Driving the case for electric vehicles in Australia

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Europe

02:00

When 70-year-old Sylvia Wilson decided to drive around Australia in an electric car, she was hoping to make a point.

Sylvia Wilson drove around Australia in an electric vehicle. /CGTN Photo

"That a silly little old, grey-haired lady who knew nothing about mechanics or electrics could actually drive an electric car around Australia, even though Australia doesn't have the infrastructure for easy charging, and I think I did it."

She certainly did, making the entire 20,000 kilometer trip in 110 days. More importantly, she spent just 150.50 Australian dollars on electricity for the entire trip.

"I think it sends the message that electric vehicles are ready and whoever you are you can purchase one, drive around the country if you want to and much more likely do your daily commute for groceries with your electric vehicle. All of that is possible today," said Behyad Jafari, CEO of the Electric Vehicle Council.

Jafari is among a growing group of people who are urging Australia's government to create a national infrastructure plan to help expand and encourage the use of electric vehicles. Australia currently lags behind many developed countries when it comes to electric vehicles.

Australia trails many countries in electric vehicle use. /CGTN Photo

"In Australia, most of the electric vehicles that we have are priced above 60,000 Australian dollars and the majority of them above 100,000 Australian dollars, so obviously out of reach to many consumers," Jafari said.

Wilson says the investment was well worth the money.

Sylvia Wilson with the electric vehicle that she drove around Australia. /CGTN Photo

"It takes the experience of the driving and the technology and coming to realize how clean it is and how powerful it is and how easy it is that you can see the transition is possible," she said.