Gavin Shoebridge

Don't take anything I post seriously.
I like electric cars, memes and potatoes. 🥔

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Last Notes

2026-05-04 20:10:56 UTC

Time to don a suit & a bad Sean Connery impression as I've just picked up a Dongfeng 007 to review. 🍸
These new EVs from China start at $55k NZD ($32k USD) for 520 km range (323 miles).
This Performance one costs $5k more but does 0-100 in 3.9 seconds.
Any questions for the review? Let me know!
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/518/122/528/558/917/original/fbc22bc0d9678c39.jpg

2026-04-11 20:49:44 UTC

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Auckland

2026-04-10 18:28:34 UTC

Woop! Plane has landed! We got in before the cyclone! Hopefully she gets through quickly as we've got to get to Te Kuiti for the running of the sheep down the main street. Oh yes, my life is a rollercoaster. 😂
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/381/824/490/788/328/original/f54224951cd284b3.jpg

2026-04-09 02:44:58 UTC

First time in my life I've seen diesel over $4 a litre. This is going to sting for all of us. I wish we'd electrified all our trucks & trains ages ago. I've been saying it for years. 😕
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/372/451/093/986/214/original/85170908d0d0eb77.jpg

2026-04-07 19:13:19 UTC

It's taken many months but I've finally got my total emergency kit ready for the worst possible outcome.
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/365/012/786/092/978/original/7f56a07babe4aea9.jpg

2026-04-05 21:50:23 UTC

Things do seem to be getting spicy down here 😅
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/354/305/501/586/845/original/994d6eed4994e7b0.png

2026-04-04 22:36:53 UTC

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I'm not smart so I don't know if there's a hidden meaning through the use of speech marks or not.

2026-04-04 19:40:20 UTC

Artemis II has now gone past the halfway point to the Moon. I reckon that's pretty neat. We're capable of some amazing feats when we work together.
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/348/126/329/734/364/original/67526234f97345bf.png

2026-04-04 00:38:01 UTC

I hope I'm wrong.
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/343/640/955/998/845/original/bf2cfa76a4b7ed7d.mp4

2026-03-27 04:24:46 UTC

New video just dropped! I help kiwi families buy their first electric car by scouring EV dealerships. Wasn't easy with so many empty lots! 😅
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1QLrrH7Y4I

2026-03-26 21:47:37 UTC

EV drivers might feel like they've got all the cheat codes... until gas gets rationed. Then guess which idiots will be the ones going to the office while the gas drivers are enjoying working from home? They might be the ultimate winners in this saga! 😅
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/297/672/439/496/895/original/ff8833fb88705eab.jpg

2026-03-26 03:13:05 UTC

Believe it or not, this hilariously bad scene in my Evnex charger review got some folks genuinely angry. First and last time I'll appear in drag so enjoy it while it lasts. 😂
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/293/286/496/289/200/original/d30dd2124868d612.mp4

2026-03-24 20:51:02 UTC

I like the easy ones.
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/286/125/394/574/594/original/3023c89cbfc186f7.png

2026-03-21 01:22:03 UTC

Awwww yisssss. Back in the workshop. The batteries fit into the aluminum taco 🌮 Now will they fit into the Austin Allegro? 🤔
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/264/541/805/679/013/original/3bfdba3e78b8e413.jpg

2026-03-20 22:35:53 UTC

Giving the Leaflet a sorely needed clean up. Halfway through removing 15 years of Humanjuice® from the steering wheel. 🤢
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/263/886/999/285/782/original/b242f8505d5eee88.jpg

2026-03-19 18:36:30 UTC

On my way to the rapid charger but I had to pull over to grab this photo. Looks like it's going to be a great day for solar power. 😎
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/257/284/508/553/336/original/efd18bb9d9bf4100.jpg

2026-03-19 03:37:03 UTC

"Yes, you're absolutely right to spin out of control. I'll make sure to follow the road better in the future. Good spotting."
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/253/747/799/199/874/original/1b428de2a46fa1aa.webp

2026-03-19 01:40:41 UTC

Do other car reviewers recreate ridiculous mustard commercials from the 1980s solely to demonstrate a tray table?
No.
No they do not.
Possibly because they're sane. 😅
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/253/288/099/288/602/original/01b29ea4cbd74950.webp

