Deepal S07 Driveaway Special $46,990 but is Brand Awareness the Issue?

The Pontiac Solstice is a compact sports car that was produced as part of Pontiac’s lineup. In the podcast, it’s referenced in a casual, off-topic way while discussing timing and seasons, suggesting it’s part of a broader conversation rather than a detailed technical segment. It’s included as a recognizable car name that listeners may associate with classic sports-car styling.

The Volkswagen ID.4 is an all-electric SUV from Volkswagen’s ID family. It’s notable because it’s one of the more visible EVs in many markets, making it a good “on-the-road” indicator of EV adoption.

The Kia EV9 is a large, family-oriented electric SUV designed to seat more people and handle everyday road trips. The podcast groups it with other EV models and notes how the lineup can be confusing because names look similar. That’s why it comes up in a discussion about which EVs are currently available and what’s next.

The Kia EV3 is an electric vehicle positioned as a smaller, more accessible option within Kia’s EV lineup. In the podcast, it’s mentioned alongside EV5 and EV9 because the naming and model sizes can be hard to keep straight. That makes it relevant to a conversation about what EVs are on the market and how they compare.

The Kia EV5 is an electric vehicle that sits in the middle of Kia’s EV lineup by size and positioning. The podcast mentions it together with EV3 and EV9, emphasizing that the different model names can sound similar. It’s discussed as part of the broader topic of EV availability and lineup clarity.

The Kia EV2 is referenced as a future electric model that people expect to arrive soon. In the podcast, it’s part of the speculation about what Kia’s EV lineup will include next, especially since there’s no EV7 mentioned. That makes it relevant to discussions about upcoming EV options and planning purchases.

“Partial EV” is a casual way to describe a vehicle that isn’t a full battery-electric car. It usually implies some combination of electric drive with another power source (for example, a hybrid setup), rather than relying only on a battery.

BYD Shark 6 is a BYD pickup concept/variant being discussed as a “partial EV” rather than a full battery-electric vehicle. The hosts are emphasizing that it can do things they associate with EVs (and more) while not being a pure EV.

“Rolling spec” typically refers to a vehicle in a running, test-ready configuration—often a pre-production or development build that can be driven. It’s a way of saying the car is already at a functional stage, not just a static prototype.

“BYD Octopus 8” is mentioned as a specific EV model that the hosts say it is not. This kind of model name-drop matters because it shows how people are trying to identify what’s being previewed or tested.

The Peugeot iOn is a small electric car that’s designed for city driving and easy everyday use. The podcast mentions it in the context of other “2s” and sightings, indicating it’s part of the broader EV presence people are noticing. It’s relevant because compact EVs like this can be an entry point for drivers switching from petrol to electric.

EV adoption refers to how widely electric vehicles are being purchased and used by everyday drivers. The hosts connect it to community meetups and test drives, arguing that seeing EVs in person helps more people “get behind the wheel.”

The BMW X5 is a mid-size luxury SUV known for its comfort, strong performance options, and family-friendly practicality. In an EV-focused discussion, it may come up because buyers often compare how an X5-sized vehicle fits into the move toward electric SUVs. It’s also a common “usual suspect” when people talk about what brands and models are popular in the market.

The Zeekr 7X is an electric SUV that’s discussed as part of the growing number of EVs available from Chinese brands. The podcast groups it with other “usual suspects,” suggesting it’s one of the models people keep seeing in EV shopping conversations. It’s brought up to illustrate how quickly the market is expanding with new EV options.

Geely X5 is mentioned as one of the EVs showing up frequently in Perth. The host groups it with other “usual suspects,” implying it’s part of the mainstream EV mix rather than a niche model.

The BYD Dolphin is a compact electric hatchback from BYD, known for being one of the more affordable EV options in many markets. In this segment, it’s used as the example car for an Adelaide-to-Melbourne road trip, highlighting real-world usability rather than just specs.

The Ford Mustang is a well-known performance car, often associated with sporty driving and strong styling. In the podcast, it’s referenced in a way that suggests the conversation is about what’s available and what might be worth considering, even if the segment is broader than just Mustangs. It’s included because buyers may compare different types of cars when shopping for a new vehicle.

“Drive-away” pricing is the total amount you pay to get the car ready to use, typically including on-road costs like registration and stamp duty (varies by region). It’s a more shopper-relevant number than base MSRP because it reflects the real out-the-door cost.

