Motoring - James Ward with Denis Walter - Wed 01 Apr, 2026

In this episode of Nights with Denis Walter, motoring expert James Ward from drive.com.au joins to discuss the rapid shift toward electrification in the Australian automotive market. The conversation centers on the growing popularity of hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, particularly as fuel prices rise and consumers seek cost-effective, practical alternatives to traditional combustion engines. Ward highlights that while fully electric utes like the Toyota Hiace and Hilux are promising for urban utility and short-distance work, they still fall short in towing and long-haul performance. He emphasizes that for most Australians, especially those without reliable charging access, hybrids—particularly plug-in hybrids—are the smartest transitional step, offering fuel savings, electric driving for commutes, and backup petrol power for longer trips. The discussion also touches on regulatory challenges facing legacy automakers, the rise of new Chinese brands like BYD and Cherry, and real-world considerations such as towing capacity and charging infrastructure. Listeners are encouraged to test drive plug-in hybrids to see if they fit their lifestyle, especially as many are downsizing to one car.