Electric car sales are accelerating in Australia with the latest Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) statistics for March revealing a 19.5% increase in battery electric vehicle sales compared with March 2022.

EV sales are expected to be even stronger in Queensland following the State Government’s recent doubling of incentives for zero-emission vehicles from $3,000 to $6,000, along with an increase in the ‘dutiable value’ cut-off point from $58,000 to $68,000.

These and other changes mean that a growing number of Queenslanders are now considering whether an EV can fit their lifestyle and the specially designated Future Zone at Motorfest 2023 is designed to help answer this and many more questions about EVs.

Now in its third year and featuring more exhibits and information sessions than ever, the Future Zone is a dedicated space designed to showcase the latest innovative products and services to help Queenslanders live and move more sustainably.

“Through static and dynamic displays, information sessions and more, the Future Zone aims to provide information to educate, promote and empower Queenslanders to transition their mobility, needs to more sustainable sources,” RACQ spokesperson Tamara Van Der Walt said.

Confirmed exhibitors at this year’s Motorfest FutureZone include MG with its latest MG4 EV and the MGZS EV and MG PLUS EV on display, BYD with the Atto 3, Kia Motors with its award-winning EV6, Subaru with the yet-to-be-released fully electric Solterra and the Renault Megane E-Tech 100% Electric.

While visiting the future zone you’ll also be able to:

• Book an EV rental with SIXT who have Hyundai, Tesla, MG, BMW and BYD rental options available for your next holiday.
• Discuss e-scooter safety with Motor Trades Association Queensland.
• Wander through Brisbane City Council’s fully electric Metro bus measuring 24m long, with the capacity to hold 150 passengers. These Metro buses could be operating on Brisbane roads from late 2024.
• Chat to Brisbane start-up Roev which is converting diesel utes to electric vehicles.
• Test ride the latest e-scooters and e-bikes available with Moov8.
• Talk to the RACQ Solar team to get a quote to install or upgrade your home solar.
• Visit the RACQ Mobility Centre booth to sign up to test drive an EV at a member exclusive test drive day later in the year.

“In addition to the display area bursting at the seams with these and other EV and EV-related exhibits, the Future Zone will also house panel sessions from industry experts on a range of topics including electric car road tripping,future public transport, home EV charging, e-scooter safety, and more,” Ms Van Der Walt said.

MG’s presence won’t just be restricted to the Future Zone either, with the famous brand chosen to be this year’s feature marque in MotorFests’s much-loved classic car segment.

The brand with the distinctive octagon badge celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, with the MG Car Club of Qld hoping to gather as many of its 550-plus members and their cars as possible to the event.

On display will be examples from MG’s rich back catalogue of trend-setting models, including the MG C Type Midget (1931-32), MG TD Midget (1949-53) and MGA 1600 (1955-62). There will also be multiple examples of what for many people remains the archetypal sports car, the classic MGB Roadster, built in the hundreds of thousands between 1962 and 1980.

If classic British sports cars aren’t your thing, MotorFest will also include the usual large contingent of Australian and US muscle cars, European exotics, Japanese performance cars, hot rods, motorcycles, vintage and veteran machines, and more.

MotorFest favourite the Kids Zone returns this year, too, with free rides, face painting and craft activities along with food trucks, coffee and roving entertainment to keep everyone entertained and energised.

There will also be a selection of trade stalls featuring product giveaways and great offers on different goods and services, while RACQ Gold50 VIP members will have their own VIP area to relax in and enjoy a cool drink or a bite to eat between taking in the exhibits.  

What you need to know

• What: RACQ MotorFest 2023
• Where: Brisbane Showgrounds, 600 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills QLD 4006
• When: Sunday 18 June
• Hours: 10am–3pm
• Entry via $2 gold coin, contributed to the RACQ Foundation. EFTPOS is available.
• Click here for more information and display vehicle registration.