117 - You just bought an EV? Everything you need to know!

NRMA Insurance is an Australian insurer that supports the show. In an EV context, insurers often focus on coverage details like charging-related risks and how claims are handled for newer vehicle tech.

UNIDEN is a consumer electronics brand, mentioned here for its smart dash cams. Dash cams can be especially useful for EV owners because they provide evidence in parking-lot incidents and while charging in public areas.

For EVs, plugging in right after you get home is the first practical step because the car will start charging and update the driver with charging status. The interface typically shows charging progress, lets you set a charge limit, and estimates how long charging will take.

Charge limit is the maximum state-of-charge the EV is allowed to reach when charging. Setting a sensible limit helps you avoid routinely charging to 100%, which can be beneficial for battery longevity and also reduces wasted time if you don’t need a full charge.

EVs estimate charging time based on factors like battery temperature, charger power, and the current state of charge. Learning to read that estimate helps you plan when to unplug and how to schedule charging for off-peak electricity rates.

Many EVs let you set a charge limit (like 80% or 100%). Charging to 100% more often can be harder on the battery over time, while stopping at 70–80% is usually a better daily habit and still gives plenty of range for errands.

Home Wi‑Fi is used to connect the EV for tasks like downloading OTA updates and improving connectivity reliability. A stable connection can reduce the chance of update failures or delays.

Over-the-air (OTA) updates let an EV receive software improvements via the internet without visiting a dealer. When the car is on your home Wi‑Fi, it can download and install updates more easily and reliably.

Some EVs use a built-in cellular SIM card to connect to the internet for remote features even when you’re away from Wi‑Fi. If the car doesn’t have a SIM, remote connectivity may be limited or require Wi‑Fi.

Remote app control lets you manage EV functions from your phone, such as locking/unlocking doors, starting climate control, and receiving notifications. It typically relies on cellular connectivity (SIM) or Wi‑Fi, depending on the vehicle.

“Merc” is a casual reference to Mercedes-Benz. In this context, the speaker is using their Mercedes-Benz app as an example of remote functions like locking doors and controlling climate.

EVs can show a range estimate that changes based on recent driving and conditions, rather than a single fixed number. “Dynamic range” uses your driving behavior and efficiency to update the estimate, while “fixed range” is closer to the factory-rated figure. This is why the same EV can display different miles/km before a road trip.

The Kia EV9 is referenced as an example of how an EV’s displayed range can differ from the factory-rated figure. The hosts mention a large “from the factory” range number, then explain that after charging to 100% the estimate can drop based on recent driving. It’s a practical illustration of dynamic range behavior.

A “granny charger” is a slang term for a slow, basic EV charger—typically the portable charger that comes with many cars. It’s designed for everyday charging when you have plenty of time, not for fast road-trip top-ups. The hosts connect it to the included “trickle charger” setup.

“PowerPoint” here refers to a standard household power outlet (the Australian term). The hosts explain that one end of the portable charger plugs into the EV, while the other end plugs into a normal wall outlet. This highlights that some EV charging can be done without dedicated home charging hardware.

Kilowatts (kW) are a measure of charging power, which largely determines how quickly an EV can add energy. Higher kW generally means faster charging, but real-world speed also depends on the charger type and the battery’s state of charge.

Charging an EV to 80% instead of 100% is a common habit because it reduces stress on the battery. The last portion of the charge (roughly 80% to 100%) typically takes longer and is managed more conservatively to protect battery health.

“Trickle charging” refers to very low-power home charging, typically using a basic setup that adds charge slowly over many hours. It’s generally fine for overnight top-ups, but it’s the slowest option compared with dedicated home chargers.

Zappy is mentioned as an example of a wall-box EV charging brand. The key takeaway is that multiple manufacturers sell home chargers, but the important differences are typically power output and installation requirements.

AC32 charging refers to an AC (alternating current) home/work charging mode that can deliver up to 32 amps. It’s a mid-to-high AC rate, but only works if both the EV and the charger support that exact capability.

