Your questions answered: Why doesn’t the BYD Dolphin EV have one-pedal driving?

There’s no shortage of electric car questions pouring into the carsales mailbox this week. And much of it is centred around the smaller and affordable end of the market, which is where so much of the EV action has been in recent months.

There are also some broader questions around electric cars and making the switch, including what chargers to install and whether an EV needs one-pedal driving.

But the four-wheeled queries also stretch further afield, including a dual-cab ute owner who wants to fit three child seats across the rear bench – one of the things most utes can’t do.

Another new-car shopper wants to replace an ageing European hatchback with a compact SUV with a manual gearbox – and has the Suzuki Jimny top of mind.

Question:

Answer: The staff of a brand hoping to sell you a car will usually try to talk up whatever it is they’re trying to sell. They make money on every sale, so it’s in their interests to convince you you’ll look good in it.

As for the benefits or otherwise of one-pedal braking, we find it’s one of those things that comes down to personal preference.

There’s something satisfactory about judging the lift of the throttle perfectly so you don’t ever have to hit the brake pedal. Equally, some people prefer a more traditional driving experience whereby the car keeps moving until you press the brake pedal.

By the way, even though you’re not pressing the brake pedal, in most instances the car will be applying the brakes automatically as the car comes to a stop.

Question:

In my pursuit of a manual vehicle with more ground clearance than the Audi the choice is very limited. I have looked at the Toyota C-HR but the 2024 model only auto. This Suzuki has appeal with two-wheel drive option and compact size with capacity to carry a road bike with rear seats folded.

I had a brief test drive of a Jimny in suburban Melbourne however I would like to do so again with longer drive on rural roads and highway/freeway travel to experience how the car handles in both settings. I realise this vehicle will not match Audi drive and handling. Ideally, I am seeking a new car. – Catherine

Answer: You’re right in that a Suzuki Jimny will not handle like an Audi A3. In fact, it’ll be miles from an Audi in its overall performance or road holding. That’s because the Jimny is a proper off-roader that’s been designed for some punishing tracks and trails. Its tyres, suspension and general structure have been designed with that in mind, which inevitably means compromises on-road.

The engine in the Jimny is also fairly undernourished, so you’ll have to work it hard. That’ll be more noticeable at freeway speeds. Whereas your diesel Audi didn’t make much power, it had loads of torque – or pulling power – to help you climb hills and hold a steady speed on a freeway. The Suzuki will be working much harder to do that.

So make sure you take the Jimny for a decent drive in varied conditions to make sure you’re happy with it. It’s the sort of car that is an acquired taste.

As for manual alternatives, there aren’t many these days because people weren’t buying them. You can look at entry-level utes – such as the Toyota HiLux and Isuzu D-MAX – but they bring their compromises too. In the SUV space, the Hyundai Venue is available with a manual, as is the Kia Stonic. Each is basic motoring but will be better on-road than the Suzuki.

Question: I have three-phase power at home and a 22kW solar system installed. I was thinking of installing a 32-amp socket outlet ready to charge the Tesla Model 3. I have heard that the Tesla Model 3 can only accept approx 12kW AC due to the onboard inverter. Is that correct? Alternatively install a three-phase charger with a built-in inverter. Can you recommend one? – Allan M

Answer: Most EVs can only accept 11kW of AC charging power, or in some cases less (6.6kW, for example). Teslas are rated at 11kW. There are exceptions, including the BMW i5 – and some Audi, Porsche and Mercedes-Benz EVs make the 22kW charger an extra cost option.

And, yes, it’s down to the onboard inverter. When charging with AC power the electricity needs to be converted to DC to store it in the battery pack, whereas with DC charging it can go straight into the battery.

The reason most manufacturers – Tesla included – limit AC charging to 11kW is because it’s cheaper to manufacture and because most people will never need 22kW home charging capability.

With single-phase (circa-7kW) home charging, for example, a Tesla would take about 10 hours to do a full charge. In other words, you could arrive home after a full day of driving, plug it in overnight and have a full battery by the morning. Having 22kW three-phase charging capability would lower that charge time to around 3.5 hours, which for most people would have no major benefit.

Keep in mind that even though you have a 22kW solar system it will very rarely produce the full 22kW. Even if you’re in full sunshine it’ll likely only be for an hour or two a day when it delivers close to its peak. So you may be better just running with an 11kW charger; that will still require a three-phase connection, but you won’t be drawing the maximum power that a three-phase can deliver.

