EV expo set to plug benefits of taking charge with alternative energy source

Fossil-fuel alternatives will be on display at an upcoming expo on the South Coast.

Coordinator and Southcoast Health and Sustainability Alliance (SHASA) member Matthew Thomas said the Moruya Electric Vehicle Expo was a chance for people to learn about electric vehicles (EVs).

“People don’t have to be the experts on the equipment – there’ll be other people there with the experience,” he said.

“But they’ll have the opportunity to learn a whole lot more, meet lots of people, and generally have a nice day.”

The expo will be held on 28 October, with various EV models on display alongside a coffee van, a kids’ tent and live music.

“We’ll also have electric bikes, electric scooters and other electric equipment so people can see just how easy they are to use,” Mr Thomas said.

“You can come along and test the equipment, or take the EVs for a test drive.”

The expo had been organised by SHASA and the Moruya Business Chamber.

It was also a chance for Eurobodalla businesses to gain a foothold in a growing industry, Mr Thomas said.

“I’m aware that the chamber was quite keen to promote this because it’s going to promote economic activity in the region,” he said.

“They want their members to have the opportunity to modernise their equipment and to find out more about electric vehicles and electric equipment.”

Mr Thomas said it was important that regional areas of Australia were not left behind as more people switched to electric alternatives.

“We don’t always get the same opportunities in a regional centre as they do in the major cities,” he said.

“It’s harder to get things like vehicle chargers in country towns, due to the lack of population density.

“The more we can raise awareness and get more infrastructure here, that’ll allow more people and businesses to do the transition.”

Mr Thomas said individuals and businesses should make the switch to electric alternatives quickly.

“The longer we take to make the switch, the longer we’re wasting our time and money on stuff that’s going to be made redundant,” he said.

“I think we’re going to be shocked how quickly petrol equipment disappears.

“I really wouldn’t be surprised if, in 10 years’ time, we’re turning around and saying, ‘Didn’t that happen faster than we thought it would?’.”

He said stories of extreme weather conditions internationally had been driving awareness of the need for climate action.

“I think more and more people are accepting global warming is a reality – and now they’re calling it global boiling.

“With all the heatwaves and things they’ve had in the Northern Hemisphere, I think a lot of people are nervous about the future of the climate and what sort of summer we’re coming up on.”

The Moruya Electric Vehicle Expo 2023 will be held on 28 October from 10 am to 2 pm at Russ Martin Park and the Adelaide Hotel carpark.