125 - Michael Chose the new GWM Ora5 SUV - but not in pink!
About this episode
Range anxiety, charging confidence, and battery-fire myths get unpacked alongside real ownership stories. Callers and hosts compare long-term used Tesla Model S experiences, tire wear, and how regenerative braking can reduce brake work. Michael shares his upcoming pickup of a new GWM Ora 5 SUV, including its 120 kW DC charging and ~430 km range, plus what to ask about servicing and accident support. The discussion then pivots to EV insurance research, repair-time data, and why battery testing could reshape used EV values.
NRMA
"This is Two Blokes talking electric cars with Steven Fenwick and Trevor Long thanks to NRMA Insurance and UNIDEN. And we appreciate their support NRMA Insurance helping Australians"
NRMA is an Australian insurance and motoring organization. In this episode, they’re mentioned as a sponsor and as someone who can help with insurance for electric cars. They also talk about what they’re seeing in the EV market.
NRMA is an Australian motoring and insurance organization that supports the show and provides insurance products. In this segment, they’re positioned as helping Australians protect electric vehicles and discussing market growth and EV adoption trends. It’s a brand mention tied to insurance and EV-related consumer behavior.
UNIDEN
"And of course UNIDEN smart dash cams if you have a car you should have a dash cam front and rear. As Steven always says it's the rear camera that might show what happens"
UNIDEN is a brand that makes dash cams. The episode recommends using one facing forward and one facing rear so you have better video if there’s an accident. It’s being mentioned as a sponsor/product recommendation.
UNIDEN is a consumer electronics brand mentioned here for its smart dash cams. The host recommends front-and-rear dash cam coverage and emphasizes the value of rear footage for accident context. This is a product-focused brand mention rather than a technical EV detail.
dash cam
"UNIDEN smart dash cams if you have a car you should have a dash cam front and rear. As Steven always says it's the rear camera that might show what happens"
A dash cam is a small camera that records your drive from inside the car. This episode recommends having one facing forward and one facing backward so you have video evidence if something happens. The idea is that rear footage can help clarify what caused a crash.
A dash cam is a camera mounted on the dashboard that records what happens on the road. This segment specifically recommends front-and-rear coverage, because rear-view footage can be crucial for understanding how crashes occur. The host also mentions that the rear camera may show what happens in rear-end situations.
test drive
"Yeah I think you're going to see a little bit of a surge. Give them a test drive folks um 0477657657 is our number"
A test drive is when you actually drive the car to see if you like how it feels. With an EV, it can help you understand how it drives day-to-day and how the battery information works. It’s a practical way to decide before buying.
A test drive is a hands-on evaluation where you drive the car yourself to judge things like acceleration, braking feel, visibility, and—especially for EVs—how the car behaves with real-world driving range. For EV shoppers, it’s also a chance to experience charging workflow and how the infotainment presents battery status.
Tesla Model Ss
"are you an owner or an observer? Yeah yeah long time I've we've chatted a couple of times before I've got two Model S's um bought them secondhand about five years ago one's nine years old one's 10 years old the best things we've ever bought. Still going strong. It's still charging to 100"
range
"So the numbers that you're getting quoted by the car in terms of range are the same essentially as when you when you first got them and they were secondhand."
Range is how many kilometers (or miles) the EV can drive on one full charge. If the range estimate doesn’t really change after buying used, it usually means the battery is still in good shape.
In EV talk, “range” means how far the car can drive on a full battery charge. When the host says the quoted range stays the same after buying used, they’re pointing to how battery capacity (and the car’s estimate) holds up over time.
tyres
"when it comes to tyres I'm getting 60 to 70 000 k's out of what I describe as normal tyres not EV tyres"
They’re talking about how long the tires last. EVs can be harder on tires because they’re heavy and have instant torque, so some tires are made specifically for EVs.