2026-03-17 20:34:26 UTC

Remember those low fuel prices of yesteryear?
Well, all those $3k Nissan Leaf drivers you see this morning be like "But I pay less than that for my fuel 𝘵𝘰𝘥𝘢𝘺"
That can be you, too.
Grab yourself a cheap & cheerful Nissan Leaf. There are still a handful available for good prices, but kiwis are snapping them up FAST.
In fact, they often cost less than a decent ebike and still do a solid 70-100 km per charge. Heck, even if you get a small loan for one, the weekly repayments are often much less than you spend in petrol!
Why not make this your call to action?
Come join the Dark Side.
We have muffins. 😃
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/246/422/305/908/099/original/1aff14704f05e661.png

2026-03-17 03:54:33 UTC

The anti-EV trolls have been quiet lately.

2026-03-06 04:05:07 UTC

🚤⚡ This is NZ’s newest electric ferry - and I went where nobody's allowed! 😁
From the bridge to the batteries - even the Hamilton jets - we go behind the scenes of this 200 person, battery-powered beast - even using the country's FIRST MEGAWATT CHARGER!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QymmzATSf6c

2026-02-25 02:42:52 UTC

It's here at last! Check out my new wheels!
I am now the proud owner of New Zealand's FIRST EVER registered Nissan Leaf. This car is a pioneer! Not bad for $1000 huh?
Just need to get this 15 year old Leaf home now... Might take a while...😅
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/128/962/833/029/883/original/ebcd2a1cef1c10bb.jpg

2026-02-22 18:30:42 UTC

Hope everyone enjoyed Friday's video of the Atto 1 launch. A very different behind the scenes approach to a car launch video. If you haven't seen it, check 👇
This week I've got the Cupra Tavascan VZ in my driveway, as I'm trying to answer the age-old question of whether an electric car has a soul?
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/115/704/369/941/289/original/64cbd5a937a8273d.jpg

2026-02-20 05:47:08 UTC

Here's a behind the scenes look at the BYD Atto 1 launch with me and Rog from The Rock. What a radio voice the dude's got!🎙️
And yes, of course we got lost...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jRJ1da83rg

2026-02-18 05:12:15 UTC

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Sure is! We reckon we'll save a fair bit of weight.

2026-02-18 04:48:52 UTC

Things are happening! Picked up the battery box base from the fabricator! Let's get that bloody Austin Allegro running on electrons! 😎
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/089/823/396/405/272/original/5566600ed0602127.jpg

2026-02-11 20:48:29 UTC

Don't know quite what's happening at the official launch of the BYD Atto 1 but we've all ended up at the water's edge and a ferry is on the way... 🤔
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/053/959/032/943/445/original/0e96188ef6ba579b.jpg

2026-02-11 18:13:39 UTC

What's everyone's thoughts on the rear design of the Kia EV4? I'm staying silent. 🤐
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/053/351/864/420/595/original/e47c26dfd7363b4a.jpg

2026-02-10 19:47:00 UTC

Got Stonehenge all to myself in the Leapmotor C10 AWD. About to hand it back and pick up another interesting car. What's crazy is that this comfortable, sensible, boring(?) family wagon has 440 KW and 720 Nm.
Brakes and suspension seem to be from the standard version though. 😅
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/048/049/120/827/622/original/328e35565793e23b.jpg

2026-02-06 00:02:12 UTC

Fabricator's currently laser cutting metal for the battery box and in the meantime I'm editing the current video so that when we get the wheels spinning on full battery power you'll not have to wait long for the next chapter in this EV conversion saga. Doing a test render of what I have so far. Hope everyone's having a positive weekend.
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/020/745/429/549/874/original/1175baefd937fdfd.png

2026-02-03 03:47:18 UTC

Here's something positive amongst the gloom: all the latest EV news in NZ in a bit-sized video. Everything from Donut Lab's battery claims to new models landing here now.
It took more than a week to make, so I'd be grateful if you watched it. Even pressing play and doing something else would be great, as it's the sort of video you can play in the background.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMsMR5JHyPk

2026-02-02 23:12:53 UTC

After a motorcyclist hit the mirror on my borrowed Tesla, instead of going through insurance, I bought a replacement cover from AliExpress for $30 NZD instead. The paint even matches. This is good news because I pick up my new/old car on Friday. Finally, something's gone right.
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/003/566/449/405/928/original/b9e815d2bfeeed40.png
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/003/567/671/324/647/original/30a3bbf814d318b6.png

2026-01-28 19:30:23 UTC

As YouTube heads down the inevitable path of Enshitification, I'm going to go out on a limb and predict that soon they will make even skipping ahead in a video a paid only option.

