117 - You just bought an EV? Everything you need to know!
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NRMA Insurance
NRMA Insurance is an Australian insurance company. They’re sponsoring the podcast, and they’re relevant because EVs can have different insurance considerations than older cars.
UNIDEN
UNIDEN makes electronics like dash cameras. A dash cam records what happens around your car, which can help if you’re involved in an accident or dispute.
dash cam
A dash cam is a camera mounted in or near the windshield that records driving footage. The hosts emphasize coverage in multiple directions (front and back) to improve peace of mind and documentation.
rear camera
A rear camera (often part of a dash-cam setup) records what’s behind the vehicle. The host specifically recommends it because it helps capture incidents like reversing collisions, hit-and-runs, or events while parked.
plug it in
With an EV, the first thing you do after getting home is plug it in so it can start charging. Your car’s screen will usually tell you it’s charging and help you understand how much time it’ll take.
charge limit
Charge limit is the maximum amount your EV will charge to. If you don’t need a full battery every day, setting a lower limit can help the battery last longer and can finish charging sooner.
estimate how fast it's going to take to charge
Your EV can guess how long charging will take. That helps you plan your day—like when you can leave or when you should plug in for the best timing.
charging at 80% vs 100%
Instead of always filling the battery to the top, you can choose a lower “max” like 80%. That usually helps the battery last longer, and you only charge to 100% when you really need the extra range.
Dodge Charger
The Dodge Charger is a car that can be discussed in terms of how you charge it. The podcast is likely covering where the charging port is, how the plug connects, and where you keep the charging cable in the car. This helps you know what to do when you’re charging at home or away.
home Wi-Fi
Home Wi‑Fi is just your internet at home. Connecting the car to it can make updates and app features work more smoothly.
over-the-air software updates
Your EV can get software updates automatically over the internet. If it’s connected to your home Wi‑Fi, it can download updates without you doing anything complicated.
SIM card
A SIM card is what lets the car use the mobile network for internet features. If your car doesn’t have one, it may only be able to do certain things when it’s connected to Wi‑Fi.
remote app control
With the phone app, you can control parts of the car from far away—like locking doors or turning on the air conditioning. It uses the car’s connection to the internet to send commands and get updates.
Merc
“Merc” is short for Mercedes-Benz. They’re just using their Mercedes app as an example of what you can do from your phone.
range estimate
The EV’s “range estimate” is a calculated number based on recent driving, battery state, temperature, and charging history. It can change over time and may look different depending on how you drive and how you charge.
dynamic range versus a fixed range
Your EV’s “range” number isn’t always one permanent value. It can change depending on how you’ve been driving and the conditions. So if it shows less than the factory number, it’s usually because of your recent efficiency, not because something is wrong.
Kia EV9
They use the Kia EV9 as an example of why your EV’s range estimate can move around. Even if you charge to 100%, the car may predict less range if you’ve been driving in a way that uses more energy. The point is to trust the estimate you’re seeing for today’s trip.
charging at home vs at work
The hosts emphasize that where and when you charge matters because it affects your daily energy availability and convenience. Charging at home is often straightforward for routine top-ups, while charging at work can support commuting and longer days. This is a key ownership consideration for EV buyers.
granny charger
A “granny charger” is a nickname for the slow charger that’s usually included with an EV. It’s meant for charging over longer periods, like overnight. It’s not the kind of charger you’d use to quickly refill on a road trip.
PowerPoint
They’re talking about a normal wall plug. The portable charger uses that outlet to send power to the car. It’s useful because you don’t always need a special charger installed at home.
kilowatts
Kilowatts (kW) tell you how powerful the charger is. More kW usually means faster charging, though the EV may still slow down as the battery gets fuller.
charging to 80%
Most EV batteries don’t need to be filled all the way every day. Stopping around 80% is gentler on the battery, and filling from 80% to 100% usually takes much longer than the earlier part.
fast charging vs slow charging
EV charging speed depends heavily on the charger type and the battery’s current state of charge. Fast charging is quickest for mid-range percentages, while the final top-up slows down to protect the battery, so 80% to 100% takes disproportionately longer.
wall box
A wall box is a dedicated home EV charger mounted on the wall, typically installed by an electrician and connected to your home’s electrical board. It provides a faster and more convenient charging option than trickle charging, with power levels commonly in the single- to double-digit kilowatt range.
trickle at home
Trickle charging is the slow, gentle way to charge at home. It’s okay if you’re not in a hurry, but it can take a long time to add much battery.
