A convoy of battery-powered sports cars, electric hatchbacks and low-emission SUVs are expected to make their Australian debuts as more motorists consider electric rides.
Hailed as the largest automotive event of its kind in the southern hemisphere, the Melbourne Motor Show is serving as a launch-pad for more than 20 vehicles, with a strong focus on fuel-efficient options.
The event comes after Australians bought a record-breaking number of new electric vehicles in March and as the price of fuel continues to be elevated due to conflict in the Middle East.
EVs scheduled to make their local debut in Melbourne this weekend include the Denza Z9GT luxury sports car with flash charging, the Geely EX2 hatchback that is popular in China, and a plug-in hybrid version of Volkswagen's Tiguan SUV.
More than 120 brands are expected to show off vehicles at the event, Melbourne Motor Show managing director Craig Phinn said, including GWM, Honda, Polestar and Renault.
''Doubling the show's size means we can finally get all these global brands under one roof,'' he said.
''We're excited to give 100,000 car fans a front-row seat to the future of driving.''
In addition to unreleased cars, the event will host 100 vehicles for test drives, guest speakers, and an interactive Hot Wheels exhibition.
The event is being held as EV demand surges in Australia, with drivers buying more than 15,800 of them in March, breaking the previous record by more than 5000 sales.
While the trend may or may not be permanent, Australian Electric Vehicle Association national president James Pickering says potential buyers will use the event to assess their options.
''Early models that came out were predominantly premium sedans and now we've got compact hatchbacks and small SUVs up to large SUVs, we'll be seeing more electric utes, and we’re certainly seeing more electric vans coming out.''
Motorists weighing up electric cars should consider how often and how far they travel to determine battery and charging requirements, and should ask to drive a variety of models, Mr Pickering said.
''There's never been a better time to look for electric vehicles and if you're sitting on the fence, take one for a test drive,'' he said.
''We tend to find once people have experienced one, they get it, and it changes their commute.''
