AEVA hosts first-of-a-kind EV rally to highlight electric alternative to fossil fuels

The Australian Electric Vehicle Association (AEVA) held its first EV rally this week as part of Climate Action Week Sydney, involving nearly 50 EVs that followed a popular 230 km EV-friendly route through the Blue Mountains.

The event was held in collaboration with the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), Everything Electric as well as representatives from several EV manufacturers and dealerships.

Close to 50 electric vehicles from 22 different brands participated in the rally, which traversed the Destination NSW EV-friendly Greater Blue Mountains Route, which passes by a dozen fast charging sites including some of the fastest available in the country at 400 kW.

Range was not an issue for any of the 4-wheeled vehicles, and most of us arrived at the finish line without needing to charge and at least 30 – 40 % battery charge remaining. The 2 Fonz electric scooters did need topping up along the way, but they successfully completed the rally as well, proving that EVs of all shapes and sizes are capable of road trips like this.

AEVA was founded in 1973 in response to the OAPEC oil crisis, where oil shortages caused global impact. In a speech over lunch at the Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens in Mount Tomah, AEVA National President James Pickering spoke of the association’s long and proud history, drawing many parallels with current world events.

“53 years ago the world stopped. In October 1973, following the Yom Kippur war, members of the OPEC countries embargoed all shipments of oil destined for Israel, US, Canada, Netherlands and Japan,” he said. “The impact was immediate. Fuel rationing, long lines, the cost of everything went up.”

“Shortly after this, a group of concerned scientists, engineers, energy and transport professionals – visionary Australians formed the Australian Electric Vehicle Association with the collective goal of advancing electric alternatives to fossil fuels.”

“Over 53 years our mission has remained the same, to accelerate the transition of Australia’s transport networks to electric drive as quickly as possible. AEVA is the world’s longest continuously running EV association, member-led, volunteer run and not for profit. It’s the primary voice for the EV consumer in Australia.”

Australia still relies heavily on liquid fuels from overseas, currently importing over 90 %. However, key differences compared to 50 years ago mean that Australia is well positioned to reduce our vulnerability by accelerating our transition to electric vehicles, powered by our abundant renewable energy.

Pickering described what is needed to help Australia cut our dependence on foreign oil and make the most of our natural advantages, “We have some of the best and cheapest wind and solar resources in the world, with stable government, strong corporate controls and an educated populace.”

“We are typically a fast follower nation when it comes to technology adoption, and with the right incentives and the right policy environment, we are very fast. 1 in 3 houses deploying solar, the fastest takeup of home batteries in the world, the first nation to deploy 1 GWh of battery per 1 million people.”

“The message is clear, get the incentives right, build the right policy framework across government, invest in infrastructure, match products to need, deliver clear and simple messaging and Australians and industry will respond at a world beating pace. Every generation gets its own oil shock, but we are the first to have abundant solutions.”

If you would like to join the Australian Electric Vehicle Association and take part in future events like the EV rally, visit the AEVA website and become a member today.