2026-01-22 18:14:20 UTC

Looks like OpenAI might go bankrupt very soon, starting the AI bubble bursting. This could mean ChatGPT may stop working and your data may be sold to advertisers.
Feeling grateful I never told it any personal information. This is because the pessimist in me thought this exact scenario would happen.

2026-01-21 20:54:21 UTC

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I've tried time and time again to get my FB followers to join me elsewhere but they refuse, so I have to stay there too.

2026-01-21 18:46:29 UTC

I love weird cars from days gone by, long before surveys & focus groups dictated car design. This one is an experimental vehicle from Citroen from 1922, called the "Taxi speciale" whereby the driver sits at the back. Oddly enough, this design didn't catch on.
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/934/569/647/573/594/original/880d91983c11d221.png

2026-01-21 18:31:20 UTC

Crikey that ute video last night REALLY angered some folks on Zuck's website. 😳
A few kiwi blokes got super emotional and let rip with some intense insults as if I'd offended them somehow by driving up a hill?? It's not even a long video. The heck's going on?
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/934/509/902/389/051/original/2523048665223358.png

2026-01-15 18:26:20 UTC

First time I've seen this. Towing companies and repo guys can now just send their car Rhoombas to grab your car! 😀
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/900/512/314/709/061/original/73d5820ccdbd845f.jpg

2026-01-15 04:47:36 UTC

What a day of highs and lows. Mirror got taken out by a motorcyclist lane splitting. I was right in the middle of the lane too. Oh well, if this is the biggest problem in my life, things aren't that bad I guess. At least it wasn't a bloody diesel bus. 😂
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/897/291/828/218/473/original/d6a077e462c9c68f.jpg

2026-01-13 00:21:14 UTC

Is there an app that lets you aim your phone at a supermarket shelf and it highlights products from companies that align with your values?

2026-01-12 07:30:00 UTC

Just learned that Linux has now reached around 5% of all desktop computer users globally, and it's accelerating.
Curiously, one of the key reasons for the recent surge of people moving over is Windows 11! 😲
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/880/951/238/355/058/original/5a4e57328484342e.png

2026-01-11 20:58:21 UTC

Let's see how long it takes to rapid charge this BYD Atto 2.
These ChargeNet chargers can pump out up to 300 KW each but the car can only handle a fraction of that - especially seeing as I drove it pretty hard before charging so the batteries are still quite warm. 🥵🪫
Place your bets.
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/878/467/192/153/844/original/41f5ae0839b0c27c.jpg

2026-01-08 22:46:06 UTC

Whoever can accurately guess the PSC of the BYD Atto 2 wins a potassium-rich prize.
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/861/900/099/192/355/original/cbd90fd08b7c79e9.mp4

2026-01-06 18:09:52 UTC

Sometimes you gotta shake out those last few electrons.
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/849/493/692/580/015/original/cdff46a150ad35ee.mp4

2026-01-06 06:50:22 UTC

Just seen the new solid state battery unveiled by Donut Lab and it's an industry changer. This is one to watch. The cells exist to buy TODAY. It's not tech trapped in a lab.
Seriously, watch it all the way through.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-aPS2AwMbc

2026-01-06 05:48:55 UTC

Sorry China, the Germans are bringing buttons back! 😁
This is a picture of the dashboard of the upcoming, battery powered Volkswagen ID.Polo and it's got buttons for everything... sort of.
Hopefully this means no more hunting through a menu with oncoming traffic (or ruining your audiobook/song with using voice commands) for essential features like lights/climate/ADAS etc, but I see there is still a display involved so let's just hope it's intelligently designed.
But most importantly, THE CAR HAS A VIRTUAL AUDIO CASSETTE ON THE SCREEN!
Yeah, I know it's about as useful as a condom machine in the Vatican, but still, my thousand year old soul feels 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘯. 😃
The confirmed specs so far are that the car will be available with 4 motor outputs (85 kW, 99 kW, 155 kW, and a GTI with 166 kW coming later).
As for batteries, the confirmed sizes are either a small 37 kWh LFP battery (300 km WLTP range) or a 52 kWh NMC battery (450 km WLTP range). Deliveries are expected in the next few weeks as it says "Spring 2026" (meaning, in the weird hemisphere).
No word on costs yet, so I'm expecting it to beat the Chinese competition in terms of buttons, buuuuut not price...
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/846/546/700/891/311/original/abb8cec614d55924.png

