Nexport to bring self-branded last mile electric van to Australia in October 2021
Australia's importer for BYD vehicles and electric buses Nexport has revealed that it plans to bring an all-electric commercial van to Australia, with customer test drives commencing in October 2021, and deliveries in 2022.
Nexport’s DLX electric van. Via Luke Todd on Linkedin
Australia's importer for BYD vehicles and electric buses Nexport has revealed that it plans to bring an all-electric commercial van to Australia, to be named the Nexport DLX. In a statement via Linkedin, Nexport managing director Luke Todd said that “Mass production in NSW will commence in early 2022. We will soon announce price and specifications....Nexport is creating jobs for Australians wishing to join the clean-tech manufacturing renaissance.”
Nexport DLX revealed on Linkedin
Earlier in the week, Todd also posted on Linkedin, stating “ARRIVED. Introducing the DLX electric logistics truck, the newest addition to the Nexport suite of zero-emission products. Customer test drives to commence in Australia by October 2021. Customer deliveries scheduled for Q1, 2022. No overhyped market build up needed. The DLX just arriEVd and will deliEVr.”
The use of “Arrived” references UK-based EV commercial vehicle startup Arrival, which currently has a similar electric van in development, with production to commence in the third quarter of 2022. Arrival has no plans to bring its vehicles to markets outside North America and Europe at this stage.
Nexport’s vehicles will eventually be manufactured in Australia
This is a very short but welcome timeline from Nexport; Australia’s transport emissions have grown steadily over the last few decades, and account for one-third of our greenhouse gas emissions according to the Climate Council.
Nexport already manufactures buses in Australia, utilising BYD powertrains and bus bodies from Gemilang and Volgren, so it’s possible that they are leveraging existing manufacturing capacity to bring the DLX to market so quickly. Another scenario could be that the company plans to “flat pack” vehicle bodies and drivetrain components, ready for final assembly on Australian shores.
Nexport has plans to eventually establish a passenger and commercial vehicle manufacturing facility in Australia, on a 51 hectare site 90 minutes south-west of Sydney. We have contacted Nexport for more information and will update this post accordingly.
Source: LinkedIn
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Australia's Nexport enters deal with Splend to supply 3000 BYD electric vehicles from 2022 [updated]
Following the signing of an historic distribution agreement to allow Nexport to sell right-hand-drive BYD vehicles globally, Nexport has announced its own historic deal to provide 3000 BYD electric vehicles to ride-share leasing business Splend
The BYD Han will form part of Nexport’s Australian line-up in 2022. Images: BYD
[updated] Speaking with Luke Todd, CEO of Nexport and TrueGreen this afternoon, he confirmed to EV Brief that of the 3,000 BYD units in the MOU, 2,000 would be making their way to Australia. This is a significant figure, given around 5,000 battery electric vehicles were sold in Australia in 2020. He also confirmed on-demand drivers would be trained and educated in the BYD model range to provide demonstration drives to potential customers.
We're hoping to speak with Todd this week on the podcast, covering all things BYD.
Following the signing of a historic distribution agreement to allow Nexport to sell right-hand-drive BYD vehicles globally, Nexport has announced its own historic deal — a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Splend — to purchase 3,000 BYD electric vehicles.
We hadn’t heard of Splend until this media release hit our inbox, but the Australian and United Kingdom-based company provides flexible vehicle subscription and ownership plans specifically for rideshare and delivery drivers on platforms such as Uber, DiDi and AmazonFlex. Splend provides rental or rent-to-own plans for drivers, inclusive of servicing and maintenence, roadside assistance and driver training.
The MOU between Nexport and Splend will see the 3,000 BYD vehicles delivered across the UK and Australia from early 2022; in addition, it also includes a deal that will see Splend provide demonstrator vehicles for new BYD buyers, as part of Nexports direct to consumer sales model through EV Direct.
As commuters are slow to return to public transport in COVID-19 affected areas, demand for rideshare services across the globe is increasing, and the electrification of these trips is key to reducing emissions in our cities. reducing costs and improving profits and reliability for drivers.
Splend is already advertising that they will be offering electric vehicle options soon for drivers, and Uber will be reducing their commission by 50% for every EV ride until 30 June 2022.