The host is discussing tire wear and expected lifespan in kilometers. They specifically contrast “normal” tires with “EV tyres,” implying EV-specific tires are designed for EV weight/torque and often for efficiency and noise.
dealer add-ons
"and like on the Benz owner they don't know the deal and you you know you go to Kia off you know we'll give you free servicing and this and I just heard from a bike that's got a got a BYD roast about it"
They’re talking about the way some car dealers make extra money by adding extra stuff when you come in for service or promotions. The idea is that it can make the overall cost higher than you expect.
The host contrasts Tesla’s approach with a “dealership model” that relies on customers returning for paid service. In that context, “dealer add-ons” refers to extra sales or upsells tied to service visits or dealer offers, which can increase total ownership cost.
Kia
"and like on the Benz owner they don't know the deal and you you know you go to Kia off you know we'll give you free servicing and this"
Kia is a car brand they bring up while talking about service deals. They’re using it as an example of how some brands try to get you to return for maintenance.
Kia is mentioned as an example of a brand offering “free servicing” as part of the ownership pitch. The host uses it to illustrate how traditional brands/dealers try to keep customers coming back.
BYD
"and I just heard from a bike that's got a got a BYD roast about it but they want to see it every so often to service it"
BYD is an EV and battery brand. They mention it to support the idea that some brands still want you to come in for service periodically.
BYD is referenced as another EV brand in the conversation about service expectations and dealer contact. The host’s point is that some EV owners still feel pressured to visit for servicing on a schedule.
dealership model of decades old
"I think Tesla essentially makes their money up front when they sell a car that's where they make their money whereas you know the dealership model of decades old was broadly speaking just get the cars out there and then have people come back and make money through servicing"
They’re comparing two business approaches: some companies earn most of their money when you buy the car, while older dealership-style businesses make money when you keep coming back for service. EVs often need less routine work, so that traditional loop can be weaker.
The host contrasts Tesla’s “make money up front” sales approach with the older dealership model where profits come from repeat visits—especially service work. The concept is that if customers don’t need frequent maintenance, the traditional service-driven revenue stream shrinks.
moving parts
"what impressed me about it was I remember they were telling me that there's only 1717 moving parts in the car right and this was a lot less"
“Moving parts” means the pieces inside the car that physically move and can wear out over time. The host is saying fewer of those can mean less maintenance.
“Moving parts” is a shorthand for the mechanical components that wear through use. The host uses the idea to argue that an EV like the GWM Ora5 has fewer wear items, so it may need less routine maintenance.
brake pads
"like when it comes to brakes like we've still got the well I certainly haven't changed the brake pads or the discs because we're braking yeah we did so many road miles"
Brake pads are the replaceable parts that squeeze against the brake rotors to stop the car. The host is saying EVs can go a long time without needing pad or rotor changes.
Brake pads are the friction material that clamps onto the brake discs to slow the car. The host uses them to illustrate EV brake wear: with regenerative braking, pads and discs can last far longer than on a gas car.
brake discs
"like when it comes to brakes like we've still got the well I certainly haven't changed the brake pads or the discs because we're braking yeah we did so many road miles"
Brake discs are the spinning metal parts the brake pads press against. If an EV uses regenerative braking a lot, the discs may last much longer.
Brake discs (rotors) are the metal surfaces the brake pads clamp onto. The host pairs discs with pads to emphasize that EVs can reduce friction-braking use, extending rotor life.
sensors
"it's one area of a car where they're not that I've seen there's sensors so you kind of need someone to look and you take the wheel off and look at the pads to check that they are at a certain grade"
Some cars use sensors to warn you about brake wear. But the host is saying you still often need a mechanic to check the pads by looking at them directly.
Brake-related sensors can monitor conditions like pad wear or other brake system status, but they don’t replace physical inspection. The host says you may still need someone to take the wheel off and visually check pad condition and thickness.
regenerative
"while a lot of people just drive EVs in a certain way that is regenerative and doesn't use the braking I've got no doubt that that a lot of people aren't turning on a regenerate high and they're using it like a normal car"
In an EV, “regenerative” braking means the car slows down while also recharging the battery. If you use it, you usually wear out the brake pads and rotors much more slowly.