2026-01-03 22:42:55 UTC

When I come to power I'll install these signs. 😄
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/833/569/820/811/621/original/cbca38e2c5130cd1.png

2025-12-31 01:30:21 UTC

Pushed myself in 2025 and I'm finally now in a position where I don't have to work for the rest of the WHOLE YEAR! 😅
In other news, I spoke to Bob the Builder and we'll be getting back in the workshop soon to upgrade this sexy slice of sensuous '70s seduction (did that with a straight face) to run off that bright ball in the sky.
Got all the batteries from China, just need to put them together in a pack, wire it up, and we can have the car finally running on full power. No more fuses blowing while running it off an extension cord...
After that, we'll wire up the BMS, get the speedo working, refresh the brakes, and then it's certification time. Work's been flat out for months and it's been ages since things happened on the Allegro project but that is about to change and 2026 should be a big one.
Have a sweet summer break, folks. Or a winter one if you're in the wrong hemisphere. 🏖️
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/811/572/629/134/277/original/f19fe436c8a2eaab.jpg
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/811/572/642/671/423/original/fa2219d5e7d8a093.jpg

2025-12-29 19:19:24 UTC

Behold: the Plybertruck
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/804/468/643/453/419/original/33b63772eb80b90f.jpg

2025-12-28 19:03:56 UTC

China is getting rid of retractable door handles and the EU is getting rid of essential controls hidden in touch screen menus.
The world is healing. ♥️
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/798/745/452/960/999/original/ef180e4b9cd97c17.jpg

2025-12-27 21:22:16 UTC

My hand-me-down vacuum cleaner has now reached the stage of life where it needs full-time care.
Should buy one of those robot vacuum cleaners or should I get another hand operated one and save the money? Is it worth spending a grand to never vacuum again? That's a heck of a lot of money. 🤔
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/793/627/303/076/415/original/b2a5db29646ee50b.jpg

2025-12-27 19:00:55 UTC

Something weird for those down under: I just discovered that a firm in China made Holden Commodores in the 90s for the domestic market.
It's called the BJ6490 and what's really impressive is how it was also sold as a hybrid or pure EV, decades before Australian car makers knew what one was!
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/793/069/569/843/953/original/46df75ea0d4c99fb.jpg

2025-12-27 03:13:06 UTC

This car has a combustion engine which meant it drowned immediately when attempting to drive through water.
The subsequent two cars, however, had quite different outcomes. Can anyone guess why? 🤔
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/789/320/031/465/597/original/937698bf9f990383.mp4

2025-12-23 02:22:00 UTC

Who wore it better, the Rivian or '60s luggage? 😀
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/766/494/199/373/919/original/d07867f78ce76304.jpeg

2025-12-19 04:08:28 UTC

It's 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗱 vs 𝗕𝗬𝗗 vs 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗹 🔋⛽
After 2 weeks of effort the ute showdown video is LIVE!
I tested these three plug-in hybrid utes to find which is better, faster, stronger, cheaper and goes further on electric mode.
Only one can win, so grab your popcorn and place your bets!
Click: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmWHaBBIGVo

2025-12-18 19:14:39 UTC

When Americans get stopped by the New Zealand police 😃
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/742/156/381/290/458/original/e2180fc83035fc75.mp4

2025-12-13 09:08:54 UTC

What an interesting evening. Spent some time talking to a former Air New Zealand staffer who had his shift changed in 1979 which resulted his colleagues instead were on the plane which hit Mt Erebus. Quite a haunting tale.

