Part 4 of Tess’ adventures in the land of coal.
As we were on our way to the Gladstone EcoFest, our friend Arthur Hunt decided he could fill in our idle moments with other EV-related activities. These included a radio interview (Friday morning early), a talk at the local Think and Drink club in Rockhampton (Friday night), a newspaper interview, and an EV display at Beaman Park at Yeppoon Saturday morning, June 4th. The display was situated next to the Yeppoon Disaster Management Hub, thankfully not an omen of things to come.
The event was organised by a number of electric vehicle owners in Yeppoon with support from the Capricorn Conservation Council and Livingstone Shire Council. Even though it was on the same day as the Yeppoon Show, many folks came to have a look at how the future is here with us now.
Yeppoon EV Expo
Yeppoon is a coastal town well known for its green credentials, and the public turned out to see us and ask questions about our EVs. It is situated 38 kilometres northeast of Rockhampton and is the gateway to Great Keppel Island and the wonders of the Southern Great Barrier Reef.
As well as 4 Teslas, we had Paul with his BYD E6, a Kia e-Niro, a Mitsubishi i-MiEV, a Nissan LEAF, and a couple of Hyundai Konas. Dan Watson was there with his AdventureTec electric bikes and his converted Hyundai Getz. (Article on this to follow!) Ian was proud of his e-Niro and told me of how he worked hard with his dealer to get two of the EVs which he charges for free from his 5 kW solar system.
The Mitsubishi MiEV Minicab van exhibited by Capricorn Coast Landcare was purchased second-hand with a grant. Although it has limited range and speed, it is ideal for carrying tools to local vegetation management sites and bags of weeds for disposal. AdventureTec may put a new bigger battery in it.
EVs at Yeppoon
Mike represented LGI and informed the interested public about LGI’s proposed energy installation and EV charging station at Benaraby south of Gladstone (165 km away). LGI specialises in harvesting methane from landfill and using it to generate electricity. The photo below of his boss charging his electric Mini at LGI’s head office ignited conversations about the need for workplace charging as a necessary part of the network.
Electric Mini charging at work. Image courtesy of LGI.
Arthur has already started the conversation about planning next year’s EV Expo. This time we’ll include Rockhampton as well! Let’s hope Michelle Landry is available again.
Michelle Landry, Liberal National Party member for Capricornia.
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