“Regenerative” refers to regenerative braking in an EV, where the motor slows the car and converts some kinetic energy back into electricity. The host argues that if drivers use regenerative braking correctly, the friction brakes (pads and discs) can last much longer.
EV tyre
"[438.6s] I said that's fine I didn't mention that it was an EV because I went you know what I don't [442.5s] want EV tyres again I actually think that that's that's worked against me on what's an EV tyre [447.9s] like low profile"
Some tire brands sell “EV tires” made for electric cars. The claim is they handle the extra weight and strong acceleration better. The hosts argue about whether you really need them or if regular tires work just fine.
An EV tyre is a tire marketed specifically for electric vehicles, usually tuned for EV-specific loads and driving feel. The idea is that EVs can be heavier and deliver instant torque, so the tire’s compound and construction may be optimized for wear, grip, and noise. In this segment, the hosts debate whether an EV-specific tire is actually necessary.
low profile
"[442.5s] want EV tyres again I actually think that that's that's worked against me on what's an EV tyre [447.9s] like low profile I've got no talk to me about tyres whatever you do right it's about the the"
Low profile tires have a shorter “rubber wall” on the side. They can feel more responsive when turning, but they may be harsher over bumps. The host is using it as part of the argument about tire design choices.
“Low profile” refers to a tire with a shorter sidewall height relative to its width. That typically changes ride comfort and steering response, and it can affect how the tire protects the wheel and how it wears under load. The speaker brings it up while discussing what makes a tire work for an EV.
suspension error
"[471.8s] I think one of them had the original tyres because the guy that owned it had done 38,000 [477.1s] Ks in 55 years and so we then we just had one blow out because of the suspension error [486.6s] needed a wheel alignment and that's why if you have a look at the tyres on a lot of cars these"
The suspension is what connects the wheels to the car and controls how they move. If something’s off, the tires can end up wearing the wrong way or failing sooner. The host is linking a suspension issue to the tire problem they saw.
“Suspension error” here likely means a suspension-related problem or misadjustment that affects how the tires contact the road. When suspension geometry is wrong, it can contribute to uneven wear, vibration, or even tire failures. The speaker connects it to needing a wheel alignment and a blowout.
wheel alignment
"[471.8s] I think one of them had the original tyres because the guy that owned it had done 38,000 [477.1s] Ks in 55 years and so we then we just had one blow out because of the suspension error [486.6s] needed a wheel alignment and that's why if you have a look at the tyres on a lot of cars these"
Wheel alignment is setting the wheels so they’re pointing straight and correctly. If it’s off, your tires can wear unevenly and you may feel the car pulling. The speaker is saying alignment was needed because the tire problem wasn’t just “bad luck.”
Wheel alignment is the adjustment of the suspension angles (like camber and toe) so the tires point in the correct direction relative to the road. Misalignment can cause uneven tire wear and pulling, which is why the speaker links it to a blowout and tire issues. It’s a common fix when tires wear abnormally.
treadway
"[507.2s] you're just like the sensors that are on them and things like that and just putting your hand [512.5s] across the tyre and see if it's wearing flat on and just use the old matchstick method of checking [517.5s] the treadway you know what it probably is Paul it's probably about educating ourselves again"
The treadway is the part of the tire that actually touches the road. If that tread gets worn down, the tire grips worse—especially in the rain. The host is describing a simple way to check how much tread is left.
The treadway is the main contact surface area of the tire’s tread that grips the road. Checking the treadway helps you judge tire wear and remaining grip, especially for wet traction. The speaker references a “matchstick method” to inspect tread depth.
matchstick method
"[507.2s] you're just like the sensors that are on them and things like that and just putting your hand [512.5s] across the tyre and see if it's wearing flat on and just use the old matchstick method of checking [517.5s] the treadway you know what it probably is Paul it's probably about educating ourselves again"
The matchstick method is a quick DIY trick to guess how worn your tire tread is. It’s not super precise, but it can help you decide if the tires need attention. The host is encouraging simple checks between shop visits.
