116 - Buying an EV? Here's everything you need to know!
About this episode
Steven Fenwick and Trevor Long walk buyers through a practical EV checklist, starting with whether an EV fits your lifestyle: typical daily kilometres, access to home charging, and how often you do long trips or tow. They bust common myths about range, slow charging, high prices, battery death, and lack of chargers, using real-world examples and charging tips like topping up rather than charging to 100%. The discussion also covers ownership costs (fuel savings, fewer moving parts, brake wear, tire wear), incentives, and what to ask at showrooms—warranty, charging hardware, software updates, test drives, and insurance/repair readiness.
NRMA Insurance
"NRMA Insurance helping Australians protect what matters most for 100 years and then some [16.0s] still to come. [16.7s] Let's be honest they're going to be here around for a long time now one of Australia's largest insurers of electric vehicles..."
NRMA Insurance is a company that sells car insurance in Australia. They’re talking about EVs because lots of people are asking them for quotes when they’re thinking about buying an electric car.
NRMA Insurance is an Australian insurer that’s partnering on this episode to talk about EV ownership and insurance. They’re highlighting how many people are asking for EV quotes, which is useful context for new EV buyers.
UNIDEN
"Plus the great people at UNIDEN and their smart dash cams if you've got a car, any car, [34.0s] get a dash cam. [34.7s] These award-winning dash cams... look for the model with the R on it that includes the rear camera as well..."
UNIDEN is a brand that makes dash cams. The hosts say to get one that records from the front and also has a rear camera for better coverage.
UNIDEN is mentioned as the sponsor behind smart dash cams. The hosts recommend looking for a UNIDEN dash cam model with an “R” that includes a rear camera for front-and-rear coverage.
dash cams
"Plus the great people at UNIDEN and their smart dash cams if you've got a car, any car, [34.0s] get a dash cam. [39.4s] ...includes the rear camera as well so you want full coverage front and back."
A dash cam is a camera that records what’s happening while you drive. Having both front and rear cameras can help if there’s an accident or dispute.
Dash cams are cameras mounted in a vehicle that record driving footage. The hosts specifically recommend full coverage—front and rear—so you have more evidence in case of incidents.
EV myths (myth-busting)
"You've heard about it, you want to know about it. [66.8s] You've read some myths, we're going to bust some of those myths. [69.8s] If you already own a car, an electric car..."
They’re going to clear up common wrong ideas people have about electric cars. That’s important because those myths can make you buy the wrong EV—or avoid a good one.
The hosts frame the episode as “myth-busting,” meaning they’ll correct common misconceptions about electric vehicles. This matters for buyers because misinformation can affect decisions like charging, range expectations, and total cost of ownership.
EV buying checklist
"...we're going to talk about what to consider, the questions to ask and really a checklist [89.9s] of things to do to ensure that an EV is right for you. [93.3s] Because there is a lot of misinformation..."
The episode promises a practical checklist for evaluating whether an EV is right for you. A checklist approach helps buyers systematically consider key questions (like charging access and day-to-day fit) instead of relying on internet claims.
daily drive
"...the first thing is how far do you actually drive every day... Steven often asks what's your daily drive?"
Your daily drive is just how far you normally drive each day. For an EV, that matters because the car needs enough battery for your routine trips, and you’ll want to charge in a way that fits your schedule.
“Daily drive” is the key planning metric for EV ownership because EVs are most convenient when your everyday mileage fits within the car’s usable battery range. Buyers often start by comparing their typical commute to the EV’s real-world range and charging habits.
EV range (real-world range)
"...that's well within the range of every EV. If you're driving 200 kilometres one way... an EV is going to be a challenge... but if you're doing low..."
EV range is how far you can drive on one battery charge. In real life, it can be more or less depending on how you drive and conditions like weather.
EV range refers to how far the vehicle can travel on a charge, but real-world range depends on factors like speed, weather, terrain, and driving style. The hosts contrast short daily distances with longer one-way trips to show when range becomes a concern.
charging
"...an EV is going to be a challenge for you for different reasons that we'll talk about with charging but if you're doing low..."
Charging is how you refill the battery in your EV. The big question for many people is whether they can charge it conveniently where they live and drive.
Charging is the practical side of EV ownership: how and where you replenish the battery (at home, at work, or on the road). The transcript frames charging as a major factor to evaluate when deciding if an EV fits your lifestyle.
range anxiety
"...the biggest thing to overcome here, I think you've heard the term range anxiety when we hear people thinking oh but where do I charge it and how far does it go?"