The Tesla Model Y is a compact-to-midsize electric SUV designed for everyday family use. It’s frequently discussed because its size and packaging make it a benchmark for “family-sized” EVs. In the podcast, it’s referenced as a scale reference for another vehicle’s dimensions.

Brand awareness is how familiar potential buyers are with a brand’s name and products. Here, the hosts argue that Deepal’s low sales may be less about the cars themselves and more about people not recognizing the brand or knowing what it is.

A dealership footprint refers to how many dealerships a brand has and where they’re located. The hosts discuss whether limited dealership presence (and visibility) could be reducing sales, while also noting that the importer has been working to place dealers across Australia.

Inchcape is the company importing and distributing these vehicles in Australia, which affects how the cars are marketed and where dealerships are placed. In this segment, the hosts credit Inchcape with having a “good footprint” while still describing gaps in dealer coverage.

Deepal S07 is an electric SUV model in the Deepal lineup. In this segment, it’s discussed as having had a “soft” initial launch in Australia due to early issues—especially software-related—affecting how quickly buyers warmed up to it.

Deepal E07 is another electric model in the Deepal range, mentioned here as being heavily showcased during the same period as the S07. The hosts connect the E07’s event-driven attention to a revival of interest in the brand after earlier launch momentum faded.

The hosts discuss dealers trying to clear last year’s stock, which is essentially inventory pressure. While they don’t explicitly mention add-ons, the broader idea is that pricing and sales tactics change when inventory sits too long.

Deepal SO5 is another Deepal EV the hosts mention as being a “real drive car,” implying it’s not just a concept or theoretical product. They also note it “isn’t launched yet,” positioning it as an upcoming model in the lineup.

The Alpina B10 is a high-performance luxury sedan based on a BMW 5 Series platform, tuned for a more powerful and refined driving experience. The podcast mentions it in the context of pricing and a comparison to another B10-related model, indicating it’s being discussed as a premium option. It’s relevant because buyers often weigh performance luxury cars against other expensive alternatives.

D-PAL is discussed as an EV brand whose biggest problem may be visibility rather than product quality. The hosts connect this to how people perceive the name—many assume it’s Indian—while the brand is actually tied to Chang’an, a Chinese company, creating “mixed messaging.”

Chang’an is identified as the Chinese company behind the D-PAL brand. The point of the mention is branding and perception—how the brand’s origin and name can be misunderstood in Australia.

Gilly is referenced alongside BYD as a brand that takes out big ads to build awareness. The transcript doesn’t provide enough context to confirm the exact intended brand spelling, but it’s clearly being used as an advertising/visibility example.

The Nissan Leaf is one of the best-known mass-market electric cars, built around practical daily driving and widespread availability. The podcast mentions uncertainty about whether a new Leaf is coming, which matters because the Leaf has historically been a key entry point to EV ownership. It’s discussed as part of the broader EV adoption conversation in Australia.

APR (Annual Percentage Rate) is the interest rate used to quote the cost of borrowing on a loan or finance offer. In this segment, Nissan is offering “1% APR” to existing Nissan owners, which is a common incentive to reduce monthly payment pressure.

The Toyota bZ4X is an electric SUV built as part of Toyota’s EV lineup. The podcast notes that some people understand why it’s bought, which points to it being a mainstream, practical EV option rather than a niche product. It’s mentioned as part of the wider discussion about what EVs people choose and why.

LFP stands for lithium iron phosphate, a battery chemistry commonly used in EVs. It’s known for being relatively cost-effective and durable, and it’s often chosen for models where manufacturers want strong value and longevity.

The EX60 is referenced as an EV model name, with the speaker assuming it’s a Volvo EX-60 that has been launched. In the episode, it’s part of the “what’s going on” discussion when checking new EV releases and sightings. Because the name is used as a quick reference, it’s mainly about identifying the model being talked about.

A Wilkins audio system refers to a premium branded speaker setup (associated with high-end audio tuning) offered as an option or standard equipment. The segment treats it as a major cabin feature—something you’d buy the car for because it makes listening to music feel especially immersive.

The ES90 is discussed as a sedan that the speaker recently had, highlighting in particular its premium audio system (noted as having 28 speakers). That kind of detail suggests the car is being evaluated for comfort and cabin experience, not just performance. It’s mentioned to illustrate what buyers can get in terms of luxury features.

Polestar 3 is a premium electric SUV from Polestar, known for its large size and tech-forward cabin. In this segment, it’s mentioned alongside a “1000 Wilkins” audio setup, tying the car to high-end sound as part of the ownership experience.

