The Driven Podcast
Join hosts Sam Parkinson and Sarah Aubrey for smart, accessible discussion on the latest electric vehicle news, reviews, policy shifts, and clean transport developments. The podcast focuses on the EV landscape in Australia and around the world, covering new models, charging infrastructure, and environmental policy. Each episode aims to keep listeners informed about the fast-changing world of electric mobility.
Episodes
More small cars arrive as EV sales stay big
Australian BEV sales pass the 20% mark for the second month in a row as Geely's best-selling hatchback arrives on Australian shores. Why we think Subaru's Uncharted is one of the best drives on the market. Plus, news of the week.
EVs hit record high as car lobby flags structural shift
EVs have hit another record high in Australia, with Tesla and BYD leading a landmark month for the local car market. We unpack the June sales figures, including the Tesla Model Y topping the charts, BYD coming within striking distance of Toyota, and the car lobby acknowledging what looks like a permanent structural shift in the market.
Plus, we speak Mike Atkinson about advanced driver assistance
Subaru’s latest EV, Kia’s cargo van, and why range claims can be confusing
This week on The Driven Podcast, we talk Subaru’s Trailseeker, Kia’s new PV5 Cargo van, what's making the Jaecoo J5 so popular, and some new brands planning their way in the Australian market. We also unpack the sometimes confusing world of EV range claims. Plus, news of the week.
EVs hit 20% as Tesla tops Australia
Australia’s EV market has delivered its biggest month yet, with electric cars reaching more than 20 per cent market share and the Tesla Model Y becoming the country’s best-selling vehicle. Plus, first impressions of Cadillac’s new electric SUVs, and the latest EV news.
Passing "Peak ICE", BYD's export armada, and the legacy price war
We dig into the IEA's 2026 Global EV Outlook which says ICE vehicles peaked in 2017, BYD’s move to build its own export armada, and why legacy car makers are being dragged into a price war they may not be built to win.
EV sales surge, FBT survives, and petrol starts to wobble
Sarah Aubrey joins for the first time as co-host of The Driven Podcast as we unpack a record month for EV sales, the ACT’s extraordinary 34 per cent EV share, and what the next phase of the federal EV tax break could mean for buyers, novated leases and car makers.
Batteries on wheels: How close is V2G in Australia?
Vehicle-to-grid has the potential to reshape how we think about energy, turning EVs into flexible storage that can support households and the grid.
But how close are we really?
In this episode, Sam speaks with Portia Rooney about the global state of V2G, what Australia can learn from leading markets, and what needs to happen next to make it mainstream.
Apartment EV charging moves from theory to reality
Most EV owners charge at home. But what if you live in an apartment?
This week, Charlie Richardson, COO and co-founder of NOX Energy, helps to unpack a project that might finally offer an answer, and explore what it actually takes to make EV charging work at scale in apartments.
Car makers clear first NVES hurdle as EV transition accelerates
The first results from Australia’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard are in, but with tougher limits coming, what does it mean for EV sales and the wider car market? Plus, we discuss the Jaecoo J5, Hyundai Elexio, and why electric trucks could play a key role in Australia’s energy security.
“What the f* was that?” - The electric truck moment changing Australian freight
Co-founder of New Energy Transport Daniel Bleakley explains how electric trucks are performing in real-world freight operations, and why the economics are starting to stack up.
2025 wrap, predictions, and our top picks
Tim Eden and Riz Akhtar join to help review the year that was in EVs, share their predictions for 2026, and discuss what’s most likely to shape the market in the year ahead.
Chip fat and charge cables
Some of Australia’s most remote EV chargers aren’t powered by the grid, they’re powered by chip fat.
Lisa Marsh, CEO of eLumina joins us to help unpack how off-grid, battery-integrated charging is making EV travel possible on some of the most remote highways in Australia.
What V2G means for you | Live from Everything Electric
In this special live edition of The Driven Podcast, we explore how Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology could turn every EV into part of Australia’s clean-energy network. Recorded live at the Everything Electric Show Melbourne.
Robert Llewellyn on the state of the charge
Ahead of the Everything Electric Show in Melbourne, Robert Llewellyn returns to The Driven Podcast to chat about where the transition’s working, where it’s stalling, and why optimism still matters.