Range anxiety is when you’re nervous your EV battery won’t last long enough for your trip. With EVs, you have to think about where you’ll charge next, not just how far you can drive.
Range anxiety is the worry that an EV won’t have enough battery charge to reach the destination or the next charging point. It’s especially common for new EV buyers because charging infrastructure and real-world range can vary by driving conditions.
range vs petrol car consideration
"...There was never that consideration with their petrol car because they thought well it's just going to go."
With a petrol car, you usually don’t worry too much about how far you can go—you just stop for fuel. With an EV, you have to plan charging more carefully, so it feels like a bigger deal at first.
The transcript highlights a mindset shift: with petrol cars, refueling is typically quick and range planning is less stressful, while EVs require thinking ahead about charging availability and battery limits. This difference is part of why “range anxiety” comes up for first-time EV buyers.
granny charger
"...with what we call the granny charger which is basically the cable that comes with the car that connects to the car and into the power point..."
A “granny charger” is the basic charging cable that plugs into a normal household outlet. It usually charges more slowly than a special home charger, but it can still work fine if you don’t drive far each day.
A “granny charger” is the standard EV charging cable that comes with the car, used to charge from a regular household power outlet. It’s typically slower than dedicated home wall chargers, but it can be enough for many drivers’ daily mileage.
Dodge Charger
"...metres a day or less with what we call the granny charger which is basically the cable that comes with the..."
The Dodge Charger is a car that’s built for performance and sporty driving. The podcast mentions a “granny charger,” which is a basic charging cable you can use at home. It’s brought up to explain how charging speed affects how much range you get back each day.
The Dodge Charger is a performance-focused sedan/coupe-style muscle car known for strong power and a sporty driving feel. In an EV-focused podcast, it’s likely mentioned in the context of charging habits—specifically using a basic “granny charger” cable that comes with many EVs. That makes it relevant to everyday charging and how far you can realistically go between charges.
long highway driving
"But it brings us to that big question of do you do actual long highway driving. And I think I'm a reasonable example of someone who drives to the country."
Driving fast on highways usually uses more battery than slower driving. So if you do a lot of long highway trips, you should expect the EV to go less far per charge.
High-speed highway driving typically increases energy use because of aerodynamic drag, which can reduce EV efficiency and range. That’s why long highway trips are an important factor when deciding if an EV fits your lifestyle.
EV road trips
"You can you can do road trips but if road trips are a big part of your family life they will change. And I think that's a really important thing I'm not saying for a second it's the same."
You can do road trips in an EV, but it’s not as simple as “drive until you’re low.” You have to think about where you’ll charge and when.
EV road trips are possible, but they require different planning than gas trips—mainly around charging availability and timing. The hosts emphasize that if road trips are central to family life, you may need to adjust expectations and routines.
towing a caravan
"So that's another thing too and if you're towing as well that's another consideration. Yep towing not really sort of a EV is not really conducive to towing a caravan. Small towing absolutely but big towing it's a drain."
Pulling a caravan makes the EV work harder, so it uses more battery. Small towing might be okay, but big towing can cut your distance a lot.
Towing changes an EV’s efficiency because it adds weight and increases aerodynamic drag, which can reduce range significantly. The hosts distinguish between small towing (more manageable) and large towing like caravans (often much more draining).
real-world range vs rated range
"Small towing absolutely but big towing it's a drain. So basically if your car is 500 kilometres range and you're towing something really really heavy your range is going to be depleted potentially by half and we'll get to in in another episode"
The “rated” EV range is usually measured under controlled test conditions, while real-world range depends on driving style, speed, weather, terrain, and added loads like towing. That’s why the same EV can feel like it has much less range on long trips or when hauling.
PlugShare
"doesn't have charging look at plugshared.com it's a website you can zoom in and see where charges are near you that will help you understand if there are charges you see them on a map"
PlugShare helps you find EV charging stations nearby. You can see them on a map and read what other drivers think about each charger.
PlugShare is a website and app that maps EV charging locations. It lets you zoom in on chargers near you and often includes user reviews and details like how many connectors are available.
Kia EV9
"now if you compare a Toyota Prado with 1100 kilometers range and a diesel engine to a care EV9 with 520 kilometers range that's insane sounds crazy but that's not what"
The Kia EV9 is an electric SUV. They bring it up to show that even if an EV’s advertised range number looks smaller than a diesel SUV’s, it doesn’t necessarily mean it won’t work for everyday driving.
The Kia EV9 is a large electric SUV used in the episode as an example of an EV with a lower stated range number than a diesel SUV. The point is to challenge the idea that EV range is automatically “not good enough,” even when the headline numbers look different.
