By Trish Bowman
With fuel costs going through the roof and you have been considering going electric, you can find out more about Battery Electric Vehicles at this weekend’s EV Show at Central Park, Murray Street, Rockhampton on Saturday 3 June 8.30am-noon.
This is an excellent opportunity for prospective EV buyers to see a variety of cars, some new and others up to four years old, and question the owners about the pros and cons of EV ownership.
Following an announcement by the Minister for Transport and Main Roads and Minister for Digital Services Mark Bailey, CQ residents have more reasons to attend the electric vehicle display.
The Minister announced that 44 new EV chargers will be installed in over 30 Queensland towns, almost doubling the capability of the Queensland Electric Super-Highway.
The news will make the purchase of an electric car even more feasible as it will make more parts of the State accessible to EV owners.
One of the organisers of the display, Yeppoon resident Arthur Hunt, said earlier this year, he and his wife had made a 7,000 km return trip to Tasmania in their electric car, with some planning, but the new chargers would make such a trip easier in future.
“The direct route to Melbourne from Rockhampton via the Leichhardt and Newell Highways will be open to electric vehicles,” Mr Hunt said.
The Queensland Electric Super-Highway (QESH) will soon make all major Queensland towns accessible to electric cars.
Representatives of the Department of Transport and Main Roads are attending on June 3 to answer questions about charging infrastructure.
The organisers said they also anticipate a lot of interest due to the extended Queensland Government $6,000 EV purchase subsidy which will apply to some vehicles from 1 July.
Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke will be visiting and providing information about eligibility for the subsidy.
Respected EV journalist David Waterworth is attending as well as Sylvia Wilson, the first woman to drive around Australia in an electric car.
There are 20 cars confirmed for display including 9 different brands.
Some owners are driving from Brisbane for this event to also attend an event at Gladstone
EcoFest the next day.
Most of the exhibitors are private owners participating at their own expense.
Tropical Kia will display one of their cars and AdventureTec from Emu Park will display their e-scooters.
The organisers acknowledge support from Rockhampton Regional Council and Capricorn Conservation Council.
What: EV Display
When: Saturday, 3 June from 8:30am to noon
Where: Central Park, Murray Street, ROCKHAMPTON
between Denham and William Streets opposite Central Park Motel