At the time of publishing, we don’t have a figure on the proportion of units allocated to Australia and the UK, but will update this article with a comment from Nexport when we can.
Source: Nexport
Mercedes-Benz EQA electric crossover confirmed for Australian arrival in June 2021
Mercedes-Benz is set to get a head start in Australia, beating Hyundai’s IONIQ 5, Tesla’s Model Y and BMW’s iX3 to market in 2021. The manufacturer has confirmed that the EQA 250 will open for orders from Australian customers next month, with deliveries to commence in June.
Mercedes-Benz expands EQ range in Australia - EQA 250 available from June
Mercedes-Benz is set to get a head start over its rivals in Australia, beating Hyundai’s IONIQ 5, Tesla’s Model Y and BMW’s iX3 to market this year. The manufacturer has confirmed that the EQA 250 will open for orders from Australian customers next month, with deliveries to commence in June.
Priced from $76,800 AUD for the EQA 250 and $84,100 for the EQA 250 Edition 1 (excluding on-road costs), both models feature an asynchronous electric motor at the front axle, with 140 kW (190 PS) or power and 375 Nm (276 lb ft) of torque.
Regarding the battery, Mercedes-Benz has a 420 volt lithium ion battery with five modules and 200 cells in a double decker design. It offers a net energy content of 66.5 kWh, with an energy consumption rating of 16.2kWh/100km. The EQA 250 offers 480 kilometres ADR range (426km/265miles WLTP), so expect around 400km in real world Australian conditions.
Mercedes-Benz Australia is offering a comprehensive standard equipment list on the EQA. The EQA 250 receives adjustable damping with DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes, 19-inch AMG 5-twin spoke AMG alloy wheels, the twin-10.25-inch MBUX infotainment system/instrument cluster, Apple Carplay/Android Auto, wireless phone charging, DAB+ digital radio, DISTRONIC active distance assist cruise control, and active assists including blind-spot monitoring, Traffic Sign Assist, lane keeping and automatic emergency braking.
The Edition 1 package is a limited volume option, and includes the above features plus 20-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels in matte copper, AMG exterior trim, Neva grey leather, backlit design trim elements in the interior, silver chrome metallic finishes, AMG pedals, illuminated door sill panels, a unique vehicle key, sports multifunction steering wheel, and most importantly, “Edition 1” floormats.
We can’t wait to see the EQA 250 land in Australia. While the EQA range is still based on Daimler’s MFA2 platform architecture—we’ll have to wait for the EQS to debut the modular MEA platform—it’s size, performance, equipment, looks and price should see it compete admirably in the popular premium compact crossover market in Australia. We covered the global launch of the EQA range extensively; for more information and pictures, read our article here
Polestar confirms entry into Australian and key Asian markets by end of 2021
Polestar has today announced the expansion of its global footprint in 2021 with the addition of five new markets in the Asia Pacific region.
Polestar expands into five new markets in 2021 including Australia and New Zealand
Polestar to add five new markets across Asia Pacific
Polestar 2 will be available in 18 markets across Europe, North America and Asia Pacific by end of 2021, including Australia, New Zealand and Singapore
Polestar has today announced the expansion of its global footprint in 2021 with the addition of five new markets in the Asia Pacific region. These markets will join three new and previously announced European markets, bringing Polestar’s global footprint to 18 countries by the end of the year. The new markets include South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand.
“The brand is gathering real momentum, and it is great to be expanding with Polestar 2 beyond our initial global markets in China, North America and Europe,” says Thomas Ingenlath, CEO of Polestar.
Preparations in these markets are at different stages as the brand organises market launches and eventually the opening of online sales. Specific dates and details for each market will be published locally to include model specification and product pricing.
Key for Australia and South Korea, local independent Polestar sales units are being established and new Managing Directors have already been appointed. In Australia the local organisation will be led by Samantha Johnson, and Jongsung Ham will head up Polestar in South Korea. The other markets will likely be operated on an importer basis, with local partners to be confirmed in due course.
