Tag: electric

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CHERY OMODA E5 EX

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E5 is the fully-electric version of the Chery Omoda that we drove 12 months ago. It doesn’t look radically different from the rear or in profile, but the front has been extensively redesigned to accommodate the missing radiator grille. Any air still required for cooling is drawn in through a smaller, blacked out ribbed opening below the front bumper. Looks aside, the E5 is considerably more powerful than the petrol-model, which it is sold alongside, with significantly more torque available almost instantly when the accelerator is pressed. So, it is… Read more

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SUBARU SOLTERRA AWD TOURING

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Let’s be frank. Subaru’s first, fully-electric vehicle, the Solterra is basically a rebadged Toyota bZ4X. Named for the sun and earth, it’s the second collaborative effort by the two car makers after the Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ sports coupe. Unlike the coupe, however, which is powered by Sooby’s boxer engine, you’ll struggle to find anything uniquely Subaru about the Solterra. The junior partner in the relationship, Subaru reportedly had input into the car’s safety and all-wheel drive systems. The mid-sized, five-seat SUV went on sale in mid-2022 in Japan, US, Canada,… Read more

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BYD DOLPHIN PREMIUM

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Dolphin was the first production model to feature BYD’s new logo. It’s also the first and smallest of BYD’s electric vehicles to be offered here, in a range that now spans five models and will soon include a fully electric ute — the Shark. Launched in August, 2021, Dolphin went on sale in August, 2023 followed in quick succession by the rest of the range. BYD seems to have struck a chord with buyers as it is now one of the fastest growing brands in the Australian market. But, as… Read more

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SUN RISES ON SUBARU ELECTRIC DREAMS

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With Latin roots – sol (sun), terra (earth) – Subaru’s first all-out electric vehicle has drifted Down Under like a mild weather front, bringing none of the ICE(Y) blasts of the fossil-fuelled internal combustion engine; just the electric motor hum, passenger cabin serenity and zero emissions. Built on an entirely new e-Subaru Global platform, the maker set out to combine the electric powertrain with a low centre of gravity and the company hallmark Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive to deliver a uniquely satisfying mid-size electric SUV. The new Subaru EV comes in… Read more

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GENESIS GV60 ELECTRIC VEHICLE

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GV60 is the first dedicated electric vehicle from Hyundai’s luxury sub-brand Genesis. Launched here in early 2022 it’s the smallest of the three models in the Genesis SUV range behind the mid-sized GV70 and large GV80. Each of the three models get different powertrain choices. Our test vehicle, The GV60 is fully-electric, the GV80 comes with turbo-petrol or diesel, as does the GV70 but with an EV option added. Our test vehicle, the GV60, is electric only. Genesis GV60 sits on the same platform as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and… Read more

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BYD SEAL PREMIUM EXTENDED RANGE

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There’s no mistaking the BYD Seal for its smaller sibling the Dolphin. The electric sedan is a good looking car by any standard, with movie-star looks for a surprisingly small outlay. And the more you learn about the Seal, the more interesting it becomes. We kept waiting for the catch, but it never arrived. BYD hasn’t sold buyers short like some of the Chinese brands, by leaving out essentials such as satnav and Android Auto. So, if you’ve had your eye on a Tesla Model 3, then you’ll want to… Read more

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WINNING KIA EV A QUIET ACHIEVER

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Quiet (tick), achiever (tick) – quiet achiever: with little more than the hum of the motors, the EV9 carried off a couple of the most prestigious prizes of 2024 – World Car of the Year and World Electric Vehicle. A jury of 100 distinguished automotive journalists representing 29 countries, shouted out the innovative design, spacious seven-seat interior and competitive pricing of Kia’s first triple-row, all electric flagship SUV as being world beating. Now Australia has the opportunity to find out, with the recent arrival of three variants, named with a… Read more

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GWM ORA EXTENDED RANGE EV

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For those looking to buy their first electric car, the GWM Ora could be a prime candidate. It’s one of the cheaper and better offerings currently available, with prices starting from an affordable $39,990 driveway. That gets you a stylish, large hatch that is well equipped, with decent range and plenty of performance. Competitors around the same size and price include the MG4 and BYD Dolphin. Unsurprisingly, all three are from China — which says something. STYLING Ora is available in four grades, with a choice of five two-tone colour… Read more

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VOLVO EX30 OFF ON POWER WALK

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With the new EX30 electric SUV Volvo appears to be walking the talk toward its being a solely electric vehicle manufacturer by 2030. The Chinese owned Swedish automobile maker ms its smallest sport utility vehicle has the smallest carbon footprint of any Volvo to date. The EX30, the company claims, is the most sustainable model it has produced, with its leather-free interior featuring recycled and renewable materials such as flax, wool, and denim upholstery, the last made from waste fibres of denim recycling. At the heart of the EV is… Read more

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ALFA ROMEO TONALE VELOCE PLUG-IN HYBRID Q4

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Alfa’s top of the line Tonale SUV is a plug-in hybrid and costs nearly $20,000 more than its nearest stablemate. For this money, you get a vehicle that can run on electricity alone for a distance of up to 60km Named after a mountain pass in Northern Italy, it is a little brother to the mid-sized Stelvio – but like Stelvio can seat five. Tonale sits on the same platform as the Jeep Compass and a re-badged, re-styled version is also sold as the Dodge Hornet in the United States…. Read more