{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"Australia EV Sales March 2026: 14.5% | April Market Recommendations","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/australia-ev-sales-march-2026-14-5-april-market-recommendations","audioUrl":"https://www.buzzsprout.com/2061898/episodes/18980324-australia-ev-sales-march-2026-14-5-april-market-recommendations.mp3","description":"Got a Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!Catch up on the latest in Electric Vehicle news from Australia and around the world! Hosted by Tom & Joy Gan of Ludicrous Feed, Riz Akhtar from Carloop and Roland Lam from ZappedSupport the showCatch us LIVE on Wednesday nights 8pm Sydney time on YouTubeContact Ludicrous Feed"},"annotations":[{"startTime":26.7,"endTime":32.8,"type":"concept","title":"EV sales have hit a record high in March 2026","url":"/glossary/ev-sales-have-hit-a-record-high-in-march-2026","quote":"So let's focus on the driven article written by our good friend Riz and he reports that yes, EV sales have hit a record high in March 2026, which is fabulous news for us EV followers and commentators.","canonicalId":"concept:ev-sales-have-hit-a-record-high-in-march-2026","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The episode is discussing EV sales growth in Australia, specifically a record month for March 2026. For listeners, the key takeaway is that EV adoption is accelerating and becoming a larger share of the overall market.","simplifiedExplanation":"They’re saying electric car sales in Australia hit their highest level ever in March 2026. It’s a sign that more people are actually buying EVs, not just talking about them."}},{"startTime":37.7,"endTime":42.7,"type":"concept","title":"100% battery electric vehicles","url":"/glossary/100-battery-electric-vehicles","quote":"And he notes a record number of EV sales and that's four electric vehicles, by the way, 100% battery electric vehicles. Over 15,000 sales, which is a record for Australia and a record share as well, 14.5% of the market,","canonicalId":"concept:100-battery-electric-vehicles","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The hosts specify that the record numbers are for BEVs—cars that run entirely on electricity stored in a battery. This is important when comparing market share because BEVs and PHEVs are tracked separately.","simplifiedExplanation":"They’re talking about fully electric cars that don’t use gasoline. The battery is the only energy source for driving."}},{"startTime":42.7,"endTime":49.2,"type":"concept","title":"market share 14.5% of the market","url":"/glossary/market-share-14-5-of-the-market","quote":"Over 15,000 sales, which is a record for Australia and a record share as well, 14.5% of the market, which is outstanding.","canonicalId":"concept:market-share-14-5-of-the-market","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The hosts cite EVs reaching 14.5% of the market share in March 2026. Market share is a more meaningful metric than raw sales because it accounts for changes in total vehicle sales volume.","simplifiedExplanation":"They’re saying EVs made up about 14.5% of all vehicles sold in that month. That’s a useful way to see how big EVs are becoming compared to everything else."}},{"startTime":62.6,"endTime":72.6,"type":"concept","title":"sales means actual deliveries","url":"/glossary/sales-means-actual-deliveries","quote":"Because sales means actual deliveries, isn't it? So it doesn't include people who have maybe like gone to a dealership and put in an order for a car or put a deposit down.","canonicalId":"concept:sales-means-actual-deliveries","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The hosts clarify that “sales” here refers to actual deliveries to customers, not just orders or deposits. This matters because order pipelines can look strong even when deliveries lag.","simplifiedExplanation":"They explain that “sales” means the cars were delivered to customers. That’s different from just placing an order or putting down a deposit."}},{"startTime":106.98,"endTime":112.36,"type":"car","title":"Tesla Model","url":"/cars/tesla/model-y","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5c/Tesla_Model_Y_%282025%29_MYLE_Festival_2025_DSC_9565.jpg","quote":"...dominated by the big two brands in Australia being Tesla and BYD, taking out the lion's share of the sales. Tesla Model Y still going strong, almost 3000 sales.","canonicalId":"car:tesla:model-y","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Tesla Model Y is called out as one of the top-selling EVs in Australia for March 2026. It’s presented as a mainstream “all-rounder” that appeals to a wide range of buyers.","simplifiedExplanation":"They mention the Tesla Model Y as one of the best-selling electric cars. The idea is that it’s a practical, popular EV that fits many different kinds of drivers.","imageAttribution":"Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":149.26,"endTime":156.46,"type":"car","title":"Audi S5","url":"/cars/audi/s5","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/98/AUDI_S5_COUPE_8T8_China.jpg","quote":"...ig cities.  MG, always going strong. I see our MG S5 selling well as well, for March. And Zika, Zika's...","canonicalId":"car:audi:s5","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Audi S5 is a performance-oriented version of the A5, typically offered as a sporty coupe or sportback. It’s significant because it blends everyday usability with a more powerful, driver-focused setup. It may be discussed in sales or market context because it’s a recognizable model that can move well in certain months.