Toyota Prado
"The first one is the range isn't good enough now if you compare a Toyota Prado with 1100 kilometers range and a diesel engine to a care EV9 with 520 kilometers range that's insane"
The Toyota Prado is a big SUV that people compare against EVs when talking about how far you can drive before refueling. Here it’s mentioned to show that diesel cars can advertise huge ranges.
The Toyota Prado is a popular SUV often used as a benchmark for real-world range in discussions comparing EVs vs diesel vehicles. In the segment, it’s used to illustrate that a diesel SUV can have a very long stated range.
range over 400 kilometers
"the bottom line is today 90 of electric vehicles on sale have ranges over 400 kilometers now there's a couple of little city cars the BYD outo one would be a great example"
“Range” is how far an EV can drive on one full battery charge. If an EV can do 400+ km, it’s much easier to plan trips without stopping constantly.
The hosts are talking about EV driving range, measured in kilometers, and how many current EVs can go over 400 km on a full charge. This matters because it determines whether you can complete typical trips without frequent charging stops.
topped up every night
"that may have 200 or less but that's a city car that's going to be topped up every night with no issues"
They’re saying that if you charge the EV at home every night, you can handle everyday driving even if the car’s maximum range isn’t huge. It’s about routine charging.
The hosts describe a use case where a shorter-range city EV is charged nightly, so daily driving is covered without needing frequent public fast charging. This highlights how charging habits can matter as much as maximum range.
battery chemistry is improving
"things are improving just like the range and we've seen over the years range is improving battery chemistry is improving and so you're seeing an upward an upward trend in the range"
Battery chemistry refers to the materials and cell design inside the EV battery pack. The hosts claim improvements in chemistry are helping both range and charging performance over time.
fast charges
"they have what we call fast charges so charging typically takes up to less than 30 minutes i think would be the maximum"
“Fast charges” refers to high-power public charging designed for road trips, where you can add meaningful battery percentage quickly. The hosts emphasize that charging time on these trips is typically under about 30 minutes, depending on the vehicle and charger.
topping up
"you've got to remember too that you're not always charging to 100 just topping top up what you need chart plug it in for and get as much percentage as you need to get you where you need to go"
“Topping up” means charging to a partial state of charge rather than filling the battery to 100%. The hosts argue that road-trip charging is usually about adding enough range to reach the next stop, which reduces total charging time.
fast charger slows down once it gets to 100
"yeah and the system is built to slow down once it gets to 100 which is why on a road trip when you pull up at 30 battery you plug it in"
Charging is usually quickest when the battery is low. As it fills up, the car deliberately slows down charging to keep the battery healthy.
EV charging speed isn’t constant. As the battery approaches higher state-of-charge (near 100%), the car reduces charging power to protect the battery, so the last portion takes longer than the earlier portion.
Hyundai Kona
"that's the myth yeah and we busted this last week with one conversation about the Hyundai Kona"
They’re using the Hyundai Kona as an example to show that buying an EV can be cheaper than people think. The takeaway is that the price gap depends on the specific car and the deals available.
The Hyundai Kona is used here as an example in a discussion about EV pricing and incentives. The point is that the “EVs are too expensive” claim doesn’t always hold once you compare real purchase costs and available deals.
EV premium vs petrol pricing
"for EVs as you would have on a petrol car but what i would concede is that it is more expensive to buy an electric car than it is a petrol car due to the premium that is the style of car you're talking so that you want the petrol version of the same car and the EV version of that car"
EVs often cost more to buy than the petrol version of the same car. The idea is that you pay extra up front, but you may save money later on fuel/energy.
The hosts are talking about the typical upfront price difference between an electric vehicle (EV) and the petrol version of the same model. They frame it as a “style/premium” that makes EVs cost more to buy, even if running costs can be lower.
EV running cost savings (petrol vs electricity)
"EV is naturally going to be a little bit higher i would call it between we now see $9,000 in the Hyundai between nine and $15,000 difference the cracking the cracking answer to this myth is that it's a $3,000 a year saving on petrol for the average driver that's where you make that money back"
Even if an EV costs more to buy, it can cost less to run each year. They’re saying the savings on energy can add up enough to make up for the higher price.
They estimate that the “break-even” comes from annual fuel savings, using a figure like a few thousand dollars per year for an average driver. This is the core EV value proposition: higher purchase price can be offset by lower ongoing energy costs.