All wheel drive (AWD) means power is sent to both the front and rear axles. In EVs, AWD is often offered to improve traction and acceleration, and this segment discusses how different EX90 variants may be rear-wheel drive versus AWD.

Volvo EX40 is a compact electric SUV in Volvo’s EV lineup, used here as a pricing reference point. The host notes that some EX40 variants reached the mid-$80,000 range, which influenced how Volvo adjusted pricing for newer models.

SPA3 refers to Volvo’s next-generation vehicle platform architecture. A “new architecture” matters because it can change packaging, electronics, and how efficiently the car is built—often influencing range, software features, and production costs.

Volvo EX90 is Volvo’s upcoming flagship electric SUV, positioned as a premium alternative in the brand’s EV lineup. The discussion focuses on its pricing in Australia and how it may be worth it relative to other Volvo EVs, plus the idea that it’s built on a new platform.

Luxury car tax (LCT) is an Australian tax applied to certain higher-priced vehicles. It’s designed to add extra tax burden on expensive cars, which can affect the final “on the road” price you pay.

The Tesla Cybertruck is an electric pickup truck with a distinctive angular design and a focus on utility. It’s brought up in the episode alongside other EV and deal talk, reflecting how Tesla is expanding into different vehicle types beyond cars and SUVs. The conversation also highlights how buyers may compare it to other performance or luxury expectations.

A comparison rate is an Australian finance metric that expresses the overall cost of a loan as an annual percentage rate, including certain fees. It helps you compare financing offers from different lenders on a more like-for-like basis.

The Sealion 7 is a BYD plug-in hybrid model referenced in the podcast, with the discussion noting that availability and promotions can come and go. The speaker also mentions it being on a specific trim (C-Line 7 Premium) before many people went to BYD dealers. It’s brought up as an example of how demand and dealer activity can affect which versions are easy to find.

The Suzuki Vitara is a compact SUV, and this segment specifically calls out an electric SUV version for Australia. The hosts mention a pre-order offer for the first 100 orders with up to $3,000 in savings, framing it as an early EV entry point for buyers.

A Gigafactory is Tesla’s large-scale manufacturing plant for electric vehicles and batteries. In this discussion, they compare Tesla’s factory locations (Berlin vs Shanghai) and how those supply chains might influence pricing and perceived quality.

The hosts discuss how where a car is built (Germany vs Shanghai) can influence expectations about quality and shipping cost. They connect that to pricing differences—if shipping from China is cheaper, the car could cost less, even if build quality is otherwise comparable.

The Tesla Model 3 is an electric sedan that became one of the most common EVs discussed in mainstream markets. In this segment, the hosts talk about choosing between different Model 3s based on factors like price, distance, and even paint appearance.

In car shopping, resale refers to how much a vehicle is likely to sell for later. The hosts connect it to whether buyers care about where the car was built (e.g., European-built versus China-built) and how that perception might change over time.

The Tesla Model Y Performance is a higher-output version of the Model Y crossover, positioned as the sporty trim in the lineup. In this segment, the hosts discuss how its pricing and availability affect sales—especially whether buyers are choosing it immediately or waiting for specific variants to be in stock.

The Tesla Model Y Long Range is a Model Y variant aimed at maximizing driving range rather than outright performance. The hosts connect its lack of stock to delayed customer deliveries—some buyers wait months, while others buy whatever Performance cars are available sooner.

The Tesla Model S is Tesla’s flagship electric sedan, known for its performance and long-range capability. In this segment, it’s mentioned as an example of an “American” Tesla that was available before Shanghai production opened, highlighting how sourcing and supply routes can affect pricing and availability.

Critical mass is the point where enough people or activity exist that the effect becomes self-sustaining—here, enough cars on the road to make the brand noticeable. The hosts use it to explain why early EV adoption can feel slow until visibility and word-of-mouth start compounding.

Pre-orders are customer reservations placed before a vehicle is widely available. In this segment, the host describes how the number of pre-orders grew and how the promotion window expanded.

The C10 is mentioned in the context of pricing and getting into a deal before a price increase. In the episode, it appears alongside other EV and non-EV shopping talk, implying it’s part of a broader comparison of what’s affordable right now. The key point is that timing and pricing can matter for buyers considering the C10.

The Audi RS e-tron GT is a high-performance electric grand tourer designed for fast, confident driving with a luxury feel. The podcast references a lap-time style comparison and mentions it edging another performance Audi model, which shows it’s being discussed for performance credentials. It’s relevant because it represents the “serious performance” side of EVs.

