Know Your EV” workshops
A lot of misinformation gets bandied about on social media about Electric Vehicles – none of which is helpful when you’re looking to buy a new car. Range anxiety and charging stations are two topics where people seem to have the biggest concerns. Yet, in Tassy there is now a pretty good charging network covering all of the island. But that misses the key point in that the majority of EV charging occurs at home. Cost is another factor that is important when buying a new car, but simply comparing upfront cost of purchase doesn’t give the whole picture. An electric vehicle (especially if charged mainly at home) can be a lot cheaper to run than a petrol/diesel version. So, when you’re trying to navigate your way around purchasing a new car, it would be really helpful to understand the differences betweenEVs and what you’re used to driving, and to know what is going to be right for you.
The good thing is that there is a lot more choice now than just a few years ago. The current list of EVs available in Australia includes Audi, BMW, BYD, Cupra, Fiat, Ford, Genesis, GWM, Hyundai, Jaguar, Kia, LDV, Lexus, Mercedes, MG, Mini, Nissan, Peugeot, Polestar, Porsche, Renault, Rolls Royce, Subaru, Tesla,Toyota, and Volvo. With so many more EVs being sold in Australia now, there is also a growing secondhand market, giving people moreoptions to buy at the price that suits them. And, yes, there are utes andother commercial EVs – vans, trucks and buses are here now, with more scheduled to be head- ing this way over the next year.
All of this and more is covered in the “Know Your EV” workshops that are being run by members of the Australian Electric Vehicle Association, who have been actively sharing information about EVsfor the past decade and more. You may have seen them at local events like EcoFest or Agfest where they’ve taken along their own vehicles so people can see what
they’re like. At some of their Electrikhana events people have
even been able to go for a ride or a drive in one.
AEVA are holding workshops over the next few months around Tasmania – the next will be in DEVONPORT on Saturday June 15th. They are aimed at new owners or people who are looking to buy an Electric Vehicle and cover topics such as : how to charge your EV; where to find charging stations; what to look for when purchasing an EV; as well as answer questions about range, batteries, and other aspects of understanding EV technology. The workshop will also include a practical demonstration of EV charging ata nearby EV charging station.
FEATURED SPEAKERS at the workshops are:
Christopher Walkden: Christopher has extensive experience with commercial electric vehicles, having owned a Mitsubishi OutlanderPHEV, Hyundai Kona, and Volvo XC40 Recharge. He even converted a Subaru Brumby from petrol to electric. Currently, Christopher serves as the Maintenance Manager for Electric Highway Tasmania and is the Secretary of AEVA Tasmania.
Ray Johnston: Ray, an EV owner for over 10 years, advocates for EV usage in Tasmania. He is a director of Electric
Highway Tasmania (EHT), a local group that provides EV charging infrastructure across the state. Ray is an active member of AEVA Tasmania.
AEVA Tasmania is a volunteer-run, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the cause of switching Australia’s transport networks to electric drive as quickly as possible. We all share a common interest in elec- tromobility and climate-friendly transport. Formed after the oil price shocks of 1973, the AEVA is the longest continuously running EV society in the world.
We represent all EV users and enthusiasts, current and prospec- tive, and are more than happy to offer jargon-free advice on which EVis right for you. We also make regular submissions to government and industry about policies which will help tran- sition to electric drive, and away from imported fossil fuels for transport.
Date and Time: Saturday, June 15, 2024, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Paranaple Convention Centre
137 Rooke Street, Devonport, Tasmania 7310, Aus- tralia (Quoiba room)