According to Nathan Forshaw, Polestar’s new head of the China and Asia Pacific regions, “specific roll-out timing is at an advanced planning stage and the recruitment of key individuals has begun.” He adds “While we are growing rapidly, we are ensuring both our organisation and processes ensure a consistent and truly Polestar experience for our customers, wherever they are based.”
Polestar has already had a presence in Europe and North America since launch in 2020, and retails the Polestar 2 through its website and its “Spaces”; a term for centrally located design-focused showrooms in the style of Tesla stores.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 debuts today: Watch the livestream world premiere here!
The IONIQ 5 world premiere livestream will start on 23/2/21 at 6:00PM AEST, 8:00AM CEST and on 22/2/21 at 11:00PM PT
We’ve covered Hyunidai’s IONIQ 5 rather frequently, as this new electric vehicle based on the E-GMP platform is set to be an important vehicle for the South Korean automaker.
The IONIQ 5 world premiere livestream will start on 23/2/21 at 6:00PM AEST, 8:00AM CEST and on 22/2/21 at 11:00PM PT
We’ve covered Hyunidai’s IONIQ 5 rather frequently, as this new electric vehicle based on the E-GMP platform is set to be an important vehicle for the South Korean automaker.
The IONIQ 5 is expected to feature a 450 kilometre (280 mile) WLTP rated range from a 58kW hour battery, with an option for a 73kWh battery with a 550 kilometre (340 mile) range. With two motors, the all-wheel drive setup should scoot the IONIQ 5 to 100km/h (62mph) in 5.2 seconds courtesy of 230kW (313 PS) between the wheels.
Twitter has already allegedly sprung the final exterior design on the IONIQ 5, with users @macheauto and @seb68 sharing what look to be a number of press images in the below thread:
Final prototypes have been spotted out gathering data in Australian cities over the last couple of months, and it’s expected that Australia will be an important market for Hyundai’s new IONIQ brand, as well as for its new Kona Electric which is set to launch in March 2021.
Hyundai is promising ideal weight distribution, a modular flexible interior and V2X functionality, with the ability to power computers, tools or camping equipment from build in power outlets.
We’re genuinely big fans of the IONIQ 5’s sharp design, and if the Kona Electric is anything to go by, Hyundai will continue to improve its EV offerings with the IONIQ 5 by increasing battery range, refinement, energy efficiency and luxury.
Volvo commits to electric vehicle rollout in Australia
Swedish car maker Volvo is unwavering in its commitment to electrification, and on the back of attaining the highest sustainability accreditation level from Ecovadis has committed to bringing its electric vehicle range to Australia, despite a political climate that is, shall we say hostile towards the decarbonisation of transport.
XC 40 Recharge Pure Electric to join Volvo’s Australian range in 2021
Swedish car maker Volvo is unwavering in its commitment to electrification, and on the back of attaining the highest sustainability accreditation level from Ecovadis the company has committed to bringing its electric vehicle range to Australia despite a political climate that is, shall we say, hostile towards the decarbonisation of transport.
The Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric. Images: Volvo Cars
Volvo Cars Australia (VCA) managing director Stephen Connor said that every model Volvo releases from 2022 will either be pure electric or will have a pure-electric variant and the brand has a pledge to be completely electric by 2030. In an interview with Go Auto, he stated that he doesn’t want Volvo to be successful based on government subsidies; rather that “we forge our way by being a leader rather than waiting for things to happen.”
Connor went on to say “if Australia wanted to be seen as a true global player and one committed to environmental care then more has to be done.” “Just consider the three-point safety belt as an example. If we waited for all authorities and governments to agree on a way forward how many more lives could have been lost in the meantime.”
Volvo’s all-electric XC40
Volvo will be bringing its XC40 Recharge Pure Electric, based on Geely’s Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) to Australia within the next few months to complement the plug-in hybrid model already on sale. The EV variant packs a 72.5kWh battery, with a 400 kilometre WLTP-rated range. With 300kW (407 PS) and 660Nm (486 lb-ft) torque, its likely to be one of the quickest Volvos available in Australia.
Pricing has not been confirmed, but we would expect Tesla’s $70-80,000 Model 3 to be Volvo’s main price point target.
Battery assembly in Volvo’s Ghent plant.
