RACQ launches EV experience as shift to electric cars accelerates

RACQ is making that dream a reality for its members with a new EV Test Drive Day series launching in May.

For the first time, RACQ members had the opportunity to learn about a variety of electric cars and get behind the wheel on the state-of-the-art 1.8km test track at the RACQ Mobility Centre.

Head of Public Policy Dr Michael Kane said RACQ’s free EV Test Drive Days were a new initiative designed to give members a safe and educational way to experience electric cars.

“There’s a lot of talk about EVs, including plenty of myths, and the best way to find out what EVs are all about is to experience one firsthand and speak directly with the experts,” Dr Kane said.

“RACQ’s transport experts will be on site to answer questions and provide information to help members feel informed and confident before their next vehicle purchase.”

Dr Kane said the concept comes as global and local trends reveal a significant shift towards electric cars.

“According to the Australian Automotive Association’s (AAA) EV Index, electric car sales surged from 3.84% of all new car sales in Queensland to 6.9% in the first three months of this year,” Dr Kane said.

“For the first time, more pure electric vehicles are being sold than hybrids in Queensland, indicating the push to fully electric is gaining momentum.

“With the State Government recently doubling its rebate for new EV purchases, we expect this trend to continue, and we want to make sure our members are up to date with the latest information.”

RACQ member Peter McCarthy, from Gladstone, was in Brisbane on holidays and jumped at the chance to drive an electric car for the first time.

“Getting to do it in a controlled environment here is good,” Mr McCarthy said.

“We’re from the country, so driving unfamiliar cars in city traffic isn’t ideal, so this is really good. It was so smooth and quiet and pretty roomy inside as well, which I was really impressed by. It gives me a lot to think about.”

The electric cars, supplied by manufacturers with help from Eagers Automotive, includes the Kia Niro EV, Kia Niro Hybrid, Kia Sorento PHEV, Kia EV6 GT, MG ZS EV, Hyundai Ioniq, Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Toyota Kluger Hybrid, Nissan Leaf and two BYDs.

The EV experience followed RACQ’s EV Panel where experts answered member questions.

The next free EV Test Drive Days are expected to run in September. Members can register their interest here.