simplifiedExplanation":"The dash screen is the digital display you look at while driving. They’re saying it’s too small and the steering wheel makes it harder to see."}},{"startTime":331.1,"endTime":337.5,"type":"term","title":"sport mode","url":"/glossary/sport-mode","quote":"it like man it goes like a real drive yeah put it put in sport mode it's it's crazy around corners and all that's brilliant brilliant to drive for sure","canonicalId":"term:sport-mode","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Sport mode” is a driving setting that typically changes throttle mapping, steering weight, shift/gear logic (if applicable), and traction/regen behavior to make the car feel more responsive. The hosts use it to describe how the GWM feels especially dynamic around corners."}},{"startTime":407.2,"endTime":414.4,"type":"term","title":"bi-directional","url":"/glossary/bi-directional","quote":"just a question on the on the CIG 25 kilowatt DC because it does have bi-directional you've got a you've got a car that is bi-directionally compatible the add-oh three we we know that the dolphin","canonicalId":"term:bi-directional","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.92,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Bi-directional” charging means the EV can send electricity back out to the home or grid, not just take power in. This enables vehicle-to-home (V2H) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) use cases, but it requires compatible hardware, software enablement, and often specific warranty/contract terms."}},{"startTime":427.3,"endTime":433.5,"type":"term","title":"warranty","url":"/glossary/warranty","quote":"i i think it's a veil like last time i looked it was available but um they were still testing with the warranty so hadn't said yes you can use it with the warranty yet","canonicalId":"term:warranty","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Warranty coverage matters for bi-directional charging because exporting power can stress components differently than normal charging. The hosts indicate the feature was still being tested with warranty approval, which affects whether owners can use it without risking coverage."}},{"startTime":586.3,"endTime":591.1,"type":"concept","title":"solar","url":"/glossary/solar","quote":"...it's it's exciting you got two cars the battery you got the solar you are great...","canonicalId":"concept:solar","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Solar refers to generating electricity from sunlight, which can be used to charge an EV at home. In the context of the episode, it’s part of a “self-supply” approach to reduce reliance on grid electricity and petrol."}},{"startTime":642.6,"endTime":647.0,"type":"term","title":"manual","url":"/glossary/manual","quote":"...make sure they got they got manual they got manual getting a manual license so both of you know one's got a manual...","canonicalId":"term:manual","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A manual transmission uses a clutch pedal and gear lever, requiring the driver to manage engine speed and gear selection. The hosts connect it to driver education, emphasizing that learning manual skills can make you comfortable in many cars.","simplifiedExplanation":"A manual car has a clutch and you change gears yourself. Learning it can make driving easier in other cars too."}},{"startTime":1251.4,"endTime":1285.6,"type":"concept","title":"real-world EV range vs claimed range","quote":"...it was only a nightmare because you literally needed to stop every 250 ks to charge or 200 ks to charge that was highway driving though... something that says it's got 300 ks range... if you're on the highway... you're not going to get that range whereas if you're... stop start around town... you're going to get that range...","canonicalId":"concept:real-world-ev-range-vs-claimed-range","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"EV range depends heavily on driving conditions and speed. The episode contrasts a van’s stated range (e.g., “300 ks”) with highway driving that forces frequent charging, while stop-start city driving can stretch range further.","simplifiedExplanation":"Electric cars don’t always go as far as the brochure says. Faster highway driving usually uses more energy, so you may need to charge more often than you’d expect."}},{"startTime":1255.2,"endTime":1265.0,"type":"term","title":"highway driving","url":"/glossary/highway-driving","quote":"...that was highway driving though you got to remember... if you're on the highway so if you... commute... a lot you're not going to get that range...","canonicalId":"term:highway-driving","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Highway driving usually reduces EV range because aerodynamic drag and sustained high speeds require more energy. The episode uses highway driving as the reason the van needs frequent charging compared with its stated range."