High-performance EVs and hatchbacks ready to steal show

A convoy of battery-powered sports cars, electric hatchbacks and low-emission SUVs are expected to make their debut in Australia as more drivers consider electric driving.

Lauded as the largest automotive event of its kind in the southern hemisphere, the Melbourne Motor Show serves 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 number of new electric vehicles in March and as fuel prices continue to rise due to conflicts in the Middle East.

EVs scheduled to make their local debuts in Melbourne this weekend include the flash-charged Denza Z9GT luxury sports car, the popular Geely EX2 hatchback in China and a plug-in hybrid version of Volkswagen’s Tiguan SUV.

Melbourne Motor Show general manager Craig Phinn said more than 120 brands were expected to showcase their vehicles at the event, including GWM, Honda, Polestar and Renault.

”Doubling the size of the show means we can finally bring 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.”

The event will feature unreleased cars as well as 100 vehicles for test drives, guest speakers and an interactive Hot Wheels exhibit.

The event is being held at a time when demand for EVs is rising in Australia, with motorists purchasing more than 15,800 electric vehicles in March, breaking the previous record with more than 5,000 sold.

The trend may or may not be here to stay, but Australian Electric Vehicle Association national president James Pickering said potential buyers would use the event to consider their options.

”The first models that came out were mainly premium sedans and now we have from compact hatchbacks to small SUVs to large SUVs, we will see more electric vehicles and we will definitely see more electric pickup trucks coming out.”

Mr Pickering said drivers weighing electric cars should consider how often and how far they drive and want to drive a variety of models to determine battery and charging requirements.

“There’s never been a better time to look for an electric vehicle, and if you’re unsure, buy one and take it for a test drive,” he said.

”We’re finding that once people experience it, they understand it and it changes the way they commute to work.”