2025-12-10 20:00:55 UTC

I was just driving next to this ute on the motorway and its combustion engine exploded, spraying oil & coolant all over my (freshly detailed!) Zeekr X. 😒
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/697/035/649/014/383/original/d47f7b2df1adeb2f.mp4

2025-12-03 22:34:05 UTC

Impressed at Great Wall Motors' dedication to potato storage. First time I've seen a c-pillar tuber nook. 🥔
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/658/003/866/182/781/original/bc7447757c9772e4.jpg

2025-11-29 21:01:12 UTC

Okay.
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/634/999/535/471/548/original/943f8ac3fca806e1.mp4

2025-11-29 19:42:38 UTC

Heh
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/634/690/766/169/206/original/53b44659879e3981.webp

2025-11-22 21:25:40 UTC

I'm really enjoying having this little Dongfeng Box in my driveway.
Sure, I wish my Dong Box had better performance, but as a city car it's surprisingly fun to drive.
Hope you all enjoyed the off-road video featuring the new Riddara electric ute. It's doing pretty good on YouTube. 😎
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/595/457/370/743/369/original/2f35d70d49686acf.jpg

2025-11-10 22:22:05 UTC

New Zealand has a NEW affordable electric car! This wee thing is called the Dongfeng Box and you can buy it today for $29,990 NZD for 326 km per charge. It's just been unveiled this instant and it's a surprisingly smart little car with more tech than I expected for the price. It even has Vehicle to Load. Tesla doesn't even have that!
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/527/722/229/057/191/original/fde1d303d7dae9a9.jpg

2025-11-09 21:45:22 UTC

Ugh, why do I do this to myself?!
Next Friday, watch me end my career LIVE! 😅
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/521/924/968/215/648/original/067ebe73710c23ee.jpg

2025-11-07 22:38:30 UTC

This isn't just hating on American food, but I had two different US chocolates last night and they were not pleasant at all. They both had a waxy mouthfeel and a chemical-like taste. I couldn't detect any chocolate flavour. Quite disappointed I went to all the effort to bring them home. I'll try some others tonight as well, but I'm going to have some Whittakers on standby just in case.

2025-11-06 05:59:06 UTC

LET'S DO THIS! Time to shake up the NZ auto industry!
THERE'S NO GOING BACK FROM THIS MOMENT!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhUyv59ritk

2025-11-04 04:34:18 UTC

Got me a Leapmotor B10 to review this week. Overall it's great and it does everything it's supposed to do but it's not all puppies and rainbows. There are a few things it does that I don't love. All will be revealed in the upcoming video. 🪒🥔
Also, only 48 hours before I upload an industry-shaking video announcement with the head of BYD NZ. I've got the exclusive on this one so make sure you subscribe to the Ecotricity Youtube channel to catch it.
It's gonna rock the car market in NZ.
I'm not exaggerating.
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/489/560/673/441/587/original/aa3b4d4d75909f2d.jpg

2025-11-03 07:10:24 UTC

I'm no Lambologist, but I suspect this Lambo driver in Auckland today is gonna need more than the little box on the insurance form where you draw the accident...
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/484/508/423/380/744/original/480959d974eea3f2.mp4

2025-11-03 05:28:04 UTC

I think my little electric lawn mower has met its match. I've only done half the section and I've drained all four batteries. This is what happens when you go away for 2 weeks! 😄
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/484/109/835/583/520/original/00f1e817ace0c841.jpg

2025-10-24 06:35:52 UTC

Wasn't the most relaxing journey I've ever had but I'm now the first person to drive an electric car from Auckland to Wellington on one charge.
Here's the short version of my triumphant (stressful) journey: https://youtu.be/JMr1NQU1SWE?si=lC51j19_4R6SrDCE

2025-10-22 18:01:34 UTC

Now that I'm in the United States it's only fair I finally try biscuits and gravy. Gotta say, I'm not sure what Americans see in it. 😐
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/419/125/573/491/084/original/676b0809a0638e6a.jpeg

2025-10-20 03:51:11 UTC

Listen to the sound of New Zealand ingenuity in action.
Hamilton jets and twin carbon fibre hulls allow our country's newest 200 person electric ferry to slice through the water efficiently, all without a single droplet of Victorian-era diesel. Runs on renewable Ecotricity power too!
The future is freaking here. 💪🔋
Full video out soon.
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/404/451/938/220/188/original/e1f04f99b41b22b8.mp4

2025-10-12 19:02:14 UTC

That was an eternal washing session and you could almost plant potatoes in the mud on the driveway but it's clean inside & out now. Now to continue editing the Tesla FSD video. Apologies to all who've emailed/messaged and I haven't replied. Doing long hours daily but I'll get back to you all ASAP.
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/362/738/035/021/742/original/918bc31d032563f7.jpg

2025-10-04 01:13:53 UTC

Doing my civic duty on a Saturday afternoon, trying to pick the best candidates for the upcoming elections.
The problem is everyone looks so great in these little blurbs. It's like a first date where everyone's on their best behavior! 😁
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/313/236/621/337/274/original/3e9246f75fc6560f.jpg

