Episode 56: Subaru’s EV Price Reset, BYD’s People Mover Push, Xpeng X9, Renault Master E-Tech and More Affordable EVs
In Episode 56 of Plugged In Australia for Monday 18 May 2026, we cover Subaru’s new Uncharted electric SUV and major EV price cuts, Volkswagen bringing GTI into the EV era with the ID. Polo GTI, BYD preparing a wave of new plug-in hybrid and electric models including the Ti7, Atto 2 DM-i, M9 people mover and V9 electric van, Xpeng’s X9 electric people mover nearing its Australian launch, Renault pricing the Master E-Tech electric van, Mercedes-Benz confirming electric CLA pricing for Australia, Audi evaluating a compact A2 e-tron, Lexus’s three-row TZ EV looking more relevant for Australia, and the growing debate around EV access for renters and lower-income households.
YouTube timestamps — full episode00:00 — Intro
01:03 — Subaru Uncharted priced and Subaru cuts EV prices
06:52 — Volkswagen ID. Polo GTI enters the EV era
10:34 — BYD Ti7 large SUV likely for Australia
14:26 — BYD Atto 2 DM-i could become Australia’s cheapest PHEV
17:38 — Xpeng X9 electric people mover nears launch
21:50 — BYD M9 plug-in hybrid people mover approved
25:35 — BYD V9 electric van approved for Australia
28:52 — Renault Master E-Tech priced under $80,000
31:39 — Mercedes-Benz CLA electric priced for Australia
34:57 — Audi A2 e-tron under evaluation
37:23 — Lexus TZ three-row EV looks more likely for Australia
39:53 — EV access for renters and lower-income Australians
42:49 — Legacy brands use China’s EV playbook
45:20 — 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