August 2021

Local EV truck maker SEA is eyeing a US public listing, while Queensland prepares to run Australian-built electric buses powered by sunlight. In the consumer space, Hyundai’s more affordable Kona variants and BYD’s push to undercut Tesla with cheaper Chinese EVs are making electric mobility more accessible. NSW is honoring EV rebates and removing planning barriers for home battery installations, alongside plans for 5,000 free fast chargers across the country. Living with an EV in rural Australia is becoming more viable, as infrastructure improves and myths are debunked. EVs are also proving to be more than just transport—doubling as grid-stabilising batteries, powering homes, and even aiding disaster resilience. The mining industry is joining—and driving—the EV revolution, while initiatives like The Good Car Company’s national bulk-buy model and new community campaigns aim to democratize access. Meanwhile, insights from range tests, user interface innovations like Tesla’s ‘mind of car’, and a rediscovery of EV history point to a transformative future. As EVs go mainstream, Australia is not just adopting electric transport—it’s actively reshaping it.