A local auto manufacturer is driving change in the EV space.
Wangara-based Taleski EV is on track to create a new benchmark for motor vehicle manufacture in Australia.
Led by chief executive Toto Boutdara, Taleski is building a limited run (20) of what will be the nation’s first home-made electric vehicle.
Adding to that, the Vincero VE 25 will be the first Australian-made supercar, and the first car made from hemp.
“It’s a first in many categories,” said Mr Boutdara, who joined as the company’s CEO late last year, taking over from company founder Cane Taleski, who is now chief technology officer.
A soft launch for the Vincero VE 25 was held last month.
And the car’s $250,000 price tag hasn’t dulled potential customers’ enthusiasm, with preorders for more than half the intended production run.
Right place, time
It’s great timing for Taleski EV on a number of fronts.
The company’s focus on sustainability is in line with increasing global concerns about plastic pollution.
The Vincero VE 25’s body and interior are made from Margaret River-grown hemp, which the company says makes it more sustainable than plastic and fibreglass, provides greater overall strength and better fire-resistant qualities, and enhances safety due to the material’s natural shock-absorbing properties.
Taleski’s market entry comes amid falling sales for the big name in EVs, Tesla, although the Vincero VE 25’s price point is several multiples of the cheapest in the Tesla range.
According to Australia’s Electric Vehicle Council, Tesla sales were down 33 per cent in January 2025 compared to the previous corresponding period (from 1,107 in 2024 to 739 a year later).
This marks Tesla’s lowest sales number since 2022 amid COVID-related supply chain issues.
Scaling-up
In conversation with Business News, Mr Boutdara was non-committal when asked whether Taleski was considering scaling-up to produce more accessible and sustainable luxury cars to compete with the likes of Tesla.
Having secured a coveted Conformity of Production Certification from Department of Transport, Taleski EV is entitled to produce as many cars as it wants in Western Australia.
“It’s quite a strict process,” said Mr Boutdara, adding that several large overseas manufacturers had approached the company to produce vehicles on their behalf.
He said Taleski had also been approached to produce sedans, SUVs or other more mainstream cars.
“Because we have the certificate and the approval qualifications to produce in WA, that’s something quite valuable and it’s definitely something we’ve had discussions about,” Mr Boutdara said.
“I think there’s definitely an opportunity.”
Local connection
In addition to educating consumers about the benefits of using hemp rather than conventional materials in their cars, Mr Boutdara said scaling-up manufacturing would be a key challenge.
“We wanted to keep production in WA and that’s why we’ve opted for a smaller production line at the beginning,” he said.
“I think in terms of the labour and skill force here, we have enough highly skilled people in the trades and car and automotive industries to work on a smaller scale, but not mass production.”
To scale, Mr Boutdara said, the company would need to incorporate technologies such as 3D printing, AI and automation.
Shifting gears
Once the company has received pre-orders for the first 20 cars, it will go into full production, according to Mr Boutdara.
“And while that’s happening we will look to come up with another design, as well as look for ways to grow into different markets [including Singapore, UAE and Europe] but keep it Australian made,” he said.
Taleski EV is planning a full launch later this year featuring several models.
• Dr Kate Raynes-Goldie is a business anthropologist, strategic speaker coach, international keynote speaker and LEGO® Serious Play specialist. She is the Chief Connection Officer of The Up Next Company and the creator of SUPERCONNECT®