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Audi S5 is a sportier version of an Audi passenger car. It’s meant to feel quicker and more exciting to drive than the standard model. It’s often mentioned when people talk about what’s selling well.","imageAttribution":"Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":197.28,"endTime":205.2,"type":"car","title":"Chevrolet C10","url":"/cars/chevrolet/c10","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ab/1962_Chevrolet_C10_%2832792172824%29.jpg","quote":"...7, X-Planck G6, the IM6, DPEL S07 and Elite Motor C10 being the  more budget friendly options in this l...","canonicalId":"car:chevrolet:c10","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Chevrolet C10 is a classic full-size pickup truck known for its simple, durable design and wide aftermarket support. It often comes up in budget-focused discussions because there are many available examples and parts options. In a podcast about vehicles and adoption, it’s likely mentioned as a more affordable entry point in its category.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Chevrolet C10 is a pickup truck. It’s the kind of vehicle people use for hauling or as a classic project, and it’s popular because parts and repairs are usually easier to find. It gets mentioned when someone is talking about cheaper options.","imageAttribution":"GPS 56 from New Zealand (CC BY 2.0)"}},{"startTime":205.2,"endTime":212.6,"type":"term","title":"crossover size","url":"/glossary/crossover-size","quote":"They're all sort of at 4.7, 4.8 meter length of [212.6s]  vehicles, so that classic crossover size.","canonicalId":"term:crossover-size","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Crossover size” refers to the typical body/packaging class that blends SUV styling with car-like dimensions. The hosts tie it to vehicle length (about 4.7–4.8 meters) to keep comparisons apples-to-apples.","simplifiedExplanation":"They’re describing a typical “crossover” size—cars that are SUV-shaped but not huge. They’re using length to group similar-sized EVs together."}},{"startTime":212.6,"endTime":218.8,"type":"term","title":"WLTP","url":"/glossary/wltp","quote":"And all have a range of around, let's see, [218.8s]  sort of that high 400 kilometers WLTP, which in real terms is probably low 400s, so to speak.","canonicalId":"term:wltp","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure) is the standardized testing method used to estimate EV range. The hosts note that WLTP range often translates to lower real-world range, especially with real driving conditions.","simplifiedExplanation":"WLTP is the official test method used to estimate how far an EV can go on a charge. Real-world driving usually gets less range than the WLTP number."}},{"startTime":387.5,"endTime":393.6,"type":"concept","title":"Drive Away","url":"/glossary/drive-away","quote":"I can't believe there's still price like that in that $50,000 for Drive Away. Leap Motor C10, now the B10, the younger sibling of this car, has actually increased in price","canonicalId":"concept:drive-away","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.92,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Drive Away” is an Australian pricing term meaning the total price you pay to take the car home, typically including on-road costs and fees. It’s used here to highlight how competitive the EV pricing is at a specific all-in number.","simplifiedExplanation":"In Australia, “Drive Away” usually means the full price you pay so you can drive the car home right away. The host is using it to compare real, all-in costs."}},{"startTime":557.2,"endTime":564.0,"type":"concept","title":"front will drive","url":"/glossary/front-will-drive","quote":"now that Geely is $1,000 more, I know its front will drive, but you do get a lot more inclusions with that price.","canonicalId":"concept:front-will-drive","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Front will drive” indicates a front-wheel-drive (FWD) layout for the EV being discussed. Drive layout affects traction, packaging, and how the car feels in everyday driving and at the limit."}},{"startTime":564.0,"endTime":568.2,"type":"term","title":"Massage seats","url":"/glossary/massage-seats","quote":"you do get a lot more inclusions with that price. Massage seats. Massage seats.","canonicalId":"term:massage-seats","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Massage seats are a comfort feature that uses built-in actuators to apply vibration or pressure patterns to the seat. They’re often used as “inclusion” upgrades in EV trims to justify price differences."}},{"startTime":568.2,"endTime":572.2,"type":"term","title":"Better sound system","url":"/glossary/better-sound-system","quote":"Massage seats. Massage seats. Better sound system as well. I mean, although the BTEM is not bad actually.","canonicalId":"term:better-sound-system","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A “better sound system” refers to an upgraded audio setup (more speakers and/or higher-end amplification) compared with a base configuration. In EV comparisons, audio upgrades are commonly used to differentiate trims when pricing is close."