Waqas Afzal

Founder and Senior Automotive Editor at AussieMotor, covering automotive news, new car launches, vehicle pricing, buying guides, reviews, and market insights. I oversee editorial quality, fact-checking, SEO, and content strategy, with a focus on providing accurate, practical information that helps car buyers make better informed decisions.

Founder & Senior Automotive Editor

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Articles

BYD Sealion 5 vs Sealion 6 Australia: Is the Upgrade Worth It

Waqas Afzal16 Min Read

The BYD Sealion 5 and Sealion 6 are closely sized plug in hybrid SUVs, but their prices, batteries and capabilities differ significantly. The Sealion 5 starts from $33,990 before on road costs and focuses on value, while the Sealion 6 costs more but offers longer electric range, faster charging, stronger performance options and a five star ANCAP rating. For many buyers, the most interesting comparison is the $37,990 Sealion 5 Premium against the $42,990 Sealion 6 Essential.

Geely Starray EM-i vs BYD Sealion 6: Which PHEV Suits You

Waqas Afzal20 Min Read

The Geely Starray EM-i and BYD Sealion 6 are closely matched five seat PHEV SUVs, but their current Australian ranges now differ significantly. The Starray starts lower, offers up to 136km WLTP electric range and faster DC charging on its larger battery grades, while the Sealion 6 offers three current grades including a 253kW AWD flagship. The best choice depends more on the exact grade, daily kilometres and charging routine than on the badge.

Range Extender EV vs Plug In Hybrid: Australian Buyer Guide

Waqas Afzal22 Min Read

A range extender EV and a conventional plug in hybrid both combine a rechargeable battery with a petrol engine, but the engine's role can be very different. In a traditional range extender, electric motors always drive the wheels while the petrol engine works as a generator. Many PHEVs can also use their engine to drive the wheels directly. This guide explains the overlap, charging requirements, servicing and which architecture better matches different Australian driving patterns.

Can You Drive a Plug In Hybrid Without Charging in Australia

Waqas Afzal18 Min Read

Yes. A plug in hybrid can normally keep driving after its usable EV charge becomes low, provided there is fuel in the tank, but it will rely much more heavily on its petrol engine and hybrid system. Using official Australian low battery consumption data, this guide shows how regular, occasional and zero external charging can change weekly running costs and when a conventional hybrid may make more sense.

Public EV Charging Costs Australia: Networks, Fees & Budgets

Waqas Afzal22 Min Read

Public EV charging in Australia does not have one fixed national price. Rates can change by network, location, charger speed, time of day, membership and even the app used to start the session. Using a disclosed 18kWh per 100km budgeting assumption, an EV driven 1,500km a month could cost roughly $108 to $202.50 per month if it relies entirely on public charging priced between 40c and 75c/kWh.

BYD Atto 1 vs Atto 2 Australia: Which EV Should You Buy

Waqas Afzal13 Min Read

The BYD Atto 1 and Atto 2 are two of Australia’s most affordable EVs, but they suit different buyers. The Atto 1 is cheaper and better suited to city driving, while the Atto 2 offers five seats, more boot space, stronger performance and up to 345km WLTP range, making it the more practical choice for families and longer trips.

Best First Cars for P Platers in Australia in 2026: New and Used Picks

Waqas Afzal8 Min Read

Compare six first cars for Australian P platers in 2026, with clearly labelled prices, build-specific ANCAP ratings and practical checks before buying.

BYD Atto 2 DM-i Australia: $24,990 Price, Range and Specs

BYD Atto 2 DM-i Australia: $24,990 Price, Range & Specs

Waqas Afzal15 Min Read

The new BYD Atto 2 DM-i brings plug in hybrid technology to Australia from just $24,990 before on road costs. Two variants are available, Essential and Premium, with major differences in battery capacity, electric range, performance and equipment. The Essential uses a 7.85kWh battery with 39km of WLTP electric range, while the Premium steps up to an 18.03kWh battery and 90km electric range. BYD is also advertising a limited $25,990 drive away launch offer for the Essential.

Best Electric SUVs Under $60,000 in Australia 2026

Waqas Afzal9 Min Read

Australian buyers have an expanding choice of electric SUVs below $60,000, from affordable city models to spacious family vehicles. We compare eight options, explain their different pricing bases and highlight the range, safety and charging details worth checking before buying.

Ford Ranger Double Cab recall: 13,907 utes affected by side-curtain airbag fault

Waqas Afzal4 Min Read

Ford has recalled 13,907 Ranger Double Cab utes in Australia because their side-curtain airbags may catch on the B-pillar trim during deployment. Owners can check their VIN through Ford or the government recall notice and arrange a free repair through an authorised dealer when it is available for their vehicle.

Zeekr 7GT to undercut 7X in Australia, but exact electric wagon prices remain unannounced

Waqas Afzal3 Min Read

Zeekr’s Australian managing director says each 7GT variant is intended to cost less than the comparable 7X SUV. The three-grade electric shooting brake is expected to launch in the fourth quarter of 2026, with initial customer deliveries in early 2027. Australian 7GT dollar prices have yet to be announced.

Toyota hydrogen HiLux confirmed for Australia in 2028, with 400km-plus range target

Waqas Afzal4 Min Read

Toyota plans to add a hydrogen fuel-cell HiLux to its Australian range in 2028. Its European division has set early targets of more than 400km WLTP range and up to 2,500kg towing. Australian specifications, pricing and refuelling arrangements remain unannounced.