EV battery warranty vs "batteries die in 8 years" myth
"a big myth about batteries is that they're going to die and they cost a fortune to replace you see i see this on a lot of tiktoks people go oh yeah you're gonna have to replace the battery in eight years and it's going to cost you $40,000 now the battery doesn't need replacing in eight years the battery has a warranty of eight years"
People worry EV batteries will fail early and cost a fortune. The hosts say batteries usually have long warranties, and the warranty period doesn’t mean the battery is guaranteed to be dead right after it ends.
The hosts address a common claim that EV batteries will “die” quickly and be extremely expensive to replace. They counter with the idea that EV batteries typically have long warranties (here, eight years) and that warranty coverage doesn’t imply failure at the end of the term.
Pickles
"that's right battery data that we have today and we've spoken several times on this show to brennan green from pickles an auction house we have no commercial relationship with but they come on they tell us the data they're seeing from used electric vehicles"
They reference an auction company (Pickles) that looks at used EVs and shares what they’re seeing with battery condition. The takeaway is that real-world used-car data doesn’t match the worst-case battery stories.
They cite data from Pickles, an auction house, via an interview with “Brennan Green.” The point is that used-EV testing/observations suggest battery health is better than many online predictions.
Tesla superchargers
"and the network's expanding Tesla really led the way with the superchargers and now with there they were open to all all makes of vehicles it was just Tesla owners could only use them now"
Tesla built a big fast-charging network called Superchargers. They’re saying it started mainly for Tesla drivers, but now other EVs can use it too.
They mention Tesla’s Supercharger network as an early driver of fast-charging availability. The hosts also note that access has expanded over time, moving from being Tesla-only to being usable by other makes.
NRMA Chargefox
"everyone can use those but companies like nrma charge fox EV they're all they're all expanding and installing charges in they're popping up everywhere"
NRMA Chargefox is one of the companies helping install public EV charging stations. The point is that charging options are growing from multiple providers.
They reference NRMA Chargefox as another charging-network provider expanding infrastructure. This supports the broader point that multiple companies are building out public charging, not just one brand.
Tesla supercharger at Goulburn
"and and installing charges in they're popping up everywhere I I know and I've given this example for when I drive to mom so I now stop at golburn at a brand new Tesla supercharger which has 20"
They’re describing a personal trip where they stopped at a Tesla fast-charging station in Goulburn. The point is to show charging can be practical on everyday drives.
They give a real-world driving example: stopping at a Tesla Supercharger in Goulburn on a trip to “mom.” This is used to demonstrate that fast charging is available along routes, not just in major cities.
solar panels
"breaking news solar panels baby no no ... I've got solar panels I can charge my car for free when I want to exactly yeah I've got solar too"
Solar panels make electricity from sunlight. If you have them at home, you can often use that electricity to charge your EV.
Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity that can be used to power an EV charging setup. If you have home solar, you may be able to charge during daylight hours and reduce reliance on the grid.
wall boxes
"there are options not only this with the wall charges lets you choose if you just want to charge solar and not use the grid you there are those options with the with the wall charge we've got the wall boxes that allow us to do that"
A wall box is a home charger you mount on the wall. It helps you charge your EV more reliably, and in some setups it can be configured to use your solar power.
Wall boxes are home EV chargers installed on the wall, typically providing faster and more controlled charging than a basic outlet. They can also support charging strategies like using solar power instead of drawing from the grid.
solar-powered petrol stations
"there's also petrol stations that have solar panels on the roof that charge you know creating electricity for the petrol station they're not using diesel for everything"
They’re saying some petrol stations use solar panels to make electricity for their own needs. It’s part of the argument that energy sourcing can be cleaner than people assume.
The hosts mention petrol stations using solar panels to generate electricity for station operations. It’s used as an example in the broader debate about “green energy” sourcing rather than as a direct EV technology.
super charges
"most people aren't just looking for green energy for their electric car so it's a silly myth there's plenty of green energy going into those super charges as well from all the big charging companies"
“Super charges” here refers to fast-charging networks used by EV drivers. Different networks can have different pricing, availability, and energy sourcing, which affects how “green” and convenient charging feels in practice.
ownership cost over five years
"but remember to do and we get a lot of callers do the spreadsheets do the spreadsheet about the ownership cost over let's say five years if you're leasing it or you just want to look at the ownership cost over five years"
They’re saying you should estimate what the car will cost you overall for several years. Don’t just look at the price—include things like servicing and how much it costs to charge.
