The 2024 Sydney International EV Autoshow brought together key players from the automotive and electric vehicle industries, presenting a groundbreaking showcase of the latest innovations in EV technology. Ray Evans, CEO of Future Drive Autoshows, opened the event by emphasising the significance of the EV revolution for Australia, describing the autoshow as a revival of the motor show tradition with a modern, sustainable focus.
Attendees had the unique opportunity to see multiple brands and models in one place, giving new buyers the advantage of directly comparing different EV options and even taking them for a test drive. With over 20 brands on display and a variety of exhibitors catering to consumer needs, the show offered visitors a full immersion into the world of electric vehicles, while exhibitors were equally enthusiastic about the crowds on the first day. They were pleased to see an audience actively researching EVs, with many planning to make an EV their next purchase.
Among the manufacturers, Kia presented its newest entry, the EV5, a medium-sized SUV designed for versatility and tailored to both private and fleet buyers. With four distinct variants, the EV5 accommodates various driving ranges and performance needs, making it adaptable for a broad audience. Notably, the EV5 underwent local tuning to match Australian roads, and Kia ensured that its physical controls, a feature appreciated by those transitioning from internal combustion vehicles, remain intuitive and familiar. This attention to detail makes the EV5 a highly anticipated model in Kia’s electric vehicle lineup.
Safety was a prominent theme throughout the event. Carla Hoorweg, CEO at ANCAP, underscored this focus with the introduction of the GWM Cannon Alpha, Australia’s first PHEV ute to earn a five-star safety rating. Carla detailed ANCAP’s rigorous testing procedures, ensuring battery integrity and structural safety across various crash scenarios. ANCAP’s free Rescue App, designed for emergency responders, illustrates crucial EV components like high-voltage lines, helping first responders access vehicle blueprints in real-time to ensure safety. ANCAP’s commitment to EV and hybrid testing is a valuable resource for fleets and individuals alike, highlighting safety as a central concern in EV adoption.
Adding a futuristic edge, Jason Clarke, CEO of True EV, presented XPENG’s range, a brand focused on technological innovation and low-altitude aviation. Clarke introduced the G6 SUV and the X2 flying car, which he described as a replacement for helicopters, ideal for rural and emergency applications. The G6 SUV, with its standout colour options, including a striking fiery orange, is equipped with XPENG’s proprietary AI and robotics. Clarke emphasised XPENG’s dual focus on both ground and air travel, with features that aim to redefine transportation, making True EV’s display one of the most talked-about at the show.
The commitment to innovation extended to Hankook Tyre Australia, where Marketing Manager Suraj Matta presented the iON, a tyre engineered specifically for electric vehicles. Hankook’s seven-year journey in EV tyre development has led to a unique tyre that reduces road noise, increases durability, and is equipped with a 70,000 km guarantee. Hankook’s dedication to minimising road noise and enhancing EV performance underscores their role in elevating the EV driving experience, as Matta explained.
Deepal, a new entrant to the Australian market, introduced the SO7, a mid-sized electric SUV and announced pricing at $53,900 for the first time. With its augmented reality heads-up display and finely crafted interior details, the SO7 reflects a seamless blend of technology and design. Initially Deepal’s dealer network will be available in Sydney and Melbourne, with plans to expand into Western Australia, Queensland, and South Australia early next year. Each SO7 ordered by January 2025 includes 12 months of free public charging (using Evie Networks), showing Deepal’s commitment to supporting EV infrastructure. Cormac Cafolla, General Manager at Deepal, highlighted the SO7’s appealing features, including a 79.97 kWh battery and stylish alloy upgrades, creating excitement around the brand’s Australian debut.
Audi’s display featured two standout models, the RS e-Tron GT and the Q6 e-Tron, representing the brand’s luxury and performance EVs. The Q6 e-Tron, built on Audi’s new PPE platform, showcases curved OLED screens and an advanced tech-forward interior, signalling a cohesive design language for future Audi models, both electric and internal combustion. Audi also emphasised novated leasing benefits, highlighting how many of their models fall below the luxury tax threshold, broadening accessibility.
Zeeker, a premium Chinese EV brand, attracted attention with its display of four models, including the X, a compact SUV, and the 009, an ultra-luxury MPV. With roots in Swedish design, Zeeker’s models blend aesthetics, performance, and advanced technology, appealing to a broad demographic. The 001FR, with its 1,000-watt motor and 1,265 horsepower, exemplifies Zeeker’s commitment to power and precision. Connal Yan, CEO at Zeeker Australia, highlighted the brand’s “X for all” slogan, showing that the X is designed for both younger audiences and older customers, giving Zeeker a unique market appeal in Australia.
The 2024 Sydney International EV Autoshow stands as a testament to Australia’s accelerating commitment to sustainable transport. The event’s diverse range of models, from innovative safety features and futuristic concepts to luxury electric vehicles and affordable EV options, ensures that there is something for every potential buyer.
