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About the NRMA Renew Support

Bridie Schmidt

EV Editor

Bridie Schmidt

About Bridie

Bridie Schmidt is the EV Editor for The NRMA's Open Road and was previously Associate Editor at The Driven, where she built a reputation for sharp, insightful coverage of the rapidly evolving electric vehicle scene and played a key role in driving the publication’s audience to 10 million visitors a year. Since 2018, she’s driven numerous EVs, and written about the role they can play in cutting carbon emissions. Bridie was voted Electric Vehicle Journalist of the Year at the 2025 Newspress Awards, and she has also shared her insights on popular podcasts like Download This Show with Marc Fennell and Shirtloads of Science with Karl Kruszelnicki. When she's not convincing people EVs are the way of the future, you can find Bridie hiking to a waterfall or removing cat fur from her clothes.

Experience

Joined electric vehicle news site The Driven as its founding staff writer, later becoming associate editor and serving from 2018 to 2022.
Reported from the Formula E electric racing series in Hong Kong in 2019, covering the event for an Australian audience.
Appeared on Download This Show in 2021 to discuss the question, “Where are Australia’s electric vehicles?”
Joined Dr Karl on the Shirtloads of Science podcast in 2021 for an episode exploring electric cars in Australia.
Appointed EV Hub Editor for NRMA in 2023, leading specialist coverage of electric vehicles, ownership, charging, policy and technology. Now serving as EV Editor for The NRMA’s Open Road.
Took part in the Zeekr on Ice Experience in Queenstown in 2026, driving electric vehicles in demanding alpine conditions.

Expertise

Holds a communications degree from Macquarie University, supported by extensive experience in feature writing, SEO, digital publishing and video production.
Specialist electric vehicle journalist since 2018 and Tesla Model Y owner, bringing firsthand experience to EV reviews, comparisons and ownership advice.
Experienced in researching complex subjects, interviewing industry leaders and translating technical information into clear, useful guidance for Australian motorists.
Writes audience-focused travel and lifestyle features covering regional destinations, road trips, accommodation, attractions and practical journey planning.

Awards & Recognition

2025 - EV Journalist of the Year - Newspress Australia Awards
Recognised for Understanding electric vehicle fires: A comprehensive guide

Featured articles

Side view of a light blue 2023 BYD Seal, parked on a dark blue platform.

Side view of a light blue 2023 BYD Seal, parked on a dark blue platform.

2023 BYD Seal vs Tesla model 3 vs MG MG4 comparison

2023 BYD Seal vs Tesla model 3 vs MG MG4 comparison

BYD’s Seal electric sedan launched in Australia, promising to shake up the growing EV market with competitive pricing and features.

Side view of a light blue 2023 BYD Seal, parked on a dark blue platform.

Side view of a light blue 2023 BYD Seal, parked on a dark blue platform.

2023 BYD Seal vs Tesla model 3 vs MG MG4 comparison

2023 BYD Seal vs Tesla model 3 vs MG MG4 comparison

BYD’s Seal electric sedan launched in Australia, promising to shake up the growing EV market with competitive pricing and features.

Side view of an EV charging cable plugged into a car. Photo: Michael Fortsch.

Side view of an EV charging cable plugged into a car. Photo: Michael Fortsch.

What’s going on in Australia’s EV market?

What’s going on in Australia’s EV market?

The public conversation on electric vehicles claims the market is slowing down. Are EVs here to stay?

Side view of an EV charging cable plugged into a car. Photo: Michael Fortsch.

Side view of an EV charging cable plugged into a car. Photo: Michael Fortsch.

What’s going on in Australia’s EV market?

What’s going on in Australia’s EV market?

The public conversation on electric vehicles claims the market is slowing down. Are EVs here to stay?

electric vehicle plugged into a public charging station

electric vehicle plugged into a public charging station

EV Ballina to Sydney

EV Ballina to Sydney

Interested in renting an electric vehicle for a NSW road trip? This road trip story takes us from Ballina to Sydney in a BYD Atto 3.

electric vehicle plugged into a public charging station

electric vehicle plugged into a public charging station

EV Ballina to Sydney

EV Ballina to Sydney

Interested in renting an electric vehicle for a NSW road trip? This road trip story takes us from Ballina to Sydney in a BYD Atto 3.

A woman leaning up against her car as it charges electrically

A woman leaning up against her car as it charges electrically

How much does it cost to replace an EV battery?

How much does it cost to replace an EV battery?

Compare the cost of a new EV battery with the expense of internal combustion engine repairs to make an informed decision about going electric.

A woman leaning up against her car as it charges electrically

A woman leaning up against her car as it charges electrically

How much does it cost to replace an EV battery?

How much does it cost to replace an EV battery?

Compare the cost of a new EV battery with the expense of internal combustion engine repairs to make an informed decision about going electric.

Latest articles by Bridie

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2 of 12

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A pink piggy-bank sits on an EV's charging plug

A pink piggy-bank sits on an EV's charging plug

Advice and how-to

Cheapest electric cars in Australia

Cheapest electric cars in Australia

The number of cheap electric cars in Australia is growing, with several models undercutting what used to be the entry price for EV ownership.