}},{"startTime":594.4,"endTime":602.0,"type":"concept","title":"rear-wheel drive","url":"/glossary/rear-wheel-drive","quote":"the drive quality in the BTEM is probably marginally better given it's rear-wheel drive. But Geely can be a little bit floaty with the suspension.","canonicalId":"concept:rear-wheel-drive","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Rear-wheel drive (RWD) means the electric motors send power to the rear wheels. The hosts suggest RWD can improve drive quality versus other layouts, though they also note it depends on the specific car’s tuning."}},{"startTime":597.8,"endTime":602.0,"type":"term","title":"floaty with the suspension","url":"/glossary/floaty-with-the-suspension","quote":"But Geely can be a little bit floaty with the suspension. That's the only thing I guess you should be aware of.","canonicalId":"term:floaty-with-the-suspension","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Floaty” suspension feel usually means the car absorbs bumps with a softer, less controlled motion, sometimes with more body movement. It’s a subjective handling/ride-quality critique that can affect confidence on uneven roads."}},{"startTime":620.6,"endTime":633.8,"type":"car","title":"Kia EV5","url":"/cars/kia/ev5","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ed/2024_Kia_EV5_EV_in_Sky_Blue%2C_front_right.jpg","quote":"if you want a safe bet, the Kia EV5 is quite good, obviously. That sells very well, always makes these top 10 lists.","canonicalId":"car:kia:ev5","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.92,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Kia EV5 is a compact EV positioned as a high-volume, value-focused model. The hosts call it a “safe bet” because it sells well and is backed by Kia’s established presence, suggesting easier ownership confidence (including parts and support).","simplifiedExplanation":"The Kia EV5 is a smaller electric car from Kia. They’re recommending it because it’s popular and Kia is a well-known brand, so it should be easier to live with.","imageAttribution":"Ethan Llamas (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":630.3,"endTime":638.6,"type":"concept","title":"legacy brand","url":"/glossary/legacy-brand","quote":"And it's a legacy brand now, it's well known, you probably can't go too wrong buying Kia.","canonicalId":"concept:legacy-brand","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A “legacy brand” is an established manufacturer with a long track record in the market. The hosts connect that reputation to lower risk for buyers—especially around parts availability and long-term support."}},{"startTime":633.8,"endTime":638.6,"type":"concept","title":"price premium","url":"/glossary/price-premium","quote":"It is more expensive, probably for a reason. But I think it's worth the price premium...","canonicalId":"concept:price-premium","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A “price premium” means paying more money than the cheapest alternative for perceived benefits—like better features, refinement, or brand support. The hosts argue the premium can be worth it if the car’s overall ownership experience is better."}},{"startTime":668.7,"endTime":672.0,"type":"concept","title":"joint ventures","url":"/glossary/joint-ventures","quote":"they've done joint ventures with Toyota, Honda, and like the taxis at Guangzhou, GAC.","canonicalId":"concept:joint-ventures","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Joint ventures are partnerships where two companies share resources and technology to build cars. The speaker uses this to explain why GAC vehicles are common in China and how they’ve collaborated with brands like Toyota and Honda.","simplifiedExplanation":"A joint venture is when two companies team up to build and improve cars together. It can help a newer brand learn faster and make better vehicles."}},{"startTime":778.9,"endTime":831.7,"type":"term","title":"all-wheel drive","url":"/glossary/all-wheel-drive","quote":"BYDC Line 7 all-wheel drive, IM6 all-wheel drive, Subaru Sopterra... And for the inclusions that you get for that relative to the performance version of the Tesla Model Y...","canonicalId":"term:all-wheel-drive","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"All-wheel drive (AWD) means power is sent to more than one axle, improving traction and stability—especially on slippery roads. In EV comparisons, AWD also affects how the car accelerates and how predictable it feels under hard throttle.","simplifiedExplanation":"All-wheel drive means the car can send power to more than just the rear or front wheels. It usually helps the car grip better, especially in wet or slippery conditions."}},{"startTime":778.9,"endTime":875.9,"type":"car","title":"Subaru Solterra","url":"/cars/subaru/solterra","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f8/2023_Subaru_Solterra.jpg","quote":"BYDC Line 7 all-wheel drive, IM6 all-wheel drive, Subaru Sopterra. Again, all-surprised by the drive quality of that car.","canonicalId":"car:subaru:solterra","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Subaru Solterra is an EV crossover built with Toyota (often discussed as a sibling to the Toyota bZ4X). Here it’s mentioned as a value option and the speaker notes dealership support and brand familiarity after owning a Subaru before.","simplifiedExplanation":"This is Subaru’s electric SUV. The host is saying it’s not bad and that buying it can feel easier if you already know Subaru and its dealer network.","imageAttribution":"UltraTech66 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":890.9,"endTime":895.3,"type":"term","title":"blade battery","url":"/glossary/blade-battery","quote":"So, if you want a blade battery that's 100% LFP, and same with Elite Motor, then yeah, you buy those two cars.","canonicalId":"term:blade-battery","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Blade battery” is BYD’s marketing name for its LFP battery design, characterized by long, flat cells arranged in a structural pack. In this segment, it’s used to explain why BYD EVs can tolerate charging to 100% more often than many NMC-equipped cars.","simplifiedExplanation":"A “blade battery” is BYD’s special battery design. The host is using it to explain that this battery type is generally okay with charging to full more frequently."