2025-09-30 04:33:47 UTC

America sure looks different from how I remember it. 😅
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/290/538/782/079/745/original/7ed32c2e936e311e.jpg

2025-09-29 22:46:09 UTC

Change of plan. I think I'll stay here for a while instead. 😁
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/290/003/655/067/170/original/73d88ad7ffbe7ac0.jpg

2025-09-26 05:53:56 UTC

Doing 200+ km/h in a big fluffy luxury barge is madness. And the Zeekr 7X goes off-road far too easily.
It's all a bit surreal.
https://youtu.be/tUNsF0wK49c?si=rcyySSRDl2VRaJ2u

2025-09-21 10:58:17 UTC

Making progress with the Austin Allegro's battery design. The hard part is compressing the cells while allowing forced airflow for cooling. It's a bit of a challenge but I think we have a solution. Shouldn't be long before we get this old girl running on electric power. Reckon it'll mooooove. 😁
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/241/922/434/273/421/original/d2c47477c2d24281.jpg

2025-09-16 11:16:05 UTC

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Man I would freaking love to see that. Seriously. Unfortunately, the trip is pretty tightly choreographed as usual But we may have a few spare hours tomorrow evening.

2025-09-16 07:30:21 UTC

Crikey. My hotel room is quite literally on a race course. What is this car maker planning? 🤔
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/212/800/034/169/015/original/58f30048a2c9f367.jpg

2025-09-16 02:23:14 UTC

Where in the World is Carmen Shoebridge? 😁 Looking forward to this mystery car event. Never been to this city before.
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/211/429/014/548/550/original/49efbfdec9705b16.jpg

2025-09-15 23:05:52 UTC

My hotel view gives a great view of Melbourne City (it's that little grey blob in the distance).
About to hit the road to our final destination but there's an embargo so I can't tell you what it is, but you probably already guessed it... 😁
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/210/815/553/188/906/original/f3314a9cd94badf3.jpg

2025-09-15 03:46:48 UTC

The lady at the cafe just put TWO smiley faces on my coffee which means she wants to marry me, right? Right?? Please don't ruin my fantasy. 😅
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/206/259/155/018/227/original/a33bc532499028ee.jpg

2025-09-14 19:28:07 UTC

Just saw this posted in a group for kiwis, asking which car has the right of way.
Was scary to see SO MANY of my fellow drivers are getting it utterly wrong - confidently wrong, too.
Like, these are people on the road alongside us RIGHT NOW. 😳
I'm warming to the idea of everyone having regular retesting for driver licences every few years. Think of the lives, frustration (and money) we could save.
Either that or we need self driving cars for our own sake.
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/204/280/612/548/549/original/3f68ecb77ce2eb2d.webp

2025-09-12 20:51:34 UTC

No way is the top trolley faster than the basket.
I always go for maximum speed and agility and the basket gets me in and out of the supermarket in 5 minutes.
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/193/300/343/687/000/original/aa2a67706c13f5ad.webp

2025-09-11 20:57:21 UTC

Last night I was asked what electric car I would buy if I had $200k. This was my answer. Probably need to find myself a sugar mama just to keep it running but good lord it's beautiful car. Your turn: what EV would you buy if money was no object?
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/187/662/057/679/934/original/ed29d3f67ba19ef1.webp

2025-09-11 02:02:36 UTC

Oh god, no. I'm too young to be my age!
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/183/199/476/424/769/original/1f979aa0dd8c93e1.png

2025-09-09 21:49:38 UTC

Was I too quick to judge the Honda e:N1? It may not be radical in its design but after driving it I could see it appealing to older buyers as most things are controlled by physical buttons, the font sizes are large and there's no learning required to drive it. Also, it hasn't screamed, beeped, chimed, chirped or bonged at me once in 300+ km. 🤔
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/176/542/804/766/606/original/b66aaf089be523b1.jpg

2025-09-05 03:00:48 UTC

Putting Tesla wheels on a Holden Commodore makes it look pretty slick, not gonna lie. 😎
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/149/454/293/934/662/original/ec780007d460099e.jpg

2025-09-04 20:27:41 UTC

Was gonna go fishing but saved hours by just getting fish & chips instead.
Follow me for more life tips.