The “matchstick method” is an informal way to estimate tire tread depth by using a small object as a rough gauge. It’s not as precise as a proper tread-depth gauge, but it can help you spot tires that are getting too worn. The speaker uses it as a DIY check alongside hand-feel and visual inspection.
Ford F-150 Lightning
"...w those things hey by the way the F-150s yeah the Lightning company that was importing them and they're gone ..."
The Ford F-150 Lightning is a pickup truck that runs on electricity instead of gasoline. It’s meant to keep the usefulness of a truck, like carrying things, but with an electric drivetrain. The podcast mentions it because it’s an EV truck people may have been able to get, depending on where they live.
The Ford F-150 Lightning is an electric version of the F-150 pickup, combining EV power with the practicality of a truck. It’s significant in EV conversations because it targets buyers who want towing, hauling, and everyday truck use—just powered by electricity. The podcast also mentions it in the context of availability/importing, which is a practical reason it comes up.
ship in a car and convert it to a right hand drive
"I think it's a tough business model to you know ship in a car and convert it to a right hand drive and I didn't think it was ever going to work financially unless you're an absolute enthusiast"
They’re talking about bringing cars in from markets that use left-hand drive and then modifying them so they’re right-hand drive. That extra work costs money, so it’s only likely to succeed if there are enough buyers who really want those cars.
This describes the process of importing a vehicle and then converting it for right-hand-drive markets, which adds cost and complexity. The hosts argue it can be hard to make financially work unless the importer has a strong enthusiast customer base.
whole of ownership experience
"good on you mate great to hearing you next week [684.3s] great to hear from you again mate cheers yeah I mean look it's as you say it's it's a whole of ownership experience"
“Whole of ownership experience” means thinking about what a car will cost and require over the years, not just what you pay to buy it. That includes things like maintenance and what happens if something goes wrong.
“Whole of ownership experience” means looking beyond the purchase price and considering the total costs and effort over time—maintenance, repairs after incidents, insurance, and day-to-day living with the vehicle. It’s a framework used to compare cars realistically, especially when EVs change the maintenance and repair profile versus gas cars.
Geely
"but Zika, Geely, some of the newer brands there's not enough experience for people to for many they're an"
Geely is a car company from China. The hosts mention it to make the point that newer brands may not have as much proven ownership history yet, so buyers have less information about long-term costs and support.
Geely is a Chinese automaker that owns or has partnerships across multiple brands, and it’s mentioned as one of the newer EV players with less long-term local ownership data available to buyers. The key point in this segment is that newer brands may not have as much real-world service/ownership history yet.
servicing maintenance
"well what what am I up for servicing maintenance yeah if you have an accident like they're the questions you need to ask when you're buying."
They’re talking about the ongoing costs of keeping the car running—things like scheduled servicing and repairs. For EVs, it’s still important to ask what maintenance you’ll actually need over time.
This segment emphasizes the ownership question of ongoing servicing and maintenance costs. For EVs, listeners often want to know what still needs routine attention (and what doesn’t) so they can estimate total cost of ownership beyond the purchase price.
Saturn Aura
"...ng up on Friday hopefully I've uh I ordered a GWM aura 5 the new electric car which I just recently came..."
The Saturn Aura is a car model name. In this podcast, the mention sounds like it may be mixing up names with a different electric car called the “Aura 5.” So the key point is that “Aura” can refer to different cars, and the EV one being ordered is likely not the older Saturn model.
The Saturn Aura is a car model that’s commonly known as a conventional (non-electric) midsize sedan from the Saturn brand era. In the podcast context, it appears in a discussion about ordering a “GWM Aura 5,” which is a different vehicle name and likely not the same as the Saturn Aura. That’s why it’s mentioned alongside an EV purchase, even though the original Saturn Aura isn’t an electric car by default.
GWM aura 5
"yeah I'm picking up on Friday hopefully I've uh I ordered a GWM aura 5 the new electric car which I just recently came so it's a thing the deliveries are coming this week and next week"
The GWM Ora 5 is an all-electric SUV. The host is talking about how far it can drive on a charge and how fast it can charge—those are the two main things you care about with an EV.
