As the electric vehicle transition begins to pick up pace in Australia, we have launched a weekly feature to give you a round up of what’s happened each week in the local EV industry and community.
While talk of EV taxes in recent weeks have suggested Australia’s fledgling EV market could go backwards instead of forwards, this week there are hints of positive movement, even as a leaked document proves states were warned on EV taxes, and though a federal strategy is still AWOL.
Week ending December 11, 2020
The first 2021 Tesla Model 3 with design refresh landed in Australia
The first “refreshed” 2021 Tesla Model 3 has landed in Australia, marking the start of another influx of the Californian car maker’s popular electric sedan. Word is there are now vehicles delivered in both Queensland and Victoria.
I am in Vic and I am picking up my Tesla Model 3 2021 Friday.
— Peter Greenfield (@monkyb) December 8, 2020
BMW opens up Australian reservations for new iX electric SUV
The Australian arm of German car maker BMW has opened up reservations for the first tranche of its new BMW iX ahead of its local launch in late 2021.
Mazda confirms all-electric MX-30 will arrive in mid-2021
Mazda’s all-electric MX-30 will arrive in Australia in mid-2021, following an early 2021 release of the mild-hybrid variant.
Evie Networks opens first EV charger at McDonalds in Melbourne
The first site is at the fast food chains’ 1000th Australian store in Melton South, Melbourne. Another will be added in Queensland in 2021 and more locations are being explored, says Evie Networks.
“We want to influence and support this transition in Australia and the partnership with McDonald’s will help make electric vehicles a more mainstream option for drivers and businesses with fleets,” said Evie CEO Chris Mills.
Evie Networks cuts time-based EV charging, calls for energy tariff reform
Ultra-fast charging network provider Evie Networks has also dropped time-based charging responding to customer feedback about a lack of transparency in pricing. But it also lifted the kWh charge at its network of charging stations, saying reform in energy tariffs is needed to make electric car fast charging costs more competitive.
“Battery dead:” Australia sees 26% EV sales by 2030, but cross-bench urges more
Independent senator Rex Patrick calls on Morrison government to deliver a promised national strategy for EVs.
Leaked reports show governments were warned EV taxes would hurt uptake
Leaked reports show that governments were warned the introduction of new taxes targeted at electric vehicle users would significantly discourage the uptake of EVs.
Victoria urged to drop registration fees for EVs, set end date for ICE sales
Victoria’s peak infrastructure advisory body recommends dropping registration fees for EVs, going all-electric in government and bus fleets, and setting end date for ICE vehicles.
Sydney Seaplanes goes electric, to convert Cessna in Australia first
The seaplane from Sydney’s Double Bay to Hawkesbury is going electric, after signing an agreement with magniX and Dante Aeronautical.
Bridie Schmidt is associate editor for The Driven, sister site of Renew Economy. She has been writing about electric vehicles since 2018, and has a keen interest in the role that zero-emissions transport has to play in sustainability. She has participated in podcasts such as Download This Show with Marc Fennell and Shirtloads of Science with Karl Kruszelnicki and is co-organiser of the Northern Rivers Electric Vehicle Forum. Bridie also owns a Tesla Model Y and has it available for hire on evee.com.au.