As The Driven begins its fourth year in 2021, we continue our weekly Plugged In feature giving you a round-up of what’s happened this week in the local EV industry and community.
The biggest news of the week, in case you missed it, is that Kia has finally secured the e-Niro for Australia, and the new Hyundai Ioniq 5 has been spotted testing in Bathurst.
Week ending January 15, 2021
Kia finally secures all-electric e-Niro for Australia
Previously delayed by Kia citing a lack of federal electric vehicle strategy, the e-Niro will finally come to Australia in 2021.
New Ioniq 5 electric car from Hyundai spotted in the wild in Australia
A mystery electric vehicle in camouflage was spotted testing in the wild at a fast-charger in Bathurst, Australia, and Hyundai confirmed it is the Hyundai’s new Ioniq 5 – of which the carmaker has now also teased some camouflaged images.
Brisbane-based Tritium offers free charging to test new 75kW RTM75 fast charger
“We want as many different electric vehicle drivers using the charging station as possible. We are interested in your general feedback and any issues/challenges you faced using the charging station. Charging is free, but if you are prompted for payment simply swipe any contactless credit card to start the charge. No money will be billed to your account though!” said Tritium engineer Xavier Casley via Facebook.
City of Hobart installs a fast charger in centre of CBD
“We’ve installed an electric vehicle fast-charger in the Dunn Place carpark, making charging up in the heart of the city quick and convenient. Thanks to the high flow rate, most cars can be fully charged in about half an hour. This is on top of the free trickle chargers we have at Hobart Central,” write the city on Facebook.
Tesla issues recall to Model S vehicles for media control unit failure
While news reports today are of 158,000 Model S vehicles in the US recalled by NHTSA, Tesla directed The Driven to a November article about a warranty adjustment program to replace the faulty multimedia card in the media control unit that can malfunction after extended wear. The EV maker’s Australian arm says customers were notified of this issue by email in 2020.
Vmoto shares jumped 21% after news it had secured a $13M electric bike order
Australian electric two-wheel vehicle maker Vmoto shares jumped 21% on Thursday on news of a substantial $A13 million order from longstanding European customer Greenmo Group.
Pure Hydrogen signs MoU with Hyzon for Australian hydrogen refuelling network
Sydney-based Real Energy Corporation signs MoU with Hyzon Motors Australia to collaborate on the development of Australian network of hydrogen refuelling points.
The Driven features on next Targa rally Model 3
Last – but not least – make sure you keep an eye out at the next Targa rally when the Gemtek Model 3 races, adorned by The Driven’s own logo.
Bridie Schmidt is associate editor for The Driven, sister site of Renew Economy. She has been writing about electric vehicles since 2018, and has a keen interest in the role that zero-emissions transport has to play in sustainability. She has participated in podcasts such as Download This Show with Marc Fennell and Shirtloads of Science with Karl Kruszelnicki and is co-organiser of the Northern Rivers Electric Vehicle Forum. Bridie also owns a Tesla Model Y and has it available for hire on evee.com.au.