The number of cheap electric cars in Australia is growing, with several models undercutting what used to be the entry price for EV ownership.

A pink piggy-bank sits on an EV's charging plug

A pink piggy-bank sits on an EV's charging plug

Advice and how-to

Cheapest electric cars in Australia

Cheapest electric cars in Australia

The number of cheap electric cars in Australia is growing, with several models undercutting what used to be the entry price for EV ownership.

The number of cheap electric cars in Australia is growing, with several models undercutting what used to be the entry price for EV ownership.

Two 2026 BYD Atto 3 Evos parked in an industrial carpark

Two 2026 BYD Atto 3 Evos parked in an industrial carpark

2026 BYD Atto 3 Evo review

2026 BYD Atto 3 Evo review

More range, dramatically faster charging and a switch to rear-wheel drive move BYD’s Atto 3 forward, although the Premium’s dynamics still leave room for improvement.

More range, dramatically faster charging and a switch to rear-wheel drive move BYD’s Atto 3 forward, although the Premium’s dynamics still leave room for improvement.

Two 2026 BYD Atto 3 Evos parked in an industrial carpark

Two 2026 BYD Atto 3 Evos parked in an industrial carpark

2026 BYD Atto 3 Evo review

2026 BYD Atto 3 Evo review

More range, dramatically faster charging and a switch to rear-wheel drive move BYD’s Atto 3 forward, although the Premium’s dynamics still leave room for improvement.

More range, dramatically faster charging and a switch to rear-wheel drive move BYD’s Atto 3 forward, although the Premium’s dynamics still leave room for improvement.

A man with a long blond ponytail leans over a long black box and wires on an assembly line in a warehouse.

A man with a long blond ponytail leans over a long black box and wires on an assembly line in a warehouse.

Advice and how-to

How long do EV batteries last, and how sustainable are they really?

How long do EV batteries last, and how sustainable are they really?

EV batteries produce less emissions over their lifetime compared to fuel-powered vehicles, and real-world data shows they remain useful well beyond their warranty periods.

EV batteries produce less emissions over their lifetime compared to fuel-powered vehicles, and real-world data shows they remain useful well beyond their warranty periods.

A man with a long blond ponytail leans over a long black box and wires on an assembly line in a warehouse.

A man with a long blond ponytail leans over a long black box and wires on an assembly line in a warehouse.

Advice and how-to

How long do EV batteries last, and how sustainable are they really?

How long do EV batteries last, and how sustainable are they really?

EV batteries produce less emissions over their lifetime compared to fuel-powered vehicles, and real-world data shows they remain useful well beyond their warranty periods.

EV batteries produce less emissions over their lifetime compared to fuel-powered vehicles, and real-world data shows they remain useful well beyond their warranty periods.

A hand holding an EV battery check device

A hand holding an EV battery check device

EV batteries hold up well, but models vary

EV batteries hold up well, but models vary

Largest global EV battery report reveals which EV batteries retain the most capacity after 150,000km, with some models doing better than others.

Largest global EV battery report reveals which EV batteries retain the most capacity after 150,000km, with some models doing better than others.

A hand holding an EV battery check device

A hand holding an EV battery check device

EV batteries hold up well, but models vary

EV batteries hold up well, but models vary

Largest global EV battery report reveals which EV batteries retain the most capacity after 150,000km, with some models doing better than others.

Largest global EV battery report reveals which EV batteries retain the most capacity after 150,000km, with some models doing better than others.

Kia Picanto

Kia Picanto

Advice and how-to

What are the most affordable cars in Australia?

What are the most affordable cars in Australia?

Australia’s cheapest new cars start under $19,000, spanning light hatches, compact SUVs and hybrids. We compare specs and rivals to see which models offer the best value.

Australia’s cheapest new cars start under $19,000, spanning light hatches, compact SUVs and hybrids. We compare specs and rivals to see which models offer the best value.

Kia Picanto

Kia Picanto

Advice and how-to

What are the most affordable cars in Australia?

What are the most affordable cars in Australia?

Australia’s cheapest new cars start under $19,000, spanning light hatches, compact SUVs and hybrids. We compare specs and rivals to see which models offer the best value.

Australia’s cheapest new cars start under $19,000, spanning light hatches, compact SUVs and hybrids. We compare specs and rivals to see which models offer the best value.

Police checking drivers licence

Police checking drivers licence

Advice and how-to

15 weird road rules you need to know

15 weird road rules you need to know

Here are 15 weird and obscure NSW road rules every driver should know – from fog lights and horns to high beams, and whether you can leave your key in your car.

Here are 15 weird and obscure NSW road rules every driver should know – from fog lights and horns to high beams, and whether you can leave your key in your car.

Police checking drivers licence

Police checking drivers licence

Advice and how-to

15 weird road rules you need to know

15 weird road rules you need to know

Here are 15 weird and obscure NSW road rules every driver should know – from fog lights and horns to high beams, and whether you can leave your key in your car.

