Suburbs leading electric charge

Published 6:00am 2 August 2023

Words by Nick Crockford

Demand for electric vehicles (EVs) has surged in the City of Moreton Bay with sales more than doubling in a quarter of our suburbs.

A spokesperson for the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) described our rise over the last 12 months as “outstanding progress”, but there's a long way to go.

“The City of Moreton Bay is showing promising growth, with a remarkable overall increase in EV registrations - surpassing national averages,” the EVC spokesperson said.

“Some suburbs have seen an uptick of over 250 per cent. This outstanding progress is a clear indicator that strong demand for EVs is not limited to major urban centres.”

Suburb-by-suburb figures from Transport and Main Roads show EV registrations in the City of Moreton Bay rose 166 per cent from 618 to 1644 in the last financial year.

Griffin led the charge, increasing 390 per cent from 10 to 49 over the same 12-month period, with Burpengary second up 266 per cent from 12 to 44.

Close behind was Clontarf which rose 260 per cent from 10 to 36, Ferny Hills was up 242 per cent from 14 to 48 and Cashmere up 208 per cent from 12 to 37.

North Lakes still leads with most registered EVs on 128, up 129 per cent from 56 a year ago, followed by Mango Hill up to 85 from 28, a rise of 203 per cent.

There were also significant rises in Newport (188 per cent), Samford Valley (187), Morayfield (173), Kallangur (166), Narangba (162), Murrumba Downs (153), Albany Creek (147), Petrie/Redcliffe (145), Strathpine (137) and Scarborough (130).

“Councils area playing a crucial role in supporting uptake by creating EV-ready towns through public charging infrastructure development, education, and incorporating EVs into fleets,” the spokesperson said.

“Moreton Bay has already taken positive steps in embracing electric mobility by integrating EVs into their fleet of maintenance and council vehicles.

“Widespread availability of charging locations in both metro and regional areas also has an influential role in driving EV uptake.

Graphic courtesy of Electric Vehicle Council's State of Electric Vehicles Report.

“The continued rollout of public charging in the City of Moreton Bay will promote tourism by encouraging stop offs during day trips and longer stays.”

EVC's State of Electric Vehicles Report, published last month, said 8.4 per cent of new car sales in Australia this year were EVs - a 120 per cent rise on 2022.

Tesla Model Y, Tesla Model 3, BYD Atto 3 made up 68 per cent of those sales, but the EVC says 'heavy EVs', such as trucks and buses are "lagging behind".

The report says for Australia to reach its climate targets, more than 50 per of new cars sold in 2030 will need to be EVs.

To illustrate our position, the EVC report says Norway is approaching 90 per cent EVs in its total car sales.

The Electric Vehicle Council is continuing to push for national policies to “further accelerate EV adoption in Australia” and a “wider range of models to improve options for consumers”.

“If the Australian Government delivers on strong New Vehicle Efficiency Standards in coming months, we will see consumer choice expand rapidly,” the spokesperson said. 

“There are a number of factors influencing EV adoption in the region.

“The recent decision by the Queensland Government to increase the upfront rebate to $6000 for eligible households is set to further accelerate EV adoption throughout the state, including in Moreton Bay.”