“Star AMI” is mentioned as another EV model/trim in the same financing-and-incentives comparison. The hosts add that it’s an “extended range” version, implying a longer-distance variant within that lineup.

“Extended range” is an EV marketing term for a battery and/or powertrain setup designed to increase driving distance compared with a standard version. In this segment, it’s used to describe the “star AMI” variant, alongside a home charger offer, as part of deal comparisons.

A “seven kilowatt home charger” refers to a Level 2 EV charging unit that can deliver up to about 7 kW of power from a home electrical supply. Higher kW generally means faster charging than slower home or public chargers, and the hosts treat it as a valuable incentive in the deal.

Driver assistance is a broad umbrella for automated safety and convenience features that help the driver, such as lane keeping and adaptive cruise control. In EVs and other modern cars, it can range from simple alerts to more advanced “hands-on” or “hands-off” driving functions depending on sensors and software.

Tesla FSD (Full Self-Driving) is Tesla’s software package aimed at automating more of the driving task, including steering and speed control. The hosts are contrasting it with what’s available in Australia from other EV brands, emphasizing that comparable “no hands” capability isn’t broadly offered there yet.

Lane keeping is an active driver-assistance function that uses cameras and/or sensors to detect lane markings and help keep the car centered. It’s typically “hands-on” automation—useful, but not the same as full self-driving.

Active cruise control automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe following distance from the car ahead, using radar and/or cameras. It’s a common stepping-stone feature in driver-assistance systems, but it doesn’t equal full automation of steering and navigation.

“No hands on the steering wheel” refers to a higher automation level where the car can steer without continuous driver input. The hosts use it as a benchmark for what’s missing in Australia compared with Tesla’s FSD approach.

In this context, “hardware” means the physical components—especially the compute platform—that driver-assistance software runs on. The hosts note that the cars need the right onboard chips before the system can be properly assessed.

Validation is the process of proving that driver-assistance software and hardware behave correctly under real-world conditions. It typically involves collecting and analyzing test data, then confirming the system meets safety and performance requirements before wider rollout.

XNGP is being discussed as an AI/compute stack that requires specific hardware (the speaker contrasts “original Nvidia chip” vs “two ring chips”). In this context, it’s essentially the capability that enables advanced driver-assistance or autonomy features, and the hardware availability can limit who can deploy it.

“Regulatory approval” here refers to government permission for vehicles to operate and/or collect and transmit data in a specific country. The speaker argues that this is a key barrier for Chinese manufacturers because it affects how road-mapping and data flows are handled.

“Mapping out all of our roads” describes building detailed geographic maps used by advanced driver-assistance and autonomy systems. The transcript ties it to data transmission and the ability to get regulatory permission, implying that better mapping enables more capable driving features.

The speaker refers to “security risks” as concerns that connected vehicles could expose data or create vulnerabilities through data transmission. In the episode’s context, it’s part of the debate over whether sending vehicle data to other countries is acceptable.

“Crabwalk” refers to a maneuver where the car can move sideways at low speed by coordinating steering angles (often using rear-wheel steering). It’s useful for tight parking and maneuvering because the car can effectively “slide” sideways rather than requiring a big turning arc.

A “facelift” is a mid-cycle refresh of a car model, usually involving styling changes (like lights and bumpers) and sometimes updated interior tech or software. In this segment, it’s mentioned alongside OTAs, implying the model will receive updates both visually and digitally.

“Charging issues” refers to problems or limitations when using EV charging infrastructure—such as slow charging, failed sessions, or compatibility problems with certain chargers. The hosts are asking whether there are known charging problems for the models being discussed.

The Aion V is an electric vehicle mentioned alongside a promotion that includes cashback and a free charger. In the podcast, it’s used as an example of how incentives can make EVs more attractive to buyers. That’s why it fits into the broader theme of EV adoption and what deals are available in Australia.

The Dodge Charger is a performance-oriented sedan that’s often associated with muscle-car heritage and strong styling. In this podcast segment, it appears in the context of promotional offers (including cashback and charging-related incentives), which suggests it’s being used as a comparison point in the broader “what deals are available” conversation. Even though it’s not an EV, it can still be part of the shopping list for buyers considering alternatives.

A frunk is a “front trunk”—storage space at the front of a car. On many EVs, the frunk exists because there’s no traditional engine taking up that space, so it can be used for groceries, cables, or other small items.

