South Australian businesses will have the opportunity to electrify The Bend with ‘a hot lap’ at LeasePlan’s Electric Vehicle Drive Day at the Tailem Bend Motorsport Park today, Tuesday 19 October from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm.
“With the range of electric vehicles arriving in Australia increasing rapidly, this event is an opportunity for fleet managers to assess vehicle features and learn about the long-term savings that are forecast from transitioning their fleets to electric vehicles,” said Peter Nattrass, Manager, Future Industries, Department for Energy and Mining.
In 2018–19, transport emissions accounted for 30 per cent of South Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions.
This event supports South Australia’s Electric Vehicle Action Plan which aims to position the state as a national leader in electric vehicle uptake and smart charging by 2025; harnessing renewable energy to lower motoring costs, air, noise and carbon pollution, and reduce electricity costs for all South Australians.
“With an abundance of solar and wind resources, South Australia is well positioned to lead the transition to electric vehicles, by harnessing renewable energy to charge these vehicles whilst supporting the energy grid,” said Mr Nattrass.
The Electric Vehicle Drive Day, hosted by LeasePlan and SG Fleet, will showcase electric vehicles already in the market and new models that will soon be the default choice for fleets.
With corporate fleets purchasing approximately 50 per cent of all new vehicles sold each year, it is anticipated that businesses will play a key role in increasing the availability of affordable second-hand electric vehicle options for all consumers.
Guests will have the opportunity to test drive vehicles and hear from a selection of manufacturers including Hyundai, Tesla, Toyota, BMW, Jaguar, Kia, Nissan and Hino.
“The transition of corporate fleets to electric vehicles supports the state’s target to reduce carbon emissions by 50 per cent by 2030.
“The South Australian Government made the commitment to transition its own fleet to electric vehicles where cost effective and fit for purpose in November last year.
“With approximately $80 million spent on vehicles and fuel each year, the state’s fleet policy will progressively shift that spend to electric vehicles. Further, instead of spending $15 million each year on imported fuel, the state government will be buying local clean power instead,” he said.
Learn more about South Australia’s Electric Vehicle Action Plan: electricvehicles.sa.gov.au
Test driving will take place today at The Bend Motorsport Park, 543 Dukes Hwy, Tailem Bend SA 5260
- Session 1 from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm
- Session 2 from 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm
19 October 2021