AC22 charging is an AC charging rate commonly associated with up to 22 amps. The hosts are contrasting it with AC32, noting that AC22 is more widely supported than the higher AC32 capability.

A “weekly top up” is a charging routine where you don’t charge to full every day, but instead add enough energy once per week to cover typical driving. It’s a practical strategy when you can’t reliably charge daily, and it helps match charging to real-world usage.

The hosts distinguish between charging at home (predictable, usually slower/AC) and charging on the road (public chargers, typically faster/DC). This matters because your trip planning depends on charger availability, type, and speed.

Trip planning for public charging means checking where chargers are, what connector they use, and the expected charging speed before you arrive. EVs can vary widely in how fast they charge, so knowing the charger details helps you avoid delays.

“Fast chargers” are public charging stations designed to deliver higher power than typical home charging, reducing charging time. In practice, the actual speed depends on the charger’s output and the EV’s maximum charging capability.

CCS (Combined Charging System) is a common EV fast-charging connector standard used by many automakers. It’s designed for DC fast charging and is typically the “standard same charger” referenced for most EVs in the segment.

“Chatham” appears to refer to a legacy EV charging connector standard (often associated with CHAdeMO). The hosts are explaining that most cars use the same connector (CCS), while a small number—like the Nissan Leaf—use the other standard.

Adapters can sometimes let a car use a different connector type than it was designed for, but they’re not always safe or reliable. The hosts caution that some adapter setups can be risky and may not be appropriate for real-world charging. It’s usually better to match your car to the charger standard rather than rely on an adapter.

BYO cable means “bring your own cable,” referring to EV charging setups where the public charger doesn’t include a cable. This matters because some cars include only one cable (often for home charging), while public charging may require a different cable or connector. New EV buyers should check what’s in the box and plan for BYO cable situations.

Taronga Zoo is used as a real-world example of a location with EV chargers that may not include cables. The hosts note that some sites have chargers available but require you to bring the correct cable. This reinforces the “check for cable included” advice.

Chargefox is referenced as the charging network/operator for the chargers at Taronga Zoo. The hosts’ point is that even when a known network is present, the physical charger setup (like whether a cable is included) can vary. That affects whether you need to bring your own cable.

This is about redundancy in EV trip planning: don’t build your route around a single charging stop. Because chargers can be out of service, having alternates reduces the risk of getting stranded.

PlugShare is an EV charging app/community that maps public chargers and lets users review real-world experiences. Those crowd-sourced reports help you judge whether a specific charger is working reliably before you arrive.

In EV ownership, apps are a core part of trip planning because they provide live or recent status, location details, and user feedback for chargers. Using apps helps you find the right connector, understand station layout, and avoid unreliable sites.

The hosts are emphasizing that for EV road trips, charging to about 80% is usually the practical sweet spot. Charging beyond that (toward 90% or 100%) typically takes longer for smaller gains, so it’s often inefficient unless you truly need the extra range.

The hosts recommend using the car’s charging target setting to choose how full you want the battery to be. They point out that the time estimates increase sharply as you move from 80% toward 90% and 100%, illustrating why “top-ups” are often more efficient than filling the battery.

They describe “charging etiquette” at public chargers: if you don’t need a full charge, you should avoid sitting at the station longer than necessary. This helps reduce queueing and makes the charger available for other drivers who may have less flexibility.

An idle fee is a charge some EV charging networks apply when a vehicle stays plugged in after charging has finished. The goal is to discourage people from occupying a charger longer than necessary and to keep chargers available for others.

BP is referenced as part of the charging app ecosystem (“BP” among the apps to download). This implies some charging networks are tied to specific brands/apps for locating chargers and handling payment.

The Australian EV Association is mentioned as a place where you can order a tap-to-charge card. That card can be used to initiate charging on compatible chargers without needing to open an app every time.