The hosts recommend doing a spreadsheet-style calculation of total ownership cost over a multi-year horizon (here, five years). This helps compare EVs vs petrol by including recurring costs like servicing and energy/fuel, not just the purchase price.
oil changes
"an EV has far fewer moving parts than a regular petrol car it doesn't have a petrol engine to begin with so so no oil changes and because most of the EVs you have got regenerative braking which"
The hosts point out that EVs don’t require oil changes because they don’t have a conventional petrol engine. This is one of the practical maintenance differences that affects ownership cost.
regenerative braking
"so do that that that that calculation and in terms of servicing you got to remember that an EV has far fewer moving parts than a regular petrol car it doesn't have a petrol engine to begin with so so no oil changes and because most of the EVs you have got regenerative braking which"
Regenerative braking is an EV feature where the motor slows the car and converts some of that motion back into electrical energy. Because it reduces reliance on the friction brakes, EVs typically have less brake wear and fewer service items than many petrol cars.
one pedal driving
"...you'll hear one pedal driving is a feature which means that you're touching the brake a lot less so your brakes are going to last far longer than a regular car..."
It’s a way of driving where you mostly use the accelerator pedal. When you let off it, the car slows down and “charges” the battery a bit, so you use the brakes less.
One-pedal driving is an EV driving mode where lifting off the accelerator slows the car significantly. The car uses regenerative braking to slow down and send energy back to the battery, reducing how often you need the brake pedal.
tire wear
"...there is possibly and I've experienced this myself tire tire wear is something if you EVs tend to be heavier vehicles so they wear on the tires a bit a bit more..."
Tire wear can be higher on EVs because they’re often heavier than comparable petrol cars. That extra mass increases tire loading and can shorten tire life, especially if you drive aggressively or run wider/low-profile tires.
PSI
"...perhaps you know if you're driving a petrol car maybe getting a new tires after two or two and three years or two years an EV maybe shorter period might need to replace... over inflate whatever the recommendation is add a couple of PSI that might help you out..."
PSI is just the number that tells you how much air pressure is in your tires. Changing it can affect tire wear and grip, so it’s something to check against your car’s recommended spec.
PSI refers to tire pressure, measured in pounds per square inch. The host suggests adding a couple of PSI above the manufacturer recommendation to help manage tire wear, though you should still follow the exact guidance for your specific vehicle and tire setup.
government incentives
"...look at the government incentives in your area understand the depreciation... so if you can do that take advantage because they definitely save you some money..."
These are programs where the government helps lower the cost of buying an EV. The details depend on where you live, and they can make a big difference to what you actually pay.
Government incentives are financial programs that reduce the effective cost of buying an EV. They can include purchase rebates, tax benefits, and other schemes that vary by location, so they directly affect budgeting and financing decisions.
depreciation
"...understand the depreciation which a lot of people say you know it's going to depreciate more so you might want to factor in a higher level of depreciation into your financing..."
Depreciation is how much the car’s value goes down as it gets older. If an EV holds value better, it can mean less financial risk when you sell it later.
Depreciation is how much a vehicle’s value drops over time. For EV buyers, depreciation affects financing calculations and the risk that the car will be worth less when you sell or trade it in.
FBT
"...you'll hear a lot of people talk about things like the fbt and the salary packaging incentives..."
FBT is a tax that can apply when a company gives you a benefit, like a car. Some places offer EVs better tax treatment, which can reduce the cost to you.
FBT typically refers to Fringe Benefits Tax, which can apply to EVs provided through an employer. In some countries, EVs may receive more favorable FBT treatment, which can make them cheaper for employees under salary packaging.
NEDC and WLTP
"...there's a couple of problems with range there's there's two different standards NEDC and WLTP and but what you want to know is the real world range of your car..."
These are official test methods used to estimate how far an EV can go. The numbers from tests don’t always match real driving, so it’s important to understand what the test is and look for real-world results.
NEDC and WLTP are standardized testing procedures used to estimate EV range. Because they’re based on different test cycles, their results can be optimistic or not directly comparable to real-world driving, so buyers should look for real-world range figures too.
range and how it changes with driving speed (city vs highway)
"when you're driving around the city if your car has a 500 kilometer range... if you're only driving on the freeways... your car has a 400k range because it choose more electricity to go faster... whereas the EVs are less efficient because you're going at a higher speed at a constant rate"
The advertised EV range depends on how you drive. If you drive faster and more steadily (like on highways), the car uses more energy and you’ll usually get less range than the city-focused estimate.
