Quick Charge Episode 54: Xpeng Goes Direct, Atto 3 Evo Confirmed and Denza Flash Charging

In this Quick Charge edition of Plugged In Australia for Episode 54, we cover Xpeng’s factory-backed Australian operation, the updated G6 and X9 people mover, BYD’s confirmed Atto 3 Evo launch, Denza’s 1500kW Flash Charging rollout, GAC’s Yue 7 PHEV off-roader, Avatr’s new 07L luxury SUV, and the locally tuned JAC Hunter PHEV ute.

Timestamps — Quick Charge

00:00 — Intro
00:37 — Xpeng Australia goes factory-backed, Updated G6 & X9
02:44 — Xpeng’s new SUV pipeline
03:45 — GAC Yue 7 PHEV off-roader
05:00  — Avatr 07L revealed
06:12 — BYD Atto 3 Evo confirmed
07:28 — Denza Flash Charging coming to Australia
08:30 — JAC Hunter PHEV local tuning
10:20 — Outro

Disclaimer:

All specifications, pricing, and information discussed in this episode were correct at the time of recording. The electric vehicle market moves quickly, so we recommend you always check the latest details directly with manufacturers, dealers, or official sources.

This podcast provides general news and information only, based on publicly available sources and Australian Consumer Law guidelines. It is not legal, financial, or professional advice. For advice specific to your situation, please contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or seek independent professional guidance.

Plugged in Australia and its hosts are not responsible for any decisions, misunderstandings, or purchases made based on the content of this show.

Sourcing & Transparency

At Plugged in Australia, all our stories are sourced from publicly available news articles and reports. We do not receive any advance information or briefings from brands or manufacturers.

Any analysis or opinions we share are based solely on this public information.

Our main sources include (though we also use many others, and they vary by episode):

• https://www.carsales.com.au/
• https://www.carexpert.com.au/
• https://thedriven.io/
• https://www.carsguide.com.au
• https://autotalk.com.au
• https://www.carsguide.com.au
• https://evcentral.com.au
• https://www.drive.com.au