The GWM Ora 5 is an electric SUV model from GWM (Great Wall Motor) positioned as a more practical, larger alternative within the Ora lineup. In this segment, Michael highlights its EV range and charging capability, which are the two biggest day-to-day factors for EV ownership.
430 kilometer
"it's a bigger range as well I think it's it's 430 kilometer from memory for this one it's got a higher DC charging of 120 kilowatts"
“430 kilometers” is how far the car should be able to drive on one full battery charge. It matters because it tells you how often you’ll need to charge for your everyday routes.
“430 kilometer” is the stated EV range—how far the car is expected to drive on a full charge under a particular test cycle. Range is a key EV buying question because it affects whether you can comfortably do your usual trips without relying on frequent charging.
DC charging
"it's got a higher DC charging of 120 kilowatts bigger in size and a bit bigger"
DC charging is the fast way to charge an electric car at many public chargers. It usually gets you back on the road much quicker than charging from a normal home-style outlet.
DC charging refers to fast-charging an EV using direct current, typically at public charging stations. It can add a lot of range quickly compared with slower AC charging, which is why the podcast calls out the car’s DC charging capability.
120 kilowatts
"it's got a higher DC charging of 120 kilowatts bigger in size and a bit bigger"
“120 kilowatts” is how powerful the fast charger can be for this car. More power usually means faster charging, but the actual speed can still vary depending on the charger and how full the battery already is.
“120 kilowatts” is the charging power rating for the EV’s DC fast-charging system. Higher kilowatt numbers generally mean faster charging—though real-world speed still depends on the charger and the battery’s state of charge.
infotainment system
"it's a refreshed infotainment system with the I think the new software as well"
The infotainment system is the car’s main screen and controls for things like music, navigation, and settings. If it’s refreshed, it usually means the interface and features feel newer or work better.
An infotainment system is the car’s integrated touchscreen/audio/navigation interface. When Michael says the Ora 5 has a refreshed infotainment system and new software, he’s referring to updates to the user interface and features you interact with while driving.
solar panels
"mostly because I just bought a house which actually came with solar panels and then I was looking at the node at least"
Solar panels make electricity at your house from sunlight. If you charge your EV at home, solar can help reduce what you pay for electricity.
Solar panels are a home energy system that generates electricity from sunlight, which can reduce how much you need to buy from the grid. In an EV context, having solar can lower charging costs and make home charging more sustainable.
node
"solar panels and then I was looking at the node at least but I was not sure about it then then"
This sounds like he’s talking about his home charging setup. The exact word in the transcript is a bit unclear, but it’s about how he plans to charge the EV at home.
“Node” here likely refers to a home charging setup or charging point (the transcript sounds like “the node at least”), but the exact term is unclear from the audio text. The context is Michael considering charging options after buying a house with solar panels.
Melbourne Motor Show
"they told me about this Chidon number of fives which I think recently got launched yep it was the Melbourne Motor Show that was it's kind of unveiling yeah"
This is a car show in Melbourne where new vehicles get revealed. The speaker says the EV they’re looking at was unveiled there recently.
The Melbourne Motor Show is an automotive event where new cars are unveiled to the public and media. Here, it’s referenced as the place where the speaker’s considered EV was recently launched/unveiled.
granny charger
"oh I actually have got solar so but I'm I'm kind of looking at maybe just use a granny charger for a while and see how it goes right on in for a month and then maybe"
A “granny charger” is a simple EV charger you plug into a normal home power point. It usually charges slower than a dedicated charger, but it’s convenient to use at first.
A “granny charger” is a casual term for a basic, low-power EV charger that plugs into a regular household outlet. It typically charges more slowly than dedicated home wallboxes, but it’s often the easiest way to start charging at home.
seven kilowatt charger
"otherwise if I need more child then maybe I'll put a seven kilowatt charger and how does that going to suit your driving do you do a lot of driving or is it just to get in there out and about occasionally"
A seven kilowatt charger is a faster home charger for an EV. It can refill the battery quicker than a basic plug-in charger, as long as your car and home wiring can handle it.
