newy.com.au – Electric vehicle registrations in Lake Macquarie have surged more than 23 per cent in three months, as the city prepares to host its second EV Open Day this weekend.
Transport for NSW data shows fully electric vehicle registrations jumped from the start of March to the end of May, following sharp fuel price rises linked to hostilities in Iran earlier this year. There are now more than 2400 EVs registered in Lake Macquarie, up from 1442 this time last year and 1056 in June 2024.
Lake Macquarie City Council Manager Community Partnerships Matt Holloway said the growing interest meant the timing was right for another EV Open Day, after the city’s inaugural event in 2023.
“Three years ago, many people were just starting to put their toe in the water when it came to EVs – learning about their capabilities and costs, and comparing them to internal combustion alternatives,” he said.
“We’ve come a long way since then and this weekend’s EV Open Day will reflect that. In just three years, EVs have made giant leaps in terms of technology, range and features, all of which will be showcased at Saturday’s event.”
The free event will run from 9am to 2pm at the Hunter Sports Centre kaiyu nungkiliko car park at Glendale, which is home to one of the region’s largest banks of EV charging infrastructure.
At least 15 manufacturers will have vehicles on display, including Toyota, Kia, BYD, Audi, MG, Volvo, Lexus, Porsche, Geely, Mustang, Leapmotor LDV, Jaecoo and Subaru.
“There will be no sales pitches. The focus is on providing clear, reliable information and genuine perspectives to support confident decision-making,” Mr Holloway said.
The open day will also include information about home and public charging, energy management technology, home batteries and other EV-related innovations. Stallholders will include NRMA, CleanAs, the NSW Department of Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water, IvyGo, All Field Electrical and the Australian Electric Vehicle Association.
“With a greater diversity of EVs entering the market, improvements to maximum ranges and prices falling, more consumers are curious about going electric,” Mr Holloway said.
“We will have plenty of experts on hand to answer questions and provide an insight into the real-life experience of owning and driving an EV.
“We’ll also have solar-powered car racing for kids, which was a hit at last year’s Living Smart Festival, and free coffee and gelato until supplies run out,” he said.
More information is available at lakemac.com.au.
