The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) played host to the Australian Electric Vehicles Association’s (AEVA) annual conference earlier this month. Running from August 5 through to 7 and incorporating a conference with gala dinner and 2 days of exhibitions, the event was designed to provide knowledge on current and emerging electric vehicles in the market. Patrons and guests were able to access leading EV businesses and leaders as well as transition support organizations from both Australia and around the world. They were informed of the benefits that can be achieved for the environment, the hip pocket, and our way of life.
AEVA is the oldest the oldest, continuously active, electric vehicles owner’s association in the world, formed in 1973. They previously organized successful conferences and expos in Brisbane (2018) with over 7,000 through the gate and Sydney (2019) where over 1,000 individual test drives took place, with drivers experiencing the EV-grin.
Participants were welcomed by the ACT minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Shane Rattenbury . He noted that the ACT has the highest per capita uptake of EV’s in Australia. This is likely because of the Green Party’s progressive policies of: zero stamp duty, two years fee registration, and zero interest loans up $15,000 when purchasing a zero emissions vehicle. The ACT government has recently announced that it will ban the sale of new ICE vehicles by 2035. This territory has set an example that all Australian states may soon follow.
Over 30 exhibitors touted products ranging from light vehicles and charging solutions to caravans and gardening equipment. With a Gala dinner, panels and guest speakers there were plenty of opportunities to network and seek information.
During the two days of the exhibition approximately 8000 people attended. The professionalism of the organization contributed to the success of the event. The Conference led directly into the expo and information sessions continued throughout.
Politicians spoke from the heart with passion about the need to increase the number of EV’s on Australian roads, and what could be done.
Sam Moran of Noodoe participated in the panel discussions, adding his expertise in meeting the challenges of strata title charging infrastructure. Sam commented: “I was impressed that so many well educated, talented and intelligent people are working on solving the problems and removing the barriers to EV charging and uptake.”
Next year, AEVA plans to hold its conference in Perth. Perhaps we’ll see you there?