A “seven kilowatt charger” refers to a home EV charging unit rated for up to 7 kW of power. Higher kilowatt ratings generally mean faster charging than low-power options like a granny charger, assuming the car and installation support it.
smart meter
"it doesn't ... so you can't even do off you've got a smart meter ... if you want to go a little bit up in the world with things like your charger and if you ever want to do battery or anything you got to get rid of the standard meter it's got to be a smart meter for it all to work"
A smart meter is an upgraded electricity meter that can track your usage more precisely. It can help you take advantage of cheaper electricity times (like overnight) if your plan supports it.
A smart meter is an electricity meter that can record and report usage in more detail and support time-based tariffs. In this segment, it’s mentioned because it enables off-peak/peak pricing and can be important if you want to optimize EV charging and other energy automation.
off peak and peak
"some people go that's the best way to go because then you can't get lumped with the off peak and peak so it's actually not a bad thing"
Off-peak and peak refers to time-of-use electricity pricing, where electricity costs more during “peak” demand hours and less during “off-peak” hours. EV owners often try to charge during off-peak to reduce charging costs.
Dodge Charger
"... little bit up in the world with things like your charger and if you ever want to do battery or anything yo..."
A Dodge Charger is a car model made by Dodge. In the podcast context, “charger” likely refers to the device that charges a battery, not a specific electric version of the Charger. It’s mentioned because charging is a key part of owning an electric car.
The Dodge Charger is a well-known American full-size sedan that’s typically discussed as a performance-oriented model. In an EV-focused podcast, it may come up because people often talk about “chargers” and charging equipment alongside the cars themselves. That makes it relevant to battery charging topics rather than as an EV model.
solar tariff
"as a sidebar the solar tariff is now down to three cents like they're basically saying don't bother generating any power we don't need it"
A solar tariff is the payment rate you get for the electricity your solar panels produce. If it drops, it can mean less money from selling/exporting solar power.
A solar tariff is the rate paid for electricity generated by your solar panels (often via a feed-in arrangement). The hosts say the solar tariff has dropped to three cents, implying reduced financial benefit from exporting solar power back to the grid.
three cents
"the solar tariff is now down to three cents like they're basically saying don't bother generating any power"
“Three cents” is the amount of money per unit of electricity they’re saying you get for solar power. The point is that the payout is very low now.
“Three cents” is the specific solar export rate being quoted for the solar tariff. It’s used to argue that exporting solar power is less financially attractive than before.
GWM Ora5 SUV
"this week I'm disappointed you didn't get the flamingo pink because now that's one outlandish [1151.4s] vehicle there Michael that would be a quite contrasting be a head to [1159.6s] mate good luck with the car keep in touch and let us know how she ends up for you"
This is the GWM Ora5 SUV. The hosts are talking about it as an electric vehicle and pointing out how it looks, especially the round headlights.
The GWM Ora5 SUV is an EV-focused model from GWM (Great Wall Motor) that the hosts are discussing in the context of color choice and first impressions. The segment also ties it to a specific design language—round “aura”-style headlights—that helps listeners identify the car visually.
Porsche Cayenne
"it's like a Porsche Porsche Porsche Cayenne kind of [1181.6s] for me can yeah yeah yeah it's it's pretty it's got that look it's a round headlight so that does [1186.3s] it the rounded headlights yes"
The Porsche Cayenne is a popular luxury SUV. They’re using it as a style comparison—mainly the round headlight look—so you can picture what the new car resembles.
The Porsche Cayenne is a well-known luxury SUV, and the host uses it as a visual reference point for the Ora5’s styling. The comparison is specifically about the SUV’s round, “aura”-like headlight look rather than performance or platform details.
GWM Tank 500
"you're currently [1191.6s] in a GWM aren't you and I am I'm in a big tank 500 yeah that's a beast that's like Land Cruiser [1199.1s] style tell me about it wow yeah we'll be talking about it on the next show all right bring it on [1204.1s] that's a plug-in hybrid there"
The GWM Tank 500 is a big SUV. Here they say it’s a plug-in hybrid, so you can drive it using electricity sometimes, but it also has a regular engine for longer trips.