}},{"startTime":903.5,"endTime":907.6,"type":"term","title":"air suspension","url":"/glossary/air-suspension","quote":"And also, if you need air suspension, so if you've got a sloping driveway or something that you don't want to bottom out on, then the Zika 7x and the IM6s have air suspension.","canonicalId":"term:air-suspension","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.92,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Air suspension uses air-filled springs instead of traditional metal springs. It can raise or lower the car to improve comfort and help prevent bottoming out on uneven surfaces like sloping driveways.","simplifiedExplanation":"Air suspension is a suspension system that can adjust the ride height. It helps you avoid scraping the bottom of the car when you’re on rough or sloped ground."}},{"startTime":913.4,"endTime":918.2,"type":"term","title":"ground clearance","url":"/glossary/ground-clearance","quote":"So, you can increase, particularly 7x, increase to 200 plus millilitres of ground clearance, which is pretty impressive for this segment.","canonicalId":"term:ground-clearance","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.88,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Ground clearance is the distance between the lowest part of the vehicle and the road. Higher ground clearance can make it easier to handle driveways, speed bumps, and rough surfaces without damaging the underbody.","simplifiedExplanation":"Ground clearance is how much space there is between the car’s bottom and the ground. More clearance usually means less chance of scraping when you drive over bumps or up steep driveways."}},{"startTime":1080.3,"endTime":1096.5,"type":"term","title":"boot space","url":"/glossary/boot-space","quote":"...I think the Ion UT, no, it doesn't have much boot space though. So if you need quite a bit of boot space, then that's probably not the one for you. And in that case, the MG4 EV Urban.","canonicalId":"term:boot-space","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.92,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Boot space is the cargo area in the rear of a car (often the trunk). In EV shopping, it’s a key practicality metric because battery packaging and vehicle size can limit how much luggage you can carry.","simplifiedExplanation":"Boot space means how much stuff you can fit in the back of the car. It matters for everyday trips—especially if you’re comparing smaller EVs."}},{"startTime":1096.5,"endTime":1102.1,"type":"term","title":"front wheel drive","url":"/glossary/front-wheel-drive","quote":"Honestly, for a front wheel drive, it's so zippy. Whatever I said about the Ion Vic applies here for the GAC Ion UT, good quality, just sensible code.","canonicalId":"term:front-wheel-drive","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Front-wheel drive (FWD) means the engine’s power is sent to the front wheels. The hosts mention it to set expectations—then say the Ion UT still feels “zippy,” showing that FWD doesn’t automatically mean it’s boring.","simplifiedExplanation":"Front-wheel drive means the front wheels do the work of moving the car. They’re saying even with front-wheel drive, the car can still feel lively and fun."}},{"startTime":1263.3,"endTime":1274.3,"type":"concept","title":"retrofit","url":"/glossary/retrofit","quote":"...you can now get a retrofit stock, official factory retrofit stock for the Model 3. Okay. So you can put that back on if you want.","canonicalId":"concept:retrofit","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A retrofit is an aftermarket or manufacturer-approved modification added after the vehicle is built. Here, the speaker is describing an official factory retrofit for the Model 3 to restore a preferred control/indicator setup.","simplifiedExplanation":"A retrofit means adding or changing parts after the car is already made. In this case, it’s an official update to bring back a feature the driver might prefer."}},{"startTime":1460.6,"endTime":1470.0,"type":"term","title":"third row","url":"/glossary/third-row","quote":"whoever draws the short straw of being in that like third row, they're in for a rough ride. Especially the performance variant.","canonicalId":"term:third-row","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The third row is the rear-most seating area in multi-row vehicles like large SUVs and vans. Comfort in the third row is often more sensitive to ride harshness, vehicle pitch/roll, and acceleration/braking behavior—so tuning and drive modes can matter a lot for passenger experience.","simplifiedExplanation":"The third row is the seats farthest back in a car with multiple rows. People sitting there usually feel bumps and movement more, so ride comfort can vary a lot between vehicles."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Tom G","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/australia-ev-sales-march-2026-14-5-april-market-recommendations/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}