Back to Plugged in Australia
Plugged in Australia

Episode 65 | Deep Dive: Smaller Cadillac Batteries, Ferrari’s Forever Pack and BMW’s Electric M3

Jun 15, 2026 · 50 min · Ep 65

Send us Fan Mail

In Episode 65 of Plugged In Australia, we look at why the Cadillac Optiq and Vistiq are arriving with smaller batteries and slower DC charging than their US equivalents, Ferrari’s unusual plan to make the Luce battery repairable and upgradable for decades, and the possibility of a petrol range-extender version of the Leapmotor B05 hatch. We also cover Volvo’s next XC40 returning to an electric-first direction, the expanded NSW EV fleet funding program, and BMW’s four-motor, 800-volt M Concept Neue Klasse previewing the first full-electric M car due from 2027.

 YOUTUBE TIMESTAMPS

0:00 Intro

1:01 Cadillac explains Australia’s smaller Optiq and Vistiq batteries

10:02 Ferrari designs the Luce battery for decades of repair and upgrades

18:02 Leapmotor considers a B05 range-extender hatch

24:44 Volvo’s next XC40 could return to an electric-first platform

31:35 NSW extends and expands EV fleet funding

40:00  BMW previews the first full-electric M car

48:50 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

More from Plugged in Australia