The highlights of Everything Electric Sydney 2025

The Everything Electric Show charged into Sydney Olympic Park over the weekend, and if the packed halls were anything to go by, Australia’s interest in EVs is growing faster than an AWD performance EV off the mark. While EV sales have dipped in recent months, a slew of fresh models making their Aussie debut (plus the presence of plenty of familiar faces) shows the buzz around zero-emissions transport has never been louder.

An estimated 15,000 to 20,000 test drives took place across the event, proving just how keen Australians are to get behind the wheel of an EV and experience the new tech firsthand.

Newcomers to watch: Skoda, Deepal and Kia turn heads

Skoda Elroq made its first appearance on Aussie soil, a compact electric SUV set to take on the likes of VW’s ID.4. Built on the same MEB platform, it’s expected to offer a range north of 450km WLTP. Sitting alongside it was the bigger Skoda Enyaq, which landed in December 2024 with a max range of around 561km WLTP and a price tag starting at $69,990 before on-roads. The Elroq, expected to arrive in July 2025, will likely appeal to city drivers who want EV convenience without the bulk of a full-sized SUV. Skoda’s approach here seems to be offering the best of both worlds—keeping the size manageable while still delivering solid range and a well-equipped cabin.

Then there was Deepal E07, an electric SUV-ute mashup that got plenty of curious looks. With a slide-out rear window that converts it from family car to urban ute with extra cargo space, an estimated 560km WLTP range, and choice of a single-motor or dual-motor setup, it’s looking like a seriously intriguing contender. I took it for a quick test drive and noted its punchy acceleration—sub-4-second 0-100km/h times are nothing to scoff at—but also that the throttle response might be a little too eager.

Inside, the E07 packs in a few quirks, including a marshmallow-like interior in just one terracotta option that oddly grows on you. Uniquely lacking was any sight of a glovebox, at least one we could see how to open — but this is made up for with oodles of storage space in the centre console.

Then there’s also Cinema Mode, which lets the front passenger seat recline into a near-flat lounge position (but don’t try this while driving unless you fancy a seatbelt fine). There’s also Makeup Mode, which raises the front seat to its highest position, handy for shorter passengers needing a better mirror angle. These small but thoughtful details show Deepal is thinking beyond just range and power, adding convenience features that could make daily use more enjoyable.

Deepal isn’t stopping at the E07. Also on the way is the S05, a five-seater electric SUV set to join the 80kWh/475km S07 priced below $60,000 driveaway. Pricing and specs for neither the E07 or S07 are yet confirmed, but word is the E07 will arrive in Q3 2025 and pundits put the price around the $70,000-80,000 mark.

Another crowd-pleaser was Kia’s EV3, a compact electric SUV starting from $47,600 that borrows design cues from its bigger siblings, the EV5 and EV9. Freshly unveiled specs include four variants with two battery options (58.3kWh or 81.4kWh) with up to 563km WLTP city/highway combined range, showing the Kia EV3 is shaping up as a strong option for drivers looking to go electric without breaking the bank.

Refreshed Tesla Model Y and Polestar 4 strut their stuff

One of the biggest show-stoppers was unsurprisingly the refreshed Tesla Model Y, planted front and centre in front of the angular, bulky — and dare we say awkward —presence of the Cybertruck electric ute. Side by side in silver and red, two Model Ys drew in the crowds like moths to a flame.

The big talking points? A full-width LED running light across the nose, a fresh ambient lighting strip along the dash, and a rear passenger screen for back-seat riders. It was also a relief to see in person the return of the physical turn signal stalk, a feature Tesla removed from other models but kept here after feedback from drivers who prefer a more traditional control setup.

The Polestar 4 also grabbed plenty of attention—not just for its sleek, coupe-style looks, but for its bold decision to ditch the rear window entirely. Polestar says the design move was all about creating more headroom for back-seat passengers while keeping the aerodynamics of a coupe. Instead of a traditional rear window, the Polestar 4 relies on a high-definition rear-view camera system that feeds into a digital display inside. Some loved it, some weren’t so sure, but one thing’s for certain—it’s a head-turner. The lack of a rear window does make reversing an interesting experience, but Polestar is banking on drivers quickly adapting to the camera setup.

