It’s February 2026, and the “old guard” of the Australian automotive world is looking over its shoulder. For years, the conversation was dominated by the big T and the rising tide of BYD. But right now, if you head to any weekend meet-up or high-speed charger from Surfers Paradise to St Kilda, there’s a new buzz in the air.

The “smartphones on wheels” have finally arrived in bulk.

At EV evolution, we’ve been tracking the arrival of XPeng and Zeekr with massive interest. These aren’t just car companies; they are tech giants that happen to build world-class EVs. With the XPeng G6 and the Zeekr 7X now landing in Australian driveways by the thousands, the market hasn’t just been “shaken up”—it’s been completely redefined.

📱 The XPeng G6: Silicon Valley Soul, Aussie Spirit

The XPeng G6 is the car that made “800V” a household term for young Aussie buyers. While some legacy brands are still messing around with 400V systems that take ages to juice up, the G6 is a charging beast.

The Specs That Matter

• Ultrafast Charging: Thanks to its 800V Silicon Carbide (SiC) platform, the G6 can pull a peak of 451kW DC. In the real world? You’re looking at a 10-80% top-up in just 12 to 15 minutes. That’s basically the time it takes to grab a flat white and check your socials.
• NVIDIA-Powered Brains: The G6 runs XPILOT 2.5, driven by the NVIDIA Orin-X chip. It’s one of the smartest ADAS systems we’ve tested on local roads, handling the chaos of Parramatta Road or the Monash Freeway with a level of smoothness that makes older “Auto-Pilot” systems feel clunky.
• Performance: The AWD Performance variant isn’t playing around. 0-100km/h in 4.1 seconds and a WLTP range of 510km.
• Pricing: Starting from around $54,800, it’s a direct shot across the bow of the Model Y.

The vibe of the G6 is “futuristic minimalist.” It’s slippery (0.248 Cd), tech-heavy, and built for a generation that wants their car to be as intuitive as their iPhone.

💎 The Zeekr 7X: When Luxury Goes Full-Electric

If XPeng is the tech-disruptor, Zeekr is the premium powerhouse. Part of the Geely group (the same folks behind Volvo and Polestar), Zeekr has brought a level of European-influenced “waft-ability” to the sub-$80k segment that we haven’t seen before.

Why the 7X is Killing it in the Sales Charts

In January 2026, the Zeekr 7X officially cracked the Top 3 best-selling EVs in Australia, and after spending a week in the Performance AWD variant, it’s easy to see why:

• Insane Power: 475kW and 710Nm. This SUV will catapult you to 100km/h in 3.8 seconds. It doesn’t just accelerate; it relocates your internal organs.
• The Lounge Effect: Inside, it’s all Nappa leather, 14-way power-adjustable seats with massage functions, and a 36.2-inch AR Head-Up Display that makes you feel like a fighter pilot. It’s luxury that would usually cost you $150k in a German badge, but here it starts from $57,900.
• The 800V Standard: Like its rival, the 7X is an 800V machine. It can handle up to 450kW DC charging, meaning you spend less time at the plug and more time on the road.

The Zeekr 7X is for the enthusiast who wants the speed of a supercar but the interior of a business-class suite. It’s plush, it’s quiet, and it’s very, very fast.

🥊 The Showdown: G6 vs. 7X

Which one should be in your garage? It really comes down to your personal “EV vibe.”

While the XPeng wins on the “smart software” feel and raw value-for-money, the Zeekr takes the crown for interior quality and outright acceleration.

🛠️ Prep Your Transition with the EV Strategy Suite

Going with a “high-tech newcomer” like XPeng or Zeekr is an exciting move, but you want to make sure the numbers back up the hype. At EV evolution, we’ve integrated these 2026 models into our EV Strategy Suite so you can plan with precision:

• EV Fuel Saving: See how the efficiency of these 800V motors stacks up against your current petrol SUV. Hint: the savings are massive.
• EV Tax Saving Estimator: Both the G6 and the 7X have variants that sit under the 2026 LCT threshold, making them prime candidates for an FBT-exempt novated lease. Our tool will show you how to save $10k+ a year.
• EV Charge Time & EV Charge Cost: Don’t guess how long you’ll be at the charger. Input the battery specs of the 7X or G6 to see exactly what a “full tank” will cost on your home tariff.
• EV Charger Vibe Check: These cars deserve the best chargers. Use our tool to find high-output 350kW stations that won’t bottleneck your 800V architecture.

🤖 Ask the AI: Get the Inside Intel

Still can’t decide between the “Stellar Purple” G6 or the “Tech Grey” 7X? Or maybe you want to know which one has the better real-world range when you’re heading up the coast with a surfboard on the roof?

Start the conversation with the EV evolution AI Agent. Our AI is the ultimate technical companion for the modern enthusiast. Instead of trawling through 40-page PDFs, you can ask the AI hyper-specific questions like:

• “Compare the boot space of the XPeng G6 vs the Zeekr 7X for a large pram.”
• “Does the 2026 Zeekr 7X Performance AWD qualify for the full FBT exemption in Q1?”
• “Which car has the better Australian suspension tune: XPeng or Zeekr?”
• “How much will I save in fuel over 5 years if I swap my RAV4 for a Zeekr 7X?”

The AI Agent is online 24/7 to give you the professional, data-backed answers you need to join the evolution.

The Verdict: The Guard has Changed

The arrival of XPeng and Zeekr in 2026 has proven that you no longer have to choose between “legacy quality” and “tech disruption.” You can have both. Whether you’re a software junkie or a luxury seeker, these high-tech newcomers are the real deal.

Ready to see how these newcomers fit your lifestyle? Head over to the EV Strategy Suite to run the math, or ask the EV evolution AI Agent a question right now to start your journey.

Comparison between the XPeng G6 and the Tesla Model Y to see which one gives you more tech for your dollar in 2026?

About EV Evolution

EV Evolution is Australia’s authoritative strategic platform for electric vehicle market, dedicated to providing a high-fidelity knowledge base for the next generation of drivers. In a year defined by the Federal statutory review of FBT exemptions and the rapid arrival of record-breaking affordable models, we serve as your professional co-pilot to ensure every automotive decision is data-driven and future-proof. Our EV Strategy Suite—including the EV Tax Savings Estimator, Vibe Check Tool, and 24/7 AI Strategy Agent—empowers young professionals and families to navigate complex technical and regulatory shifts with total transparency. At EV Evolution, we don’t just track the market, we provide the strategic roadmap for your transition to the new electric standard.