Zappy
Zappy is just one example of a company that makes home EV chargers. When choosing one, you mainly care about how fast it charges and whether your electrician can install it safely.
AC32 charging
AC32 is a way of charging an EV using regular power (AC) at up to 32 amps. Not every car and charger can do that exact speed, so you can’t assume you’ll get it.
AC22 charging
AC22 is another home-charging speed setting, using AC power up to about 22 amps. Some EVs can do it, but fewer can do the higher AC32 level.
weekly top up
A weekly top up means you charge your EV once a week instead of every day. You do it just enough to cover your normal driving, especially if you don’t have daily charging access.
charging at home vs public charging
They’re comparing home charging with charging out on the road. Home charging is easier and more predictable, while public charging requires more planning because not all chargers are the same.
trip planning for public chargers
Trip planning is about figuring out where you can charge during a drive. You also want to know what kind of charger it is and how fast it charges so you don’t get stuck.
fast chargers
Fast chargers are public chargers meant to add energy quickly. The real charging speed still depends on the charger and your specific EV.
50 kilowatt charging
50 kW is a measure of charging power for a public charger. Even though 50 kW sounds “fast,” it can be much slower than higher-power chargers (like 150 kW), which affects how long you’ll need to stop.
Chatham
“Chatham” is the name they’re using for a different charging plug type than CCS. Most EVs use CCS, but some older/legacy models use the other connector.
CCS
CCS is a type of charging plug used for fast charging. If your EV supports CCS, you can use many of the DC fast chargers you see on the road.
adapters
An adapter is like a plug converter so your car can use a different charger. But adapters can be unsafe or unreliable, so it’s best to use the correct charger type for your car.
chargers that don't have a cable
Some public EV chargers are “plug-in” style where the cable is built into the charger, while others provide only a connector (no cable). If the charger has no cable, you must bring your own charging cable that matches both the car and the charger. This is a common real-world trip-up for new EV owners.
BYO cable
BYO cable means you have to bring your own charging cable. If the public charger doesn’t include one, you can’t charge without the right cable. So it’s smart to check what cables came with your car.
Bunnings or Harvey Norman
Bunnings and Harvey Norman are retail stores where the hosts suggest buying EV charging cables. The point is practical: new EV owners may need to purchase a missing cable if their car didn’t include one for public charging. This is a buying/ownership tip rather than a technical concept.
Taronga Zoo
They use Taronga Zoo as an example of a place with EV chargers where you might still need your own cable. So even if a charger is there, you can’t assume it will work without the right cable. Always check the charger details before you arrive.
Chargefox chargers
Chargefox is the company behind the chargers they saw. Even with a known network, the charger might not include a cable. So you may still need to bring your own charging cable.
don't rely on anyone charger on a road trip
For road trips, don’t bet everything on one charging station. If it’s broken, you’ll want a backup nearby so you can keep going.
Plug Share
PlugShare is an app that shows where EV chargers are. People also leave notes about whether chargers actually worked for them, which helps you avoid broken ones.
apps
With EVs, apps are how you find chargers and check if they’re likely to work. They can also tell you where the charger is and what other people experienced.
EV charging misconceptions (takes hours and hours)
They’re addressing a common misconception that EV charging always takes hours. On a road trip, fast charging is typically used in shorter sessions, so the car can be ready again while you’re doing normal stops like eating or using the restroom.
