Logan, situated 20 km south of the Brisbane CBD, hosted a great EV meetup earlier this month. The event was ably organized by the Solar Citizens Charge Ahead campaign and the Australian Association of Electric Vehicles (many of whose members brought their cars for display). The Australian Conservation Foundation and Tesla Owners Club Australia were also represented. QFleet brought along a battery-electric and hydrogen vehicle (one of 5 Hyundai Nexo’s that is being trialed by the Queensland government). The electric bus was very popular, as it was a comfortable air-conditioned place to chat and learn about electric public transport — thanks to Logan coaches and Cavbus.
Cars were parked at the Logan Central Community Center at the junction of two very busy roads. The sun shone and the people came in droves. Some looked and questioned, many took test drives, and a good time was had by all.
Hannah from Solar Citizens estimated that attendees numbered in the high hundreds, around 100 people took test rides, and countless friendly and informative conversations were had. Key local politicians came along, including Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick; Lance McCallum (Assistant Minister for Hydrogen and 50% Renewable Target) representing Energy Minister Mick de Brenni, MP for Logan; Linus Power; and federal MP Forde Bert van Manen. This is a great outcome all around to help accelerate ambition and interest in cleaner transport in Queensland!
Three Queensland ministers already drive the Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus. Surprisingly, not the ones listed above — let’s hope that the day changed their minds. Ministers de Brenni, Scanlon and Bailey all drive Teslas.
There was genuine interest and some personal confidences. One mother confided to Majella that her kids loved fart mode — gets them out of grumpy mood at the end of a school day. Majella found herself recommending the MG ZS EV as a good alternative to a Tesla — value for money for those with a lower accessible budget. If she had the money, Majella would buy one for our daughter.
“With petrol tipped to reach $2 per litre before Christmas, many people are looking at how they can save money. Electric vehicles are cheaper to run than petrol vehicles, and they’re clean and quieter.”
“EVs run on solar and wind power, which is good for our climate,” Solar Citizens National Director Ellen Roberts said.