The Chevrolet C10 is a classic-style pickup truck known for its traditional design and popularity among enthusiasts. In the episode, it’s mentioned in the context of finance offers and the desire to drive one, indicating it’s part of a “deals and wants” segment. It’s not an EV, but it can still be relevant when discussing what buyers are considering alongside modern vehicles.

The Audi S5 is a performance-focused version of the A5 range, typically offering a sportier driving experience than the standard model. In the podcast, it appears in a deals-and-inventory style mention, suggesting it’s being discussed as an available option with incentives. That makes it relevant to buyers comparing what they can get for the money.

The MG4 EV is an electric hatchback, and the “Urban” trim is aimed at everyday buyers with efficiency and practicality in mind. In this segment, the host highlights its efficiency as a key reason EVs can make sense for daily driving.

The MG4 is an electric hatchback that the podcast highlights for efficiency, including the presence of a heat pump. That matters because better efficiency can improve real-world range and reduce how often you need to charge. It’s discussed as a practical EV choice rather than just a performance one.

A heat pump is an EV cabin-heating system that moves heat rather than generating it from scratch. In colder weather it can improve efficiency, which is why the hosts compare efficiency numbers between cars with and without one.

OTAs (over-the-air updates) are software updates delivered to a car via its cellular/Wi‑Fi connection. The hosts mention that many brands don’t have OTAs, which matters because it limits how easily the car’s software can be improved or fixed remotely.

A roadshow is a marketing approach where a brand brings vehicles to public locations (like shopping centers) to let people see and experience them without needing a permanent dealership. The hosts discuss it as an alternative to expanding dealership networks in regional areas.

The hosts mention a 2026 Mazda 6 as an upcoming model they expect to be popular. They also connect it to the CX6E, suggesting there’s a new variant/EV-related direction in Mazda’s lineup being discussed on the show.

The Mazda 6 MPS is a performance-oriented variant of the Mazda 6, known for adding sportier power and handling compared with a standard model. In the podcast, it’s mentioned in the context of finance and a discussion about what might become popular. It’s relevant because it represents a performance-car interest that can overlap with buyers who also consider EVs.

Underpinnings refers to the car’s foundational platform—its core structure and engineering architecture. When the hosts say the CX6E has Chang’an underpinnings, they’re implying it shares key design and development foundations that can affect cost, space, and driving characteristics.

The “6e” is referenced as a model that the speaker expects to drive well, with the comment that the “6E” should be good. In the episode, it’s part of a set of EV model discussions where names and variants are being compared. The focus here is on driving feel and expectations rather than detailed specs.

“CATO battery” appears to be a specific battery type or supplier designation referenced for the upgraded 2026 Toyota bZ4X. In EV discussions, naming a battery chemistry/pack variant matters because it can affect range, charging behavior, and overall efficiency.

A charge box voucher is a promotional credit that helps cover the cost of an EV home charging unit (“charge box”). It’s essentially a subsidy within the purchase/finance offer to reduce the upfront cost of home charging.

“Flash charging” is a marketing term for very fast EV charging, aiming to add a meaningful amount of range in a short time. In practice, it depends on the charger’s power level and the car’s ability to accept high charging rates.

Autonomous driving refers to driver-assistance systems that can steer, accelerate, and brake with varying levels of automation. The hosts are contrasting Chinese brands’ progress here with Tesla’s lead in Australia.

The Mazda CX-5 is a compact SUV that’s popular for its practical size and everyday drivability. The podcast references a personal ownership path involving the CX-5, which highlights how it can fit into repeat purchases. It’s also relevant in EV adoption discussions because many buyers start by choosing a conventional SUV before considering an electric alternative.

The Mazda RX-3 is a classic rotary-engine model from Mazda’s past, known for its distinctive engineering and enthusiast appeal. The podcast reference suggests it’s being discussed as part of a broader set of cars people are talking about or considering. Because it’s a historical model, it’s typically more about character and collectability than mainstream EV adoption.

“V4 upgrades” refers to a version update of Tesla’s charging hardware/software at specific sites. The hosts mention certain locations being closed temporarily for these upgrades, implying changes that may improve compatibility or performance.

A trickle charger is a low-power EV charging method, typically used when you’re charging from a standard outlet or a low-rate setup. The hosts note that many EV owners rely on it, and they recommend testing it for a couple of weeks before committing to a plan.

The Hyundai Ioniq is a family of vehicles that includes electric models, positioned as a practical EV option. The podcast mentions an Ioniq variant seen in Beijing, highlighting how different versions can exist depending on the market. That makes it relevant to conversations about what EVs are available and how they differ by region.