EV “range” isn’t one fixed number—it varies a lot with how you drive. Higher, steady speeds (like freeway driving) increase aerodynamic drag and energy use, so the usable range can drop compared with city driving.
ev-database.org
"there's range and then there's range what we we did find a website called ev-database.org... it does have this really cool kind of fact sheet on each car and it mentions range estimation city highway and combined"
ev-database.org is mentioned as a resource that provides EV fact sheets, including range estimates for city, highway, and combined use. It’s useful for comparing how different cars are rated under different driving cycles.
cold weather reduces EV range
"weather can can have an impact... if it's three degrees outside your car knows that the battery can't give as much and so the range is less so in cold conditions range is lower"
In winter, EV batteries don’t work as efficiently, and the car may use power to warm things up. So the same EV can show less range than usual when it’s very cold outside.
Cold temperatures can reduce EV range because the battery delivers less usable power and the car may spend energy heating the cabin and battery. That’s why an EV can show a lower estimated range on a cold morning even if it’s at 100%.
50 kilowatt fast charger
"if you go to a fast charger 50 kilowatt"
They mention a 50 kW fast charger as an example of a quicker charging option. Your car may not always charge at the full advertised speed, but it’s usually much faster than home charging.
The segment ends by referencing a “50 kilowatt” fast charger as an example of higher-power charging. In general, higher-power DC chargers can add range more quickly, but actual speed depends on the vehicle’s charging limits and battery conditions.
three phase charger
"...if your car can't do 22 kilowatt you may not even need to bother with three phase some people pay extra for a three phase charger three phase installation yep..."
Some home chargers use a three-phase electrical system, which can provide more power. But you only benefit if your EV can accept that power—otherwise you’re paying for something you can’t use.
A three-phase charger uses three separate electrical phases, which can deliver more power efficiently than a typical single-phase setup. Whether it matters depends on your EV’s onboard charging capability and what your home electrical service can support.
22 kilowatt
"...if your car can't do 22 kilowatt you may not even need to bother with three phase..."
22 kilowatts is how fast a charger can feed power into the car. If your EV can’t accept that speed, a “faster” home setup won’t actually make your charging faster.
22 kW refers to a charging power level (kilowatts) your EV can accept from AC charging. If your car can’t take that much power, installing equipment rated for higher power (like certain three-phase setups) may not improve your real-world charging time.
public charger cable
"...some of the cars we drive what we get is what's included but you get some that have the public charger cable which is some public charges don't have a cable at all..."
Not all public chargers include the cable. Some places expect you to bring the right charging cable for the connector they provide.
Some EVs include a cable for public charging, while others require you to bring your own. This matters because certain public AC charging points may be “cable-less,” meaning you need the correct connector/cable to plug in.
AC charger
"...so you need a you need a um an ac charger a male to female..."
An AC charger is the type of charging that uses household-style alternating current. Your EV then converts that power to what the battery needs.
An AC charger refers to charging equipment that supplies alternating current to the vehicle. Many EVs handle AC-to-DC conversion internally, so the “AC charger” is often about the power source and cable/connector you use rather than the car’s final battery charging process.
software updates
"a lot of cars you'll hear about tesla's getting software updates a lot of cars do that now but some require it to be done at a dealership"
Software updates are changes the car downloads to improve how it works. Some cars can update automatically, but others need you to go to a service center, so it’s worth asking what your car will require.
Software updates are how many EVs add features, improve performance, and fix bugs after purchase. Some brands can push updates over-the-air, while others require a dealership visit, which affects convenience and timing.
over-the-air (OTA) updates
"but some require it to be done at a dealership so paul's for example early on i don't know if it's still the case"
Over-the-air updates mean your car can get software improvements through the internet. Some cars can do this at home, while others may require you to go to a dealership.
Over-the-air (OTA) updates are software downloads sent directly to the car via the internet, without needing a physical visit for the update itself. The episode highlights that some EVs can do this, while others require dealership involvement, which changes how quickly you get new features and fixes.
connected to wi-fi
"mykea does its own updates just got to be connected to wi-fi so ask that question about whether or not you need to bring it in to get those software updates"
Some EVs need to connect to Wi‑Fi to download updates. If you don’t have easy access to Wi‑Fi at home, updates might take longer or be more inconvenient.
Some EVs require a Wi‑Fi connection to download and install software updates, even if they don’t need a dealership. This matters for owners because it affects when updates are available and how easily you can keep the car current.
delivery wait times
"some sometimes you may be waiting weeks sometimes months for your delivery so knowing what if depending on what sort of car you want whether they've got stock available or how long you have to wait"
Delivery wait time is how long it takes to get your new EV after you order. Some cars are available sooner if they’re already in stock, while others can take weeks or months.
