EVs and Beyond

The BYD Atto 2 now comes as a DM-i plug-in hybrid as well as the full EV. Our mates at NZ Autocar have put it through its paces to see if the PHEV is the pick of the Atto 2 range. Worth a watch if you're weighing up electric vs plug-in. Link in the comments.

We drove the Omoda 4 EV in China before it reaches NZ. 160kW, up to 470km WLTP, estimated $43K to $45K. MG4 killer? Video in the replies.

The Freelander name is back on a 5.1 m, three-row SUV built by Chery with JLR leading the design, and it's coming to NZ in 2027. We drove the international PHEV in Wuhu: 460kW, 0-100 in a claimed 5.8s, and a 34.12 kWh battery with 110 km of EV range (WLTC). Link in the reply.

We've had a look at the new BYD Atto 3 Evo Dynamic. It's $59,990 in NZ, with a 60.48 kWh Blade battery, up to 420 km WLTP and 150 kW. Updates include a new front end, an 8.8" driver display, wireless charging and a column gear selector. The ride is firmer, but it handles better. Link in the reply.

Chery's premium Exlantix brand is coming to NZ, and here are the first two models we're getting: the ES GT shooting brake and the facelifted ET SUV, both shown in RHD in Shanghai. The AWD ET has brake-by-wire with no hydraulic fluid. NZ pricing is still TBC. Link in the reply.

A new plug-in hybrid ute for NZ: the GWM Cannon Hi4-T PHEV, from $58,990 + ORC. It has a 33.1 kWh LFP battery, a claimed 115 km of EV range, 3,500 kg braked towing, a locking rear diff and V2L in the tray. @kiwiev.bsky.social takes it for a first look. Link in the reply.

Embargo's up on the XPeng G9L. It's a 5.1m three-row flagship SUV, and we climbed all through a pre-production one in Sydney. The EV version gets 593km WLTP, the range extender up to 1,200km combined, and both charge 10 to 80% in about 12 minutes. Video in the reply.

Can a tradie do a full day in the BYD Shark 6 Performance on zero petrol? @kiwiev.bsky.social drove 76km from Te Kuiti to Hamilton, hit the hardware store and stopped for a pie. $78,990 plus ORC, 350kW, tows 3.5t, 80km WLTP EV range. Video in the reply.

JAC T9 PHEV: $59,990 plus ORC, 360kW, tows 3.5t, and about $10k under a Shark 6. @kiwiev.bsky.social got 90km of real EV range around Auckland. So what's the catch? Video in the reply.

Gavin from Kiwi EV Adventures (@kiwiev.bsky.social) has the full Mazda 6e review up now. Mazda's first proper EV sedan, tested in NZ. Link below.