Australia Embracing Electric Vehicles, This past weekend I had the pleasure of attending the Brisbane “Electric Dreams Exhibition”
On the scale of things, it was a small affair, but it still had some wonderful exhibitors showing off their wares.
Electric Exhibitors
This was not just a car show but an electric show with vehicles of all kinds. Electric cars all the way down to skateboards and it had something for the young at heart to the wise and passionate.
I had the pleasure of talking with several of the exhibitors asking about their electric scooters and electric bikes and understanding the advantages and specifications of each. They were so friendly and open to discussing the amazing selection and the variety of what they each could do.
Scotter Hut
I spoke with the team from Scooter Hut a local Brisbane-based company who was extremely knowledgeable about the scooters highlighting features and comparisons between each variety.
There was no hard sell it was sharing, understanding and knowledge about the vehicles themselves. Quite refreshing to find someone with such a depth of knowledge that they can talk to.
They had 4-5 main scooters on display, and all were for different needs and age groups. The pricing was reasonable and the distance for each was comparable to most scooters on the market.
Retrofit
A unique feature of this electric vehicle show was the retrofit vehicles that had electric motor conversions of older classic petrol vehicles. With just over $10000 dollars it is possible to get the basic kit to convert an older vehicle.
Quite a reasonable price in comparison to current new Electric Vehicle costs which are significantly higher. It is wonderful to see such ingenuity and passion for electrification while still having the ability to love classic cars.
But it would not be an electric exhibition without the latest and greatest vehicles.
Tesla
As you would expect Tesla had a stand and with it came several vehicles. On display were two Model 3’s. One “Standard Range” and the other a “Long Range”.
However, the cherry on top was the latest Model Y.
Model Y was the star of the show with most of the attention going to it. Many people were asking lots of questions and exploring the vehicle for its wonderful features and specs.
I still hold true that this vehicle is the best choice for the Australian market. A large family car that just has the features everyone is looking for with the special technology and ecosystem of Tesla.
If you want to hear more of my thoughts on the Model Y test drive click here!!
Polestar2
Tesla was not the only car company on show, polestar had a centre stage with tier Polestar 2. It was again a very popular vehicle to see. As this was the first time, I had seen the interior it was representative of the quality that the outside belies.
The multiple screens for the driver and the display that is fresh and nuanced. I love the seat belts being yellow a simple thing, but I really like it and would love to see other car companies follow suit.
I do however have a couple of negative observations. The air vents are a little too retro for me, a big silver vent with a turning knob seems a little outdated and would age very quickly. The back seat leg room seemed a little short as well.
Other than that, it was a well put together thought-out refined vehicle.
KIA EV6
Not formally on display but a booth owner who was selling towbar retrofits for Tesla had an EV6 on display parked next to their booth.
Again, it is the first time seeing the interior up close and I was pleasantly surprised. The exterior of the vehicle is surprisingly appealing. It has some wonderful curves and features that draw the eyes.
The dual display seems to be extremely functional especially with the angle more towards the driver. The car offered a lot more space than expected and the interior is well-appointed and refined.
It seems that the next generation of electric vehicles is hitting the market in all the right places.
I did also get the pleasure of seeing the Lexus Electric vehicle. Unfortunately, I did not get any photos, however, I was less than impressed as the number of buttons and their placement in the vehicle was messy and unusual.
It seems that the thinking for this vehicle was targeted to a specific audience and not to the mass market. Probably not surprising considering that the cost of Lexus vehicles is quite high.
However, it is great to see that more and more companies are heading down this road.
Chargers
Most of us have heard of tritium the manufacturer that builds some amazing charging infrastructure.
We have also heard of charge fox, RACQ, EVIE and so many other companies that provide third-party chargers.
But have you ever heard of Noodoe? Neither had I until this show. It turns out they produce charging solutions for the average person. This charging is supported by a dedicated application.
They produce both AC and DC chargers and they can all be accessed by a QR code infrastructure.
Seems like the market for chargers and infrastructure has another player trying to make their way.
It is wonderful to see so many interested parties looking for opportunities in the electric vehicle marketplace.
Summary
Even though it was a small affair, and the number of people did not compare to car shows of old, it is a wonderful start towards building that ongoing relationship with the future customer.
It was a pleasure to talk with and see so many people interested in and talking about the possibilities for electric vehicles from the smallest scooter, to the largest electric bus to the everyday commuter. The future of electric vehicles is bright, and it is wonderful exhibitions like the Electric Dreams Exhibition that help to make the future possible.
Dave