The GWM Tank 500 is a large, rugged SUV that the host compares to the Land Cruiser style. In this segment it’s specifically described as a plug-in hybrid, meaning it can run on electricity for some driving and also uses a conventional power source.
Toyota Land Cruiser
"...in a big tank 500 yeah that's a beast that's like Land Cruiser style tell me about it wow yeah we'll be talking ..."
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a big SUV designed to handle rough roads and tough conditions. People describe it as a “tough” vehicle because it’s built for durability. In the podcast, it’s used as a reference point for a large, capable vehicle.
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a large, rugged SUV built for serious off-road use and long-distance durability. It’s often brought up when someone wants a “big tank” style vehicle, and the podcast compares that kind of presence to other large EVs. That’s why it’s relevant in a discussion about size, capability, and toughness.
plug-in hybrid
"that's a plug-in hybrid there and we're trying to get through as many cars as we can so we can [1208.1s] have the experience and we'd love to hear from you after this we'll talk how the NRMA are seeing"
A plug-in hybrid is a car that has both an electric motor and a regular engine. You can charge it by plugging it in, so some trips can be done on electricity.
A plug-in hybrid is a vehicle that combines an electric motor with a conventional engine, and it can be charged from an external power source. That means you can often drive short distances on electricity alone, then rely on the engine when the battery is depleted.
Sean Tyson
"our guest our next guest is from NRMA insurance [1245.3s] we've spoken to him before is Sean Tyson the NRMA's insurance's head of automotive research [1250.4s] and it's been a big few months so we thought we'd touch base and see where the market's at"
Sean Tyson is the person from NRMA insurance who studies cars and automotive trends. The hosts invite him to talk about what the latest data says about EV interest.
Sean Tyson is identified as the NRMA’s head of automotive research in this segment. The hosts bring him on to discuss recent data and trends in EV market growth and inquiries.
fuel crisis
"several months since the since the fuel crisis began and there's no question the fuel crisis is"
A “fuel crisis” means there was a big problem with fuel—like shortages or higher prices. The hosts use it to explain why people’s interest in EVs may have changed during that time.
The “fuel crisis” refers to a period of disruption and elevated concern around fuel availability and/or pricing. Here it’s used as context for why EV inquiry and sales data should be interpreted in light of changing consumer behavior since the crisis began.
charging times
"behind EVs realize [1471.0s] you don't need to be that worried about it people are just uncertain about charging times and how [1478.3s] will it fit into my life the more they hear about people who've taken that leap"
Charging times are how long you have to wait to put enough electricity back into the battery. People worry it might take too long to charge when they need to drive again.
Charging times are how long it takes to add enough electricity to the battery for a given driving need. For EV owners, the key question is whether charging fits their routine—like how long they’ll wait at home versus on the road, and how quickly the car can replenish charge.
battery
"other one's about concern around the battery on the vehicle choice there's now over 100 EV models [1509.7s] on the market and and you know used vehicles now are starting to come through as well so people [1515.4s] by used cars are starting to see some choice but there isn't yet a car to suit every need [1521.2s] you are used some people are saying i can't quite get the car i want in the price range i want"
When they say “battery,” they mean the big electric battery that powers the car. Some people worry about whether it’s safe or will cause problems, but the hosts say those fears are often overstated.
In EV discussions, “battery” usually refers to the high-voltage traction battery that stores energy for driving. People often worry about battery safety and longevity, but the hosts argue that many of those concerns are exaggerated compared with what owners experience in practice.
myth
"it still comes up though doesn't it the myth of the i had someone a good friend's elderly mother [1544.3s] and we were just a kid sport and i was talking about EVs or my car or something and oh yeah but [1549.5s] the fires and i went hey what are you talking about what are you talking about yeah i said yeah [1554.1s] okay if we want to put scooters and things there's there's some stories but if you've heard a story"
They’re calling out a rumor that people repeat about EVs. The point is that some scary stories get told in a way that makes it sound like the EV caused the fire, even when that’s not what happened.
