This year’s ZEN EV Expo saw Noosa Junction take on a vibrant carnival atmosphere.
Five thousand people strolled along Sunshine Beach Road, where dozens of exhibitors’ stalls replaced the usual busy traffic. On display was an enticing display of the latest electric vehicles – cars, motorcycles, e-bikes, e-scooters and – of particular interest – a powerful e-Ute.
The EV EXPO was presented by Zero Emissions Noosa, proudly supported by Noosa Council and Noosa Junction. Speaking on the Expo’s main stage, Mayor Clare Stewart noted that “33 per cent of Noosa Shire’s emissions is from transport”. She added: “This expo is a great way to showcase electric cars, scooters and bikes, which in turn help reduce our carbon footprint while living and working in the Noosa Biosphere”.
Noosa Council’s decision to close a large section of Sunshine Beach Road to traffic made the carnival atmosphere possible. Numerous attendees commented on how delightful it was to see the roadway so lively on a Sunday. And exhibitors appreciated the way the public was drawn into the mall precinct.
Alongside the many exhibits, potential EV adopters enjoyed trial rides on a wide range of electric bikes and scooters, while others booked trial drives of electric cars organised for the days following the Expo. On the day, two-thirds of exhibitors received orders or follow up business.
Noosa Junction Association said businesses were pleased to welcome the event to the precinct for the third time and supported its key messages of sustainability. Many cafes and retailers opened specially for the day and embraced the celebrations and increased foot traffic.
The EXPO slogan “Electrify – Moving Towards Net Zero”, clearly resonated with attendees, with 32 per cent of survey respondents planning to purchase an electric car, while 15.5 per cent have their sights set on an e-bike and another 6.5 per cent on an e-scooter.
ZEN’s annual EV Expo is a major driver towards the goal of net zero emissions in Noosa Shire. The increasing number of electric cars on Noosa’s roads will accelerate even faster as many new models – some in the under $40,000 category – arrive in late 2023. Meanwhile, electric bikes and scooters are everywhere, demonstrating that travel can be efficient, sustainable and affordable.
The EV Expo’s success further confirms Noosa’s reputation as a progressive and creative community.