A tap-and-go card is a contactless payment/authorization card used to start charging by tapping it on the charger. The hosts note it won’t work on every charger, but it can be a convenient alternative to using an app.

Tesla is an EV manufacturer whose charging ecosystem includes features like automatic recognition for compatible charging sessions. The hosts mention Tesla’s long-running approach to making charging easier without constant app interaction.

Auto charge is a setup where the charging network can recognize your EV and start a charging session automatically. The hosts say it works on some chargers (not all) and can reduce or eliminate the need to use the charging app during the session.

JetCharge is a charging-network/payment service that works with compatible public charge points. In the segment, the host explains that you don’t necessarily need a separate device—JetCharge can be used through the charge box network once your app/payment authority is set up.

“Publicly charging” refers to using EV chargers outside your home—typically at shopping centers, workplaces, or public networks. The hosts recommend practicing the app/payment flow before a first longer trip so you’re not learning the system under time pressure.

The hosts discuss how EVs change the driving experience compared with internal-combustion cars. They highlight the lack of engine noise (no revving) and the overall “quiet drive,” which can take some getting used to—especially if you’re coming from a V8.

A V8 is an internal-combustion engine configuration with eight cylinders arranged in a “V” shape. The segment uses it as a reference point for the kind of engine noise and sound character EV drivers may miss when switching from gas.

One pedal driving is an EV driving mode where lifting off the accelerator causes strong deceleration, often bringing the car close to a complete stop. It relies on regenerative braking and is designed to reduce how often you use the brake pedal in normal driving.

The Nissan Leaf is used here as an example of an EV where one pedal driving is the default behavior. That means the car’s deceleration characteristics are set up to make lifting off the accelerator slow the vehicle automatically.

Regenerative braking is how an EV slows down while turning some of the vehicle’s motion back into electrical energy. In one pedal driving, it’s typically the main mechanism that provides the strong deceleration when you lift off the accelerator.

In one pedal driving, the goal is often to bring the car all the way to a near-complete or complete stop just by lifting off the accelerator. This changes how you time your driving and can make low-speed control feel more like managing speed with a single input.

The hosts connect one pedal driving to reduced brake usage because deceleration is handled largely by regenerative braking when you lift off the accelerator. Using the brakes less can mean less brake wear over time, though you still need the brake pedal for emergencies and for maximum stopping power.

The speaker explains that regenerative braking can increase the displayed battery percentage slightly on descents, because energy is being recovered and returned to the battery. They also give a route example (Sydney to Bathurst) to illustrate how downhill return trips can use far less battery. This concept helps listeners understand why EV range can vary dramatically with elevation changes.

Instant torque is the immediate twisting force an electric motor delivers from zero RPM, so EVs can accelerate quickly without waiting for engine revs. This is why EVs often feel responsive “off the mark,” especially in low-speed situations.

“0 to 100” is a common performance metric measuring how quickly a car accelerates from 0 km/h to 100 km/h. For EV buyers, it’s a useful headline number, but the episode also emphasizes that real-world driving efficiency and smoothness matter more than chasing the fastest launch.

The BYD Shark is an upcoming BYD electric pickup/ute mentioned here as having a strong 0–100 km/h performance figure thanks to a “bigger motor.” The point of bringing it up is to illustrate how quickly EVs can accelerate, even in larger vehicles.

The episode emphasizes that EV efficiency isn’t just about the car—it’s strongly affected by how you drive. Heavy acceleration and aggressive pedal use can reduce range, while smoother inputs help you stay efficient and maximize real-world battery life.

EV range is strongly affected by temperature. Cold weather reduces battery efficiency and increases energy use for heating, while very hot conditions can also reduce range because the battery and electronics need active cooling for safety.

The Hyundai Ioniq is used as a real-world example of how cold weather can dramatically reduce EV range. The hosts describe a trip where the car’s stated range didn’t translate to the actual distance due to freezing conditions.