Transcript

SPEAKER_00 0:00

Welcome to Plugged in Australia Quick Charge, the shorter version of the show for when you want the main EV news without the full deep dive. This is episode 54 for Wednesday, the 13th of May 2026. And today we're covering XPeng's new factory-backed Australian operation, the updated G6 and X9 people mover, BYD's confirmed ADO3 Evo launch, Denza's 1500kW flash charging rollout, JAC's new plugin hybrid off-rotor, Avatar's Large 07L SUV, and the locally tuned JAC Hunter plugin hybrid Ute. Without further ado, let's get into it. First up, XPeng. And XPeng has now set up its own direct factory-backed operation in Australia called XPeng ANZ, and the brand says more information on the updated G6 and X9 people mover is coming in the second quarter. That means we should get local pricing and specifications before the end of June. The updated G6 is the key one for most buyers. It's XPeng's mid-sized electric SUV and a direct rival for the Tesla Model Y, BYDC Line 7, Kia EV5, and a growing number of Chinese EVs. Overseas, the updated G6 gets styling tweaks, a bigger 15.6 inch infotainment screen, a revised interior details, and more importantly, some very serious charging numbers. European versions offer LFP battery packs of 68.5 and 80.8 kWh with WLTP range up to 525km depending on the version. The all-drive performance model makes 358 kW and 660 Nm with a claimed WLTP range of 510km. Charging is the headline. Depending on the battery, peak DC charging is listed at up to 382 or 451 kW. That is a huge number for family SUV, although Australian buyers will still need chargers powerful enough to use it properly. Then there is the X9 people mover. In China, it is offered with a single motor and dual motor electric powertrains, 800 volt architecture, air suspension and battery packs of 94.8 and 110 kWh. Claimed range is up to 750km on the CLTC cycle. The big problem for XPang is not the cars. Cars are awesome, they're impressive. The problem is local confidence. As we reported earlier, XPang and its original Australian distributor True EV are in a legal dispute, and existing owners want clarity on warranty, support, servicing and parts. A factory-backed operation could be a positive step, but XPang now has to prove it can support buyers properly. Sticking with XPang, the brand also has three new SUVs appearing in Chinese regulatory filings the L03, the L05 and the G9L. The L03 is a smaller Mona branded SUV measuring 4,650mm long with a 2,850mm wheelbase. The L05 is larger at 4,870mm long with a 2,940mm wheelbase. Both are expected to offer battery electric and extended range versions. The G9L is the big one. It measures 5,120mm long with a 3,100mm wheelbase and is expected to be offered as a pure EV and EREV. The EV version gets either a 270kW rear motor or dual motor all-wheel drive with 160 kW at the front and 270 at the rear. Now for Australia the G9L is really the one to watch, but nothing beyond the updated G6 and X9 is confirmed as yet. Next is GAC. More details have emerged on the GAC Hue7 plug-in hybrid off-roader. In China it sits under the Trump Chi subbrand, however, if it comes to Australia, it may be sold simply as a GAC, potentially under the T75 name. It's a large boxy SUV meaning 4,999mm long, 2004mm wide, and 1,933mm tall with a 2,900mm wheelbase. That puts it in serious off-road territory. It reportedly uses a 1.5 litre turbocharged petrol engine, making 125 kW. This is paired with a dual electric motors for all wheel drive. Battery options are expected to be 28.3 and 45 kWh, with electric range claims of 119 and 188km, although the testing cycle has yet to be confirmed. The obvious rival is the Denza B5, which is already sold in Australia from 74,990 before on road costs. Now if GAC can bring the Hue7 here with strong electric range, genuine off-road ability and sharp pricing, it could be a very interesting addition to the plug-in hybrid four-wheel drive market. Now on to Avatar. As we reported in an earlier episode, the Avatar Zero 7 has already been spy testing in Melbourne. Now the Avatar has revealed the Zero7L, a larger version of the Zero 7 Luxury SUV. Avatar is backed by Chang'ang, CATL and Huawei, so it has serious technology and funds behind it. The regular 07 is available in right-hand drive markets already, such as Hong Kong and Singapore, which helps its chances for Australia pretty significantly. The regular Avatar 07 EV uses an 82.16 kWh LFP battery, 800 volt architecture, and a 252kW rear motor. It also has a huge 35.4 inch pillar-to-pillar screen, Huawei software, a 15.6 inch centre touchscreen, premium audio, massage seats, and a long list of driver assistance features. The new 07L appears to add more space and a more conventional rear shape. If Avatar launches here, it would likely compete against premium EV SUVs like the Zika 7X, Audi Q6 Etron, the Lexus RZ, and Cadillac Optic. Next to BYD, the Ado3 EVO has now been confirmed for Australia later this year. This is a major upgrade for one of Australia's most important mainstream EVs. The EVO moves to BYD's latest e-platform 3.0 with 800 volt architecture. The single motor version becomes rear-wheel drive and makes 230kW and 380Nm of torque, cutting the 0 to 100 time down to 5.5 seconds. There is also an all-wheel drive version with 330kW, 560Nm, good for a claimed 0 to 100 time of 3.9 seconds. The rear wheel drive version offers up to 510km WLTP, while the all-wheel drive version is around 470km of WLTP. Charging improves dramatically too, with overseas information pointing to around 220 kW DC and a 10-80% charge in about 25 minutes. Boot space increases, a frunk is added as well, and the cabin gets updated technology and features. If BYD prices it properly, the ADO3 EVO could put the ADO3 right back near the top of the value EV SUV list. Now to some charging news, Denza and BYD are preparing to roll out flash charging stations in Australia. These chargers can deliver up to 1500 kilowatts to compatible vehicles. The first Australian sites are expected from October of 2026 at selected Denzer Showrooms in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. The plan is to expand through Denzer and BYD dealerships and potentially through third-party public charging partners later. The Denzer Z9GT will be the headline vehicle. It is due in Australia in the second half of the year, and overseas it can use BYD's Blade Battery 2.0 technology. Claims include 10-70% charging in about 5 minutes and 10-90% in about 9 minutes on compatible hardware. The reality check is that the first rollout will be small, very small, and existing BYD models will not magically charge at 1500 kilowatts. But if BYD can use battery-buffered charging sites to avoid grid delays, this could become very important for Australia. And finally on to JAC. The JAC Hunter Plugin Hybrid Ute has gone on sale in Australia this week, with orders open and first arrivals expected in July. The fresh detail is that the Australian suspension tune could become the benchmark for other export markets. The JAC has used Australian vehicle dynamics specialist Michael Barber, who is a former Holden engineer, and the Hunter plugin hybrid has completed more than 50,000 kilometres of local testing, including work at the Lang Lang Proving Grounds in Victoria. The Hunter plugin hybrid uses a 2 litre turbo petrol engine and two electric motors for combined 360kW. It has a 31.2 kWh LFP battery, four-wheel drive, front and rear difflocks, vehicle to load capability, three and a half tonne brake towing, and a 915 kilogram payload. Now pricing is expected to open under $50,000 before on road costs, which could make it a serious rival to the BYD Shark 6 and the GWM Canon Alpha plugin hybrid. It's kind of the uh unofficial theme of today's episode. New brands are not just bringing cheap EVs anymore, they are bringing high power SUVs, plug-in hybrid off-roaders, electrified Utes, and charging technology that could change expectation. However, the facts apply across all of them. Specs are great. But support, warranty, parts, servicing, and long-term confidence matter just as much. And that's it for Plugged in Australia Quick Charge for episode 54. For the full deep dive, just listen to the main episode. It'll be episode 54 on your podcast feed, and it'll have full episode, whether it's this one should still come up as 54, but as a bonus episode, depending on what platform you are listening to this on. Thank you very much for listening. And as always, until the next time, stay plugged in and stay charged. Chivi Diamond.