2025-08-22 05:08:05 UTC

It's been a crazy week of secret trips & car launches but I reckon blasting down Auckland's motorway in this powerful, fully electric semi-truck has been one of my most eye-opening experiences.
https://youtu.be/GGQ4xNFsdlQ

2025-08-22 00:02:03 UTC

Remember that IM6 we saw driving around Auckland recently with its badges covered up? Well, we now know the reason: it was mapping roads & driving conditions in New Zealand for its autonomous driving system. This is because it has literally just gone on sale!
Yep, the embargo's now over. The MG IM6 is now on sale in NZ & Australia, available in 3 flavours:
IM6 Premium: $66,900 > 450 km WLTP range > 217 kW (RWD) > 75 kWh LFP battery.
IM6 Platinum: $77,900 > 555 km WLTP range > 300 kW (RWD) > 100 kWh NMC battery.
IM6 Performance: $89,900 > 505 km WLTP range > 572 kW (AWD) > 100 kWh NMC battery.
Those prices are in NZD and looking at the spec sheet it has all the toys you'd expect from a new Chinese vehicle but it's also got air suspension & four wheel steering. It may even be capable of Level 3 or Level 4 autonomous driving when that becomes legal here.
The press release I got claims its artificial intelligence "quickly mastered local conditions and driving styles" even when there were no road markings. I'm also keen to try out whatever the "One Touch AI Chauffer" is.
But as good as this new vehicle might look on paper, the specification sheet has absolutely NO mention of PSC. This is concerning. Thorough testing will be required to verify this metric, therefore I've asked MG if I can put my keys in the car reviewer bowl, so to speak, so stay tuned.
Another day, another sweet looking EV on offer! What a great problem to have!
Oh, on an unrelated note, last night I might have had too many potatoes and agreed to buy a car for a very low price. It should happen in a few weeks and it's likely not a car you're expecting. 😬
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/069/479/447/903/922/original/f5ff233f4c38a4ab.jpg

2025-08-20 21:57:22 UTC

But wait, there's more! NZ pricing for the Zeekr X has been announced!
It's $59,990 NZD and will arrive in about 6 weeks. I've driven it and it's one of my favourite EVs at the moment. Goes well, too. Can't wait to test it in kiwi conditions! Stay tuned.
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/063/326/573/756/845/original/f3c7fa590947e64b.jpg

2025-08-19 07:35:50 UTC

Big, secret car event complete. ✅
Video cameras worked hard. ✅
Heading home to NZ. ✅
This video is under embargo but man, it'll be well worth the wait.
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/054/277/063/821/374/original/8721ef3505bf3efd.jpg

2025-08-15 03:40:24 UTC

Just saw a person writing that they've bought an electric car but asked about how long charging takes, the costs, and if you can just use a trickle charger at home instead of public chargers.
I'm sure you also see these questions often so I put all the answers into this plain-English video.
Bottom line, yes it's that easy to charge an EV and most of us do it at home because that's where the big savings are.
If you know of anyone thinking about upgrading to electric, show them this video. It'll put their mind at ease. 😊
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRy8JNsp9Ug

2025-08-14 04:13:42 UTC

Hmm. Something seems 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵 about this particular Kia. 🤨
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/025/164/770/905/077/original/d48f525043babeaa.jpg

2025-08-07 08:44:23 UTC

Fun, chaotic 24 hours but I'm now heading home to edit the video of this new Zeekr 7X. It's quite an impressive vehicle. Would be keen to hear your thoughts when the video goes live.
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/114/986/596/785/651/003/original/0356fe0fb3ea88f3.jpg

2025-08-07 01:50:51 UTC

Well, the specs have been released on the Zeekr 7X!
It starts at $57,990 AUD, is loaded with tech (including V2L) and charges in 13 minutes! And that's just the entry level one!
Video coming tomorrow with estimated NZD prices. Should be good. 😁
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/114/984/972/629/456/100/original/f30524f08b814ba0.jpg

2025-07-25 22:56:02 UTC

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Oh that's good news.
However, that means followers simply don't click on my work. I don't know what else to do, other than not bother posting here. 😅

2025-07-25 09:56:41 UTC

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Problem is, If I link then the algorithm shuts the thread down and no one sees it. If I don't link the picture gets seen but no one can be bothered to actually go and find the video.
Welcome to content creation in 2025. It's bad. And it's going to get worse.