Delivery lead time is how long you’ll wait from ordering to receiving the EV. It can vary widely based on stock availability, trim/options, and production schedules, so asking about timing early helps you plan and avoid surprises.
test drives
"ask them about their test drives now we've spoken a lot on this show about dealerships have different policies um a lot of them won't let you just walk in and do a test drive so you need to find it where they need to pre-book that"
A test drive is your chance to see if the car feels right for you. Dealerships may limit how you drive it, so it helps to ask for the kind of route and time that lets you judge it properly.
Test-drive policies vary by dealership, including whether you must pre-book, how long you can drive, and what routes you’re allowed to take. For EV buyers, the test drive is also where you can evaluate real-world comfort, visibility, and how the car fits your daily routine.
buyer leverage at the dealership
"personally i think that's the that's the power that you have as the buyer you're the one that's going to write the check that's it yep so uh if they want your business they've got to accommodate you"
The idea here is that you’re the customer, so you can ask for what you need to feel confident buying. If a dealership won’t work with you, you can go somewhere else.
The hosts emphasize that buyers can negotiate by asking for accommodations—like taking the car home for fit and usability—because the dealership wants the sale. This is especially relevant for EVs where charging setup and daily practicality can be deal-breakers.
budget
"set a budget because there are now cars from 25 000 up to 300 000 right so set a budget what is it ... it'll narrow the field somewhat if you know how much you want to spend"
Before you look at EVs, decide how much you want to spend. That way you don’t fall in love with a car that’s too expensive and you only compare options in your price range.
Setting a budget is one of the biggest filters when buying an EV because prices span a wide range. A clear spending target helps you avoid getting pulled in by features you can’t afford and narrows the shortlist quickly.
non-negotiables
"you got to know your must-haves in a vehicle so some people you're a non-negotiables exactly yeah boot space definitely does it need to tow does it fit your golf clubs"
Non-negotiables are the things you absolutely need from a car. For example, you might need enough space for luggage, or room for multiple child seats, and that can rule out many EVs.
“Non-negotiables” are the must-have requirements you use to judge whether an EV fits your real life. In this segment they’re talking about practical needs like cargo/boot space, towing, and how many child seats the car can accommodate.
five star safety rating system
"it is to keep you safe on the road and keep you from driving fast but it's part of the five star safety rating system now yeah if it can't be turned off easily"
A five-star safety rating is a way of grading how safe a car is based on tests. If some safety features can’t be turned off easily, it’s usually because the car is trying to keep you protected.
The “five star” safety rating system refers to standardized crash-test and safety scoring used to compare vehicles. The hosts connect it to ADAS behavior—if a system can’t be easily disabled, it’s often because it’s designed to support safety outcomes.
ADAS features
"uh because if that can't be turned off easily and it's a reason there's a reason for this ... we've had various experiences with the adas features and how annoying they were for us"
ADAS features are the car’s “helping” systems—things like keeping you in your lane or warning you. They can be useful, but if they’re too sensitive or hard to turn off, they can get frustrating.
ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) are the suite of safety and convenience technologies like lane-keeping and driver monitoring. The hosts focus on how these systems can be annoying or intrusive, and why that affects daily drivability.
d-pal
"remember the d-pal yeah the d-pal and then the newer d-pal didn't have it the word they fix themselves a little a bath a little a bath"
“D-pal” sounds like a name for one of the car’s driver-assist features. The key point is that the hosts didn’t like how it behaved, and later versions changed it.
“D-pal” appears to be a misheard or shorthand reference to a driver-assistance feature or system name the hosts previously discussed. Because the transcript doesn’t clearly identify the exact feature, it’s best treated as an ambiguous ADAS-related system.
Tesla
"i experienced this myself with my tesla after three months someone opened their door and i hit their door they opened it on me and i discovered that it was quite a task to repair that particular car"
They’re talking about a real Tesla repair after a crash. The takeaway is that EV repairs may take different time and effort depending on where you live and who can fix it.
The host references personal experience repairing a Tesla after a door-impact crash. This highlights a practical EV ownership consideration: repair networks, parts availability, and body-shop experience can affect how quickly and smoothly you get back on the road.
novated lease
"because look that we have this because of these this we talked earlier about the finance there's a huge rush of people bought on a novated lease and fbt exemptions"
A novated lease is a way some people pay for a car through their job, often using salary arrangements. It can make buying an EV more attractive for certain buyers.
