Carolyn Lee of ‘The Energy Experts’, Kiama’s local solar, storage and EV charging experts is passionate about electric vehicles. Why wouldn’t she be? Like me, she’s got the ‘trifecta’ going on at home: solar panels, battery wall and an electric car! By doing this, homeowners can save an enormous amount by getting free power from the sun to fuel their cars. Not only that, EV’s are amazingly quick and great to drive, so it’s always a pleasure to get behind the wheel.

"Who’d go back to an internal combustion engine vehicle after driving an EV?” Carolyn says.

Now you have an opportunity to check out a broad range of electric vehicles and talk to the owners. 

On Saturday 9 September 2023, from 1pm-4pm, at The Pavilion Kiama you can satisfy all your questions and get some first-hand information from experienced EV owners. This low-key event is being organised by a local volunteer who’s passionate about inspiring others to join the EV revolution. Put this date in your diary!

The plan is to have up to 15 EVs on display at the event. If you have an EV and you’re happy to share your experience with other locals by showcasing your car as part of the event on September 9, please contact Carolyn from The Energy Experts on 1300 516 474. booking link

Up to 80 people can also attend a dedicated 45-minute EV charging Info Session in The Pavilion, 2pm-2:45pm. There is limited seating, so bookings are essential. If you are interested in electric vehicles, you can satisfy your curiosity and learn:

• What they look like
• Their range when driven in a region like Kiama
• The different types of chargers
• Where to charge them locally
• How much EVs cost to purchase
• How much electricity is needed to charge them and how you can ‘drive on sunshine’

I joined the EV revolution almost two years ago, when I bought a Tesla Model 3 and haven’t looked back. At that time to incentivise people to buy EVs the government was offering a cashback of up to $5500 (which included exemption from stamp duty). These grants are still available.

Donna and her Tesla Model 3

It’s funny how many people stop me in the street, or when I’m charging and ask me all about my car. As a highly satisfied and experienced EV owner I brim with enthusiasm whilst describing the technology assists and the comfort of the ride. I could never go back now. I’m a convert for life. Perhaps it’s the economist at my core, but it’s also the environmentalist.

The Australian government recently released its long-awaited “Future Fuels Strategy & Vehicles Strategy” in a bid to tackle emissions targets by increasing funding for the uptake of new energy vehicles. The plan aims to make electric vehicles more viable and estimates that there will be 1.7 million electric vehicles on Australian roads by 2030.  

Personally, I hope that they get a move on with the charging network infrastructure, which has lagged behind demand.  

The Australian Government has announced its National Electric Vehicle (EV) Strategy. The strategy paves the way for greater EV affordability, access to charging stations, and a massive reduction in emissions. Initiatives also focus on expanded EV availability and options for buyers.

The strategy was informed by public consultation, with more than 1,500 individuals and over 200 organisations provided feedback. Next steps: The state and territory governments have agreed to 6 key areas of collaboration with the Australian Government to enable the transition to EVs:

• National standards
• Data sharing
• EV affordability
• Remote and regional EV charging infrastructure
• Fleet procurement
• Education and awareness.

The NSW Government has said “NSW will be the easiest place to buy and use an electric vehicle (EV) in Australia, with a $149 million investment to develop a world-class fast charging network. Under the NSW Electric Vehicle Strategy, this investment will expand existing public fast charging across the State.”  

From personal experience, I think that we need to get a move on with growing the charging infrastructure, as it does take some planning when you take a long trip to ensure you’ve got sufficient charge to get where you’re going. “The only way is up” so they say, so I am looking forward to the planned future improvements.

Woolworths have confirmed that there will be four EV chargers included in the new development in Kiama, which will be great for the community and for visitors to Kiama.