80% real
For most EV road trips, you don’t usually need to charge all the way to 100%. Stopping around 80% gets you most of the range without the extra time that comes from charging the last part.
set the car's charging target (80% / 90% / 100%)
Many EVs let you set a target battery percentage before you start charging. The last part of charging is usually slower, so going from 80% to 100% can take much longer than you’d expect.
fast charging road-trip strategy (arrive with buffer)
They’re describing a road-trip planning strategy: don’t just charge randomly—plan your next stop and keep a “buffer” so you can comfortably reach the charger you intend to use. This reduces stress and helps avoid arriving at low state-of-charge when options may be limited.
charging etiquette (charge to 100% when you don't need it)
Charging etiquette just means being considerate at public fast chargers. If you only need enough to get to the next stop, don’t charge all the way to 100% and take up the charger longer than you have to.
idle fee
Sometimes a charger costs extra if you leave your car plugged in after it’s done charging. It’s meant to encourage you to move your car so someone else can use the spot.
EV
In the transcript, “EV” appears to refer to an EV charging app/network used for starting sessions and managing payments. The hosts emphasize that you should download and then log in to set up payment so charging can be initiated smoothly.
BP
BP is a fuel and energy company that also runs some charging. The hosts are saying you may need their app too, depending on which chargers you use.
NFC
NFC (near-field communication) is the short-range wireless tech used for tap-to-charge cards. The hosts describe an RFID/NFC-style “tap and go” card that can start charging by tapping it on the charger, reducing reliance on a phone app.
Australian EV Association
The Australian EV Association is mentioned as an organization that can provide a charging card. The idea is you tap the card on the charger to start charging more easily.
tap and go card
A tap-and-go card lets you start charging by tapping the card on the charger. It’s handy because you don’t have to pull out your phone, but not every charger supports it.
Tesla
Tesla is an EV brand. They’ve built charging features that can make it easier to start charging automatically when your car is recognized.
auto charge
Auto charge means the charger can recognize your car and start charging for you. It’s not guaranteed everywhere, but it can save you from using the app each time.
JetCharge
JetCharge is an app/service that helps you pay to use some public EV chargers. If your charger supports that network, you can use the app to start charging without extra hardware.
publicly charge
Public charging means charging your EV at chargers you don’t own, like at malls or public stations. They suggest doing a quick test charge first so you know how the app and payment work.
difference in driving
They’re talking about how driving an EV feels different from a gas car. One big change is you don’t hear the engine revving, so the car feels quieter and you have to adjust to that.
V8
A V8 is a type of gas engine that usually sounds louder and more dramatic than smaller engines. The host mentions it to explain what they don’t miss after moving to an EV.
one pedal driving
One pedal driving means you can mostly drive using just the accelerator. When you lift your foot, the car slows down a lot (using the battery’s energy recovery), so you use the brake much less.
Nissan Leaf
They’re using the Nissan Leaf as an example of a car where one-pedal driving is built in as the normal setting. So when you lift off the accelerator, the car slows down without you needing to press the brake as often.
regenerative braking
Regenerative braking is when the EV slows down and also recharges the battery a little. Instead of wasting all that speed as heat like a normal car, it recovers some energy.
complete stop
One pedal driving is designed so that lifting your foot can slow the car all the way down, sometimes to a full stop. That means you manage your speed mostly with one control instead of switching between gas and brake constantly.
using the brakes less
With one pedal driving, you slow down mostly by lifting off the accelerator, so you press the brake less. That can help brakes last longer, but you still use the brake when you need to stop quickly or in emergencies.
battery percentage recovery on downhill drives
The idea here is that going downhill can “charge” the EV a bit because the car slows itself using regeneration. That can mean you spend less battery on the way back if it’s mostly downhill. So your range isn’t just about speed—it’s also about hills.
Hyundai
Hyundai is referenced for having multiple regenerative braking levels that change how strongly the car slows when you lift off the accelerator. The speaker describes a progression of settings (often 1–3) and then a stronger “one pedal” mode. This is important because regen strength directly affects how much energy you recover and how the car feels day-to-day.
iPedal
iPedal is a brand-specific name (commonly used by Hyundai/Kia) for one-pedal driving behavior. In iPedal mode, lifting off the accelerator commands stronger regenerative braking to slow the car and recover energy. It’s essentially the same idea as “one pedal driving,” just with a particular interface and calibration.
instant torque
Electric motors can deliver pulling power right away, even from a stop. That’s why EVs can feel like they accelerate immediately when you press the pedal.
0 to 100 time
“0 to 100” is how fast a car goes from standing still to 100 km/h. It’s a fun performance number, but it doesn’t tell you everything about how efficient or practical the car is day to day.
