ORGANISERS are hoping to dispel myths and arm residents with facts through an EV & E-bike open day at Club Thirroul, bringing together industry experts, local owners and some manufacturers and retailers.

The EV & E-bike open day, organised by volunteer community group Electrify 2515, will display a large range of EVs from manufacturers such as Tesla, Hyundai, BYD and Polestar. These are mostly owned by local residents, and some will be brought along by retailers. 

Information sessions aim to bridge knowledge gaps around the practicalities of EV ownership, existing government incentives, and show available and coming models.

According to Electrify 2515, a recent survey of northern Illawarra residents found that 44 percent were ‘definitely’ or ‘probably’ going to buy an electric vehicle (EV) in the next two years, and 31 percent were planning to purchase or lease an electric bike (e-bike). However, the survey found there was still a lot of uncertainty about affordable options, car ranges, charging facilities and model features, which might hinder the transition off petrol and diesel powered cars.

Coordinator of the open day, Denise Aubourg said most people know their future car will be electric but are still not sure if that is a reality for them anytime soon.

“The perception is that you need to spend over $70,000 or that driving ranges are low,” Denise said.

“They are surprised when we tell them you can already purchase a new EV for less than $40,000 with a range of 350 km in Australia, and that story is getting better every day.”

In the Illawarra, electric bike sales have taken off and are a good, affordable option for those not yet able to invest in an electric vehicle.

Electrify 2515 has organised to show the various e-bikes on offer, as well as subscription services for those interested in trying them out for a couple of months.

“This free event is a great opportunity for those who are ready to make the next step or simply curious to learn more about our electric transport future”, Denise said.

“We’ve also managed to secure some special deals just for Illawarra locals and are committed to supporting our local community as much as possible as we all make the electric transition.”

The EV & E-bike Open Day will be held at Club Thirroul on Sunday November 12, from 10am to 1pm. Information sessions will be held from 10:30 to11.30am and from 11:45 to 12.45pm (repeat sessions)
More information: electrify2515.org/transport

Free subscription to The Bulli & Clifton Times

OR DONATE BY CREDIT CARD

Don’t have PayPal? Instead, you can support The Bulli & Clifton Times by leaving a secure $2 debit or credit card donation. Your generous patronage of my work and research, however small it appears to you, will greatly help with my continuing publication costs.