The hosts describe “shrinkage” as the noticeable drop in displayed/estimated range in winter. This happens because the battery’s usable capacity and power delivery are reduced at low temperatures, and the car may spend extra energy warming the cabin and battery.

They mention that some EVs (including Tesla) preheat the battery before charging. Warming the battery improves charging performance, because lithium-ion cells accept charge more efficiently when they’re within an ideal temperature range.

The “battery gauge” refers to the EV’s on-screen indication of remaining state of charge (often shown as a percentage and/or estimated kilometres). It’s the EV equivalent of a fuel gauge, but it’s tied directly to how far you can drive before charging.

EV range is not a fixed number; it varies with driving habits, weather, and conditions. The hosts emphasize that the “100%” figure (likely a rated range estimate) can change day to day. Understanding this helps owners plan charging and avoid running low unexpectedly.

The servicing schedule is the planned maintenance intervals a manufacturer recommends. For EVs, it’s often less frequent than for gas cars because there’s no oil changes and fewer wear items. The key is to ask the dealer for the schedule and expected costs before you buy.

Free servicing is a marketing offer where a brand covers scheduled maintenance for a set period or mileage. EV ownership costs can vary a lot depending on whether that offer exists and what it actually includes. Always confirm the terms, duration, and what services are covered.

An oil change is a routine maintenance item for internal-combustion engines, not EVs. The hosts describe receiving an invoice that included “oil change,” which illustrates how some dealerships may rely on old checklists designed for gas cars. This is a practical warning to review invoices carefully and ensure the service performed matches an EV.

Regeneration (often called regenerative braking) turns some of the car’s slowing energy back into electricity to recharge the battery. It reduces how often you need to use the friction brakes, which can mean less brake wear over time.

Tire pressure affects contact patch shape and sidewall loading, which can change wear patterns and ride/handling. The hosts recommend running a bit above the normal range they were told to avoid sidewall/edge wear.

EVs are often heavier than comparable gas cars because the battery pack adds significant mass, frequently mounted low in the chassis. That extra weight can increase tire wear and makes correct tire pressure even more important.

EVs typically have two electrical systems: a high-voltage battery system that powers the drivetrain, and a separate 12-volt system that runs conventional electronics (like lights, infotainment, and control modules). They’re managed differently, so issues in one system don’t always look like issues in the other.

Some EVs have had 12-volt battery drain issues related to software behavior during updates, where certain modules may draw power longer than expected. Fixes typically come via later software revisions or charging/maintenance guidance.

In many EVs, the high-voltage traction battery is not directly connected to the 12-volt system, so you can’t simply “jump” the 12-volt battery using the big battery. If the 12-volt battery is dead, you typically need a proper 12-volt jump starter or charging procedure designed for EVs.

C-tek (often spelled “C tech” in speech) is known for battery chargers and maintainers, including devices used to support 12-volt batteries. In this context, they’re being used as a home jump-start/charging solution for EV low-voltage issues.

The idea here is that EVs are “computers on wheels,” so their behavior can change after purchase via software updates. That means performance, efficiency, and user experience can improve over time rather than being fixed at the day you buy the car.

OTA (over-the-air) updates let an EV receive software updates without visiting a dealer. These updates can improve efficiency, add features, and address security or bug fixes, which is why the hosts encourage keeping the car updated.

The hosts are describing a key EV habit change: you don’t wait for the “fuel light” like you would with a gas car. Instead, you charge opportunistically—whenever you have access to power—so you start trips with a comfortable buffer of charge.

This is the gas-car “low fuel” warning behavior being contrasted with EV charging. In an EV, the equivalent warning doesn’t mean you should immediately seek a charger; your strategy should be based on having enough charge for your next trip.

This summarizes an EV charging strategy: plug in whenever it’s convenient rather than waiting for a low-charge warning. It reduces the risk of arriving at a time you need the car with insufficient battery.

“Topping up” means adding charge in smaller increments to keep a usable reserve. For EV owners, this is often about daily planning—ensuring you have enough charge for errands or unexpected trips.