BYD Shark
They’re talking about the BYD Shark, a BYD electric ute/pickup that’s coming out. The hosts use it as an example of how EVs can accelerate very quickly, even for bigger vehicles.
Byd Shark 6
The BYD Shark 6 is an electric car. The podcast mentions it because it can accelerate quickly, and they’re also talking about a newer version with a bigger motor. That’s the main reason it comes up: to explain how fast it can go from a stop.
driving style affects EV range
Your driving habits really change how far an EV can go. If you accelerate hard all the time, you’ll burn more battery; smoother driving usually helps you get more range.
EVs are opposite of petrol cars (city vs highway efficiency)
The hosts describe a key EV ownership concept: EVs tend to be more efficient in stop-and-go city driving because regenerative braking can recapture energy repeatedly. In contrast, steady high-speed highway driving is less efficient because the car must continuously overcome aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance, drawing more from the battery.
range dip at highway speeds
The “range dip” idea is that advertised range numbers assume a test cycle that doesn’t match real highway conditions. As speed increases (e.g., 110 km/h), energy use rises—so the remaining range drops faster than many drivers expect.
weather can affect your range
Your EV doesn’t always get the same range. Cold (and sometimes very hot) weather makes the battery work harder and can drain it faster, so you may need to plan for less distance than the estimate.
Hyundai Ioniq
They’re talking about a Hyundai Ioniq and how cold weather can make an EV go less far than you expect. In winter, the battery and systems use more energy, so the “estimated range” drops faster.
shrinkage in the battery range
In winter, your EV’s range estimate can drop because the battery doesn’t perform as well when it’s cold. The car also uses energy to warm things up, so you go fewer kilometres.
preheat the battery to speed up the charging
Some EVs warm up the battery before you plug in. That helps the charger work faster and more efficiently, especially when the battery is cold.
range vs fuel gauge
The hosts contrast older habits—checking a fuel gauge—with the EV habit of monitoring range and battery percentage. Because charging locations and availability matter, knowing your remaining range helps you plan where to stop.
battery gauge
The battery gauge is the EV’s way of telling you how much energy you have left. It helps you estimate how far you can go before you need to charge.
percentage reading or a kilometer reading
They describe two common EV display modes: battery percentage and estimated kilometres remaining. Percentage is useful for charging planning, while kilometres can be more intuitive for trip distance and deciding when to stop.
EV range variability
EV range can change depending on things like weather and how you drive. Even if the car shows a certain range at full charge, it might be less (or sometimes more) in real life. This matters for planning trips and deciding when to charge.
servicing schedule
Servicing schedule just means how often the car needs maintenance. EVs usually need less frequent maintenance than petrol cars, but you still have things like inspections and brake checks. It’s smart to ask the dealer what it costs and how often they expect you to book it in.
free servicing
Free servicing means the company pays for some maintenance for a while. It can lower your ownership costs, but only if you know exactly what’s included and for how long. Ask the dealer to spell out the details before you commit.
oil change
An oil change is something petrol cars need, because they use engine oil. EVs don’t need oil changes, so if a dealer invoices you for one, it may be a mistake or a generic checklist. Always double-check what you’re being charged for.
regeneration
When you lift off the accelerator or slow down, the EV can “recover” some energy and send it back to the battery. Because of that, you use the brake pads less than in a gas car.
tire pressure
How much air is in your tires changes how they sit on the road. If the pressure is off, the tire can wear faster, so it’s worth checking more often on an EV.
EVs are much heavier
EV batteries add a lot of weight, so the car is usually heavier than a gas car. More weight can mean tires wear faster, so you should keep an eye on tire pressure.
high voltage system and 12 volt system
Your EV has two “battery worlds.” One big battery powers the car, and a smaller 12-volt battery runs the normal electronics. They work differently, so problems can happen in either one.
software updates draining the 12 volt battery
Sometimes an EV’s software update can cause the small 12-volt battery to drain faster than it should. Manufacturers may patch it later, but it’s still smart to avoid leaving things like lights on.
jumpstart it with the big one
You can’t treat an EV like a normal car where you jump the battery from another car. The big battery usually isn’t wired to the 12-volt system, so you need a 12-volt jump starter (or the right EV procedure) instead.
