Saturday, 11 February 2023: The NRMA will today launch its EV Drive Day event in Western Sydney, giving the community an opportunity to drive an electric vehicle accompanied by an accredited driving expert for free.
Designed to demystify the practicality of driving and running an EV, the community will be able to test-drive a range of EVs, find out about current and emerging vehicle models and talk to industry experts about buying, owning and charging EVs. Experts will also be available to discuss specific questions around EV use in regional Australia.
In collaboration with the NSW Government, the series of NRMA Drive Days aim to make the transition to electric simpler and support the State Government’s EV strategy and ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
NRMA Chief Strategy Officer, Vivian Miles said the organisation was excited to give people the opportunity to learn more about EVs and jump behind the wheel in a comfortable environment.
“The strong interest in our EV Drive Days has shown us just how eager the community is to understand EVs and receive support to make informed decisions when it comes to purchasing their next vehicle.
“With the cost of petrol heavily impacting family budgets at the moment, many drivers are looking to EVs as a way to lower their transport costs in the longer term.
“Interest and demand for electric vehicles in Australia is growing year on year. In 2022, we saw the greatest increase, with electric vehicle sales up 65 per cent over 12 months. Our Members also tell us they are interested in learning about owning and running an EV.
“As Australia’s largest mutual representing more than 2.7 million Members we don't want anyone left behind as the world shifts to electric and we will continue to work in partnership with governments and organisations to provide solutions so everyone can understand the process and experience the wide-ranging benefits of EV.”
NSW Government Executive Director Climate Change and Sustainability, Kate Wilson said, “Under the Electric Vehicle Strategy released in 2021, the Government is investing $633 million to drive sales of electric vehicles to more than 50 percent of new passenger vehicles by 2030-31, and to support construction of enabling public charging infrastructure.
“It’s expected that the vast majority of new vehicles sold in NSW will be electric vehicles by 2035.”
Electric vehicles available for test drive include EV models from Tesla, Kia, BYD, Hyundai, Cupra, Nissan, Polestar, BMW, MG and Volvo.
Future EV Drive Day events are planned for Broken Hill and an additional event in Western Sydney for later in 2023.
These events are part of a suite of NRMA initiatives designed to support the EV transition, including:
- NRMA’s growing network of fast-charging facilities across NSW, with a focus on connecting Regional NSW.
- NRMA’s joint-acquisition of Chargefox the largest ultra-rapid charging network in Australia.
- $78.6 million partnership with the Federal Labor Government to build 117 fast charging sites across the national highway network.
- NRMA’s investment in Electric Highway Tasmania that aims to provide 27 charging locations across the island by mid-2023.
- NRMA electric ferries revolutionising the future of transport on Sydney Harbour.
NRMA EV Drive Days - Western Sydney
| When: | Saturday 11 February - Sunday 12 February 2023 9am - 4pm |
| Location: | Sydney Motorsport Park, Ferrers Rd, Eastern Creek |
Media contacts
NRMA: Bridget Ahern 0423 505 854
Department of Planning and Environment: Mark Williams 9995 5347
