Summary
– Attended regional shows in Queensland to talk to country folk about electric cars
– Exhibited a 5-year-old Tesla Model 3 in Gympie, answering questions about cost, charging time, range
– Highlight of the event was a visit from Wildlife HQ with a 16-year-old woma python
– Various electric vehicles were displayed by Tesla, BYD, Kia, Hyundai, and MG
– Challenges discussed included charging infrastructure, lack of honest information, and concerns about EVs in rural areas
Article
During the month of June, the authors attended regional shows in Queensland, where they showcased their 5-year-old Tesla Model 3 and answered questions about electric cars. They engaged with down-to-earth country folk and highlighted the need for supply of the right electric vehicles in regional areas. The Sustainable Futures Festival in Gympie provided a platform for discussing the benefits and concerns related to EVs.
At the festival, various automakers like Tesla, BYD, Kia, Hyundai, and MG were represented by their loyal fans and local dealers. Attendees showed interest in electric vehicles like the Kia EV6 GT and EV9, which were touted for their performance and sales success in Australia. MG reported that 15% of their sales in the Gympie region were electric vehicles, surpassing the national average of 10%. The availability of a variety of electric vehicles with good ground clearance catered to the needs of rural property owners.
The authors interacted with doctors, private owners, farmers, and government representatives at the festival, discussing topics like charging infrastructure, concerns about dirt roads, and the conversion of government fleets to EVs. They highlighted the challenges faced by rural EV owners, including the need for charging flexibility to accommodate unpredictable work schedules. The Queensland government’s initiatives to promote EV adoption and the increasing number of government EVs being sold into the second-hand market were also discussed.
An Australian Broad Cast report mentioned examples of rural residents adopting EVs, with 20% of EV sales occurring in regional areas. A central Queensland farmer shared his positive experience of driving an EV on dirt roads and the cost savings associated with using solar power to charge the vehicle. The lack of high-speed chargers in certain areas posed challenges, but planned developments like the Queensland Electric Super Highway aimed to address such issues and accelerate EV adoption in the regions.
The authors concluded their experience by visiting the Tesla Supercharger station in Gympie to charge their vehicle for the trip back home. The high usage of the Supercharger station by various EV owners highlighted the growing interest and uptake of electric vehicles in regional areas. The success stories and positive interactions at the festival demonstrated the readiness of regional communities to embrace electric cars, given the availability of suitable vehicles, charging infrastructure, and support from government and automakers. Overall, the event showcased the potential for significant growth in EV adoption in regional areas.
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