A novated lease is an arrangement where an employer effectively leases a car for an employee, and the employee pays for it via salary packaging. The hosts mention it in the context of EV buying demand, implying that tax/benefit rules can significantly influence how many people choose EVs through this structure.
Tesla Model S
"so well worth thinking about my tesla that are my model s i had ordered that brand new uh and it would have taken months to arrive but i i then got a call to say we got a brand new car here it's everything feature you've wanted"
The Tesla Model S is an all-electric car made by Tesla. The hosts are using it to show that sometimes you can get a better deal by buying a car that’s already been ordered or is arriving sooner than expected.
The Tesla Model S is a flagship electric sedan from Tesla. In the segment, it’s used as an example of how EV availability and deal timing can change—like taking a car that was already ordered and negotiating a discount.
Tesla My Model
"...ey so well worth thinking about my tesla that are my model s i had ordered that brand new uh and it would h..."
The Tesla Model Y is an electric SUV made by Tesla. The podcast mentions it because the speaker has one (or ordered one) and is comparing it to other Tesla models. It’s part of the conversation about choosing the right EV for your situation.
The Tesla Model Y is a compact electric SUV that’s popular for combining everyday usability with electric driving. In the podcast, it’s referenced alongside the Model S, with the speaker talking about their own Tesla order and how that influenced their thinking. That makes it relevant to how people choose between EV models based on needs and cost.
Toyota Corolla
"there are so many toyota corolles on the road okay there are so many better competitors to the toyota corolla that i think people just buy a toyota corolla because they've already had one they they love it"
The Toyota Corolla is a mainstream compact car that’s often chosen because it’s familiar and widely available. The hosts use it as a contrast to suggest shoppers should test-drive multiple cars instead of defaulting to what they already know.
one pedal driver
"you talked earlier about one pedal driver yes not a lot all of them have nearly all cars either have a paddle shift or a button that allows you to turn on or off the regenerative braking"
One-pedal driving means you can slow down mostly by lifting your foot off the accelerator. Instead of using the brake pedal as much, the car uses the motor to slow down and recharge the battery.
“One-pedal driving” is an EV technique where lifting off the accelerator slows the car significantly using regenerative braking. It reduces how often you need to use the brake pedal, but the exact feel varies by vehicle and settings.
paddle shift
"not a lot all of them have nearly all cars either have a paddle shift or a button that allows you to turn on or off the regenerative braking"
In many EVs, “paddle shift” refers to steering-wheel controls used to manage driving modes or adjust regenerative braking strength. It’s not the same as a traditional manual-transmission paddle shifter, but it can still change how the car slows when you lift off the accelerator.
eye pedal
"braking and like you know my kia and other cars there's an eye pedal so you go all the way down you you don't you're not touching the brake if you haven't experienced that you may love it or you may hate it"
“i-pedal” is a mode where you can drive and slow down mostly using the accelerator pedal. When you lift off, the car slows a lot, so you may not need the brake pedal as often.
“i-pedal” (often written as “i pedal” in transcripts) is a branded EV driving mode where lifting off the accelerator provides strong deceleration, allowing you to slow and often stop with minimal brake pedal use. The key takeaway is that the strength and stopping behavior vary by manufacturer and settings.
recuperation
"it's referred to as in my america it's called recuperation other other brands have different slightly it should be regenerative regenerative or recuperation they're the terms to look for"
When you lift off the accelerator or brake in an EV, some of the energy can be reused instead of wasted as heat. “Recuperation” is just a different name for that energy-recovery feature.
“Recuperation” is an EV term for recovering energy while slowing down. It’s essentially regenerative braking, where the motor acts like a generator and sends electricity back to the battery.
shortlist
"so like that's how you create a shortlist folks and i think that there's a lot we've just proven there's 35 minutes worth of things to think about right but what it does is gives you a place to start your your journey"
A shortlist is just a short list of EVs you’re actually considering. Instead of looking at everything, you pick the ones that match the features you care about.
The hosts describe using EV feature terminology (like recuperation/regenerative braking) to build a “shortlist” of cars to consider. This is a practical buying approach: narrow options based on the specs and behaviors that matter to your driving.
EV quotes
"we also have a great relationship with a dealership who's happy to give quotes to people no financial arrangement at our side we it's all for your benefit not ours if you're interested in a major brand it's possible that we could get you a better price"
A quote is the price a dealer is willing to sell the car for. Comparing quotes can help you avoid overpaying when buying an EV.
They mention getting “quotes” from a dealership as part of the buying process. For EV shoppers, quotes can help you compare pricing across brands/dealers and potentially find incentives or discounts that aren’t obvious from MSRP alone.
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