The people-mover revolution: Zeekr and Xpeng redefine luxury vans

Zeekr also showcased the Zeekr 009, a full-size luxury electric van featuring a massive fold-down TV screen in the rear. Designed with high-end comfort in mind, this premium MPV brings an extra level of entertainment and convenience to passengers. Meanwhile, Xpeng brought more than just the X9—its G9 SUV and G6 crossover were also present. The G6 turned heads with its surprisingly spacious rear cargo area, which can accommodate a mattress, rivalling the Tesla Model Y's boot space with the seats down.

Electric vans aren’t usually the headline acts, but Zeekr’s MiX and Xpeng’s X9 turned heads. The MiX, a six-seater luxury van, boasts reclining director’s chairs in the second row and a lounge mode that swivels the front seats 180 degrees. This setup transforms the interior into a mobile meeting room or lounge, an interesting prospect for executives on the move or families who value comfort. The X9, on the other hand, is packed with smart tech, featuring zero-gravity seating designed to maximise passenger comfort. It also runs Xpeng’s XNGP intelligent driving system, bringing advanced driver-assist capabilities into the mix. While the X9’s Aussie arrival isn’t locked in, Xpeng is gearing up to open local retail outlets by the end of 2025, hinting that we might see it sooner rather than later.

Expanding beyond cars: PHEV utes, commercial EVs and home energy solutions

The plug-in hybrid ute segment also had a presence, with the Ford Ranger PHEV and BYD Shark making waves. The Ranger PHEV, set to arrive in mid-2025, features a 2.3-litre turbo petrol engine paired with a 75kW electric motor and an 11.8kWh battery. While its 48km electric range is modest, its Pro Power Onboard system offers 6.9kW of vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, making it a practical option for tradies needing to power tools on-site. Meanwhile, the BYD Shark boasts a larger 29.6kWh battery, giving it an estimated 100km electric range (NEDC) and a hefty 6kW V2L output, making it one of the most capable long-range PHEV utes in this space.

The GWM Haval H6GT PHEV also made an appearance, boasting a segment-leading 180km electric range (NEDC) from its 35.4kWh battery. With 321kW and 762Nm of torque, it offers serious performance for a plug-in hybrid, though real-world testing has shown its added battery weight impacts handling. Still, its 48kW DC fast-charging capability and 3.3kW V2L function make it one of the more versatile PHEV SUVs available.

Beyond passenger vehicles, commercial and alternative transport solutions also had their moment. The Volvo FH Aero, a fully electric heavy-duty truck, demonstrated the strides being made in emissions-free freight transport. The Candela electric boat showcased cutting-edge hydrofoil technology, proving that electrification isn’t limited to the road. Meanwhile, Australian startup Savic Motorcycles had its latest electric models on display, bringing a local touch to the future of two-wheeled transport.

Home energy and vehicle-to-grid tech take the spotlight

The shift to electric isn’t just about vehicles—it’s also about the home. The Energy Advice Zone offered expert guidance on home electrification and energy storage while Red Earth Energy unveiled its V2G (vehicle-to-grid) charger, based on a tweaked version of the Ambibox and extensively tested for the Australian market. Set for a July launch on the heels of Australian V2G standards approved in late 2024, this system promises to allow EV owners to feed power back into the grid, helping stabilise demand and potentially reducing household energy costs.

Australia’s EV future is looking electric

Beyond the cars, the sheer energy at the show made it clear— carmakers and Australians alike are ready to plug into the EV revolution. With VW’s ID.4 and ID.5 about to hit local showrooms and brands like Leapmotor and Xpeng expanding into the market, the variety of available models now means there’s an EV for almost every budget and lifestyle.

One big takeaway from Everything Electric? The shift to EVs isn’t on the horizon anymore—it’s already here. Whether it’s performance-focused SUVs, budget-friendly city runabouts, or feature-packed people movers, Australia’s EV landscape is about to get a whole lot more exciting. And judging by the number of people at this year’s show, more Aussies than ever are ready to make the switch.