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RAA is offering free test drives of the latest electric vehicle models – as sales data reveals a record number of EVs were sold in Australia last quarter.
The Australian Automobile Association’s quarterly EV Index this week revealed Australians bought 29,244 new battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in the June quarter – a whopping 64% jump from 17,901 sales registered in the three months prior.
Battery electric vehicles grew their market share nationally from 6% to 9% last quarter.
The uplift is likely due to more affordable models hitting the market, and the end of financial year also prompting an increase in sales.
In South Australia, 1,458 BEVs were sold in the June quarter – growing from 5% to 7% of all sales.
According to the Index, BYD was sixth most popular vehicle manufacturer in the most recent quarter – up from 12th.
The fresh figures come as RAA prepares to offer a free EV Drive Experience at the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge (BWSC) in Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga, from 29-31 August.
This EV Drive Experience offers South Australians the opportunity to test the latest electric vehicles in the market and compare a range of different makes and models including Toyota BZ4X and various BYD, Kia and BMW models among others.
Registrations are still open but spots are filling fast – with bookings able to be made on the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge website.
RAA will also have experts on-hand in EV charging, solar and battery and home energy to answer any questions the public may have – from batteries, to EVs and energy efficient homes.
RAA Principal Advisor Energy and Future Mobility Peter Nattrass said South Australia’s largest member organisation is proud to present its second ever EV Drive Experience in partnership with BWSC and Eagers Automotive.
“We know electric vehicles are growing in popularity as the range of affordable models available in Australia expands,” Mr Nattrass said.
“We’re also seeing range anxiety – the fear of running out of charge on a long road trip – reduce with RAA’s statewide EV charging network delivering 75% of all charging sites in regional South Australia.
“The RAA EV Drive Experience is the perfect opportunity for drivers to take one of the latest EVs for a spin, as well as have a chat to RAA’s experts about the future of sustainable transport.
“Last time we ran this event all spots were filled, so if you’re thinking about coming along we’d encourage you to make a booking ahead of time.
“We have a total of 14 different EV models available to test drive across the weekend, including the Toyota BZ4X, Ford Mustang Mach-E and BYD Dolphin.”
View the most recent car sales data on the AAA’s EV Index.