Question:

I have done some research and there is no clear guidance around what is required to add an additional anchor point. From my research I believe it is possible to do but requires engineering sign-off here in Victoria. A lot of comments on forums say just to bolt it in yourself but I fear that won't end well if you are in an accident, one potentially for a child or from an insurance perspective.

I know I’m not alone on this one after speaking to friends with utes currently and not even being aware that this is an issue. It would be great to get some clarity on this and who to go to have the work done. If it is all possible it is something I would volunteer my new vehicle having it done for you to cover. – Tim J

Answer: You’re right in that most utes don’t bother with that centre child seat anchor point. The argument is that they’re commercial vehicles so therefore don’t need to abide by the full passenger car rules. Yet a tiny city hatchback needs to have an anchor point for its three rear seats. We know which is more likely to carry more kids…

Anyway, crazy and out-of-date government regulations aside… If you’re going to have a centre child seat anchor point fitted you absolutely need to get it done by a qualified engineer and have engineering sign-off. It’s a critical safety system of the vehicle and something you don’t want to save a couple of hundred dollars on.

As well as significant legal implications, there could also be insurance issues if you do have a crash. You’ve already paid the big bucks for the most expensive Raptor on the market – so go and get the child seat anchor point done properly.

Question: I am wondering if you would be kind enough to give me some advice and your thoughts on buying a new (or second-hand) EV or hybrid car in Perth. I have been driving around in an 18-year-old Peugeot 207 hatchback with a truly worn-out clutch, no air-con, back windows that don’t open and only one key that is in two pieces – literally! It’s definitely time and yet I am frankly so overwhelmed at all the car reviews and forums that I am now in denial that I need a new car at all!

I have three listed criteria and would be hugely grateful of any help that you could give me: hatchback or small SUV (height and width of my garage excludes any large SUVs); non fabric seats (three moulting dogs and fabric is never a happy combination… even with seat covers and pet hammocks!); boot space for camping gear (the Kia Picanto and GWM Ora are too small).

In short, what I’m looking for is a functional, reliable, well-made car that I can service regularly and forget about. I don’t need any exciting sporty zippiness with extra bells or whistles on but would like value for money. I do know that at some point we will all be driving around in EVs so would spending money on a hybrid be a waste or am I better off buying a second-hand hybrid and waiting until the prices of EVs drop?

So many questions and so much confusion? I looked at the following cars to try and narrow it down: Cupra Born, BYD Atto 3, Tesla Model Y, Polestar 2, Kia EV6, Nissan LEAF, Toyota Yaris, Toyota Corolla. – Ellie L

Answer: Let’s tackle the big-picture questions first. It’s not a waste buying a hybrid now. There will still be plenty of demand for hybrids for many years to come and the tech is mature enough now to be great value and perform well. Some of the better smaller (but still spacious) hybrids on the market are the Honda ZR-V and Toyota Corolla Cross. You may find some big wait times with the Toyota, though, in which case stick to the Honda. The Corolla Hybrid you have on your shortlist is also great buying, although it has a very small boot, so your dogs may not appreciate that.

Now, onto EVs. You’re not paying for a name with Tesla. The cars are actually really good value once you stack up the features, size, tech and performance. Space-wise you should be able to get away with the Model 3, though, which is more affordable than a Model Y. Tesla has some deals on the runout models or you can splash out on the new one that is just landing in the country.

One of its big rivals, the Polestar 2, is also worth a look following the recent update that has made an already good car a great one. There’s not as much space as the Tesla but it makes up for it with a nicer interior presentation.

The BYD Atto 3 is also terrific value for an electric SUV. It’s got some design quirks and the standard tyres aren’t great in the wet, but overall the core of the car is great and it’s solid buying. Also check out the BYD Seal while you’re in the dealership; we’re yet to drive it but it looks great on paper.

The Kia EV6 is also a terrific car, and was carsales’ Car of the Year in 2022, although it’s pricey when stacked up spec-for-spec against the Tesla.

Don’t bother with the Nissan LEAF (it’s underdone) or a Yaris (too small). So, to boil it down… go and drive a Tesla and make sure you check out the Model 3. Also look at the Polestar 2 and BYD Atto 3. That’d be my shortlist of EVs based on your list – and if you have somewhere to charge at home we’d recommend making the EV leap.

If you really want a hybrid check out the Honda ZR-V. Also wander into a Toyota showroom but ask them straight up what the wait times are likely to be.

Got a question but don’t know where to find the information you need? Email us at editor@carsales.com.au

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