Skip to content
Local Government, Transport Automotive

Media Alert – Melbourne gears up for electric cars ahead of World EV Day – press conference

Cities Power Partnership / Climate Council 2 mins read

What: On Wed 6 Sept, ahead of World EV Day, more than 100 local government leaders - from Wagga Wagga to Launceston - will be taking the latest zero-emission cars for a spin as part of the Cities Power Partnership two-day national summit.

Transport is Australia’s second highest source of greenhouse gas pollution that is driving climate change. By shifting gears to renewable powered electric cars, buses and even garbage trucks, councils have the power to play a crucial role in rolling out Australia’s climate solutions.

Press conference and visual opportunity: 

Rare opportunity to view 9 of the latest zero emissions vehicles: vans, buses, garbage trucks, trucks and utes. Brands include: Polestar, MG, SEA Electric, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, BYD and Hyzon. Journalists can test drive vehicles.

When: 11:10AM AEDT Wednesday 6 September, 2023 

Where:  Melbourne Showgrounds, Victoria Pavilion. Access via Gate 4. Showgrounds staff will be onsite to direct you. 

Who:

Cr Jason Modica, Mildura Rural City Council. Mildura has a goal to be the most EV-friendly city in Victoria. They are increasing the uptake of electric vehicles in the community by supporting the installation of public EV fast charging infrastructure.

Dr Portia Odell, Director, Cities Power Partnership, Australia’s largest network of councils taking action on climate change. Portia can speak to the power of local government leading the shift to zero emissions transport in Australia.


Cr
Trent McCarthy, Chair of Northern Alliance for Greenhouse Action. Councils across Melbourne’s north have been collaborating for over two decades to power up the local transition to EVs and other sustainable transport options.


Carl Cowie, CEO, Nillumbik Shire Council.
Nillumbik has invested in hybrid fleet vehicles and EV charge stations and is working alongside 6 councils in Melbourne’s inner north to set up the community and businesses for transition to electric vehicles.

 

For more information please contact Cities Power Partnership Senior Communications Advisor Victoria Fratin on 0431 314 047 or [email protected] or Zerene Catcutan on 0438 972 260  [email protected]

More from this category

  • Transport Automotive
  • 07/01/2026
  • 18:29
Electric Vehicle Council

EV Sales Hit Record Highs in 2025 with 38% Rise and New Monthly Record in December

Key Facts: EV sales increased by 38% in calendar year 2025, now accounting for 13% of all new car sales. More than 157,000 EVs were sold, bringing Australia's total EV fleet to more than 454,000 vehicles. To stay on track with Australia's 2035 emissions target, EV sales will need to increase to 240,000 new vehicles in 2026.7 January 2025 EV Sales Hit Record Highs in 2025 with 38% Rise and New Monthly Record in December The Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) has welcomed the release of annual new-car sales data showing both record growth in electric vehicle sales in 2025 -…

  • Contains:
  • Transport Automotive
  • 06/01/2026
  • 16:10
NALSPA

Electric Car Discount underpins a record 100k EV purchases in 2025 but more heavy lifting required

The EV FBT exemption has been one of the critical drivers of record battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales in 2025, playing a central role in boosting uptake and helping Australia towards its emissions targets, according to the National Automotive Leasing and Salary Packaging Association (NALSPA).New figures from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) and the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) reveal more than 103,000 BEVs were purchased last year - an annual record for Australia.NALSPA chief executive Rohan Martin said despite the record year for BEV sales, there remain a number of barriers to uptake.“The EV Discount has been one…

  • Transport Automotive
  • 05/01/2026
  • 15:47
Electric Vehicle Council

Electric Vehicle Council – December 2025 Vehicle Sales Report

5 January 2026 Good afternoon and Happy New Year!Please find attached the EVC’s Vehicle Sales Report for December 2025to assist with reporting on total car sales. Of note: Polestar sales increased by 38.5% in calendar year 2025 compared with 2024, with total national vehicle sales climbing to 2,373. Tesla sales declined by 24.8% year-on-year, with annual vehicle sales reaching 28,856. The Tesla Model Y was the most popular vehicle in December 2025 with 1998 sales– a 7.4% increase over the corresponding month in 2024. Across the calendar year, sales of the Tesla Model Y reached 22,239 – up 4.6% annually.…

  • Contains:

Media Outreach made fast, easy, simple.

Feature your press release on Medianet's News Hub every time you distribute with Medianet. Pay per release or save with a subscription.