Volvo’s electric compact modular architecture platform
Hyundai kona electric becomes first EV to enter service with New South Wales Police
Hyundai’s Kona Electric has become the first all-electric vehicle enter service with a police force in Australia. The NSW Police Force has been loaned the vehicle from Hyundai Australia for a period of twelve months.
Kona electric to join Australian police duties
The NSW Police Force has been loaned the vehicle from Hyundai Australia for a period of twelve months.
Hyundai’s Kona Electric has become the first all-electric vehicle enter service with the NSW Police Force. The vehicle is on loan from Hyundai Australia for a period of twelve months.
Kitted out in a striking blue and red livery pack, the Kona Electric won’t be used as a patrol vehicle, rather it will join the Crime Prevention Unit and will be used for community engagement.
According to the automaker, “The addition of a Kona EV to its fleet for 12 months will provide the Nepean Police Area Command with the opportunity to experience the practicality, convenience, driveability and safety of a zero-emission vehicle over the course of their daily patrols. In addition, pressing the Kona EV into service for community engagement events will let the public sample the model’s unique benefits, to win new EV fans.”
Hyundai Motor Company Australia Chief Executive Officer, Jun Heo said “We’re delighted to provide a Kona Electric for use by the NSW Police Force. Deploying Kona Electric within the Nepean Area Command Crime Prevention Unit as well as for community engagement is a terrific opportunity for the NSW Police Force and the public to experience the unique benefits of our long-range, zero-emission battery-electric SUV,”
An AC charger installed in the Penrith Police Station underground secure carpark will allow recharging overnight as well as during the day. With a real-world range of close to 400km (250mi), it’s unlikely that the Kona Electric will need charging between duties.
Although this is little more than a goodwill and marketing exercise, we hope that this short program gets some police officers thinking differently about their patrol vehicles. A number of police departments in the United States are trialing Teslas for general duties, and the results so far have demonstrated considerable savings over internal combustion engined vehicles.
Hyundai will be launching a refreshed Kona Electric sometime in 2021.
Images: Hyundai Australia
Meet the MG ZS EV: Australia's Most Affordable Battery Electric Vehicle
Enter MG’s all-new zero emission ZS EV. Priced from $43,990 AUD (inclusive of on-road costs), it takes the crown for the most affordable fully electric vehicle on sale in Australia, undercutting the Hyundai Ioniq BEV by about $15,000
Image: MG Motors
On the one hand, MG traditionalists must be up-in-arms over the manufacturer’s current range of SUVs. Though the MG ZS EV is a long way from the classic MGB GT or elegant MGA, the reality is that the Australian passenger car market is dominated by SUV sales in 2020. Every manufacturer has multiple toes in the crossover pool, and can you blame them? At the top end of the market, Porsche SUV sales have arguably saved the brand, accounting fo 68% of sales worldwide, but across the spectrum, brands are finding new customers with SUVs of all sizes.
Unfortunately for the planet, SUVs aren’t exactly green, and have a large environmental footprint. Enter MG’s all-new zero emission ZS EV. Priced from $43,990 AUD (inclusive of on-road costs), it takes the crown for the most affordable fully electric vehicle on sale in Australia, undercutting the Hyundai Ioniq BEV by about $15,000, and the equivalent Kona Electric SUV by about $23,000.
The MG ZS EV features a 45kWh battery, and is rated to offer up to 263km in combined driving (WLTP) but MG Australia and New Zealand CEO Peter Cao says the car can drive up to 370km in stop-start city traffic. With three driving modes as well as three levels of regenerative braking, the new electric MG has the ability to charge to 80% in 45 minutes at a max charge rate of 85kW.
With 105kW of power and 353Nm torque, the ZS EV can reach 60 km/h in 3.2 seconds, and 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds.
With safety a top priority, the ZS EV has a range of active and passive features, including lane keeping, rear cross traffic alerts, and intelligent speed assist that helps the driver keep to the speed limit and follow the car in front.
The ZS EV offers a good range of standard equipment, including touchscreen infotainment system, Android Auto/Apple Carplay, keyless entry and start and numerous active and passive safety systems.