}},{"startTime":1273.8,"endTime":1280.0,"type":"term","title":"stop-start driving","url":"/glossary/stop-start-driving","quote":"...whereas if you're a stop start around town... you're going to get that range and possibly more...","canonicalId":"term:stop-start-driving","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Stop-start driving typically improves EV efficiency because regenerative braking can recover energy when slowing down. That’s why the episode suggests city-style driving can achieve more of the vehicle’s advertised range than steady highway cruising."}},{"startTime":1439.8,"endTime":1445.8,"type":"concept","title":"fuel cost savings","url":"/glossary/fuel-cost-savings","quote":"...their transition to electrification has is saving the money yeah five was a five grand a month was that [1445.8s] yeah in fuel amazing...","canonicalId":"concept:fuel-cost-savings","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Fuel cost savings refers to the reduction in operating expenses when switching from petrol/diesel to electricity. The speakers cite a monthly fuel figure to argue that electrification can be financially compelling for businesses."}},{"startTime":1477.9,"endTime":1485.2,"type":"concept","title":"overnight charging","url":"/glossary/overnight-charging","quote":"...and i would argue well it'd be an overnight career drivers got to be taking a lunch break so do you take your lunch break somewhere where you can charge...","canonicalId":"concept:overnight-charging","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Overnight charging means charging the vehicle while it’s parked at home or a depot during off-hours. The speakers suggest this as a workable strategy for electric vans and other high-usage vehicles."}},{"startTime":1563.8,"endTime":1576.7,"type":"brand","title":"Apple CarPlay","url":"/glossary/apple-carplay","quote":"yeah well i actually just listened to monday's episode on my drive ... so you know in the poll star right through the uh apple carplay podcast app that's how i listened to you guys","canonicalId":"brand:apple-carplay","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Apple CarPlay is a smartphone-to-car interface that mirrors compatible iPhone apps onto the vehicle’s infotainment screen. It’s commonly used for navigation, calls, and audio apps like podcasts while driving.","simplifiedExplanation":"Apple CarPlay lets you use your iPhone apps on the car’s screen. In this case, it’s how they listen to podcasts while driving."}},{"startTime":1624.4,"endTime":1636.1,"type":"concept","title":"service intervals","url":"/glossary/service-intervals","quote":"because i'm doing so many k's the uh service intervals are like 10 000 k's and you go to a Kia dealer and it's you know anywhere up to a thousand bucks","canonicalId":"concept:service-intervals","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Service intervals are the scheduled mileage/time between maintenance visits (like oil and filter service, inspections, and other wear items). The speaker contrasts how often they need to service their Kia Stinger versus their EV use case, framing it as a cost driver for high-mileage driving.","simplifiedExplanation":"Service intervals are how often your car needs scheduled maintenance. If you drive a lot, those visits add up in cost and time."}},{"startTime":1662.7,"endTime":1668.2,"type":"term","title":"dual motor","url":"/glossary/dual-motor","quote":"end up in the long range dual motor so you know 310 kilowatts","canonicalId":"term:dual-motor","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A dual-motor EV uses two electric motors, commonly one driving the front axle and one driving the rear axle. This can improve acceleration and traction, and it often enables more flexible torque distribution than a single-motor setup.","simplifiedExplanation":"Dual motor means the car has two electric motors. That usually helps it launch harder and grip the road better, especially in tricky conditions."}},{"startTime":1668.2,"endTime":1674.9,"type":"term","title":"310 kilowatts","url":"/glossary/310-kilowatts","quote":"end up in the long range dual motor so you know 310 kilowatts it's a absolute weapon","canonicalId":"term:310-kilowatts","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Kilowatts (kW) are a power measurement commonly used for EVs and other vehicles outside the U.S. context. The speaker uses the figure to emphasize how strong the Polestar feels compared with their Kia Stinger.","simplifiedExplanation":"310 kilowatts is a measure of how much power the EV can produce. They’re mentioning it to show the car feels very quick and capable."