Electric vehicles powering cleaner future

Lower car registration, lower stamp duty and lower impact on the environment are among the benefits of owning an electric vehicle, according to Bancroft state MP Chris Whiting.

Speaking at a morning tea hosted with Moreton Bay Region Councillor Jodie Shipway (Div 4) to mark World EV Awareness Day at Village Motors North Lakes, Mr Whiting says increasing the number of zero-emission vehicles on our roads will play an important role in helping the State Government to reach its goal of net zero emissions by 2050.

“It (owning an electric vehicle) is a saving, and you’re contributing to a better future,” he says.

A first for Moreton Bay Region

Cr Shipway attended the event, driving Moreton Bay Regional Council’s first electric vehicle.

She says the Hyundai Ioniq is quiet to drive and she’s excited Council is trialling an electric vehicle.

Mr Whiting says the government is expanding the state’s electric superhighway, which will allow motorists to explore Outback Queensland emissions-free, driving tourism and economic recovery.

The first two stages of the superhighway take motorists from Coolangatta to Port Douglas, and from Brisbane to Toowoomba with 31 fast-charging sites, in addition to chargers in shopping centres and service stations.

Phase three will include 18 more charging stations, from Brisbane to Mount Isa via the Dinosaur Trail locations, Goondiwindi to Emerald, and Longreach to Cairns.

Hydrogen on show

Those attending the morning tea were able to view one of only five hydrogen vehicles in Queensland.

The five Hyundai Nexos joined the government’s QFleet last month, with Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni saying the trial aims to accelerate the uptake of hydrogen technology and support Queensland’s push to position itself as a global hydrogen superpower.

“It will demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of hydrogen for passenger vehicles and possibly lead the way for hydrogen’s roll-out to trucks, trains and marine applications.

“This, in turn, helps grow our local hydrogen supply chain and that means more jobs for Queenslanders in this emerging sector.

Mr de Brenni says while the transport sector is currently Queensland’s second largest source of greenhouse emissions, it could be the vehicle for dealing with climate change.

Hydrogen vehicles are able to be fuelled in about five minutes and carry lighter batteries.

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