BYD’s most affordable EV, Kia’s new van, and what's the buzz around VW’s GTX
Sarah Aubrey from Electrify This returns to help unpack a big week in EV news.
BYD is bringing its most affordable electric car yet to Australian shores, we ask what that could mean for Australia’s EV market. Kia reveals new details on its upcoming all-electric PV5 van, and VW’s ID. Buzz GTX gets a run. Plus: Is the idea of bringing back local car manufacturing anything more than political rhetor
Dan Caesar on growing Everything Electric and supercharging EV adoption
Everything Electric CEO Dan Caesar joins The Driven Podcast to discuss the evolution from YouTube to international EV festivals, Europe’s tipping point for EVs, and his new mission to accelerate adoption through Electric Vehicles UK.
V2G, FSD, and rollout delays
Tim Eden joins Sam to unpack Origin’s vehicle-to-grid trial, the shifting EV strategies of Porsche and Volkswagen, and the latest Australian EV sales trends. Plus, producer Tanya Shukla shares a passenger’s-eye view of Tesla FSD Supervised.
EVs, journalism, and the road ahead
Veteran motoring journalist Byron Mathioudakis joins The Driven Podcast to unpack the week’s EV stories, share insights from decades of car testing, and give his take on where the electric transition is headed.
Elroq lands, Firefly sparks, and EV speed records shattered
Škoda Elroq launches in Australia, how will it stack up? Plus, we discuss Nio’s Firefly and its ambitious battery-swapping tech, break down the latest EV speed records, and other news of the week.
Special Episode: Energy retailers and smart EV charging
Tom Rose from Evnex on the shift to smart EV charging and how electricity retailers need to adapt.
How classic cars can still have an electric future
CEO and co-founder of Jaunt Motors chats classic car conversions. Plus, Giles Parkinson returns to talk MG, Essential Energy's V2G play, and news of the week.
Sarah Aubrey on EVs, curbside charging, and the future of home energy
Energy advocate and 'Electrify This' creator Sarah Aubrey joins The Driven Podcast to talk home electrification, virtual power plants, and why EV adoption in Australia needs more than just flashy new models.
Plug in or cash out? EVs, V2G and Tesla’s $4.20 gamble
This week on The Driven Podcast, Sam Parkinson, Tim Eden and Ed Lynch-Bell unpack Europe’s latest EV trends, BYD’s V2G bundle, and Tesla’s $4.20 robotaxi. Plus — why car-share EVs might drive the next big grid shift.
Tesla rebounds, Hyundai's latest, and China keeps charging
Tim Eden and Riz Akhtar join Sam Parkinson to discuss the latest EV sales data, Hyundai's latest small EV, and what's next for Tesla.
Will the new Model Y save Tesla?
Tesla Australia boss Thom Drew on the release of the new Model Y, and supercharger plans. Plus: Riz, Tim and Sam discuss recent test drives and news of the week.
Gen Z, EVs and the new Model Y
The Driven's Sam Parkinson, Tanya Shukla, and Tim Eden discuss Gen Z's take on electric vehicles, what the refreshed Model Y has to offer, and the news of the week.
Kia takes on the Chinese EV giants
As Kia launches its new EV3, head of product Roland Rivero discusses the company's grand plan. Plus: The Driven team discuss the latest EV news.
Will everything go electric?
AEVA’s Chris Jones on the state of the EV market, and what consumers want from government policy. Plus: The Driven team gets together to discuss what caught their eye at Everything Electric.
The car even beeped at me when I laughed
Fully Charged's Robert Llewellyn on Chinese EVs that make a lot of beeping noises, Elon Musk, and what to expect at Everything Electric.
Where are we at with V2G?
Oliver Hill, from Race to 2030, on the new roadmap for turning electric cars into mobile batteries, and who is doing what on V2G.
EV conversions, and the new models for 2025
We review the past year, look to the interesting arrivals in 2025, contemplate the Tesla conundrum, and talk to EV conversion specialist Nick Cummins from ElectroGusto.
How much will you pay for EV fast-charging?
A trial of EV charging tariffs, including a low priced "solar soak" produced some interests results, and an insight into ICE-ing habits. Miles Menegon from Chargefox explains.