}},{"startTime":1757.2,"endTime":1762.1,"type":"company","title":"Geely","url":"/glossary/geely","quote":"and that sort of mix of swedish and geely i like the design","canonicalId":"company:geely","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Geely is a major Chinese automaker that has ownership and partnership ties in the EV space, including with Polestar. Mentioning Geely helps explain why Polestar is often described as having both Swedish design roots and Chinese industrial backing.","simplifiedExplanation":"Geely is a big car company from China. They’re mentioning it because it’s part of the story behind Polestar’s ownership and how the brand is built."}},{"startTime":1784.6,"endTime":1791.0,"type":"concept","title":"fleet sales","url":"/glossary/fleet-sales","quote":"he would get a steady stream he said he'd sold like 70 or 80 poll stars in the last year wow because he was getting them off off fleet","canonicalId":"concept:fleet-sales","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Fleet sales are vehicle transactions where cars are sold in volume to companies that use them for business (often leasing or company driving). Fleet channels can affect pricing and availability, and the hosts suggest the broker is moving Polestars that come from fleet turnover.","simplifiedExplanation":"Fleet sales are when companies buy cars in bulk for business use. That can change pricing and how quickly cars show up for resale."}},{"startTime":1797.7,"endTime":1804.0,"type":"concept","title":"holds their value","url":"/glossary/holds-their-value","quote":"different models were available is that because they hold their value or because they're just ultra reliable","canonicalId":"concept:holds-their-value","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.88,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Holds their value” means the car’s resale price stays relatively strong over time. The hosts connect this to why Polestars are moving quickly from fleet turnover—either because they retain value well or because they’re perceived as reliable.","simplifiedExplanation":"They’re talking about whether the car keeps its resale value. If it holds value, it’s usually cheaper to own long-term because you don’t lose as much money when you sell it."}},{"startTime":1846.6,"endTime":1862.3,"type":"concept","title":"second hand EV market","url":"/glossary/second-hand-ev-market","quote":"...the second hand dv market i reckon uh a lot of people... the second hand market is worth exploring... you can get some solid value in a second hand vehicle...","canonicalId":"concept:second-hand-ev-market","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The hosts are discussing the used (second-hand) market for EVs as a way to get better value than buying new. This matters because EV prices can drop faster than many people expect, and incentives can change the economics of buying both new and used.","simplifiedExplanation":"They’re talking about buying electric cars that are already owned instead of brand new. Used EVs can be cheaper, and that can make EVs feel more affordable."}},{"startTime":2045.4,"endTime":2050.2,"type":"term","title":"kilowatt hour","url":"/glossary/kilowatt-hour","quote":"between midnight and six am at eight cents a kilowatt hour or whatever and yeah right you do the math on that","canonicalId":"term:kilowatt-hour","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A “kilowatt hour” (kWh) is the unit of energy used to measure how much electricity you consume. EV charging costs are commonly calculated as (price per kWh) × (kWh added), so understanding kWh helps you estimate charging expenses.","simplifiedExplanation":"A kilowatt hour (kWh) is how you measure electricity usage. If you know the price per kWh, you can estimate what charging will cost."}},{"startTime":2081.7,"endTime":2087.2,"type":"concept","title":"plug it in at home","url":"/glossary/plug-it-in-at-home","quote":"i said just think of it like your phone yeah every when you get home plug it in if if you're not going out again that day plug it in","canonicalId":"concept:plug-it-in-at-home","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The speakers emphasize a simple routine: plug the EV in when you get home, especially if you’re not leaving again soon. This matters because most EVs can charge overnight, turning everyday charging into a low-effort habit.","simplifiedExplanation":"They’re saying the easiest approach is to plug the EV in when you get home. If you’re not driving again right away, overnight charging usually works well."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Trevor Long","role":"host"},{"id":"s2","name":"Stephen Fenech","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/113-we-need-an-electric-van/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}