C tech battery
C-tek makes battery chargers/jump-start tools. The hosts are mentioning it as a practical home option if your EV’s small 12-volt battery needs help.
software updates improve the car over time
With EVs, the software can get better after you buy it. Updates can make the car run more efficiently or fix issues, so it’s not just a one-time setup.
Wi-Fi connected into your driveway
Some EVs can use home internet (often via Wi‑Fi) to download large software updates more reliably than cellular data. The hosts suggest setting up connectivity at home so OTA updates can be run when convenient.
OTA and over the air update
OTA updates are software updates your EV downloads automatically over the internet. They can fix problems and improve how the car works, so it’s usually worth doing even if it’s a little annoying.
warning lights and errors
Modern EVs display diagnostic warning lights and error messages when systems detect faults or abnormal conditions. The hosts emphasize checking the manual and addressing warnings promptly because they can signal issues that affect drivability or safety.
mindset shift
With an EV, you don’t have to wait until the battery is almost empty. The idea is to plug in whenever you can so you’re never caught with too little charge.
flashing lighter
They’re comparing the gas-car habit of panicking when the low-fuel light comes on to the EV habit of planning charging ahead of time.
charge it whenever you can
Instead of waiting until you’re low, you charge whenever you have the chance. That way you’re ready when you need to leave.
topping up the battery
Topping up just means adding a bit of charge before you really need it. It helps you avoid getting stuck with too little battery.
OVO energy
They’re talking about an electricity provider (OVO Energy) that offers cheaper electricity at certain times. If you charge during those cheaper hours, your EV costs less to run.
trickle charger
A trickle charger is a slow charger. It’s meant for plugging in for hours (like overnight) so your car gradually charges without needing fast charging.
stick to the 80%
They’re saying don’t fast-charge all the way to 100% every time. Stopping around 80% is usually faster and can be gentler on the battery.
Pickles
Pickles is referenced as the source of used-car research discussed on the show. Used-car auction/remarketing data can be useful for understanding how EV batteries age in real ownership conditions.
battery life
Battery life is how long the battery stays healthy enough to keep giving good range. They’re saying the evidence from used cars suggests it may not be as bad as people worry.
battery health
“Battery health” means how well your EV battery still works after months and years. The hosts are saying you don’t need to panic about charging normally, and that using the right kind of charger matters more than trying to constantly drain and recharge. They’re also saying your battery range will change over time, but not in a way you need to obsess over.
slow charger
A slow charger is a lower-power charger, usually used at home. The hosts are saying you can charge this way without worrying that it will ruin your battery. It’s meant to reassure people who charge overnight or whenever they’re parked.
range anxiety
Range anxiety is the stress of wondering if you’ll run out of battery before you can charge. The hosts say it usually gets better after you’ve done a few trips and learned where charging is. Over time, you realize you can plan around it.
BP charger
A “BP charger” is an EV charging station run by BP. The hosts are showing how you might check an app to see if it’s busy, and then choose another nearby charger if needed. It’s about making charging feel less stressful.
charging network
A charging network is the set of chargers and the service ecosystem around them (coverage, reliability, and user experience). The hosts argue that more chargers being added reduces range anxiety and makes EV ownership easier. They compare the idea to gas stations being everywhere, emphasizing convenience and availability.
EV community / talking to other owners
They suggest talking to other EV owners to get real-world tips. When you’re new, it helps to hear how often other people charge and what to expect. It’s like learning from people who’ve already figured it out.
myth busting
They’re talking about clearing up common EV rumors. New EV owners often hear scary stuff about range or charging, but myth-busting helps you learn what’s actually true.
solar panels not being required
You don’t need solar panels to use an EV. You can charge from regular electricity, and the savings come from how much you pay for power and how you charge.
free supercharging deal
Sometimes when you buy an EV, you get a promotion that includes free fast charging. That can make the car feel much cheaper to run, especially for road trips.
test drove one
The hosts attribute many EV “conversions” to the first test drive. This is often where people experience the immediate drivability differences (smooth torque delivery and ease of use) that make EVs feel compelling.