Polestar to be a Virtual Brand in Australia; 2021 Launch Possible
Volvo Cars Australia Managing Director Nick Connor confirms that Polestar will operate independently from Volvo when the brand launches here sometime in 2021. Connor told the Carsales network that “The Polestar plan is to sell directly, digitally, using Polestar spaces in what amounts to downtown locations. The cars will be serviced, maintained and supported by Volvo dealers”.
Image: Polestar
Volvo Cars Australia Managing Director Nick Connor confirms that Polestar will operate independently from Volvo when the brand launches here sometime in 2021. Connor told the Carsales network that “The Polestar plan is to sell directly, digitally, using Polestar spaces in what amounts to downtown locations. The cars will be serviced, maintained and supported by Volvo dealers”.
Reflecting the premium positioning of the brand, Polestar customers will not have to worry about taking their Polestar 2 to the dealership for service, with the brand planning to offer a pickup/dropoff service. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the worldwide release of the Polestar 2 has been delayed, meaning that the Australian introduction is unlikely before the fourth quarter of 2021.
Source: Carsales
Our Opinion: Any new brand entering Australia’s fiercely competitive premium sedan market has the difficult task of balancing extremely high customer expectations against business costs. If Polestar can provide a premium experience, streamlining the sales and servicing processes for its customers, it may gain market share from Tesla and other premium offerings. COVID-19 has also changed the nature of our downtown areas/central business districts, with so many people looking to work remotely-at least some of the time-for the foreseeable future. Will Polestar still look to create pop-up ‘spaces’, in cities in Australia, could that money be better spent on the delivery and aftersales experience for customers?
Audi's E-Tron, E-Tron Sportback Land in Australia
Swoopy coupe SUVs are all the rage right now; stroll down any inner-city cafe strip in Australia, and it’s likely you’ll see Porsche Cayenne Coupes, BMW X4s and X6s, and Mercedes-Benz GLCs/GLEs. Audi has been a bit late to this party, with the Q3 Sportback and Q8 not long on the market, but in typical Ingolstadt fashion, when they arrive, everyone notices.
Image: Audi Australia
Swoopy coupe SUVs are all the rage right now; stroll down any inner-city cafe strip in Australia, and it’s likely you’ll see Porsche Cayenne Coupes, BMW X4s and X6s, and Mercedes-Benz GLCs/GLEs. Audi has been a bit late to this very fashionable party, with the Q3 Sportback and Q8 not long on the market, but in typical Ingolstadt fashion, when they arrive, everyone notices.
Enter the E-Tron and E-Tron Sportback. With the former holding the title of best selling electric SUV in Europe, these are cars that are sure to be popular with Australian consumers itching to drop $140k+ on a luxury SUV.
Pricing is as follows:
E-tron 50 quattro (230kW): $137,100
E-tron 55 quattro (265kW): $146,100
E-tron Sportback 50 quattro: $148,100
E-tron Sportback 55 quattro: $157,100
E-tron 55 quattro First Edition: $159,000
E-tron Sportback 55 quattro First Edition: $169,350
All prices exclude on-road costs, government charges and CTP insurance.
Full specifications can be found on Audi Australia's website
First Edition models receive the Audi Virtual Exterior Mirrors, painted orange brake calipers, matrix LED headlights, black exterior trim, a 705-watt, 14-speaker sound system, S sports seats and interior highlights, four-zone climate control, privacy glass and unique 21-inch alloy wheel design, as standard.
The E-Tron comes with an 11kW AC home charging kit in Australia, and is also 150kW DC rapid charging capable. A single DC port is fitted to the driver’s side, while an AC port is available on each side. Audi Australia claims DC rapid charging will top up a battery from 0 to 80 per cent in 30 minutes for both models, and 100 per cent in 45 minutes.
The E-Tron range joins the Mercedes-Benz EQC and Jaguar I-Pace electric SUVs on the market, and Audi Australia aims to provide additional value to E-Tron early adoptors, offering a complimentary six-year service program, as well as six years’ unlimited access to the Chargefox ultra-rapid charging network.
A six-year roadside assist program along with a home wallbox installation is also included.
More information in the following Australian reviews:
Images: Audi Australia
