Simon Wakim

  The 2023 Australian EV Industry Recap by the Electric Vehicle Council highlights a significant milestone—more than 180,000 electric vehicles (EVs) now traverse Australian roads. No longer just a novel idea, EVs are pivotal in meeting emissions targets and fostering a greener future. Last year, EV sales surged by 180%, a testament to a shifting market dynamic influenced by supportive government policies and increased market competition, offering more affordable EV options.   This surge not only reflects growing consumer interest but also underscores a broader societal and economic shift towards eco-conscious transport. With diverse offerings from Tesla, BYD, Toyota, Ford, and Kia, the Australian government faces pressure to introduce a New Vehicle Efficiency Standard to increase EV supply.   Socially, advancements in EV adoption have been bolstered by policies enhancing affordability, product diversity, and nationwide charging infrastructure. With sustained growth, powered by ongoing

In a significant development for Australian motorists, Google has rolled out a new feature on Google Maps that could make electric vehicle (EV) ownership far more appealing. The update, which is set to be introduced over the coming months, will show drivers where they can find EV charging stations, including at petrol stations, parking lots, and garages. Crucially, it will provide real-time data on the availability and charging speeds at these points, a boon for those contemplating long road trips. This initiative arrives as a response to one of the key barriers to EV adoption—charging infrastructure accessibility. The International Energy Agency (IEA) notes that as of 2020, the number of electric cars on the road globally exceeded 10 million, with expectations of a steep rise in the coming years. For many prospective EV buyers, the potential of running low on power without access to a charging station has been a significant concern. Google Maps' latest feature aims to address thes

Author: Simon Wakim In a recent twist in automotive trends, the outer suburbs of Australian cities are now leading the electric vehicle (EV) revolution. Data from the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC), collected in late March, indicate that around 43% of last year’s EV sales were made in outer-metropolitan areas, surpassing the 39% in inner cities. The uptake in regional and rural areas remains modest, each contributing 9% to the total.   The Economics of Electrification   The burgeoning popularity of EVs among suburbanites is largely driven by the economic benefits of reduced fuel and maintenance costs. As suburban residents generally depend more on personal vehicles for their longer commutes, the allure of significant savings becomes increasingly persuasive. Moreover, the availability of charging infrastructure at home or nearby bolsters the practicality of owning an EV in these areas.   Policy Fuels the Shift   A pivotal factor in this suburban shift is the Electric Car Discount in

  The International Energy Agency’s (IEA) 2024 Global EV Outlook presents a compelling narrative of transformation within the automotive sector. The report forecasts a significant shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030, with nearly one in five cars in the United States and European Union and almost one in three in China expected to be electric. This transition underscores a broader trend: the automotive world is pivoting to electric. A Global Perspective on EV Adoption China is at the forefront of this revolution, with a staggering 10 million EVs sold, outpacing both the United States and Europe. A recent update from Car News China indicates that EV sales in April alone accounted for more than half of all car sales in the country. This surge is largely attributed to hefty investments in the EV supply chain, bolstered by government policies and a noticeable decrease in EV prices. Manufacturers worldwide have responded by ramping up their financial commitments to meet ambitious go