The hosts use “myth” to describe widely repeated fears about EVs that aren’t supported by the actual evidence. In this segment, they specifically challenge the idea that EV fires are caused by the car in a way people assume from unrelated house-fire stories.
EV fires
"Sean absolutely no you're exactly right [1584.2s] and we know there's been 14 EV fires in Australia to date and this is out of what are we up to now"
“EV fires” means electric cars catching fire. The hosts mention how many such incidents have happened in Australia to help put the fear into perspective.
“EV fires” refers to incidents where an electric vehicle catches fire, typically involving the high-voltage battery system or related electrical components. The hosts cite a specific count (“14 EV fires in Australia to date”) to argue that the risk is being overstated compared with the number of EVs on the road.
fbt exemption
"there's government policy around the MVES the fbt exemption all of those things and then there's now that consumer demand"
The “FBT exemption” is a tax break in Australia that can make EVs cheaper to own when they’re provided through work. It can encourage more people to choose EVs.
The “FBT exemption” refers to a tax benefit related to Fringe Benefits Tax, commonly used in Australia to make EVs cheaper for employees when provided through salary packaging or company cars. That kind of incentive can materially shift demand by lowering the effective cost of owning an EV.
MVES
"there's government policy around the MVES the fbt exemption all of those things and then there's now that consumer demand"
“MVES” is an Australian government policy acronym mentioned as helping EVs become more affordable or attractive. In this discussion, it’s grouped with other incentives that speed up EV adoption.
“MVES” is referenced as part of government policy affecting EV adoption and insurance/ownership economics. In Australia, this acronym is used in EV incentive policy contexts, and it’s mentioned here alongside the FBT exemption as a driver of faster EV uptake.
aftersales part of the EV market
"is the the aftersales part of the the EV market into the servicing and and repairs"
“Aftersales” is what happens after you buy the car—like servicing, repairs, and getting parts. With EVs, those needs can be different, especially around the battery and electronics.
The “aftersales” side of the EV market covers what happens after purchase: servicing, repairs, parts availability, and support. As EVs become more common, aftersales becomes a bigger factor because battery-related diagnostics and specialized repair workflows are different from typical gas-car maintenance.
second hand market
"the aftersales or the second hand process for a buyer that idea of a battery test is going to be a game changer for that second hand market which is yet to really boom"
The “second hand market” means buying used cars. For EVs, knowing the battery’s condition is especially important, and the hosts think better battery checks could help used EVs sell more.
The “second hand market” here means the used EV market, where buyers rely heavily on battery condition information. The segment suggests that battery testing and battery-health visibility could be a major catalyst for growth in used EV sales.
residual values
"you know general Australians thinking I'll buy an EV has driven up residual values which is great and we've spoken last week to a guy that bought a second hand Tesla"
Residual value is basically what the car is expected to be worth in the future. If people trust EV batteries more, the car tends to hold its value better.
Residual value is what a vehicle is expected to be worth later (commonly at resale or end of a lease). When more people believe EV batteries are durable, buyers worry less, which can lift residual values for EVs.
high mileage electric vehicles
"yeah even on these high mileage electric vehicles that we're now starting to see you know remember they yeah EVs are still relatively new and there's not a lot of old high mileage EVs out there"
High mileage just means the EV has been driven a lot. The discussion is about whether lots of driving actually ruins the battery over time—and the claim is that it may not be as bad as people fear.
High mileage EVs are vehicles that have accumulated a lot of driving distance, which is important because battery wear is often a key concern. The hosts are arguing that, as more high-mileage EVs age, evidence suggests batteries may not need frequent replacement.
insurance
"sure not just one last question uh he's obviously the insurance space is quite a competitive one and NRMA no doubt you as you mentioned a lot more people ensuring their EVs more than ever"
In this context, insurance refers to how EVs are priced and covered compared with petrol cars. The hosts are asking whether insurers treat EVs as meaningfully different vehicles (risk, repair costs, battery-related exposure) or whether they’ve reached parity with petrol models.
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