Wednesday, 3 May 2023: The NRMA will this weekend host 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.
During the week fleet managers will have the opportunity to connect with EV industry professionals including some of the largest electric vehicle (EV) producers – and accessory suppliers – in 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 Director of Policy & Public Affairs, Robert Giltinan, said the organisation was excited to give people the opportunity to learn more about EVs and jump behind the wheel in a comfortable environment.
“We have now run our EV Drive Days in several locations across the state, and their popularity really shows how eager the community is to learn more about the technology, including what it might be like to own and operate an EV,” Mr Giltinan said.
“With the cost of petrol heavily impacting family budgets, many drivers are looking to EVs as a way to potentially lower their transport costs.
“Interest and demand for EVs in Australia is growing rapidly every year. We know this through sales figures and by the sentiment of our Members. As manufacturers begin to increase EV supply and offer new models, we’re expecting sales to continue to rise.
“Our EV fleet days provide an invaluable educational opportunity to businesses considering moving to EVs. We know that fleet vehicles and businesses will play a major role supporting Australia's transition to EVs, and that's why we place such importance on these types of initiatives."
“As Australia’s largest mutual representing more than 2.7 million Members, we don't want anyone left behind as the world shifts towards electric transport. We will continue to work in partnership with government, industry and community to provide information and solutions to ensure everyone can understand and benefit from the transition.”
NSW Government Executive Director Energy, Colette Grigg, 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, BMW, MG and Volvo.
Future EV Drive Day events are planned for Wollongong and Armidale 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
| Fleet Drive Days: | Thursday 4 May - Friday 5 May 9am - 4pm |
| Public Drive Days | Saturday 6 May - Sunday 7 May 9am - 4pm |
| Location: | Sydney Motorsport Park, Ferrers Rd, Eastern Creek |