Here are 15 weird and obscure NSW road rules every driver should know – from fog lights and horns to high beams, and whether you can leave your key in your car.

A woman's hand holding a shower nozzle shaped electric vehicle charger, about to plug it into a car.

A woman's hand holding a shower nozzle shaped electric vehicle charger, about to plug it into a car.

Advice and how-to

Are electric cars cheap to run?

Are electric cars cheap to run?

We look at the electricity costs of electric vehicles and how they compare to the fuel costs of internal combustion engine cars.

We look at the electricity costs of electric vehicles and how they compare to the fuel costs of internal combustion engine cars.

A woman's hand holding a shower nozzle shaped electric vehicle charger, about to plug it into a car.

A woman's hand holding a shower nozzle shaped electric vehicle charger, about to plug it into a car.

Advice and how-to

Are electric cars cheap to run?

Are electric cars cheap to run?

We look at the electricity costs of electric vehicles and how they compare to the fuel costs of internal combustion engine cars.

We look at the electricity costs of electric vehicles and how they compare to the fuel costs of internal combustion engine cars.

Kia EV3 side view in front of garage door

Kia EV3 side view in front of garage door

2025 Kia EV3 owner review

2025 Kia EV3 owner review

EV owner Sarah says a Kia EV3 was the final piece of the puzzle in electrifying her life.

EV owner Sarah says a Kia EV3 was the final piece of the puzzle in electrifying her life.

Kia EV3 side view in front of garage door

Kia EV3 side view in front of garage door

2025 Kia EV3 owner review

2025 Kia EV3 owner review

EV owner Sarah says a Kia EV3 was the final piece of the puzzle in electrifying her life.

EV owner Sarah says a Kia EV3 was the final piece of the puzzle in electrifying her life.

A blue utility vehicle drives along a dirt road

A blue utility vehicle drives along a dirt road

Advice and how-to

What electric utes are available in Australia?

What electric utes are available in Australia?

Battery-powered, all-electric utes have big advantages over traditional utes but what’s available, and when?

Battery-powered, all-electric utes have big advantages over traditional utes but what’s available, and when?

A blue utility vehicle drives along a dirt road

A blue utility vehicle drives along a dirt road

Advice and how-to

What electric utes are available in Australia?

What electric utes are available in Australia?

Battery-powered, all-electric utes have big advantages over traditional utes but what’s available, and when?

Battery-powered, all-electric utes have big advantages over traditional utes but what’s available, and when?

Family enjoying some food on the jetty at CampCove in Watsons Bay, Sydney

Family enjoying some food on the jetty at CampCove in Watsons Bay, Sydney

Five Sydney winter staycation ideas

Five Sydney winter staycation ideas

Enjoy a getaway close to home this winter – explore Sydney’s coastal walks, go whale watching, and experience its neighbourhood dining, art galleries, parklands or just get out and enjoy fish and chips on the harbour.

Enjoy a getaway close to home this winter – explore Sydney’s coastal walks, go whale watching, and experience its neighbourhood dining, art galleries, parklands or just get out and enjoy fish and chips on the harbour.

Family enjoying some food on the jetty at CampCove in Watsons Bay, Sydney

Family enjoying some food on the jetty at CampCove in Watsons Bay, Sydney

Five Sydney winter staycation ideas

Five Sydney winter staycation ideas

Enjoy a getaway close to home this winter – explore Sydney’s coastal walks, go whale watching, and experience its neighbourhood dining, art galleries, parklands or just get out and enjoy fish and chips on the harbour.

Enjoy a getaway close to home this winter – explore Sydney’s coastal walks, go whale watching, and experience its neighbourhood dining, art galleries, parklands or just get out and enjoy fish and chips on the harbour.

Someone plugging a cable into their EV in their home garage

Someone plugging a cable into their EV in their home garage

Advice and how-to

Charging your EV at home

Charging your EV at home

How do you charge your EV at home, and how much does it cost to install an EV charger?

How do you charge your EV at home, and how much does it cost to install an EV charger?

Someone plugging a cable into their EV in their home garage

Someone plugging a cable into their EV in their home garage

Advice and how-to

Charging your EV at home

Charging your EV at home

How do you charge your EV at home, and how much does it cost to install an EV charger?

How do you charge your EV at home, and how much does it cost to install an EV charger?

Someone reads their tablet while waiting beside their charging EV

Someone reads their tablet while waiting beside their charging EV

Advice and how-to

How long does it take to charge an electric car?

How long does it take to charge an electric car?

Understand how long it takes to charge an electric car and what affects charging speed.

Understand how long it takes to charge an electric car and what affects charging speed.

Someone reads their tablet while waiting beside their charging EV

Someone reads their tablet while waiting beside their charging EV

Advice and how-to

How long does it take to charge an electric car?

How long does it take to charge an electric car?

Understand how long it takes to charge an electric car and what affects charging speed.

Understand how long it takes to charge an electric car and what affects charging speed.

Read more on our in-house writers

Read more on our in-house writers

Want to learn more about the staff of writers here at Open Road and NRMA? Use the link below.

Man driving a blue 2011 Toyota Hilux