Are Australian buses ready to go electric?
One of the world’s biggest makers of electric buses has plans for Australia. We talk to Kent Chang of Yutong. Plus: The shift to V2G and Tesla’s sales slump.
The Chinese electric trucks are coming
Windrose, a newly emerging maker of electric heavy trucks, has just completed a road trip from Melbourne to Sydney and has its eyes on the Australian market. Advisor Jason Roycht explains why it might not just be Chinese EVs on our roads.
Polestar's big play on electric SUVs
We take a drive in the new Polestar 3, and talk to the company's Australia boss Scott Maynard about the EV industry and the rollout of the company's new models.
How Smart is an EV?
Smart delivers its first EVs into Australian market and we talk to chief designer Kai Sieber. Plus: Stagnating EV sales, do we blame the Elon effect, FUD, or cost of living?
The case for electric vans
Another electric van is about to enter Australia's nascent market, but they are already hugely popular in Europe. Here's why.
How to charge EVs in apartment buildings
More than 2.6 million people live in apartment buildings. What if they want to buy an EV and charge it? Jeff Sykes from Solar Choice explains.
How EVs can keep the lights on
Bjorn Sturmberg from ANU on a landmark event where Nissan Leaf EVs in Canberra proved they could help stabilise the grid when a giant coal plant went out of action.
Thinking big about going electric
Danny Kennedy from New Energy Nexus on plans to turn the Australian truck fleet electric, and keeping up with US.
EVs will tow your caravan, or your boat, all around Australia
Sarah White and Shane Parker have towed their caravan with both a Tesla Model 3 (around Australia), and their BYD Atto 3. They even shared the news with Scotty from Marketing.
Robert Llewellyn and Everything Electric
Robert Llewellyn Fully Charged front man Robert Llewellyn discusses his favourite EVs, and plans for Australia’s biggest EV and home energy conference in Sydney next week.
Australia’s biggest vehicle to grid installation
Mark Gregory from Flinders University discusses the development of vehicle to grid technology, and the future of cars as batteries on wheels.
Electric ferries are about to dock
EV Maritime's Michael Eaglen on why we may soon be catching electric ferries to work in our harbour cities.
From Melbourne to Sydney by electric bus
Don Imrie, the head of sales of Ebusco Australia, on electric transport and plugging in to a car charger en route to Sydney. Plus: record EV sales in Australia.
Tearing down electric vehicles
Cory Steuben from Munro Associates on the epiphany on EVs. Plus: News of the week including MG’s budget MG4, and Tesla’s charging coup.
NRMA to start charging for its chargers
NRMA Energy boss Carly Irving-Dolan on motoring group's plans to start billing for fast charging, reliability, and going off grid with new fast-chargers. Plus: News of the week.
Across Australia by BYD
The story of “Atto Gal”s epic journey from Perth to Sydney and back in an electric BYD, and what she learned along the way. Plus: China’s big EV play.
Tony Seba on the rapid switch to EVs
Stanford University’s Tony Seba on the accelerating shift to electric, and how EVs will change the face of the car industry forever.
Australia’s most successful electric truck company
SEA Electric’s Tony Fairweather on electric trucks. Plus: Battery breakthroughs, Tesla’s big new game plan, and Australia’s EV strategy.
Fully Charged: Robert Llewellyn on the EV transition
Robert Llewellyn talks electric vehicles ahead of the first Fully Charged EV show to be held in Australia next month.
The Driven Podcast: Back roads to top end on electric Livewire
Ed Darmanin on avoiding trials and tribulations on recent back road trip to the top end on his electric Harley Davidson Livewire.
The trucking industry is going electric
We test drive a heavy duty electric truck, and interview key players in an industry that is going electric faster than most people can imagine.
Australia will soon have electric utes
Australian startup plans to convert Toyota Hiluxes and other utes into EVs on a commercial scale, and then create Australia’s first home-made electric ute.
First look at BYD Atto 3
We have our first ride in the new BYD Atto 3 and talk to distributor EV Direct’s Troy Todd
EV interest surges, MG returns to market
EV sales in Australia, and around the world, are hitting new heights, driven largely by Tesla. But MG has returned with an improved sub-$50,000 electric offering.
Why rental companies are going electric
Hertz vice president Eoin Macneill on the Polestar 2 EVs now available at most airports. Plus: Model Y and Atto 3 deliveries break supply deadlock.
Electric buses and range anxiety
Greg Balkins from Transit Systems was not sure what to expect when the first electric buses rolled out on Sydney routes. It turns out he needn’t have worried - they have performed far better than expected, and the passengers, drivers and mechanics love them.
NRMA charges into the EV transition
NRMA CEO Rohan Lund on fast charger plans, the member shift to EVs, and his frustration at not being able to find an electric people mover.
Rebel with an electric cause
We talk to Werner Tietz and Kai Vogler about the launch of the Cupra Born long range electric hatch in Australia.
Record setting Livewire electric road trip
Duncan Mallord set out to ride from Australia’s lowest point to its highest on an all electric Harley Davidson, and discovered a new way to enjoy motorcycle touring.
The end of queue anxiety?
Finnish company Kempower has redesigned EV chargers to utilise what power is available with as many cars as possible.
It’s time to catch up Elon
The Australian EV start-up founded by a former driver that is rolling out battery swap technology to turn big trucks electric.
Malcolm Turnbull on EVs, Morrison lies, and end of fossil fuels
Malcolm Turnbull on his family's shift to electric, Morrison's lies on EVs, and the pressing need to stop burning fossil fuels.
Why Tesla Model 3s don't need a rebate
Queensland transport minister Mark Bailey explains why Tesla not included in state rebate scheme for EVs.
Chris Bowen on his new Tesla and Labor’s EV policy
Labor’s Chris Bowen discusses his new Tesla Model 3, what it means for Labor’s EV policy, and shares his views on the latest moves to accelerate coal closures.
Kia blown away by interest in EV6
“Never in my wildest dreams”: Kia Australia’s Damien Meredith amazed by huge interest in EV6 and speed of electric shift.
Let's electrify everything, starting with cars
Saul Griffith says Australia should lead world on electrifying everything, starting with cars and households. He plans to turn his old Monaro into an EV too.
Bill Shorten on his new Tesla, and what it did to his weekend
Bill Shorten may no longer be leader of the Labor Party, but he does own a Tesla, becoming the first federal MP to go electric as part of his parliamentary package. Did it ruin his weekend?
“Everyone wants to drive it.” Matt Kean and his Tesla
NSW energy minister Matt Kean on why he chose a Tesla Model 3, the state’s EV and renewables vision, and getting out of coal.
From coal to renewables and EV charging
Engie’s head of green mobility in Australia on the company’s plans to be a major supplier of EV chargers and its interest in V2G.
Inner city blues: Where to find a fast EV charge
Clean Energy Finance Corp boss Ian Learmonth has an EV, but no garage, and struggles to find a fast EV charger in the city. He shares his views on the EV transition.
Two blokes and an electric motorbike dream
How two brothers from Queensland coal country launched into the electric motorbike market.
Taking EV charging to caravan parks
Peter Nattrass, head of Future Industries with the South Australian government, on why camping grounds and motels are key to EV charging network.
Coal miners in Teslas
Daniel Bleakley on why his Coal miners in Teslas video series has been such a hit, and how his Model 3 performance EV is helping to reduce fears about the future.
The future of electric bikes
Nigel Morris talks about the transition to electric motorbikes with animator and film-maker and electric motorcycle YouTuber Sam Baker.
New Niro, Leaf’s V2G, and Victoria’s EV subsidy
We test drive the new Kia Niro, talks to Nissan’s Ben Warren on progress on vehicle-to-grid, and to Solar Victoria’s Stan Krpan on the state’s EV subsidy.
The Sunshine state’s plan to go electric
We talk to RACQ head of policy Rebecca Michael about the electric vehicle transition in Queensland.
Why Australia’s big utilities are plugging into EVs
We talk to Origin Energy’s head of mobility, and head of strategy, Chau Le, about the utility’s new push into electric vehicles.
Tasmania gets itself ready for electric driving holidays
Tasmania as just completed its fast charging network that serves the entire state. We speak to Electric Highway boss Clive Attwater about what this means for EV tourism.
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